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    Koh Tao

    Thailand

    Koh Tao

    City

    Koh Tao is the smallest of the three well-known islands in the Gulf of Thailand and thrives mainly on diving.

    by Felix Gillen

    1. Home
    3. Destinations
    5. Thailand
    7. Gulf of Thailand Coast
    9. Koh Tao
    Koh Tao is the smallest of the three well-known islands in the Gulf of Thailand and thrives mainly on diving. Short boat rides to dive sites and numerous dive schools make the island one of the world's most important locations for dive training.The main arrival point is the pier of Mae Haad; the largest area is along the long Sairee Beach on the west coast. To the south, Chalok Baan Kao is quieter, while in the east, rocky bays can be reached via steep tracks.Notable dive sites include Chumphon Pinnacle, where lucky divers may spot whale sharks, most likely in April and May, and the rock Sail Rock between Koh Tao and Koh Phangan. In Shark Bay to the southeast, blacktip reef sharks can be observed while snorkeling.Northwest lies Koh Nang Yuan, three rocky islets connected by sandbars. Ferries operate from Chumphon, Koh Phangan, and Koh Samui; however, crossings are occasionally cancelled due to strong winds.

    Sights in Koh Tao

    Discover the most important sights and attractions

    1Koh Nang Yuan

    Three small rocky islands northwest of Koh Tao, connected by sandbanks. In about ten minutes, you climb to the viewpoint above the sand connection. Upon arrival at the pier, you pay an entrance fee (last 250 Baht for adults); single-use plastic, plastic bottles, fins, and water shoes are prohibited, and bags are checked.
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    2John-Suwan-Viewpoint

    Rock viewpoint at the southern tip of the island between the bays of Chalok Baan Kao and Ao Thian Ok (Shark Bay). The ascent is short but steep, ending on a granite dome with views of both bays. Sturdy shoes are recommended.
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    3Sairee Beach

    The island's longest beach on the west coast, home to most dive schools, accommodations, and bars. The shallow water is ideal for initial snorkeling. Evenings shift to beach bars; by day, dive boats dominate the view.
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    4Ao Thian Ok (Shark Bay)

    A bay on the southeast coast, where blacktip reef sharks cruise close to shore. You can observe them while snorkeling; keep your distance and don't touch corals.
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    5Hin Wong Bay

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    Essen & Trinken

    1

    Idjangs Kitchen & Thai cookery courses

    Restaurant in Jitsin village.
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    2

    VegetaBowl

    Café in 9 Haat Sairee 281 Koh Tao Koh Phangan Chang Wat Surat Thani 84360.
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    3

    The Gallery Restaurant | Thai Cuisine | Fine Dining

    Restaurant in The Gallery Restaurant.
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    4

    Lung Pae

    Restaurant in 29/10 หมู่ที่ 3 Tambon Ko Tao.
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    5

    Greasy Spoon

    Restaurant in 2.
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    Food and Beverages

    Because almost everything arrives by boat, prices are higher than mainland levels. You'll eat cheapest at the Thai canteens and stalls in Mae Haad, while Sairee's beachfront promenade mainly offers international menus. The small market in Mae Haad is the place for breakfast and takeaways.

    Chargrilled Fish and Cuttlefish

    Prepared evenings over charcoal, charged by weight. Selection is largest once the boats land.

    Khao Man Gai

    Cooked chicken on rice with ginger-chilli sauce and a side of broth. A standard dish in lunch canteens.

    Massaman Curry

    Mild curry with peanuts and potatoes, of Southern Thai origin and one of the few non-spicy curry varieties.

    Fruit Shakes

    Freshly blended mango, watermelon or pineapple. Order without syrup if you prefer it unsweetened.

    Market in Mae Haad

    Small fresh market at the ferry pier with fruit, street food, and grilled skewers. Best selection mornings.

    Culture and Living

    From Prison Island to Dive HavenFor a long time, Koh Tao was sparsely populated. From 1933, the island served as a prison for political prisoners; in 1947, all inmates were pardoned and moved to the mainland. Afterwards, the few residents lived from coconut plantations and fishing, until dive tourism transformed the island.Limited ResourcesElectricity and fresh water are frequently scarce on the small island. Careful water use and avoiding single-use plastics significantly ease the strain on infrastructure. When diving and snorkeling, remember: do not touch corals and take nothing.

