15 Best Things To Do in Koh Tao in 2026

Scuba diving will always be the main attraction on Koh Tao, but there are many more things to do on the island besides getting certified. I lived on Koh Tao, completed my Scuba Divemaster training here and I have visited Koh Tao more than 10 times. That also means I explored a lot of the island above the surface and found plenty of Koh Tao activities that most people miss.

This is my personal list of the best things to do in Koh Tao in 2026. I also checked the latest updates with friends who still live on the island, so this guide is not just personal, but also up to date.

Even after visiting more than 150 countries, Thailand is still one of my favorite countries to travel to. In total I have been to Thailand more than 20 times and I am excited to share the best travel tips for your Koh Tao trip.

On Traveltomtom you can find Thailand itineraries, island hopping itineraries, Bangkok tips, what to bring to Thailand, tips on how to find cheap domestic flights in Thailand and many more travel blogs about Thailand.

I have been scuba diving in Koh Tao since 2009 and later returned to do my Divemaster training here. Unfortunately, because of constant ear problems from scuba diving (which eventually ended with an eardrum surgery in Paris), I also spent a lot of time exploring the island without diving and building a list of my favorite Koh Tao activities.

Table of Contents

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1. Visit Koh Nang Yuan (The Most Famous Day Trip from Koh Tao)

Koh Nang Yuan is the most iconic thing to do in Koh Tao. Located just a few hundred meters off the coast, this small group of three islands connected by a white sandbar is one of the most photographed places in Thailand.

While the beaches and snorkeling are beautiful, the real highlight is the Koh Nang Yuan viewpoint. A short stair climb takes you to the top where you get the famous panoramic view over the sandbar and turquoise water. This is the picture everyone associates with Koh Tao.

How to Get to Koh Nang Yuan

The easiest way to visit Koh Nang Yuan is by taxi boat from Sairee Beach. Boats operate throughout the day and a return ticket should cost around 350 THB per person. Many snorkeling tours also include Koh Nang Yuan as a stop.

Koh Nang Yuan Entrance Fee & Opening Hours

There is an entrance fee of 250 THB ($8 USD) per person. The island closes at 5 PM, so plan your visit accordingly. Arriving early in the morning helps you avoid the biggest crowds.

Best Time to Visit Koh Nang Yuan

To enjoy the viewpoint without large tour groups, aim to arrive before 9 AM or later in the afternoon. Midday can get crowded, especially in high season. Early morning light also makes the sandbar colors stand out beautifully in photos.

2. Hike the Coast from Mae Haad to Chalok (My Insider Favorite)

If you ask me what to do in Koh Tao besides scuba diving, this is the first thing I would recommend. This coastal walk is one of the most underrated things to do in Koh Tao and hardly mentioned in other travel guides.

It seems almost impossible to escape the crowds on a small tourist island like Koh Tao, but this hike proves that you can. The footpath follows the coastline from Mae Haad to Chalok and takes you past hidden bays, remote beaches, palm forests, small (abandoned) resorts and incredible viewpoints.

The hike along the west coast is just a footpath only so you wont see any traffic nor big groups of tourists.

Route Overview

Start at Mae Haad pier and head south with the ocean on your right. The trail passes through Sensi Paradise Resort and Charm Churee before descending to Jansom Bay. The path is easy to follow and accessible for most fitness levels. Expect a mix of dirt paths, stairs and short uphill sections.

Jansom Bay

Jansom Bay is only a 15-minute walk from Mae Haad and already feels like a different world. Officially there is an entrance fee, but if you are just walking through or taking a short swim, it is usually relaxed. Floating on one of the anchored rafts offshore is one of the most peaceful moments you can have in Koh Tao.

Sai Nuan Beach

Continue along the coast towards Sai Nuan Beach. During the middle of the day taxi boats bring visitors here, there is no road access. Around sunset the beach becomes quiet and is mostly deserted. This is one of my favorite places on the island to end the day.

Sai Nuan Beach is also where many Koh Tao snorkel tours come in the afternoon.

