The very best issues to do in Koh Tao, Thailand, from scuba diving and snorkeling to exploring native markets, mountaineering, and extra!
Koh Tao is undoubtedly probably the greatest islands to go to in Thailand, together with Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Phuket, Koh Phi Phi, and extra.
The small tropical paradise of Koh Tao is most well-known for its scuba diving, because it affords a few of the finest diving circumstances in South East Asia.
With calm, heat waters, mesmerising marine life, and loads of dive faculties to take a course or go enjoyable diving, Koh Tao is the proper place for introductory or licensed divers.
Koh Tao can be surrounded by loads of distinctive snorkel and dive websites, in addition to actually magical islands.
Koh Nang Yuan is a ravishing location to spend the day and {photograph}, and Shark Island is an iconic dive website proper off the coast of the perfect Koh Tao seashores.
Once you’re not frolicking by the colorful underwater world, there’s a lot in retailer for you on land as properly!
Koh Tao has all the enduring points of any Thai island or village. Scrumptious, flavourful delicacies, bustling markets, seashore bars, rewarding hikes, and smiling locals are all ample. And the seashores on Koh Tao are attractive as properly!
So whether or not you’re an adventurous traveller in search of fixed pleasure, otherwise you’d relatively loosen up and soak within the serenity of this little oasis, Koh Tao has all of it.
Take a look at our final Thailand Journey Information for extra ideas, itineraries, and suggestions!
The Most Superior Issues to Do in Koh Tao, Thailand
When you’re caught on what to do in Koh Tao, Thailand, try our full information to the island’s prime actions!
From taking your first breaths underwater, to having fun with the view from the well-known John Suwan Viewpoint, to lounging on Freedom Seashore, Sai Nuan Seashore, or the opposite gorgeous Koh Tao seashores, you’re going to like these prime issues to do in Koh Tao!
1) Be taught Scuba Diving with an Open Water Course
Koh Tao is without doubt one of the finest locations on this planet to discover ways to scuba dive! With a vibrant underwater world filled with distinctive dive websites akin to Chumphon Pinnacle, Sail Rock, and Shark Island, there isn’t any scarcity of locations to discover beneath the floor.
The waters round Koh Tao create the proper surroundings for studying scuba diving. Heat temperatures, nice visibility, and calm circumstances are perfect for first-time divers.
Along with the pristine and protected scuba diving circumstances, Koh Tao is teeming with top-rated dive faculties and dive retailers.
There are many inexpensive choices for getting licensed and studying methods to dive with wonderful native instructors.
So in case you’ve all the time needed to discover ways to scuba dive, Koh Tao is the place to be!
With top-notch dive faculties which are additionally inexpensive, plus a variety of fascinating dive websites and prime circumstances, you possibly can turn out to be an skilled diver very quickly at this world-class diving vacation spot.
So which scuba diving faculties can we personally suggest?
The primary one is Ban’s Diving Resort, who aren’t solely the most important dive college on Koh Tao, however one of many largest in the complete world!
As a PADI 5 Star Profession and Teacher Improvement Centre, you could be assured of the eye to element in relation to training and their dedication to offering a implausible expertise for brand spanking new divers.
Their on-site lodging can be actually beautiful, and whereas it’s a bit pricier than different choices on the island, you get what you pay for.
The opposite Koh Tao dive college we suggest is Black Turtle Dive.
These guys are a bit extra specialised and small-group targeted than Ban’s, and their programs are world class.
Black Turtle focus closely on conservation and sustainability, and these ethos are constructed into their merchandise.
In addition they take security extraordinarily critically, offering all college students and enjoyable divers with dive computer systems, and protecting information to diver numbers restricted.
We dove with each Ban’s and Black Turtle on our most up-to-date journey, and actually suggest each.
Questioning methods to get to Koh Tao? Take a look at our information to Transportation in Thailand!
2) Upskill Your Dive Certificates
When you’ve already accomplished your open water scuba course, you possibly can additional advance your dive abilities in Koh Tao!
