Island Guide
Koh Tao, Thailand
A small island in the Gulf of Thailand. 21 km² of jungle, coral, and warm water — and some of the best diving in Southeast Asia.
Map
Where to Go
Tap any marker to explore a spot.
Things to Do
What Koh Tao Is For
Scuba Diving
Koh Tao is one of the cheapest places in the world to get PADI certified. Dive schools line Sairee Beach, with reefs teeming with marine life at accessible depths.
Freediving
The quietest way to explore. No tank, no noise — just breath and the ocean. Courses and guided dives for all levels.
Book a session →Snorkelling
Multiple spots with turtles, reef sharks, and vibrant coral just metres from shore. No experience needed.
Snorkelling guide →Hiking
Trail up to John-Suwan viewpoint for panoramic island views. Also: Mango Bay viewpoint and the southwest coast trail.
Kayaking
Explore remote bays and caves by kayak. Rent from most beaches — Sairee, Chalok, and Mae Haad all have options.
Sunset watching
Sairee Beach faces west — ideal for sunsets. Grab a drink at any beach bar and watch the sky from the sand.
Neighbourhoods
Where to Stay
Sairee Beach
Lively · Social · Convenient
The main tourist strip. Most dive schools, restaurants, and nightlife are here. Best if you want to be in the middle of everything.
Good for
First-timers, social travellers, party crowd
Mae Haad
Central · Practical · Authentic
The pier village. More local than Sairee, less polished. Good food, easy transport, and close to everything without the noise.
Good for
Budget travellers, those passing through
Chalok Ban Kao
Quiet · Relaxed · Local
The southern village. A slower pace, beautiful bay, and direct access to Shark Bay and the viewpoint. Great for a real break.
Good for
Repeat visitors, couples, longer stays
Practical Info
Before You Go
Getting there
- No airport — boats only. All ferries dock at Mae Haad pier.
- Most popular route: overnight bus from Bangkok (Khao San Rd or Mo Chit) to Chumphon, then morning ferry. ~10–11 hrs total. Combo tickets via Lomprayah or Seatran.
- From Chumphon: ~1h45 by high-speed catamaran (Lomprayah). Night ferry also available (~6–8 hrs, cheaper).
- From Koh Phangan or Koh Samui: ~1.5 hrs by high-speed ferry.
- Budget flight option: fly to Chumphon (Nok Air / AirAsia, ~1 hr from Bangkok), then ferry to Koh Tao. Often cheaper than the bus and much faster.
- Fastest option: fly to Koh Samui (Bangkok Airways), then catamaran to Koh Tao.
Getting around
- Motorbike rental: ฿200–300/day — the standard. Be careful on steep hills.
- Songthaew (pickup trucks) run fixed routes between main areas
- Water taxis between beaches not connected by road
- The island is small — many places are walkable from Sairee or Mae Haad
Best time to visit
- Dec–Apr: Peak season. Clear water, calm seas, busy beaches.
- May–Oct: Shoulder/low season. Some rain, fewer crowds, lower prices.
- Sept–Oct: Can be rough seas and some closures. Quietest period.
- Freediving is great year-round — water is always 28–30°C.
Good to know
- Roads on the east side are steep and unpaved — check conditions before riding a motorbike.
- The island is small (21 km²) — easy to explore in 2–3 days.
- Always snorkel and freedive with a buddy. Never alone.
- Most shops, restaurants, and dive schools accept both cash and card — Thai baht preferred.
- Use reef-safe sunscreen only. Oxybenzone and octinoxate damage coral and are frowned upon island-wide.
- High season (Dec–Apr) fills fast — book accommodation and courses well in advance.
Still have questions about getting here or what to expect?
Get in touch on WhatsApp→While You're Here
See it from below the surface.
You'll snorkel, swim, and watch sunsets. But freediving Koh Tao is something else entirely.