Just around the corner there is Sai Nuan 2, a less stunning version of its bigger brother, but famous for its Banana Rock restaurant. Banana Rock sells exactly that what you are looking for to chill all day.

Tao Thong & the Hidden Skybar

From Sai Nuan you need to continue uphill, inland a bit. At the top of the hill you will see two signs Skybar (left) and Tao Thong Bay (right) to continue your coastal walk.

If you turn left and walk uphill for 5 minutes you will find a small hippie shack with a fantastic ocean views. The bar is painted in the most hallucinating neon pink luminous colors.

It is raw, quiet and feels like discovering something you were not supposed to find.

Descending towards Tao Thong Bay via the stairs brings you to a rocky outlet/peninsula with small but stunning beaches on either side. You can only reach here on foot so it is very quiet and deserted.,

Tao Thong is one of the most peaceful corners of Koh Tao. Small oceanfront bungalows, hammocks between trees and fruit shakes with a sea view. The island life feeling does not get much better than here.

From here an elevated concrete walkway will guide you to a small beach Tao Thong 2. A remote hippie spot.

If you ask me what is the best area to stay in Koh Tao I would love to send you to Tao Thong area but there is literally nothing around, just serenity.

My tip: leave your luggage somewhere in a hotel and book yourself a simple bungalow on the beach for 1-2 nights and do absolutely nothing!

Extend the Hike to Chalok Viewpoint

If you still have energy, continue through the forest path toward Chalok Bay viewpoint. From here you get panoramic views across Koh Tao and even Koh Phangan in the distance. Ending the hike here makes it one of the most complete island experiences you can have.

If you love hiking then check out all my favorite hiking trails and viewpoints in Koh Tao.

This coastal walk is not just another activity. It is the Koh Tao most people never see. Every time I bring someone here, their reaction is the same: “Why does no one talk about this?”

3. Watch the Sunset at Mango Bay Viewpoint

Koh Tao sunsets are famous, and Mango Bay Viewpoint is one of the best places to experience them from above. While Sairee Beach offers an easy beachfront sunset with beach bars and beanbags, Mango Bay gives you a more elevated and panoramic perspective.

The hike from Sairee Beach takes approximately 40–60 minutes uphill. The return downhill is much faster. From the top, you get sweeping views over Sairee Beach and the west coast of Koh Tao as the sky turns orange and pink.

If you want a more adventurous sunset experience away from the beach crowds, Mango Bay Viewpoint is a rewarding choice. For a full overview of all hiking options, check out my guide to the best hikes in Koh Tao.

4. Visit John-Suwan Viewpoint, Freedom Beach & Shark Bay

At the southern tip of Koh Tao lies one of the most scenic areas on the island. A narrow peninsula only a few hundred meters wide connects three small beaches and one of the best viewpoints in Koh Tao: the famous John-Suwan Viewpoint.

Compared to Mango Bay Viewpoint, this one feels less crowded and more rewarding. The short but steep climb leads to a spectacular panoramic view over Chalok Bay and Shark Bay. The entrance fee is 100 THB and absolutely worth it.

John-Suwan viewpoint is not only great for sunset, but also an incredible spot for sunrise.

Freedom Beach Koh Tao

Freedom Beach is the most popular beach in this area. The soft white sand and clear turquoise water make it a beautiful spot to relax or swim. Because it is small, it can get crowded during the day, especially in high season.

If you prefer something quieter, walk a little further.

Taa Toh Beach

Just around the corner from Freedom Beach is Taa Toh Beach. Follow the concrete shoreline path and you will reach a more peaceful stretch of sand. The crystal clear water along the walkway makes this short walk part of the experience itself.

Taa Toh Beach feels more authentic and less busy and is in my opinion a much better places to enjoy than Freedom Beach.

Snorkeling at Shark Bay (Taa Cha Bay)

On the opposite side of the peninsula you will find Taa Cha Bay, located within Shark Bay. Access is through OK II Bungalows via a staircase leading down toward the sea.