Lots of the organisations that provide scuba programs additionally provide extra superior dive programs.
So if you wish to take your abilities to the following stage, contemplate a extra distinctive and difficult sort of dive cert.
From normal superior open water programs, to rescue programs, to changing into a divemaster your self, there are a lot of methods to upskill your dive certificates in Koh Tao!
On the absolute minimal, in case you love diving we suggest getting your superior diver certification asap.
It permits you to dive to 30m, which opens up a completely new world, and helps progress your abilities.
The following we suggest goes to your enriched air (nitrox) and deep diver specialties.
Lastly, in case you really feel as if diving is one thing you’ll do quite a bit, we extremely extremely counsel doing all your rescue diver course.
This added a completely new stage of confidence for us, and made us really feel a lot extra comfy diving in any circumstances.
3) Study Reef Conservation and Do an Ecological Monitoring Program with Black Turtle Dive
When you begin diving, you’re going to fall in love with the ocean, reefs and marine life you discover each time you head underwater.
When you’re something like us, you’ll then begin to type a deeper appreciation for conservation efforts, and will even need to contribute your self.
Till not too long ago the work of marine conservation was often a activity individuals solely related to marine biologists.
Today although anyone with some fundamental abilities, ardour and the power to speculate time may help out, and that’s precisely what I did on my latest journey to Koh Tao.
I signed up for the Ecological Monitoring Program with Black Turtle Dive, which is a course designed by the non-profit Conservation Diver to discover ways to conduct coral, invertebrate and fish surveys.
And wow, what a really eye-opening expertise.
The blokes at Black Turtle have been monitoring the well being of the coral reefs and fish round Koh Tao for many years, and are certified to contribute their scientific findings to an official, world database. And that’s precisely what I learnt to do too.
For 3 days I studied all concerning the reefs and marine lifetime of Koh Tao, then went out and did sensible surveys in a delegated a part of the bay.
Over a 100m by 5m zone I’d doc each single indicator species of coral, invertebrate or fish I may see on a slate, in addition to the well being and estimated numbers of every discovering, and this data could be analysed in opposition to the years of knowledge Black Turtle have uploaded.
This provides an general view of the well being of the reef and the way issues like tourism, sea temperatures and climate occasions have an effect on the realm.
As a passionate diver this opened up an entire new world for me. I developed a newfound appreciation for marine science and now need to be much more lively within the conservation of the world’s reef and marine life.
Now I’m additionally licensed to assist out the crew of biologists and conservation divers subsequent time I’m right here.
Black Turtle Dive are the one dive college providing the Ecological Monitoring Program course in Koh Tao, Thailand. When you love scuba diving, it’s properly price testing!
Thanks a lot Steve from Black Turtle Dive for stepping me by the course and taking pictures whereas I targeted on the survey.
- Handle: 8 Moo 2 Mae Haad Koh Tao, Surat Thani 84360, Thailand
- Hours: 6:30am – 8pm
4) Go Snorkelling
If scuba diving is just not your factor, snorkelling is one other implausible approach to uncover the colourful marine lifetime of Koh Tao island.
Lease snorkel gear from one of many many dive retailers on the town and simply stroll all the way down to the shores of the perfect Koh Tao seashores like Freedom Seashore, Sairee Seashore, Sai Daeng Seashore, Sai Nuan Seashore, Mango Bay, Tanote Bay, Ao Hin Wong Bay, or Aow Leuk Bay.
Shark Bay is one other nice snorkel spot. You might have a great likelihood of recognizing black tip reef sharks when you’re exploring underwater, therefore the title Shark Bay!
Actually whereas I used to be scuba diving at this website, a whale shark got here proper by the island and the snorkellers above received simply pretty much as good a viewing as I did from beneath!
Don’t need to simply go from the seashore? By no means concern, as a result of you possibly can ebook a snorkelling tour on Koh Tao!
Guided snorkelling journeys provide you with some additional mileage and perception as a result of your native information will take you off the coast to all the perfect snorkelling spots.
