Koh Tao is most well known for its tropical coral reefs, pristine beaches, buzzing bars, and dive shops. On this island, you’ll be spoilt for choice with so much to do from ocean activities, amazing hiking routes and high-end resorts to chill out in.
From Koh Nang Yuan to Chalok Baan Kao Bay, Koh Tao also has some of the best viewpoints in the Gulf of Thailand.
With so much to do here, we have made it easy for you and narrowed it down to our top 20 things to do in Koh Tao, Thailand…
MUST-DO
Visit Koh Nang Yuan
Koh Nang Yuan is a cluster of three little teardrop islands. It is connected to Koh Tao by two white-sand strips and is surrounded by gorgeous corals and lots of marine life. It is considered to be one of the most stunning archipelagos around the world!
The islets feature pristine white sands and stunning emerald waters. Its the idyllic place to snorkel too, but it’s the famous view of the islands that make this one the best things to do on Koh Tao. The hike to the top for that famous viewpoint is fairly easy. Just be sure to get your selfies whilst you’re there!
Getting there: It’s easy to get to Koh Nang Yuan, just take a longtail taxi boat from Sairee Beach. They run frequently all day. Don’t pay more than 250THB per person for a return trip, though. The island closes at 5 pm and there is also an entrance fee of 100THB, but just us, it’s all worth it!
Visit Freedom Beach & Hike Up To The John-Suwan Viewpoint
Freedom Beach is by far the most popular beach on the south coast of Koh Tao. Its soft white sands, crystal clear waters, hammocks, and hidden coves make this a haven for most travellers heading to the island. It’s fairly overpriced, but it’s worth visiting for a couple of hours.
Most people visit this beach as the starting point for the hike up the John-Suwan Viewpoint. This viewpoint isn’t as popular as the one at Mango Bay, but it’s sure worth the 50THB entrance fee.
Scuba Diving and Snorkelling in Koh Tao
The number one reason why travellers visit Koh Tao? Scuba diving! In most Thailand travel guides or blog posts, you will learn that scuba diving in Koh Tao is one of the best things to do in Thailand. In fact, Koh Tao is one of the cheapest places in the world to get scuba certified. You can even become Padi Open Water certified here. You’ll quickly understand why they call it ‘Turtle Island‘…
If you’re a keen snorkeller and travelling in a group, you could even rent a private boat charter to travel the island.
Watch the Sunset at Mango Bay Viewpoint
Did you really visit Koh Tao if you didn’t watch the sunset at Mango Bay viewpoint? This is probably one of the top things you need to do when on the island. End your evening with a happy hour cocktail in one of the beach bars and enjoy this phenomenal sunset at one of the best spots on the island.
Fizz is great as you can chill out on the giant beanbags, or Wind Beach is also a favourite amongst locals. Or, why not hike uphill for the best seat in the house?
Learn Muay Thai
Besides phenomenal sunsets and island hopping, Kah Toa is probably most well known for Muay Thai fighting. There are three places in Koh Tao where you can get Muay Thai classes: Island Muay Thai, Monsoon Gym and Fight Club.
Learn How To Cook Thai Food
Immerse yourself in true Thai culture by taking part in a small-group cooking class. Learn how to cook popular Thai dishes from Pad Thai, Pad Kra Prao, and Chiang Mai’s speciality, Khao Soi. There are a couple of cooking classes in the Sairee Beach area, but our personal favourite is Idjang’s Kitchen.
Visit Sairee Beach
Sairee Beach is the longest beach on Koh Tao and stretches 1.85 km up the west coast. It’s the largest and liveliest beach in Koh Tao after Freedom beach. There is also a coral reef just 30 metres from the shore for a spot of snorkelling. The water here is pretty shallow, making it ideal for families with children.
In the evening when the water is calm, grab a couple of beers and rent a Stand Up Paddle Board. It’s truly the perfect way to watch the sunset over the island.
Looking for a party? There are three major party spots in Koh Tao and they are all on Sairee Beach. FishBowl Beach Bar, Lotus Bar, or Fizz for a more chill-out vibe.
