The very best issues to do in Koh Tao, Thailand, from scuba diving and snorkeling to exploring native markets, climbing, and extra!
Koh Tao is undoubtedly the most effective 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 presents a few of the finest diving situations 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 right place for introductory or licensed divers.
Koh Tao can be surrounded by loads of distinctive snorkel and dive websites, in addition to really magical islands.
Koh Nang Yuan is a good looking location to spend the day and {photograph}, and Shark Island is an iconic dive website proper off the coast of the most effective Koh Tao seashores.
If you’re not frolicking via the colorful underwater world, there may be a lot in retailer for you on land as properly!
Koh Tao has all the enduring features of any Thai island or village. Scrumptious, flavourful delicacies, bustling markets, seaside bars, rewarding hikes, and smiling locals are all considerable. And the seashores on Koh Tao are beautiful as properly!
So whether or not you’re an adventurous traveller searching for fixed pleasure, otherwise you’d quite calm down and soak within the serenity of this little oasis, Koh Tao has all of it.
Try our final Thailand Journey Information for extra suggestions, 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 high actions!
From taking your first breaths underwater, to having fun with the view from the well-known John Suwan Viewpoint, to lounging on Freedom Seaside, Sai Nuan Seaside, or the opposite gorgeous Koh Tao seashores, you’re going to like these high issues to do in Koh Tao!
1) Study Scuba Diving with an Open Water Course
Koh Tao is among the finest locations on this planet to learn to scuba dive! With a vibrant underwater world filled with distinctive dive websites comparable 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 right atmosphere for studying scuba diving. Heat temperatures, nice visibility, and calm situations are perfect for first-time divers.
Along with the pristine and secure scuba diving situations, Koh Tao is teeming with top-rated dive faculties and dive outlets.
There are many inexpensive choices for getting licensed and studying the way to dive with wonderful native instructors.
So in case you’ve at all times wished to learn to scuba dive, Koh Tao is the place to be!
With top-notch dive faculties which might be additionally inexpensive, plus a variety of fascinating dive websites and prime situations, you may change into an skilled diver very quickly at this world-class diving vacation spot.
So which scuba diving faculties will we personally advocate?
The primary one is Ban’s Diving Resort, who aren’t solely the most important dive faculty on Koh Tao, however one of many greatest in the whole world!
As a PADI 5 Star Profession and Teacher Improvement Centre, you may be assured of the eye to element in terms of training and their dedication to offering a unbelievable expertise for brand spanking new divers.
Their on-site lodging can be really pretty, and whereas it’s a bit pricier than different choices on the island, you get what you pay for.
The opposite Koh Tao dive faculty we advocate 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.
Additionally they take security extraordinarily significantly, offering all college students and enjoyable divers with dive computer systems, and maintaining information to diver numbers restricted.
We dove with each Ban’s and Black Turtle on our most up-to-date journey, and truthfully advocate each.
Questioning the way to get to Koh Tao? Try our information to Transportation in Thailand!
2) Upskill Your Dive Certificates
When you’ve already accomplished your open water scuba course, you may additional advance your dive expertise in Koh Tao!
Lots of the organisations that provide scuba programs additionally supply extra superior dive programs.
So if you wish to take your expertise to the subsequent stage, contemplate a extra distinctive and difficult kind of dive cert.
From common superior open water programs, to rescue programs, to changing into a divemaster your self, there are various methods to upskill your dive certificates in Koh Tao!
On the absolute minimal, in case you love diving we advocate getting your superior diver certification asap.
It means that you can dive to 30m, which opens up a completely new world, and helps progress your expertise.
The subsequent we advocate 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 lots, 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 snug diving in any situations.
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 lately the work of marine conservation was normally a activity individuals solely related to marine biologists.
Today although anyone with some fundamental expertise, ardour and the power to take a position time may also help out, and that’s precisely what I did on my current 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 learn 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, international database. And that’s precisely what I learnt to do too.
For 3 days I studied all in regards to the reefs and marine lifetime of Koh Tao, then went out and did sensible surveys in a chosen a part of the bay.