Be taught from the locals and revel in a little bit of sightseeing along with epic snorkelling!
Well-liked snorkelling spots that require a ship to get there embody Shark Island and the close by Koh Nang Yuan Island.
5) Strive Rock Climbing
Adventurous travellers in search of a enjoyable problem can strive mountain climbing whereas visiting Koh Tao.
The small island is filled with pure granite cliffs that provide the proper panorama for climbing and bouldering.
There are mountain climbing routes for each freshmen and skilled climbers. Koh Tao is even dwelling to some climbing gyms the place you possibly can take classes and observe indoors.
In any other case, go to an area climbing store to hire gear and ebook a lesson outside. Or simply go for it if you already know what you’re doing!
High mountain climbing spots on Koh Tao island embody Mek’s Mountain and Secret Backyard close to Sairee Seashore, in addition to Jansom Bay and Lang Khai.
READ MORE: Take a look at what else to rise up to within the Land of Smiles with our skilled information to the finest issues to do in Thailand!
6) Eat All of the Native Thai Delicacies
One other probably the greatest issues to do in Koh Tao is, in fact, eat Thai meals!
Filled with recent veggies and fragrant spices, Thai delicacies is without doubt one of the most beloved around the globe.
Once you go to Koh Tao, make sure to strive as a lot genuine native meals as you presumably can!
Take pleasure in scrumptious dishes akin to Pad Thai, Inexperienced Curry, and Mango Sticky Rice on the many eating places and road meals distributors.
Most eating places are centered round Sairee Seashore and Mae Haad Pier, however there are hidden gems scattered throughout Koh Tao.
Learn subsequent: The Final 1, 2, and three Week Thailand Itinerary
7) Hike to a Panoramic Koh Tao Viewpoint
Get some train whereas visiting Koh Tao and go for a hike! Koh Tao is roofed in wealthy forests and hills, that means there are some enjoyable trails and superb viewpoints if you’re prepared to place within the effort.
One of many island’s most spectacular hikes is the one to John Suwan Viewpoint.
Providing panoramic views of Shark Bay, Shark Island, Chalok Baan Kao Seashore, and extra, the statement deck on the finish of this hike is properly well worth the effort.
The hike to John Suwan Viewpoint is steep however brief. Discover the place to begin for the hike from the Freedom Seashore automotive park on the southern finish of the island.
Along with the well-known John Suwan Viewpoint, the Love Koh Tao Viewpoint is one other straightforward and rewarding hike.
Positioned within the centre of the island close to Sairee Seashore, the Love Koh Tao Viewpoint affords a pleasant view of the jungle and surrounding Koh Tao seashores.
Mango Viewpoint and Fraggle Rock Viewpoint are extra enjoyable hikes with panoramic views of Sairee Seashore and the Koh Tao shoreline.
Many viewpoints are free, however some, just like the Mango Viewpoint, have an entrance price of 100 Thai Baht, so carry a bit of money with you whereas mountaineering.
When you love scenic viewpoints and a great exercise, mountaineering to one among these viewpoints is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Koh Tao!
8) Be taught To Cook dinner Genuine Thai Meals
When visiting any Thai island or metropolis, do your self a favuor and take a Thai cooking class!
Be taught all concerning the native delicacies and get a crash course about methods to put together your favorite Thai dishes so you possibly can impress your mates again dwelling.
This is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Koh Tao if you wish to meet locals and study concerning the secrets and techniques behind probably the most iconic Thai dishes.
Thai Cooking with Pleasure and Parawan Thai Cooking Class are two native companies close to Sairee Seashore Koh Tao that host cooking courses.
Be sure to arrive on an empty abdomen since you’ll be sampling all of the meals you make!
9) Deal with Yoga and Wellness
Rejuvenate your physique and thoughts with a yoga class or therapeutic massage remedy session at one of many many wellness facilities on Koh Tao.
Throughout the small island of Koh Tao, you will discover companies providing yoga courses, spa therapies, and Thai therapeutic massage.
