Top things to do in paradise island Koh Tao
Koh Tao is the smallest and most remote paradise island of the Gulf of Thailand, and in this post we tell you about the best things to do during the day and night, the best diving sites, and how to get there. Due to its shape, its name means “turtle”, and it’s located about forty km north of Koh Phangan.
Its popularity has increased in recent years, thanks to its coral reef, the blue waters and its interesting variety of affordable accommodations. While the rainy season is between September and November, the peak season is from December to March/April.
Because of its deep waters, relatively close to the shore, and the wide range of corals and tropical fishes, Koh Tao is the undisputed premier diving destination in Thailand.
Some more info about the island
Baan Mae Haad is the main village and it is where the main harbour is. On both sides of the harbour there are small beaches with a few resorts and the entire area is surrounded by shops, restaurants, supermarkets, travel agencies and bars. North west of the harbour, Sai Ree beach stretches to 2 kms and this area is where most accommodations, dive centres, shops bars and restaurants are found.
Ao Mamuang is on the north coast and since it’s only reachable by boat, it’s one of the best places for snorkelling. Koh Nang Yuan lies on the north-west coast and used to be a detention centre for political prisoners.
It’s made up of three little teardrops of land connected by a massive sandbar, and thanks to its white sand beaches, the corals and the fishes, it’s the best option for a day trip from Ko Tao. No plastic bottles are allowed and the beverages must be purchased there.
If you are planning to stay overnight here, the only resort in the area is Nang Yuan Resort and it’s quite expensive. The picturesque bay Ao Tanote on the east coast can be reached by an extremely steep and adventurous concrete road.
Enjoy the most amazing sunsets ever
It’s no secret that Ko Tao hosts breathtaking sunsets and Sai Ree beach gets very populated at sunset time every day, when locals and tourists stop their activities to enjoy the incredible colours of the sky, while the sun slowly sinks into the ocean.
You may just watch this spectacular moment while sitting on the beach, or you may prefer to sip a cocktail in one of the many Sai Ree beach bars, while listening to a live performing dj.
Another great spot to enjoy sunsets is the Sunset View bar, located up on a steep hill off the road running between the pier and Sairee beach.
How to move around. Watch the speed bumps!!
We rented a motorbike on arrival, right in the main street of Baan Mae Haad and even though we had no problems with the shop, like most of the tourists in Ko Tao, we got a flat tire after just a couple of hours.
We soon realised the reason why so many people experience this problem in Ko Tao: locals remove part of the speed bumps on the streets, so you believe it is easier to drive through where the street is flat and you do not notice they removed only the covers, but not the sharp screws underneath and…ooooops…the tire is now flat!
We did not understand if the speed bumps are removed on purpose or not, because scooters rentals and repairing are undoubtedly one of the major business in this area. However, the good news is that there are several repairing spots along the main street, at a relatively short walking distance.
When you rent a scooter, you will be asked to leave your passport until you return the vehicle, as a guarantee.
They do it because when you leave the island on a car ferry, nobody checks if the passengers with scooters are the real owners and, unfortunately every year many farangs are reported to steal scooters to continue their trip in other areas of Thailand.
Due to the fact that the rental shops hold your passport, in case you get a flat tire, we suggest you to get it fixed before you return the scooter, because otherwise they will probably charge you more, if you want to have your passport back.
Scuba diving
Ko Tao is considered a diving paradise and offers a good choice of diving schools, where it is possible to attend a three day standard course, after which you are given a certificate that allows you to dive to a depth of 18 meters.
You may choose between a SSI course or a PADI course and you will be able to find options from about 10000 baht, including accommodation.
The first morning and the second one are normally dedicated to the theory and while on the first afternoon the practical part is in a swimming pool, on the second and third day, the dives are in open waters.
The most renewed schools are: Pura Vida Diving, Bans, Big Blue, Buddha View, Crystal, New Way, Scuba Junction and Simple Life.
The best diving sites
Japanese Gardens, Twin Peaks, White Rock, Green Rock, as well as Sattukut, where photographers are able to capture a piece of history, while swimming around the intact gun turrets, helm and hull. Last but not least, Chumpon Pinnacle is a popular dive site located north-west of Koh Tao, where barracudas and whale sharks are often spotted during the season.
If you are not into diving, you may also decide to buy an around-the-island-day trip, that includes snorkeling. You may arrange this trip from Sai Ree beach and the price goes from 20$ to 60$ aprox, depending on if you share the boat or if you prefer a private one. You may also hire the snorkeling equipment for 8/10$. Do not forget to use a lot of waterproof sunscreeen to avoid sunburns.
What to do at night
Lotus Bar and Maya Beach Club are the main night spots to meet fellow travellers and they are both located on Sai Ree beach.
How to get to Koh Tao
The island has no airport, so it must be reached by ferry boat from: CHUMPON, SURAT THANI, KO PHANGAN or KO SAMUI.
Therefore, if you are in Bangkok, you need to reach one of those destinations first and then take a ferry to Koh Tao.
By ferry
Note: if you travel with your motorbike, the best option is to travel to Chumpon and take a car ferry from there.
Chumpton has 2 piers, Ao Thung Makham Noi, 25 kms south of the city, served by Lomprayah Lomprayah Website and Pak Nam, 14 kms southeast of Chumpon, served by Songserm Express Songserm Website.
From Surat Thani the trip is much longer and the boat goes via Samui and Ko Phangan. Many travellers start the journey in Samui and then they visit Ko Phangan and Ko Tao afterwards. The company serving this route is Songserm Express.
From Samui speedboats of Lomprayah are originated in the north, in Bangrak, Bophut and Maenam, while Songserm Express leaves from Na Thon.
From Ko Phangan all boats depart from Thong Sala pier. Songserm Express is cheaper but slower, while Lomprayah has a catamaran and a speedboat.
From Bangkok by plane + ferry
You need to fly to Chumphon, to Surat Thani or to Samui and then take a ferry as explained here above.
From Bangkok by bus + ferry
The easiest option is to buy a ticket including bus + ferry in any of the agencies in Kao San Road, although, let me warn you, this will be more expensive. If you are on a shoestring but with plenty of time at disposal, you may then want to go by bus from Bangkok Southern Terminal to Chumphon and once there you may purchase a ferry ticket to Koh Tao.
From Bangkok by train + ferry
Koh Tao has no railway, therefore, if you opt for a train journey, you will need to reach Chumphon from Bangkok and once there, you may purchase your ferry ticket to the island. Hua Lamphong train station in Bangkok may be reached straight from Suvarnabhumi Airport. There are 8 daily trains connecting Bangkok to Chumpon. You may either choose a regular seat or a sleeper (advisable if you travel during the night) and the cost is between 10$ and 40$ depending on the class. Click here to check the timetable.
Have you been to Koh Tao? How was your experience there?
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