Spend The Evening At Koh Tao Night Market
Like most places in Thailand, Koh Tao has a great (but smaller) selection of markets to visit. The Street Night Market is one worth visiting, though. It sells all the usual good stuff: Thai coconut pancakes, mango sticky rice, Pad Thai, and more.
Koh Tao’s night market is quite small and can get quite busy. It’s located on the main road between Sairee Beach and Mae Haad pier, near 7-Eleven.
Go Rock Climbing
You may not expect Koh Tao to be famous for rock climbing as the island doesn’t have the same karst mountains as in Krabi or Phuket. But rock climbing in Koh Tao is now as popular on the island as scuba diving thanks to its natural granite boulder fields.
Enjoy a breathtaking view of the ocean as well as seeing the wild side of the jungle as you climb with your qualified instructor. A few of our favourite places to rock climb are Koh Tao Climbing Project, Goodtime Adventures, and High Rock Viewpoint.
Visit Koh Tao Leisure Park
Break up the beach routine and get active at Koh Tao Leisure Park. This multi-activity venue has table tennis, a large outdoor sports screen, pool tables and an air-conditioned cinema!
There’s even an 18-hole minigolf course where you can putt your ball through Stonehenge or across the Golden Gate Bridge. It’s located on the main road between Mae Hat and Chalok Ban Kao.
Visit Ang Thong Marine Park
Ang Thong National Marine Park is one of the top things to do whilst exploring the south Thailand islands. This stunning collection of 42 islands in the Gulf of Thailand features towering limestone mountains, thick jungles, white-sand beaches, waterfalls and hidden coves and lakes to explore. Activities include kayaking along the coastline, hiking to the top of Mae Koh for views of the Emerald Lagoon, and diving and snorkelling at Wua Talap Island.
Getting there: The easiest way to get to Angthong is from Koh Samui – it’s pretty much impossible to get there from Koh Tao. If you can, we recommend staying a night or two in Koh Samui (which is definitely worth adding to your travel plans anyway!). From here, you can hire a speedboat. Or, just join a big boat tour for ease.
Suggested tour: Ang Thong Marine Park: Full-Day Kayaking & Snorkeling Tour
Watch a Fire Show
When visiting Koh Tao, you definitely have to go to Sairee Beach to see a fire show. You’ll find that most beach bars have fire shows on, but Lotus Beach Bar is popular amongst both tourists and locals. It’s not the best place to eat, but just stay for a drink (or two) and watch this spectacular show put on by amazing Thai performers. They even bring people up from the audience to join in, so just bear that one in mind…
Hike the Coast from Mae Haad to Chalok
If you fancy getting off the beaten path and escaping the crowds in Koh Tao, then this hike a must-do!
The hike along the coast from Mae Head to Chalok is a footpath only, so you won’t see any traffic and it’s completely safe. It’s also accessible for every level of fitness. There are great spots along the way to swim in remote bays. You’ll pass through stunning resorts where you can stop for an iced coffee and enjoy amazing views too. You’ll even walk through a palm tree forest and pass a deserted beach! There’s an amazing sky bar too along the way, too.
Watch the Sunrise at Love @ Koh Tao
If you’ve got a scooter, head out at around 5.30 am (depending on what time of year you’re visiting) and head out towards Tanote Bay. Just before you go downhill towards this beautiful bay there is a concrete road on your left heading uphill to Love @ Koh Tao. This is the best sunrise viewpoint on the island. Plus, views to the East from up here are truly breathtaking.
Visit Taa Toh Beach
If you fancy spending the day on a more remote beach, then definitely visit the less touristy Taa Toh Beach. This small and secluded beach is located towards the south of the island. It’s the perfect place to relax on an oceanfront hammock or play volleyball. In fact, many people travel from Koh Samui just to visit this beach!
Getting here: Follow the concrete footpath on the shoreline. The crystal clear water below makes it an amazing walkway. Some tourists have even said that they prefer this beach to the popular Freedom Beach.
Go To Chalok Baan Kao Bay Beach
Chalok Baan Kao bay is the third largest beach on Koh Tao. It’s located on the south coast of the island close to Taa Toh Beach and Freedom Beach. Chalok Bay is not usually on the top of people’s beach-hopping list, but this beach has some of the purest sand and bluest waters in Koh Tao.