Costs are very inexpensive in Thailand, so deal with your self to a day of wellness and leisure!
Thai therapeutic massage is a novel sort of therapeutic massage that focuses on acupressure and twisted yoga poses so it’s not your conventional stress-free therapeutic massage. However it’s a cool expertise to have in Thailand!
After an extended day of exploring the mountaineering trails and seashores on Koh Tao, a therapeutic massage or a zen yoga class could also be precisely what you want!
10) Discover the Finest Koh Tao Seashores
The seashores in Koh Tao are out of this world, so be sure you spend ample time soaking within the solar and swimming within the pristine waters.
Sairee Seashore is without doubt one of the largest and hottest seashores on Koh Tao.
Surrounded by accommodations, bars, and eating places, this seashore is sort of 2km lengthy and has all the things you want close by!
Sai Daeng Seashore is a quieter various to Sairee Seashore. With fringing coral reefs and a beautiful view of Shark Island, Sai Daeng Seashore is a superb spot to spend a day. Chalok Baan Kao Bay can be a ravishing and chill choice close by.
Sai Nuan Seashore is one other secluded spot. Simply quarter-hour away from Sairee Seashore, Sai Nuan Seashore consists of two uncrowded and breathtaking little seashores the place you possibly can swim, sunbathe, and snorkel.
Another gorgeous Koh Tao seashores embody Haad Tien Seashore, Shark Bay Seashore, Tanote Bay Seashore, and Freedom Seashore.
Just about the entire seashores in Koh Tao are fringed with palm bushes and calm, glistening blue waters, so you actually can’t go mistaken!
11) Lease a Scooter
One other probably the greatest issues to do in Koh Tao is hire a scooter!
Hiring a motorcycle and zipping across the countryside is just about synonymous with Southeast Asia.
From Vietnam to Cambodia to Indonesia, you’ll meet few travellers who haven’t explored Asia by scooter!
Renting a scooter permits you to journey additional and discover the island at your personal tempo.
Drive beneath palm bushes and granite cliffs, journey previous lovely seashores and coves, and admire the wealthy jungle surroundings discovering hidden gems round Koh Tao.
Trip over to the distant corners of Tanote Bay, Mango Bay, Ao Hin Wong Bay, or Sai Nuan Seashore, or simply wind by the hills of Koh Tao and discover with out a plan.
Between the busy vacationer areas of Sairee Seashore and Mae Haad Pier, you will discover a lot of rental locations.
Simply be sure you observe the entire security precautions and drive safely when you discover Koh Tao on two wheels!
And keep in mind, in case you don’t have a motorcycle licence in your house nation, you received’t be lined by journey insurance coverage when you’ve got an accident.
Planning a visit elsewhere in Thailand? Our information on what to do in Phuket is great spot to start out!
12) Go to the Turtle Conservation Heart
New Heaven Reef Dive Faculty and Conservation Program is an training and tourism heart positioned in Chalok Baan Kao Bay on Koh Tao.
Providing diving programs for newbie and superior divers, freediving programs, yoga courses and instructor trainings, and even lodging, New Heaven has so many unbelievable issues to supply travellers in Koh Tao.
Some of the rewarding actions you possibly can strive is studying about sea turtle conservation efforts on the New Heaven Reef Conservation Program.
“Koh Tao” in English means “Turtle Island”, and the waters surrounding the seashores in Koh Tao are filled with inexperienced sea turtles.
Stand up shut with these fascinating creatures and study defending them on the Turtle Conservation Heart!
The organisation additionally has reef constructing and coral spawning along with turtle safety efforts, so you possibly can actually become involved within the inspiring analysis and conservation practices throughout your Koh Tao journey.
- Handle: 48 Chalok Baan Kao Bay, Koh Tao, Surat Thani, Thailand
13) Be taught How one can Freedive
Along with scuba diving, snorkelling, kayaking, and paddleboarding, Koh Tao is understood for yet one more water exercise: freediving!