Over a 100m by 5m zone I’d doc each single indicator species of coral, invertebrate or fish I might see on a slate, in addition to the well being and estimated numbers of every discovering, and this info can be analysed in opposition to the years of information Black Turtle have uploaded.
This offers an total 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 a complete 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 faculty providing the Ecological Monitoring Program course in Koh Tao, Thailand. When you love scuba diving, it’s properly value trying out!
Thanks a lot Steve from Black Turtle Dive for stepping me via the course and taking photographs whereas I targeted on the survey.
- Tackle: 8 Moo 2 Mae Haad Koh Tao, Surat Thani 84360, Thailand
- Hours: 6:30am – 8pm
4) Go Snorkelling
If scuba diving shouldn’t be your factor, snorkelling is one other unbelievable option to uncover the colourful marine lifetime of Koh Tao island.
Lease snorkel gear from one of many many dive outlets on the town and simply stroll all the way down to the shores of the most effective Koh Tao seashores like Freedom Seaside, Sairee Seaside, Sai Daeng Seaside, Sai Nuan Seaside, Mango Bay, Tanote Bay, Ao Hin Wong Bay, or Aow Leuk Bay.
Shark Bay is one other nice snorkel spot. You’ve got a very good probability of recognizing black tip reef sharks when you’re exploring underwater, therefore the identify Shark Bay!
In actual fact whereas I used to be scuba diving at this website, a whale shark got here proper by the island and the snorkellers above bought simply nearly as good a viewing as I did from beneath!
Don’t need to simply go from the seaside? By no means concern, as a result of you may guide a snorkelling tour on Koh Tao!
Guided snorkelling journeys offer you some further mileage and perception as a result of your native information will take you off the coast to all the most effective snorkelling spots.
Study from the locals and revel in a little bit of sightseeing along with epic snorkelling!
Common snorkelling spots that require a ship to get there embrace Shark Island and the close by Koh Nang Yuan Island.
5) Attempt Rock Climbing
Adventurous travellers searching for a enjoyable problem can strive mountaineering whereas visiting Koh Tao.
The small island is full of pure granite cliffs that provide the right panorama for climbing and bouldering.
There are mountaineering routes for each inexperienced persons and skilled climbers. Koh Tao is even house to a couple climbing gyms the place you may take classes and follow indoors.
In any other case, go to a neighborhood climbing store to hire gear and guide a lesson open air. Or simply go for it if you realize what you’re doing!
High mountaineering spots on Koh Tao island embrace Mek’s Mountain and Secret Backyard close to Sairee Seaside, in addition to Jansom Bay and Lang Khai.
READ MORE: Try what else to stand up to within the Land of Smiles with our skilled information to the most effective issues to do in Thailand!
6) Eat All of the Native Thai Delicacies
One other the most effective issues to do in Koh Tao is, in fact, eat Thai meals!
Stuffed with contemporary veggies and fragrant spices, Thai delicacies is among the most beloved world wide.
If you go to Koh Tao, you should definitely strive as a lot genuine native meals as you presumably can!
Bask in scrumptious dishes comparable to Pad Thai, Inexperienced Curry, and Mango Sticky Rice on the many eating places and avenue meals distributors.
Most eating places are centered round Sairee Seaside 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 keen 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 Seaside, and extra, the statement deck on the finish of this hike is properly definitely worth the effort.
The hike to John Suwan Viewpoint is steep however brief. Discover the place to begin for the hike from the Freedom Seaside 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.
Situated within the centre of the island close to Sairee Seaside, the Love Koh Tao Viewpoint presents 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 Seaside and the Koh Tao shoreline.
Many viewpoints are free, however some, just like the Mango Viewpoint, have an entrance charge of 100 Thai Baht, so carry a bit of money with you whereas climbing.
When you love scenic viewpoints and a very good exercise, climbing to considered one of these viewpoints is among the finest issues to do in Koh Tao!
8) Study To Cook dinner Genuine Thai Meals
When visiting any Thai island or metropolis, do your self a favuor and take a Thai cooking class!
Study all in regards to the native delicacies and get a crash course about the way to put together your favorite Thai dishes so you may impress your folks again house.
This is among the finest issues to do in Koh Tao if you wish to meet locals and study in regards to the secrets and techniques behind essentially the most iconic Thai dishes.
