Koh Tao

One of the world's top islands for dive certifications, with the three-island viewpoint of Koh Nang Yuan and whale sharks at Sail Rock — a popular place to earn your Open Water certificate.

Koh Tao (Turtle Island) lies in the Gulf of Thailand off Surat Thani Province and belongs to Ko Pha-ngan District. About 70 km north of Koh Samui and 40 km north of Koh Pha-ngan, it covers around 21 km² and takes its name from its turtle-like shape. It is one of the places that issue the most PADI dive certifications in the world, with dozens of dive schools; Open Water (OW) courses take 3–4 days and are cheap by Southeast Asian standards. The surrounding dive sites have shallow water and gentle currents, ranging from beginner to advanced — Japanese Gardens at Koh Nang Yuan, Shark Bay, Chumphon Pinnacle, Sail Rock and more — and in the right season you may even meet whale sharks. Sairee Beach on the west coast is the hub for accommodation and nightlife, Mae Haad is the main pier, Chalok Baan Kao in the south is quiet, and Tanote Bay, Ao Leuk, Shark Bay and Hin Wong Bay on the east coast, plus Mango Bay at the northern tip, are best for snorkeling. Koh Nang Yuan, a trio of islets 1 km to the northwest, is the island's iconic sight. Seasons: Mar–Sep offers the best sea conditions and visibility; Oct–Dec brings the northeast monsoon, with rough seas, some ferry cancellations and poor swimming conditions on the east coast. Getting there: take a Lomprayah high-speed ferry from Koh Samui (about 1.5–2 hours, via Koh Pha-ngan) or a speedboat from Chumphon (about 1.5–2 hours); from Bangkok there are combined bus-and-boat tickets and night boats. Roads on the island are steep and winding, so most people get around on foot, by pickup taxi or by longtail boat; renting a motorbike is not recommended for inexperienced riders. Stay 3–5 days, and at least 4 nights if taking a course. Tips: choose a well-reviewed dive school and confirm your insurance; don't fly within 18–24 hours of diving; fresh water comes from desalination, so use it sparingly; and take care of your personal safety at night parties.

Top sights

• Ko Nang Yuan – Three small islands joined by a white sandbar. The viewpoint at the top offers the classic image of “three connected islands”, one of the m…
• Sairee Beach – The longest beach on Ko Tao, with about 2 km of white sand lined with dive schools, bars and guesthouses. Sunsets and fire shows are the ni…
• Shark Bay (Ao Thian Ok) – A bay on the southeast coast of Koh Tao, where snorkellers can spot blacktip reef sharks and sea turtles right off the beach. It is the isl…
• Mango Bay (Ao Mamuang) – A secluded bay at the northern tip of Koh Tao that is hard to reach by land. Its exceptionally clear water makes it a classic snorkelling a…
• Mango Viewpoint – A viewpoint on the northern ridge of Koh Tao overlooking Mango Bay and the distant Nang Yuan Island. It is reached on foot or by off-road m…
• John-Suwan Viewpoint – A viewpoint atop giant boulders at the southern tip of Koh Tao, offering a single vista over both Shark Bay and Chalok Baan Kao Bay.
• Freedom Beach – A small, hidden beach at the southern end of Koh Tao, with fine white sand, protective reefs, and good snorkelling. It is often visited tog…
• Chalok Baan Kao Bay – A large, shallow bay on the southern coast of Koh Tao with many dive schools and restaurants. It suits beginners taking certification cours…
• Tanote Bay – A bay on the eastern coast of Koh Tao, ringed by giant boulders. It is known for snorkelling and cliff jumping, and a central reef can be s…
• Aow Leuk – A small bay at the southeastern corner of Koh Tao. Beyond the sand lies coral reef, the water is a bright emerald green, and it is good for…
• Hin Wong Bay – A rocky bay on the northeastern coast of Koh Tao with no real beach, but excellent underwater visibility that suits quiet snorkelling.
• Sai Nuan Beach – Two hidden little beaches south of Mae Haad Pier that can only be reached on foot along a footpath or by boat. A good place to escape the c…
• Mae Haad – The village around Koh Tao's main pier, where ferries arrive and where you will find currency exchange, car and scooter rental, and boat tr…
• Love Koh Tao Viewpoint – A viewpoint on a hilltop in central Koh Tao, from which you can see the sea on both the west coast at Sairee Beach and the east coast at Ta…
• Sail Rock (Hin Bai) – An isolated giant rock in the sea between Koh Tao and Koh Phangan, one of the best dive sites in the Gulf of Thailand. It is famous for its…
• Chumphon Pinnacle – An underwater pinnacle about 11 kilometres northwest of Koh Tao, covered in anemones and dense with fish. It is the island's most popular d…

Where to eat

• 995 Roasted Duck Noodles – A budget roast duck noodle shop on Sairee's main road; roast duck rice and spicy-broth duck noodles are the affordable…
• Barracuda Rooftop – An established seafood fusion restaurant in Sairee, opened in 2010, with a rooftop terrace overlooking the sea and the…
• Lotus Beach Bar – A sunset restaurant and bar on the sand at Sairee Beach, known for its northern Thai khao soi and nightly fire shows.
• Blue Chair Thai Restaurant – A family-run Thai eatery on Sairee's main road, with blue wooden tables, where curries and stir-fries are cheap and aut…

Itineraries

• Gulf of Thailand Trio: Koh Tao, Koh Phangan & Koh Samui – Take an overnight bus and ferry to Koh Tao for diving, pass through Koh Phangan, and fly out from Koh Samui on a seamle…