This is one of the best snorkeling spots in Koh Tao. The shallow reef and sandy bottom make it a good place to potentially spot small reef sharks, we called them baby sharks, hence the name of the bay.

If you are wondering what to do in Koh Tao besides diving, snorkeling at Shark Bay is an easy answer.

How to Get There

The easiest way to reach John-Suwan Viewpoint and the surrounding beaches is by scooter from Sairee Beach or Mae Haad. The road is steep in sections, so only rent a motorbike if you are experienced and confident riding. Alternatively, you can arrange a taxi pickup to drop you near the viewpoint entrance.

For sunrise lovers, this southern peninsula is also one of the best places on the island to start your day.

5. Watch the Sunrise at Love Koh Tao Viewpoint

If you are willing to wake up early, this is one of the most rewarding things to do in Koh Tao. The Love Koh Tao viewpoint near Tanote Bay offers one of the best sunrise views on the island.

Just before the road descends toward Tanote Bay, look for a concrete road heading uphill on the left. From here it is a short ride or walk to the viewpoint. Facing east, the platform overlooks the open sea and on clear mornings you can even see the silhouette of Koh Phangan in the distance.

If you come by scooter then the last couple hundred meters is very steep and some people decide to leave the scooter on the side of the road and walk.

Even if you are not a morning person, watching the sun slowly rise over the ocean makes it worth the early alarm. It is peaceful, quiet and a completely different atmosphere from Koh Tao’s busy beach afternoons.

6. Renting a Motorbike in Koh Tao

Renting a motorbike is the most flexible way to explore Koh Tao. It gives you access to hidden bays, remote viewpoints and beaches that are difficult to reach otherwise.

However, this is also one of the biggest safety risks on the island. Koh Tao has steep hills, sandy corners and uneven roads. Every year many tourists end up with road rash after underestimating the terrain.

Unfortunately, scooter rental scams can happen in Koh Tao, just like in many Southeast Asian destinations. Always inspect the bike carefully before renting, take photos of existing scratches. Avoid leaving your passport as a deposit although in reality most rentals demand it.

For more on transport safety, road risks and practical precautions while traveling around Koh Tao, check out my detailed safety guide on how safe Koh Tao really is.

If you want detailed advice on safe rental shops and how to avoid problems, read my complete guide on renting a motorbike with insurance in Koh Tao.

For experienced riders, a motorbike opens up the island. But if you are unsure, Koh Tao is not the place to learn how to ride.

7. Experience the Nightlife in Koh Tao

Koh Tao may be famous for diving, but the island also has a surprisingly lively nightlife scene. Most bars and clubs are concentrated around Sairee Beach and Mae Haad, making it easy to move between venues in one night.

Beach Bars on Sairee

Sairee Beach is the heart of Koh Tao nightlife. Fishbowl (BANS Diving) is often the busiest beachfront bar, known for drinking games, loud music and dancing right on the sand. You like Beerpong? Definitely go to Fishbowl.

Nearby, Lotus Bar keeps the party going under its iconic leaning palm tree with fire dance shows all night long.

For a more relaxed sunset-to-evening vibe, Fizz Beach Lounge offers beanbags and cocktails with ocean views. It is perfect for starting your night slowly before heading to louder spots. Fizz Beach is my favorite sunset bar on Sairee Beach.

Clubs and Late-Night Party Spots

Choppers is a well-known sports bar and the home of the Koh Tao Pub Crawl. It is a popular meeting point for backpackers and a great place to watch live sports before continuing the night elsewhere.

The Local regularly hosts big party nights, karaoke and quiz events. It is a good option if you are not sure where to go and want an easy place to mingle.

Sunset Cocktails & Unique Experiences

Maya Beach Club in Mae Haad is ideal for sunset cocktails with a slightly more upscale beach atmosphere. It transitions from daytime chill spot into lively evening venue.

