Your Ultimate Koh Tao Itinerary: What to Do, Where to Stay & Travel Tips

If you’re dreaming of turquoise waters, white sand beaches, colorful coral reefs, and unforgettable sunsets, look no further than Koh Tao. This tiny island in the Gulf of Thailand is a tropical paradise that punches way above its weight. Famous for world-class scuba diving, vibrant marine life, and a relaxed backpacker scene, Koh Tao has something for every traveler—whether you're seeking adventure or tranquility.
 

As a tour guide who’s helped countless visitors discover this gem, I can tell you that Koh Tao (meaning "Turtle Island") is one of those places that you’ll want to return to again and again.

Why Visit Koh Tao?

🐠 Top scuba diving destination in Southeast Asia

🏖️ Pristine beaches with clear, calm waters

🐢 Home to hawksbill and green turtles

🚤 Amazing snorkeling tours and island hopping

🌅 Incredible sunsets and beachside dining

🧘 Chill island vibes with yoga, wellness, and nightlife

Whether you're getting your PADI certification, relaxing in a beachfront bungalow, or kayaking through hidden coves, Koh Tao offers the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation.

Where Is Koh Tao?

Koh Tao is located about 70 km from the mainland of Chumphon Province and just north of the larger islands Koh Samui and Koh Phangan. It's accessible by ferry and is often included in island-hopping itineraries across the Gulf of Thailand.

Despite being smaller and quieter than its neighbors, Koh Tao is packed with charm and natural beauty.

Best Things to Do in Koh Tao, Thailand

1. Go Scuba Diving or Get PADI Certified

Koh Tao is one of the most affordable places in the world to get your PADI certification. The island is surrounded by coral reefs teeming with marine life, making it ideal for beginners and experienced divers alike.

🤿 Top dive sites: Chumphon Pinnacle, Southwest Pinnacle, Shark Island, HTMS Sattakut Wreck

🐟 See reef sharks, rays, turtles, and vibrant coral gardens

🏫 Dive schools: Big Blue Diving, Ban’s Diving Resort, Roctopus Dive

Tip: Book a 4-day Open Water Course or advanced certification for the full experience.

2. Snorkeling Around the Island

If you’re not into diving, snorkeling around Koh Tao is just as magical.

🐢 Best snorkeling spots:

Shark Bay (baby blacktip reef sharks!)

Ao Leuk Bay

Hin Wong Bay

Tanote Bay

🚤 Join a half-day or full-day snorkeling tour by longtail boat

3. Relax on Koh Tao’s Best Beaches

Koh Tao is home to some of Thailand’s most picturesque beaches, many with powdery white sand and swaying palm trees.

🏖️ Sairee Beach – main beach with bars and cafes

🏝️ Ao Leuk Beach – quiet, great for snorkeling

🏝️ Sai Nuan Beach – hidden gem with hammocks

🏝️ Tanote Bay – scenic and peaceful

Some beaches may have a small entrance fee (especially if privately managed).

4. Visit Koh Nang Yuan

Just a short boat ride from Koh Tao, Koh Nang Yuan is a trio of tiny islands connected by a sandbar—one of the most photographed spots in Thailand.

🏝️ Picture-perfect views from the hilltop viewpoint

🐠 Ideal for snorkeling and photography

🎟️ Entrance fee ~100 THB; no plastic bottles allowed

5. Hike to Viewpoints for Stunning Island Panoramas

Hiking is a great way to explore Koh Tao’s lush interior and enjoy breathtaking views.

🥾 John-Suwan Viewpoint – panoramic views of the island’s southern tip

🥾 Love Koh Tao Viewpoint – café and sunrise spot

🥾 Mango Viewpoint – quiet and scenic, best at sunset

🥾 Fraggle Rock – off-the-beaten-path for adventurers

Wear sturdy shoes and bring water—it gets hot!

6. Experience the Koh Tao Nightlife

While not as wild as Koh Phangan, Koh Tao offers laid-back beach parties, fire shows, and music.

🍻 Fizz Beach Lounge, Fishbowl Beach Bar, and Maya Beach Club

🔥 Fire dancers on Sairee Beach after sunset

🎧 Monthly Silent Disco and jungle parties inland

7. Take a Thai Cooking Class

Want to bring the flavors of Thailand home with you? Join a local cooking class in Koh Tao.

🍛 Learn to make pad Thai, green curry, mango sticky rice, and more

👩‍🍳 Classes available at Thai Cooking with Joy and Blue Chilli Cooking School

8. Explore by Kayak or Paddleboard

Many beaches offer kayak and SUP rentals so you can explore the coastline and nearby coves.

🛶 Paddle to Shark Bay, Ao Leuk, or around Koh Nang Yuan

🧘 Great for sunrise or sunset sessions

Where to Stay in Koh Tao

Whether you’re traveling on a budget or seeking luxury, Koh Tao has a wide range of accommodation.

Budget:

The Dearly Koh Tao Hostel

Summer Guesthouse

Indie Hostel Koh Tao

Mid-range:

Koh Tao Cabana

Simple Life Resort

Taatoh Seaview Resort

Luxury:

Jamahkiri Resort & Spa

Cape Shark Villas

The Tarna Align Resort

Tip: Book early in high season (December–March, July–August).

How to Get to Koh Tao

🚤 By Ferry

Koh Tao is accessible by ferry from several locations:

From Koh Samui (1.5–2 hrs)

From Koh Phangan (1 hr)

From Chumphon (2 hrs)

Ferry companies: Lomprayah, Seatran, Songserm

✈️ By Plane

Nearest airports: Koh Samui or Chumphon

From the airport, take a transfer to the ferry pier

Best Time to Visit Koh Tao

3-Day Suggested Itinerary for Koh Tao

Day 1:

Arrive and relax on Sairee Beach

Sunset at John-Suwan Viewpoint

Fire show and dinner on the beach

Day 2:

Full-day snorkel tour (Shark Bay, Ao Leuk, Koh Nang Yuan)

Explore Koh Nang Yuan Viewpoint

Dinner at a cliffside restaurant

Day 3:

Thai cooking class or yoga session

Kayak to a hidden beach

Watch the sunset from Mango Viewpoint

Depart by evening ferry

Responsible Travel Tips

🐢 Don’t touch or step on coral

🧴 Use reef-safe sunscreen

🚯 Avoid single-use plastics—carry a refillable bottle

🐠 Never feed marine life

🙌 Support local dive schools and eco-resorts