Beaches
Sairee Beach
Koh Tao
Longest beach with sunset bars.
Thailand · Surat Thani · Gulf of Thailand
Koh Tao
A small granite island known worldwide for learning to dive and snorkelling bays.
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Explore Koh Tao
Best of Koh Tao:
10 placesKoh Tao & nearby
Beaches
Freedom Beach
Koh Tao
Small hidden beach.
Attractions
Koh Nang Yuan
Koh Tao
Three linked islands.
Attractions
John-Suwan Viewpoint
Koh Tao
Viewpoint over two bays.
Attractions
Tanote Bay
Koh Tao
Snorkelling bay.
Culture
King Rama V Rock
Koh Tao
Royal monogram rock.
Shopping
Mae Haad village
Mae Haad
Harbour village shops.
City life
Sairee bars
Koh Tao
Beach bars and nightlife.
Transport
Mae Haad Pier
Koh Tao
Main ferry pier.
Transport
Chumphon Bus Terminal (mainland)
Mainland · Chumphon
Mainland terminal with VIP coaches from Bangkok; ferries continue to Koh Tao.
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Map locations are approximate. Nearby excursions are labelled; check venue access, opening days and sea conditions before visiting.
Don’t miss
Top 10 attractions in Koh Tao
Three islands joined by sandbars; entrance fee.
The longest beach, with sunset bars.
A famous viewpoint over two bays.
A snorkelling bay where small reef sharks may be seen.
A rocky bay for snorkelling.
A clear-water bay.
A small hidden beach.
Many dive schools; check safety and reviews.
A deep offshore dive site.
A quiet bay in the north.
Heritage & traditions
Top 10 culture in Koh Tao
The name “Koh Tao” means Turtle Island.
A rock with a royal monogram from an 1899 visit.
Local coral restoration groups.
The island’s Buddhist temple.
The busy harbour village.
The island’s main village with shops.
Local curries and seafood.
Small fishing communities.
Classes in island schools.
Local Thai boxing training.
Geography
Small island
Koh Tao is about 21 km² of granite hills and bays north of Koh Phangan.
Weather
Best diving from March to September; heavier rain from October to December.
Culture & heritage
Island community
Once a political prison island, Koh Tao grew as a fishing and coconut island before diving.
Protect the reef
Do not touch or stand on coral, use reef-safe sunscreen and take rubbish back with you.
City life: bars & restaurants
Bars & nightlife
Sairee Beach has sunset bars and fire shows.
Restaurants
International and Thai food in Sairee and Mae Haad.
To, from & around Koh Tao
To & from Koh Tao
Ferries from Chumphon (about 1.5–2 hours), Koh Phangan and Koh Samui. Joint bus-and-boat tickets come from Bangkok.
Getting around
Taxis and scooters; roads are steep and rough.