The 20 BEST Issues to Do in Koh Tao, Thailand (2023 Information)
The very best issues to do in Koh Tao, Thailand, from scuba diving and snorkeling to exploring native markets, mountain climbing, and extra!
Koh Tao is undoubtedly top-of-the-line 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 greatest 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 also be surrounded by loads of distinctive snorkel and dive websites, in addition to actually magical islands.
Koh Nang Yuan is a lovely location to spend the day and {photograph}, and Shark Island is an iconic dive web site proper off the coast of the most effective Koh Tao seashores.
Whenever you’re not frolicking by means of the colorful underwater world, there may be a lot in retailer for you on land as effectively!
Koh Tao has all the long-lasting features of any Thai island or village. Scrumptious, flavourful delicacies, bustling markets, seashore bars, rewarding hikes, and smiling locals are all considerable. And the seashores on Koh Tao are attractive as effectively!
So whether or not you’re an adventurous traveller in search of fixed pleasure, otherwise you’d somewhat loosen up 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 proposals!
The Most Superior Issues to Do in Koh Tao, Thailand
For those who’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 Seaside, Sai Nuan Seaside, or the opposite beautiful Koh Tao seashores, you’re going to like these prime issues to do in Koh Tao!
1) Study Scuba Diving with an Open Water Course
Koh Tao is without doubt one of the greatest locations on the earth 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 a scarcity of locations to discover beneath the floor.
The waters round Koh Tao create the proper setting 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 reasonably priced choices for getting licensed and studying how you can dive with glorious native instructors.
So in the event you’ve all the time wished to discover ways to scuba dive, Koh Tao is the place to be!
With top-notch dive faculties which are additionally reasonably priced, plus a variety of fascinating dive websites and prime circumstances, 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 will not be solely the most important dive college on Koh Tao, however one of many greatest in the complete world!
As a PADI 5 Star Profession and Teacher Growth Centre, you will be assured of the eye to element in the case of training and their dedication to offering a incredible expertise for brand spanking new divers.
Their on-site lodging can also be actually 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 college 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 critically, 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 actually advocate each.
Questioning how you can get to Koh Tao? Try our information to Transportation in Thailand!
2) Upskill Your Dive Certificates
For those who’ve already accomplished your open water scuba course, you may additional advance your dive expertise in Koh Tao!
Most 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, think about a extra distinctive and difficult kind of dive cert.
From basic superior open water programs, to rescue programs, to turning into a divemaster your self, there are numerous methods to upskill your dive certificates in Koh Tao!
On the absolute minimal, in the event you love diving we advocate getting your superior diver certification asap.
It means that you can dive to 30m, which opens up a wholly new world, and helps progress your expertise.
The subsequent we advocate goes to your enriched air (nitrox) and deep diver specialties.
Lastly, in the event you really feel as if diving is one thing you’ll do so much, we extremely extremely recommend doing all your rescue diver course.
This added a wholly 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.
For those who’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 job individuals solely related to marine biologists.
Nowadays although anyone with some fundamental expertise, ardour and the flexibility to take a position time may also 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 fellows 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 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 can be analysed towards 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. For those who love scuba diving, it’s effectively value trying out!
Thanks a lot Steve from Black Turtle Dive for stepping me by means of 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 just isn’t your factor, snorkelling is one other incredible method to uncover the colourful marine lifetime of Koh Tao island.
Hire snorkel gear from one of many many dive retailers on the town and simply stroll right 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 gotten an excellent likelihood of recognizing black tip reef sharks when you’re exploring underwater, therefore the title Shark Bay!
The truth is whereas I used to be scuba diving at this web site, a whale shark got here proper by the island and the snorkellers above acquired simply pretty much as good a viewing as I did from under!
Don’t need to simply go from the seashore? By no means concern, as a result of you may book 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 most effective snorkelling spots.
Study from the locals and luxuriate in a little bit of sightseeing along with epic snorkelling!
Fashionable 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 mountaineering whereas visiting Koh Tao.
The small island is full of pure granite cliffs that provide the proper panorama for climbing and bouldering.
There are mountaineering routes for each novices and skilled climbers. Koh Tao is even residence to a couple climbing gyms the place you may take classes and follow indoors.
In any other case, go to an area climbing store to hire gear and guide a lesson outdoor. Or simply go for it if you realize what you’re doing!
Prime mountaineering spots on Koh Tao island embody 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 top-of-the-line issues to do in Koh Tao is, after all, eat Thai meals!
Filled with recent veggies and fragrant spices, Thai delicacies is without doubt one of the most beloved around the globe.
Whenever you go to Koh Tao, you should definitely strive as a lot genuine native meals as you probably can!
Bask in scrumptious dishes akin 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 wonderful 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 effectively definitely worth the effort.
The hike to John Suwan Viewpoint is steep however quick. Discover the start line 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 price of 100 Thai Baht, so carry a bit of money with you whereas mountain climbing.
For those who love scenic viewpoints and an excellent exercise, mountain climbing to certainly one of these viewpoints is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Koh Tao!
8) Study To Prepare 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 how you can put together your favorite Thai dishes so you may impress your folks again residence.
This is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Koh Tao if you wish to meet locals and be taught in regards to the secrets and techniques behind essentially the most iconic Thai dishes.