For something different, Queen’s Cabaret offers colorful performances and entertainment, adding a touch of glamour to your night out. Think: Ladyboy shows!

The Smoking Dead stands out with its quirky Mexican zombie-themed décor and strong craft beer selection. It attracts a social crowd, especially around sunset.

8. Scuba Diving and Snorkeling in Koh Tao

Scuba diving is the number one reason travelers visit Koh Tao. The island is widely known as one of the cheapest and most popular places in the world to get PADI certified.

I completed my Divemaster training in Koh Tao at BANS Diving many years ago. I got certified years earlier (2008) in the Caribbean. Living on the island and being within the dive community gave me a completely different perspective on why Koh Tao feels so unique.

Why Dive in Koh Tao?

Koh Tao offers warm water, good visibility and a huge number of dive schools. The community atmosphere makes it easy to meet people and connect with fellow travelers.

Koh Tao is considered the cheapest place in the world to get your scuba dive certification. Price for a 3-4 day course is around $250 USD. 

• Affordable Open Water certifications
• Beginner-friendly dive sites
• Large international dive community
• Year-round diving conditions

Best Snorkeling Spots

If you do not want to scuba dive, snorkeling is an excellent alternative. Popular snorkeling areas include Shark Bay, Mango Bay and Ao Leuk. Many boat tours circle the island and stop at multiple reefs in one day.

Koh Tao is one of the destinations I listed among the best scuba diving destinations in the world.

9. Muay Thai Training in Koh Tao

If you want to stay active during your trip, joining a Muay Thai class in Koh Tao is a great experience. Whether you are a beginner or already trained, local gyms offer daily classes for all levels.

Popular options include Island Muay Thai and Monsoon Gym & Fight Club. Training sessions are intense but welcoming, and it is a fun way to learn more about Thailand’s national sport.

10. Stay Fit at the Gym

If you do not want to skip your workouts while traveling, Koh Tao has modern fitness facilities with air conditioning and proper equipment. Gym & Fitness near Sairee Beach is one of the most popular options, and there are also CrossFit-style classes available.

It is a solid indoor activity, especially during the rainy season.

11. Get a Traditional Thai Massage

Getting a Thai massage is almost mandatory when visiting Thailand. On Koh Tao you will find massage shops all around the island offering one-hour sessions for around 400 THB.

It is the perfect way to relax after diving, hiking or a long beach day.

12. Take a Thai Cooking Class

Joining a cooking class in Koh Tao is a fun and practical activity, especially when it rains. Several small cooking schools in the Sairee area offer hands-on classes where you learn to prepare traditional Thai dishes.

A great option were I enjoyed my cooking class in Koh tao was Idjang's Kitchen.

Adventure Activities in Koh Tao

13. Flying Trapeze

If you are looking for something different, the Flying Trapeze park in Sairee Beach offers a surprisingly fun challenge. Professional instructors guide you through the basics, and even beginners can try a few swings.

14. Rock Climbing

Rock climbing in Koh Tao may not be as famous as in Krabi, but there are guided climbing tours available. The island’s rocky coastline provides scenic climbing spots and makes for an adventurous half-day trip.

15. Stand-Up Paddle Boarding at Sunset

Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is a peaceful way to end the day in Koh Tao. Sairee Beach is the best place to rent a board when the sea is calm.

Paddle out during sunset and enjoy the changing colors of the sky from the water. It is a simple but memorable way to experience the island.

Safety Note for Koh Tao

Koh Tao has a complicated reputation online because of past high-profile incidents that received international media attention. It is understandable that travelers researching the island come across these stories and have questions before visiting.

I was on Koh Tao during the period of the 2014 'Koh Tao Murders' case and I have returned many times since. Most travelers experience Koh Tao as a laid-back diving island, but like anywhere in Thailand, smart travel habits matter.

The biggest risks for visitors are usually practical ones such as scooter accidents, alcohol-related mistakes and poor decisions at night.