    Getting Here and Exploring Locally

    Arrival is by ferry, mostly from Chumphon on the mainland or from Koh Phangan and Koh Samui. There is no airport on the island. In strong winds, especially during the peak rainy season in October and November, connections are cancelled or delayed. Therefore, do not plan a connecting flight from the mainland for the day after your crossing.On the island, songthaews run from Mae Haad to Sairee and Chalok Baan Kao; the routes are short and prices are fixed per person. Scooters are common, but the roads to the east coast are sometimes extremely steep and not comparable to side streets; it's not advisable without experience. Check rental scooters before taking possession and document existing damage with photos, as disputes over alleged new damage upon return on Koh Tao are a known problem. Never hand over your passport as collateral.For hard-to-reach bays and Koh Nang Yuan, water taxis are the simpler solution. The cheapest travel time is between late January and April; the rain pattern of the Gulf Coast is opposite to that of the Andaman Coast.

    Accommodations in Koh Tao

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    Nearby

    Koh Phangan

    Koh Phangan

    Koh Phangan lies in the Gulf of Thailand between Koh Samui and Koh Tao. The island became known through the Full Moon Party on Haad Rin beach in the south, but most of it is quiet: wooded hill country fills the interior, and individual bays lie along the edges.The main arrival point is the harbour of Thong Sala with the island's largest market. On the west coast around Srithanu, a yoga and wellness scene has settled, and in the north-east lie Thong Nai Pan and Bottle Beach, which can only be reached by boat or on foot.In the east, the Than Sadet Waterfall drops through the forest; King Chulalongkorn visited it several times, and his initials are carved into a rock. Hiking trails lead up Khao Ra, at 635 metres the highest point on the island.Ferries run from Surat Thani, Koh Samui and Koh Tao. The roads in the island's interior are in places very steep, and for some stretches pick-up taxis are the safer choice compared with a scooter. Around the full moon, accommodation in Haad Rin is booked out early.
    Ang Thong Marine National Park

    Ang Thong Marine National Park

    The Ang Thong Marine National Park comprises 42 islands in the Gulf of Thailand, located approximately 30 kilometers northwest of Koh Samui. Established in 1980, it spans over 100 square kilometers, with about half of that being land.The landscape features steep, forested limestone islands and saltwater lakes in the interior, such as the emerald-green Lake Thale Nai on Koh Mae Ko. Koh Wua Talap hosts the park headquarters, bungalows, and a steep path to a viewpoint. The park gained wider recognition through Alex Garland's novel The Beach.Access is restricted to authorized tour operators, with most visitors arriving via day trips from Koh Samui or Koh Phangan. Annually, the park closes for recuperation from approximately November 1st to December 15th.
    Koh Samui

    Koh Samui

    Koh Samui, Thailand's second-largest after Phuket, is the Gulf's most developed, with its airport, ring road, and lodging from basic bungalows to large resorts. The east coast (Chaweng, Lamai) drives tourism; the south and mountainous, palm-filled interior is calmer. Beyond beaches, the Big Buddha, Wat Plai Laem temple, and island waterfalls merit a visit. Planning note: Samui's rain patterns differ from the Andaman Coast, with most rain from mid-October to early December.
    Gulf of Thailand Coast

    Gulf of Thailand Coast

    The Gulf of Thailand coast here stretches from Hua Hin south of Bangkok, via Chumphon and Surat Thani, down to Songkhla. It includes beach resorts like Hua Hin, tranquil fishing villages, and the island group of Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao.The beaches are mostly shallow, and the sea is calmer than on the Andaman Coast. Important for planning: The southern Gulf receives most rain from October to December, which is when the season starts on the Andaman Coast. In May and June, it's the opposite, making the Gulf the better choice.Trains, buses, and highways run parallel along the coast. You can reach the islands by ferry from Chumphon, Surat Thani, and Don Sak.
    Nam Talu Cave

    Nam Talu Cave

    The **Nam Talu Cave** is a river cave in Khao Sok National Park on Cheow Lan Lake. A stream flows through the limestone mountain, with the path often leading through water: knee-deep, sometimes deeper, and some sections requiring swimming. Inside, you'll find stalactites and bats.Access is by boat and hike, usually as a day trip from one of the raft houses. A **licensed guide is mandatory**.The reason is serious: Eight tourists died in a flash flood in the cave in October 2007, and a guide in August 2024. The cave is therefore closed from June 1 to November 30; even outside this period, it can close at short notice after rain.You should bring shoes that can get wet and provide grip, a headlamp, and waterproof packed items. If you cannot swim or tolerate confined spaces poorly, you should skip the tour.

    Sources & method

    • Photos: Unsplash. Each photo carries its credit.
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