This difficult and meditative sport entails the artwork of breathwork and endurance as you dive deep underwater with none scuba gear.
It’s a really fascinating approach to expertise the coral reefs of Koh Tao, nevertheless it requires a great quantity of coaching and preparation.
To do that distinctive exercise, take a freediving course to discover ways to discover the underwater world in a single breath!
There are some nice native Koh Tao firms that provide protected programs with pool and ocean coaching, together with Apnea Complete and Black Turtle Dive.
14) Expertise the Well-known Koh Tao Nightlife
Like many different areas in Thailand, Koh Tao has a bustling nightlife.
With year-round heat climate, beachfront bars and golf equipment, low cost costs, and a wholesome worldwide vacationer inhabitants, the nightlife right here is unbelievable!
Whether or not you need to dance all evening at a membership, have a number of informal drinks, or take your self on a self-guided Koh Tao pub crawl, there isn’t any scarcity of choices for you.
The primary strolling road beside Sairee Seashore is a superb place to start out. There are golf equipment and bars galore, with Fishbowl Seashore Bar, Lotus Bar, and Fizz Seashore Lounge being some prime spots on Koh Tao.
Learn subsequent: The 22 Finest Issues To Do In Koh Samui, Thailand
15) Go to Koh Nang Yuan Island
Koh Nang Yuan is a tiny island off the coast of Koh Tao that additionally affords unbelievable snorkelling and diving.
Well-known for its distinctive sandbar connecting three separate islands, taking a day journey over to Koh Nang Yuan Island is well probably the greatest issues to do in Koh Tao island.
Snorkel, sunbathe, kayak, or hike as much as the Koh Nang Yuan Viewpoint for a wide ranging panorama.
You possibly can attain Koh Nang Yuan by way of a brief boat experience from Koh Tao. Or you possibly can ebook a guided day journey to Koh Nang Yuan and have all of your transport and actions organised for you, which is what we suggest.
On this top-rated day journey, you possibly can go paddleboarding, kayaking, and snorkeling within the turquoise waters surrounding Koh Nang Yuan.
You’ll additionally get to discover Mango Bay, Hin Wong, and Ao Leuk Seashore, and lunch is included.
16) Strive Kayaking and Paddleboarding
Get a brand new perspective of the Koh Tao island shoreline by making an attempt some water sports activities!
Paddle previous the gorgeous white sand seashores on Koh Tao on a kayak or paddleboard. For an additional burst of color, strive it at dawn or sundown!
The ocean round Koh Tao is often very calm, so you possibly can discover the island’s hidden coves and secret seashores and bays with a kayak or paddleboard!
Lease your gear at any native tourism or water sports activities operator on the town! CV Divers is a well-liked enterprise that has first rate costs on board leases.
17) See a Muay Thai Boxing Match
Profit from your time in Koh Tao by watching the nation’s most beloved spot: Muay Thai boxing.
This distinctive type of martial arts is an interesting sport, and most cities across the nation have native matches which you can attend.
Round the primary streets of Sairee Seashore and Mae Haad, there are a number of native venues the place you should buy tickets to a Muay Thai boxing match.
Costs can fluctuate, however the entrance price for a match is often round 1,000 or 1,500 Thai Baht.
Seize a drink, sit again, and prepare to look at Thailand’s nationwide sport!
Or go a step additional and study Muay Thai your self! There are many gyms you possibly can be part of on the island for all the things from one-hour classes proper by to month-to-month intensive packages.
18) Go to the Native Night time Market
Go to the native Koh Tao evening market to expertise genuine Thai tradition, strive road meals delicacies, and store for distinctive souvenirs to take dwelling.
The most effective issues to do in Koh Tao is testing the evening market throughout from Koh Tao Leisure Park.
Filled with fragrant road meals and a few native trinkets, the evening market is a superb place to spend an evening in Koh Tao.
Although the evening market is centrally positioned, you’d be shocked to seek out few different vacationers right here.
It is a widespread spot for locals, so put together to study a number of Thai phrases and style some actually genuine dishes!