Thai Cooking with Joy and Parawan Thai Cooking Class are two native companies close to Sairee Seaside Koh Tao that host cooking courses.
Ensure you 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, yow will discover companies providing yoga courses, spa therapies, and Thai therapeutic massage.
Costs are very reasonably priced in Thailand, so deal with your self to a day of wellness and leisure!
Thai therapeutic massage is a singular kind of therapeutic massage that focuses on acupressure and twisted yoga poses so it’s not your conventional enjoyable therapeutic massage. However it’s a cool expertise to have in Thailand!
After a protracted day of exploring the mountain 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 ensure you spend ample time soaking within the solar and swimming within the pristine waters.
Sairee Seaside is without doubt one of the largest and hottest seashores on Koh Tao.
Surrounded by lodges, bars, and eating places, this seashore is sort of 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 also be a lovely and chill choice 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 beautiful Koh Tao seashores embody Haad Tien Seaside, Shark Bay Seaside, Tanote Bay Seaside, and Freedom Seaside.
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) Hire a Scooter
One other top-of-the-line issues to do in Koh Tao is hire a scooter!
Hiring a bike 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 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.
Experience over to the distant corners of Tanote Bay, Mango Bay, Ao Hin Wong Bay, or Sai Nuan Seaside, or simply wind by means of the hills of Koh Tao and discover with out a plan.
Between the busy vacationer areas of Sairee Seaside and Mae Haad Pier, yow will discover plenty of rental locations.
Simply ensure you comply with the entire security precautions and drive safely when you discover Koh Tao on two wheels!
And bear in mind, in the event you don’t have a bike licence in your house nation, you received’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 good spot to start out!
12) Go to the Turtle Conservation Middle
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 courses and instructor trainings, and even accommodations, New Heaven has so many unimaginable issues to supply travellers in Koh Tao.
One of the vital 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.
Stand up shut with these fascinating creatures and find out about defending them on the Turtle Conservation Middle!
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.
- Handle: 48 Chalok Baan Kao Bay, Koh Tao, Surat Thani, Thailand
13) Study Freedive
Along with scuba diving, snorkelling, kayaking, and paddleboarding, Koh Tao is understood for 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 method to expertise the coral reefs of Koh Tao, however it requires an excellent 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 corporations that provide protected programs with pool and ocean coaching, together with Apnea Total 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 unimaginable!
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 a scarcity of choices for you.
The principle strolling avenue beside Sairee Seaside is a superb place to start out. There are golf equipment and bars galore, with Fishbowl Seaside Bar, Lotus Bar, and Fizz Seaside Lounge being some prime 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 definitely top-of-the-line 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 possibly can attain Koh Nang Yuan by way of a brief boat experience from Koh Tao. Or you may book a guided day trip 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) Strive Kayaking and Paddleboarding
Get a brand new perspective of the Koh Tao island shoreline by attempting some water sports activities!
Paddle previous the beautiful 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!
Hire 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
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 that you would be able to attend.
Round the primary streets of Sairee Seaside 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 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 be taught Muay Thai your self! There are many gyms you may be part of on the island for all the things from one-hour classes proper by means of to month-to-month intensive packages.
18) Go to the Native Evening Market
Go to the native Koh Tao evening market to expertise genuine Thai tradition, strive avenue meals delicacies, and store for distinctive souvenirs to take residence.
Among the finest issues to do in Koh Tao is trying out the evening market throughout from Koh Tao Leisure Park.
Filled with fragrant avenue 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 stunned to search out few different vacationers right here.
This can be a well-liked spot for locals, so put together to be taught 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 positively value venturing to a few of the neighbouring Thai islands as effectively (in the event 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 method, attempt to dedicate no less than at some point to visiting both Koh Samui or Koh Phangan. Each of those islands are only a quick boat experience away from Koh Tao, and they’re each unimaginable!
Koh Samui is a calming 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 residence to the well-known Full Moon Occasion!
However even in the event you don’t need to occasion, Koh Phangan has plenty of epic mountain climbing, snorkelling, and sightseeing to be completed as effectively.
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 environment, and ocean views, this lovely temple is without doubt one of the most wonderful landmarks on Koh Tao.
Even in the event you simply pop by shortly in your method to hit up the Koh Tao seashores, it’s nonetheless value trying out! There isn’t a entrance price as effectively.
- Handle: 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 finances ranges and journey types, 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 get monetary savings, make mates, 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 Seaside 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 presents low cost dorm costs along with glorious dive programs.
Get pleasure from scrumptious meals from the on-site restaurant, loosen up with different travellers on the rooftop and terraces, or benefit 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 choice for these trying 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 may join courses.
Plus, the rooms are fantastically designed and have all the most effective facilities, together with non-public balconies with pretty views of Koh Tao and air-conditioning. You will get all these wonderful options for first rate costs as effectively!
Greatest Luxurious Lodging on Koh Tao Island: Freedom Seaside Koh Tao Resort
Freedom Beach 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!
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 lodge places you proper close to a few of the greatest Koh Tao seashores and snorkelling spots.
Freedom Seaside Koh Tao Resort has rooms with ocean views, bungalows, and villas excellent for households or {couples} in search of a powerful keep.
Get pleasure from a free airport shuttle, an on-site restaurant and bar, a backyard, and a picnic space to take pleasure in while you’re not out exploring Koh Tao!
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