Koh Tao is a beautiful little island off the coast of Thailand and can be found in the Gulf of Thailand. The tiny 21km² is also known as Turtle Island, and while it is small, it sure as heck packs an absolute punch.
There are a number of fantastic things to do in Koh Tao. From scuba diving to pub crawls, you’re bound to find an activity that suits your island getaway dream.
This is the ultimate tropical island destination for backpackers and holidaymakers. Living island life here is cheap as chips!
Continue reading my insider’s guide to gain a better understanding of life in Koh Tao. I spent around one month exploring this stunning location and found it hard to leave this slice of paradise!
Is Koh Tao Worth Visiting?
Yes, Koh Tao is one of the most beautiful islands in Thailand and it is absolutely worth a visit! You will need to catch a ferry from Surat Thani, which typically runs daily and take about 2 hours and 45 minutes. The ferry price is roughly $30 AUD per person and you will be dropped off at Mae Haad Pier.
Feel free to use the Google Map of Koh Tao below to scroll around the island and do a little exploring before visiting.
What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Koh Tao?
Typically, the best time of year to visit this island is anywhere from February to April. This is when the weather is the ultimate temperature and rain is minimal.
Nonetheless, I stayed for a month in August and had more good days than bad. There was a little bit of rain, but there were mostly clear, sunny, and warm days!
How Long Do I Need to Stay?
In all honesty, I’m probably the worst person to ask this question as I absolutely adored this island and could stay here for months. Most people tend to drop in for a few days and then move on to other locations.
However, if you love the laid-back island lifestyle and have some time to spare, you could easily spend 2 weeks to a month enjoying life on Koh Tao. I managed to live here for one month and absolutely adored every moment of it!
There are so many activities you can enjoy… or you can simply enjoy doing nothing at all! That’s the beautiful of this magnificent little island. I found so much joy in heading to favourite local cafe for breakfast and then relaxing for the rest of the day on Sairee beach. You truly can’t go wrong!
12 Best Things to Do in Koh Tao
- Get your scuba diving license
Going for your scuba diving license is one of the best things to do in Koh Tao. Unsurprisingly, Koh Tao is known for being the diving island of Thailand, and it’s clear to see why with all of the stunning dive sites off the coast of the island.
In all honesty, I don’t think it really matters exactly which dive school you choose to go with as they all have incredible reviews and similar pricing.
I completed my Open Water 20 dive course with Roctopus Dive School and they were fantastic! They have over 600 rave reviews on Google and operated in a professional yet fun manner.
Prepare to spend around 10,000 Thai Baht ($417AUD / $278USD) to receive an Open Water diving license. And, you will need to set aside at least 3-4 days for the entire course. Nonetheless, it is one of the greatest things you will do and you will have the ability to dive to a depth of 20m anywhere in the world!
Tip: Be sure that your course includes a lesson in a pool prior to heading into the ocean. This ensures you are much more comfortable and familiar with the gear prior to throwing yourself in the ocean.
- Explore the island on a scooter
Let’s be real, one of the most fun activities you can do in South East Asia is to hire a scooter and zoom around. However, I highly recommend that you take it easy on these vehicles as there are loads of accidents happening daily.
Nonetheless, hiring a scooter is the perfect way to explore the beautiful island that is Koh Tao and you’ll have so much fun doing so!
There are a few things to keep in mind when you rent a scooter, here are a few of my tips after 6 months of riding experience:
- Have photocopies of your passport so that you don’t need to hand over your official passport
- Rental companies will usually want a bond of at least 2,000 Thai Baht. Have some money ready to hand over for the bond and daily hire.
- Always wear a helmet no matter how short the ride. Also, it’s a very warm climate to wear a jacket, but I recommend some sort of long sleeve shirt and long pants, in case you come off the bike, you will have some protection against the gravel. Additionally, always wear closed-toe shoes.
- When parking the bike, lock the steering wheel. This can easily be done by turning the handles to the far left and then pressing the key in the ignition while turning to the left.
Read more: Thailand Travel Tips: Everything You Need to Know
- Spend a day enjoying Sairee Beach
For a day of free entertainment, I highly recommend enjoying a day on Sairee Beach. This long stretch of beach is the main location for holidaymakers and backpackers to enjoy a stroll, swim, or have dinner while watching the sunset.
This beach is easily reachable and offers walking distance from nearby shops, convenience stores, restaurants, cafes, and even diving shops.
If you find it hard to sit still, there are options for renting stand-up paddle boards or snorkeling gear! This beach is the perfect hang-out location for everyone.
- Grab brunch lunch or dinner at one of the many cafes and restaurants
The food on Koh Tao is simply amazing. And, there is an array of everything you could ever wish for! From gyozas to fried rice, burritos to pizzas, and burgers to smoothie bowls, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
Some of my all-time favourite cafes and restaurants include:
The Factory Cafe: A popular spot to fuel yourself on smoothie bowls, veggie wraps, and fresh pressed juice.
Vegetabowl: My favourite spot for a nutritious salad bowl. These salad bowls are massive and packed with heaps of yummy ingredients.
Blue Water Cafe: Dinner on the beach has never looked so good! This is the ultimate spot for dinner and drinks with your toes in the sand.
Kanya Kitchen: This one is slightly more out of the way but it is absolutely worth it. Kanya creates the tastiest and cheapest Thai dishes. Do not miss out on trying her Massaman curry!