If safety is a concern for you, I wrote a detailed and honest guide that explains the background, separates perception from reality and shares practical precautions: Is Koh Tao Safe in 2026, including my personal story about the 'Koh Tao Murders'.

Where to stay in Koh Tao

Koh Tao has numerous accommodation options and where to stay in Koh Tao was never so easy. New places are popping up constantly and not only on Booking or Agoda, also check out Airbnb.

Koh Tao has never been the island with a lot of high end luxury hotels and you wont find any big hotel chains here. If you are a luxury traveler then I recommend to check out some of the amazing villas in the hills. Most of them you find on Airbnb.

Important is to book your accommodation close to where you want to be. Some parts of the island are incredibly quiet and deserted, so if you are a young backpacker then these bays are not where you want to book your Koh Tao hotel.

Read all about in my article Where To Stay in Koh Tao and let me help you pick the Koh Tao accommodatioon.

Examples of great places to stay in Koh Tao are:

Luxury: Viking House Villa, Over The Moon KT, The Place Koh Tao

Mid-range: Thalassa, Koh Tao Seaview Resort

Budget: Gecko Republic Jungle Hostel, BP Hostel

Are you coming from Bangkok then check out my blog post about the best way from Bangkok to Koh Tao. I will show you all the options and give you my recommendation. I have done the trip multiple times.

When in the capital and you have seen the top 10 things to do in Bangkok and still have time then check out my list of unusual things to do in Thailand and definitely go on a Co van Kessel cycling tour before you come to Koh Tao.

Island hopping in Thailand

Out of the more than 20 times I have visited Thailand I traveled South to the islands about 15 times. It simply never gets boring, it is the vibe that attracts me the most, the uncomplicated vibe to hang out on the beaches, find cheap but good Thailand street food, hiking, diving, renting a motorbike, massages, beers for sunset on the beach, viewpoints. Do I need to say more?

Island hopping in Thailand is always a good idea!

Island life is all about flip flops, swim shorts and an old t-shirt. It doesn't matter so much if you decide to visit the islands on the east side (Koh Tao, Koh Samui or Koh Phangan) or you head to the west side (Phuket, Koh Lanta, Koh Phi Phi, Krabi), you find the same uncomplicated island life styyle. Everywhere you go you meet loads of fellow travelers from all around the world.

Meeting people is so easy and therefore I think Koh Tao is one of the best places to travel alone in Asia. So are you thinking about island hopping in Thailand by your self, then do it! Go on that solo trip and trust me you will have an amazing time.

Where to go after Koh Tao

Travel wise the easiest places to visit after Koh Tao are of course the nearby islands in the Gulf of Thailand: Koh Phangan or Koh Samui. There are many boats going daily and Phangan is just 1.5 hour away and Koh Samui 2 hour away by fast ferry.

Check 12Go Asia for the most up to date boat and ferry schedules and prices.

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Pick your seat and book directly online and get your ferry ticket instantly in your email.

If you want complete different landscapes then you should look into visiting the beautiful karst islands on the Andaman coast, the west side of Thailand.

Island hopping from Phuket is well worth it and the scenery is completely different, the vibe stays the same though. However, Phuket is a bit more touristy with more resorts and has an international airport. There are not many island hopping tours in Thailand that will disappoint.

In my article about the best Thailand island hopping itineraries I will show you all the possibilities from 1 week itineraries up to a route for a whole month to see all the amazing islands in Thailand.

If you are looking for routes that include ancient cities, jungle tours, temples and visiting North Thailand (Chiang Mai, Pai) then check out my Thailand Itineraries blog with 4 different routes for 2 weeks.

For a complete guide about Thailand travel click on the link and read all my 65 travel tips to know before visiting Thailand in 2026.

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Curious what it looks like trying to visit every country in the world? Go check out my Instagram account @traveltomtom and follow along. As of February 2026 I have visited more than 165 countries, so still a long way to go.Enjoy your trip to Koh Tao and if you have questions please leave me a comment below.

 

 

• thailand
• koh tao
• koh samui
• koh phangan
• koh phi phi