Thai Cooking with Pleasure and Parawan Thai Cooking Class are two native companies close to Sairee Seaside Koh Tao that host cooking lessons.
Be sure you arrive on an empty abdomen since you’ll be sampling all of the meals you make!
9) Give attention to 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, yow will discover companies providing yoga lessons, 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 kind 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 a protracted day of exploring the climbing trails and seashores on Koh Tao, a therapeutic massage or a zen yoga class could also be precisely what you want!
10) Discover the Greatest Koh Tao Seashores
The seashores in Koh Tao are out of this world, so be sure to spend ample time soaking within the solar and swimming within the pristine waters.
Sairee Seaside is among the largest and hottest seashores on Koh Tao.
Surrounded by accommodations, bars, and eating places, this seaside is nearly 2km lengthy and has all the things you want close by!
Sai Daeng Seaside is a quieter different to Sairee Seaside. With fringing coral reefs and a beautiful view of Shark Island, Sai Daeng Seaside is a superb spot to spend a day. Chalok Baan Kao Bay can be a good looking and chill possibility close by.
Sai Nuan Seaside is one other secluded spot. Simply quarter-hour away from Sairee Seaside, Sai Nuan Seaside consists of two uncrowded and breathtaking little seashores the place you may swim, sunbathe, and snorkel.
Another gorgeous Koh Tao seashores embrace Haad Tien Seaside, Shark Bay Seaside, Tanote Bay Seaside, and Freedom Seaside.
Just about all the seashores in Koh Tao are fringed with palm bushes and calm, glistening blue waters, so you actually can’t go flawed!
11) Lease a Scooter
One other the most effective 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 means that you can journey additional and discover the island at your individual tempo.
Drive beneath palm bushes and granite cliffs, journey previous stunning 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 Seaside, or simply wind via the hills of Koh Tao and discover with no plan.
Between the busy vacationer areas of Sairee Seaside and Mae Haad Pier, yow will discover a number of rental locations.
Simply be sure to comply with all the 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 gained’t be coated by journey insurance coverage in case you have an accident.
Planning a visit elsewhere in Thailand? Our information on what to do in Phuket is great spot to begin!
12) Go to the Turtle Conservation Heart
New Heaven Reef Dive College 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 lessons and instructor trainings, and even lodging, New Heaven has so many unimaginable issues to supply travellers in Koh Tao.
One of the crucial rewarding actions you may 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.
Rise up shut with these fascinating creatures and find out about defending them on the Turtle Conservation Heart!
The organisation additionally has reef constructing and coral spawning along with turtle safety efforts, so you may actually get entangled within the inspiring analysis and conservation practices throughout your Koh Tao journey.
- Tackle: 48 Chalok Baan Kao Bay, Koh Tao, Surat Thani, Thailand
13) Study The way to Freedive
Along with scuba diving, snorkelling, kayaking, and paddleboarding, Koh Tao is thought for yet one more water exercise: freediving!
This difficult and meditative sport includes the artwork of breathwork and endurance as you dive deep underwater with none scuba gear.
It’s a really fascinating option to expertise the coral reefs of Koh Tao, but it surely requires a very good quantity of coaching and preparation.
To do this distinctive exercise, take a freediving course to learn to discover the underwater world in a single breath!
There are some nice native Koh Tao firms that provide secure 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 places 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 unimaginable!
Whether or not you need to dance all night time at a membership, have a couple 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 avenue beside Sairee Seaside is a superb place to begin. There are golf equipment and bars galore, with Fishbowl Seaside Bar, Lotus Bar, and Fizz Seaside Lounge being some high spots on Koh Tao.
Learn subsequent: The 22 Greatest 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 presents unimaginable 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 the most effective issues to do in Koh Tao island.
Snorkel, sunbathe, kayak, or hike as much as the Koh Nang Yuan Viewpoint for a panoramic panorama.
You’ll be able to attain Koh Nang Yuan through a brief boat experience from Koh Tao. Or you may guide a guided day journey to Koh Nang Yuan and have all of your transport and actions organised for you, which is what we advocate.
On this top-rated day journey, you may 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 Seaside, and lunch is included.