- Spend a day snorkelling or freediving
There are numerous water activities to enjoy in Koh Tao. And, there are plenty of great snorkelling locations to choose from. Obviously, a popular spot to enjoy snorkelling is Sairee Beach, but if you would like to explore a little further, here is a list of some of the best places to see the underwater world:
- Tanote Bay
- Shark Bay
- Ao Hin Wong
- The Three Rocks
- Taa Toh Lagoon
Tip: if you don’t have your own snorkelling gear, you’ll likely find some to hire within a shack or store by any of the beaches. Otherwise, ask your accommodation if they do rentals for the gear!
- Climb to the various viewpoints
There are a number of stunning viewpoints and this is one of the best things to do in Koh Tao. For the most part, there are small fees that you will need to pay to reach the viewpoint, these are usually between 20 and 50 baht. Nonetheless, they are worth the small expense. Keep in mind, you will most likely need a scooter or some form of transport to reach these locations.
Firstly, one of the most popular lookout locations is the John Suwan Viewpoint. This is probably one of the more difficult hikes on the island requiring some rock climbing and steep inclines. I would recommend wearing sturdy footwear and avoiding this area in bad weather. Nonetheless, the view is gorgeous and you will get to enjoy 360-degree views of the island.
Secondly, I recommend checking out Summit View Point. The walk to reach this lookout is much easier than John Suwan, however, the scooter ride to this location is much more tricky. Moreover, take your time on the roads and explore this location with a friend. I recommend taking a beer to enjoy for sunset or this would be a great little lunch spot!
Additionally, check out these viewpoints if you have the time to spare:
- West Coast Viewpoint
- Lang Khai Bay
- Fraggle Rock
- Deisha Viewpoint
- Mango Viewpoint
- Go on a pub crawl
One of the best night activities is to join in on the fun for the Koh Tao Pub Crawl. Typically, the pub crawl runs every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, giving you plenty of opportunities for a fun night on the town!
To get your space on the crawl, you will need to sign up and pay 400 baht at Lotus Bar from 6 PM on the day of the crawl. You begin the crawl at AC Beach Bar and then make your way to a drag show. The show is an absolute laugh and the performers are fantastic. Next, you’ll make your way to a beach fire show and then finish up at a couple of other bars.
I highly recommend jumping on the pub crawl as it’s the perfect opportunity to meet lots of other people and enjoy a fun night out.
If you would like to hear more about the pub crawl, I suggest checking out their Instagram page here. Moreover, there are always lots of images and information put up weekly!
- Get a traditional bamboo tattoo
Flick through one of the many designs of the tattoo artist’s books or bring in a design of your own for a new piece of body art. These bamboo tattoos are much less painful than the modern gun method and they heal within a couple of days!
Bamboo tattoos are created using the stick-and-poke method, which includes using a piece of bamboo to secure a needle. I highly recommend Lek Tattoo, but there are various talented artists on this island. Nonetheless, do some research before you walk into a studio to find the best one suited to you!
This is a really cool and authentic Thai experience. Besides, who doesn’t want an awesome new piece of body art created on a little island!?
- Take a day trip to Koh Nang Yuan Island
Head out on a boat for a day trip to the beautiful Koh Nang Yuan island. This idyllic beach is fantastic for snorkelling, swimming, and relaxing. The white-sand beaches are absolutely gorgeous and there is a viewpoint for the adventurous.
Besides, this is easily the best day trip from Koh Tao. It’s an incredible experience and a beautiful spot to enjoy for the day!
- Take a Muay Thai class
There are a number of fantastic Muay Thai classes to join in on the fun. Not to mention, this is a great rainy day activity. Get in on the boxing fun and learn some new skills with talented Thai coaches.
While wandering the streets of Koh Tao, you will notice numerous Muay Thai training spaces. If you want to give it a crack, then I highly suggest signing up for some lessons!
- Indulge in a Thai Massage
Ah yes, the Thai Massage. If you’ve ever been to Thailand, then I’m sure you’ve heard about the famous Thai Massages. Typically, tonnes of massage salons line the streets of Bangkok with loads of flashing lights and persistent workers convincing you to come inside.
On the other hand, Koh Tao is a little more laid back. And, there are a few great spots to enjoy one of these massages. I recommend Kayo Healing Massage for the number of beds, relaxing space, and gorgeous views over the beach. Not to mention, the sea breeze through the window really adds to the serenity! Enjoy!
- Wander the walking street
There are plenty of great shops, food trucks, stalls, cafes, and restaurants along this little walking street. Besides, you have the choice to wander along here during the day for lunch or at night time for all the food stalls to pop up.
I recommend ducking into a few of the clothing and jewellery stores, you might find something unique! Then, grab a bite to eat and wander down to the beach for a moment in the sunshine.
Where to Stay on Koh Tao
There are plenty of accommodation options in Koh Tao ranging from uber-cheap to resort-style accommodation. Since I’m a backpacker, I always stick to budget accommodations like dorm rooms, but there are a few great options for places to stay. I recommend the following:
- Summer Guesthouse and Hostel $
Dorms and private rooms
Kitchenette and refillable water
Large communal area
Resident dogs - Palm Leaf Resort $$
Private bungalows
Beachfront
Views from the room - Cape Shark Villas $$$
Private villas
Infinity pool
Magnificent views
Wrapping Up
There are plenty of fantastic things to do in Koh Tao. And, I strongly believe that it is one of Thailand’s best island getaways. Koh Tao offers everything from a tight backpacker budget to a lavish holiday getaway.
Moreover, I think Koh Tao has plenty of great things to offer and that it shouldn’t be skipped over! Therefore, if you have the time, be sure to visit this idyllic little paradise.
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