4 activities to discover Koh Tao
Located in the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Tao is a small island of only 21 km2 known for its heavenly beaches, exceptional marine life, and lush nature. Planning to stay there during a trip to Thailand? Discover the top 4 activities to experience Koh Tao to the fullest!
1. Relax on Koh Tao's heavenly beaches
The landscapes of Koh Tao are undoubtedly the island's major attractions. Here, you'll find heavenly beaches with fine sand and crystal-clear waters, perfect for relaxation. Among Koh Tao's most beautiful beaches, don't miss Sairee Beach, Sai Nuan Beach, Jamson Bay, Hin Wong Bay, Chalok Baan Kao Bay, Koh Nang Yuan, La Sai Daeng Beach, Shark Bay, Mango Bay, Tanote Bay, Aow Leuk, Freedom Beach, June Juea Bay, and Saan Jao Beach.
To end your day beautifully, head to the magnificent Mango Bay, Sai Nuan Beach, and June Juea Bay, among the best spots on Koh Tao, to watch the sunset and enjoy a cocktail!
2. Snorkeling and diving
In addition to its heavenly beaches, Koh Tao is world-renowned for its incredible marine life. Surrounded by over 8 km of coral reefs, the island offers a wide diversity of marine life, delighting snorkeling and scuba diving enthusiasts.
Top snorkeling spots include Tanote Bay south of Laem Thian, Japanese Gardens on the east side of Koh Nang Yuan (known for its beautiful coral gardens), Aow Leuk at the southern tip of Koh Tao, Mango Bay at the northern tip of Koh Tao, Shark Bay, also known as Haad Tien Beach, at the southern tip of Koh Tao (noted for blacktip reef sharks and some turtles), and Laem Thien Bay on the east coast (loved for its tranquility, accessible only by foot or boat). Full-day snorkeling excursions are also available to explore Koh Tao's best sites.
For scuba diving, Koh Tao is the ideal place to get certified, offering some of the world's most affordable diving courses. Experienced divers can explore the anemone-covered peaks of Chumphon Pinnacle, the pinnacles of South West Rock, and the wreck of the military ship HTMS Sattakut at a depth of 29 meters.
Good to know: With its shallow waters and excellent visibility, Koh Tao is also perfect for snorkeling!
3. Hiking on Koh Tao
To explore Koh Tao's terrestrial side, venture into the jungle! Several trails allow you to traverse the island and discover sublime viewpoints. Here are the main hiking trails on Koh Tao:
- Sairee to Tanote Bay Hike: This 4.6 km route takes about 2–3 hours and crosses the island from west to east. It leads to two of Koh Tao's most beautiful viewpoints: West Coast Viewpoint and Tanote Peak.
- Mae Haad to Chalok Baan Kao Bay Hike: This approximately 6 km route is relatively easy and passes by 7 beaches (Jansom Bay, Pepe Boulders Beach, Sainuan Beach 1, Sainuan Beach 2, Tao Thong, Saan Joa Beach, and Chalok Beach). Plan for 2-3 hours, depending on your pace.
- Sairee-to-Fraggle Rock Viewpoint Hike: One of the most popular hikes, this trail leads to the famous Fraggle Rock viewpoint above Sairee Beach. It takes about an hour to reach the summit. Note that the trail is a bit steep.
4. Water sports
Do you love sports and thrills? Make the most of your stay on Koh Tao with water sports! You can try wakeboarding, paddleboarding, or tubbing (being towed in an inflatable tube by a boat). If you visit Koh Tao between June and October, you can also kiteboard. With constant and moderate wind during this season, it's the perfect place to learn kiteboarding.
Another must-do activity on Koh Tao is renting a kayak! In addition to exploring the island from the sea, kayaking is ideal for accessing some spots that are inaccessible by foot. Remember to bring a mask and snorkel to combine your kayak outing with snorkeling!
Florine Dergelet