19) Take a Day Journey to Koh Samui or Koh Phangan
Relying on how lengthy you intend to remain on Koh Tao island, it’s undoubtedly price venturing to a few of the neighbouring Thai islands as properly (in case you aren’t already coming from them by way of Surat Thani or Koh Samui airport).
Most individuals go to Koh Tao as a part of a Thailand island hopping journey. However some individuals solely go to Koh Tao island for scuba diving programs.
Both approach, attempt to dedicate no less than in the future to visiting both Koh Samui or Koh Phangan. Each of those islands are only a brief boat experience away from Koh Tao, and they’re each unbelievable!
Koh Samui is a calming vacation vacation spot with waterfalls, ample marine life, markets, and temples to take a look at.
Koh Phangan is extra well-known for its nightlife, and it’s dwelling to the well-known Full Moon Celebration!
However even in case you don’t need to celebration, Koh Phangan has a lot of epic mountaineering, snorkelling, and sightseeing to be completed as properly.
20) Admire the Wat Koh Tao Temple
One other must-do in Koh Tao is check out the island’s majestic temple positioned proper in downtown.
Wat Koh Tao Temple is a contemporary Buddhist temple that displays the native faith, artwork, and traditions.
With its spectacular structure, serene ambiance, and ocean views, this lovely temple is without doubt one of the most superb landmarks on Koh Tao.
Even in case you simply pop by rapidly in your approach to hit up the Koh Tao seashores, it’s nonetheless price testing! There isn’t a entrance price as properly.
- Handle: 3RPG+GVG, Koh Tao, Ko Pha-ngan District, Surat Thani 84280, Thailand
The Finest Locations to Keep in Koh Tao, Thailand
Now that you already know what to do on Koh Tao, Thailand, it’s time to search for a spot to remain.
There are unbelievable choices for all price range ranges and journey kinds, and most lodging can have you ever inside strolling distance of the perfect Koh Tao seashores and facilities.
Let’s check out the perfect locations to remain in Koh Tao island!
Finest Hostel on Koh Tao Island: Taco Shack Diving Hostel
If you wish to lower your expenses, make pals, and discover ways to dive, that is the proper Koh Tao hostel for you!
Taco Shack Diving Hostel is simply 5 minutes away from the bustling hub of Sairee Seashore and is near different prime Koh Tao seashores, and it has glowing evaluations from over 1,600 travellers on Hostelworld.
Travellers love that this hostel affords low cost dorm costs along with wonderful dive programs.
Take pleasure in scrumptious meals from the on-site restaurant, loosen up with different travellers on the rooftop and terraces, or take advantage of the enjoyable video games and actions on provide.
Finest Mid-Vary Lodging on Koh Tao Island: Ban’s Dive Resort
One other unbelievable lodging choice for these seeking to take a dive course on Koh Tao is Ban’s Dive Resort.
This 4-star lodge has onsite eating places, a bar, and a pool, in addition to an expert dive heart the place you possibly can join courses.
Plus, the rooms are superbly designed and have all the perfect facilities, together with personal balconies with beautiful views of Koh Tao and air-conditioning. You may get all these superb options for first rate costs as properly!
Finest Luxurious Lodging on Koh Tao Island: Freedom Seashore Koh Tao Resort
Freedom Seashore Koh Tao Resort is without doubt one of the prime locations to remain on Koh Tao in order for you a little bit of luxurious!
Positioned only a 2-minute stroll from Freedom Seashore, and inside strolling distance of Shark Bay Seashore, Chalok Baan Kao Seashore, and Sai Daeng Seashore, this beautiful lodge places you proper close to a few of the finest Koh Tao seashores and snorkelling spots.
Freedom Seashore Koh Tao Resort has rooms with ocean views, bungalows, and villas good for households or {couples} in search of an impressive keep.
Take pleasure in a free airport shuttle, an on-site restaurant and bar, a backyard, and a picnic space to take pleasure in whenever you’re not out exploring Koh Tao!
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