16) Attempt 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 normally very calm, so you may 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 respectable costs on board leases.
17) See a Muay Thai Boxing Match
Take advantage of 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 principle streets of Sairee Seaside and Mae Haad, there are a couple of native venues the place you should buy tickets to a Muay Thai boxing match.
Costs can fluctuate, however the entrance charge for a match is normally round 1,000 or 1,500 Thai Baht.
Seize a drink, sit again, and prepare to watch Thailand’s nationwide sport!
Or go a step additional and study Muay Thai your self! There are many gyms you may be part of on the island for all the things from one-hour periods proper via to month-to-month intensive packages.
18) Go to the Native Evening Market
Go to the native Koh Tao night time market to expertise genuine Thai tradition, strive avenue meals delicacies, and store for distinctive souvenirs to take house.
Among the finest issues to do in Koh Tao is trying out the night time market throughout from Koh Tao Leisure Park.
Stuffed with fragrant avenue meals and a few native trinkets, the night time market is a superb place to spend an evening in Koh Tao.
Although the night time market is centrally positioned, you’d be stunned to search out few different vacationers right here.
This can be a widespread spot for locals, so put together to study a couple of Thai phrases and style some really 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 positively value venturing to a few of the neighbouring Thai islands as properly (in case you aren’t already coming from them through 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 at the least 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 unimaginable!
Koh Samui is a soothing vacation vacation spot with waterfalls, considerable marine life, markets, and temples to take a look at.
Koh Phangan is extra well-known for its nightlife, and it’s house to the well-known Full Moon Social gathering!
However even in case you don’t need to get together, Koh Phangan has a number of epic climbing, snorkelling, and sightseeing to be accomplished 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 stunning temple is among the most superb landmarks on Koh Tao.
Even in case you simply pop by shortly in your option to hit up the Koh Tao seashores, it’s nonetheless value trying out! There isn’t any entrance charge as properly.
- Tackle: 3RPG+GVG, Koh Tao, Ko Pha-ngan District, Surat Thani 84280, Thailand
The Greatest Locations to Keep in Koh Tao, Thailand
Now that you realize what to do on Koh Tao, Thailand, it’s time to search for a spot to remain.
There are unimaginable choices for all price range ranges and journey kinds, and most lodging can have you ever inside strolling distance of the most effective Koh Tao seashores and facilities.
Let’s check out the most effective locations to remain in Koh Tao island!
Greatest Hostel on Koh Tao Island: Taco Shack Diving Hostel
If you wish to lower your expenses, make pals, and learn to dive, that is the right Koh Tao hostel for you!
Taco Shack Diving Hostel is simply 5 minutes away from the bustling hub of Sairee Seaside and is near different high Koh Tao seashores, and it has glowing opinions from over 1,600 travellers on Hostelworld.
Travellers love that this hostel presents low-cost dorm costs along with wonderful dive programs.
Take pleasure in scrumptious meals from the on-site restaurant, calm down with different travellers on the rooftop and terraces, or profit from the enjoyable video games and actions on supply.
Greatest Mid-Vary Lodging on Koh Tao Island: Ban’s Dive Resort
One other unimaginable lodging possibility for these trying to take a dive course on Koh Tao is Ban’s Dive Resort.
This 4-star resort has onsite eating places, a bar, and a pool, in addition to knowledgeable dive heart the place you may join lessons.
Plus, the rooms are superbly designed and have all the most effective facilities, together with personal balconies with pretty views of Koh Tao and air-conditioning. You will get all these superb options for respectable costs as properly!
Greatest Luxurious Lodging on Koh Tao Island: Freedom Seaside Koh Tao Resort
Freedom Seaside Koh Tao Resort is among the high locations to remain on Koh Tao if you’d like a little bit of luxurious!
Situated only a 2-minute stroll from Freedom Seaside, and inside strolling distance of Shark Bay Seaside, Chalok Baan Kao Seaside, and Sai Daeng Seaside, this pretty resort places you proper close to a few of the finest Koh Tao seashores and snorkelling spots.
Freedom Seaside Koh Tao Resort has rooms with ocean views, bungalows, and villas excellent for households or {couples} searching for 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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