CITY GUIDE

Koh Tao

Koh Tao is one of Thailand’s best-known dive islands, a compact Gulf of Thailand destination built around clear water, coral reefs, beaches, viewpoints and a deeply established dive-school culture. Mae Haad is the main arrival hub, Sairee is the liveliest beach and evening area, and quieter bays around the island offer a slower pace. Although diving is the headline attraction, Koh Tao also works well for snorkelling, hiking, beach time and relaxed island evenings.

BEST FORDiving, snorkelling and compact island life

SUGGESTED STAY4–6 nights

GETTING AROUNDWalking, local taxis, scooters and longtail boats

Rocky coastline and tropical bay on Koh Tao

Hotels (96)Restaurants (95)Nightlife (38)Sightseeing (61)Shopping (32)Transport (44)

MAKE A PLAN

Plan your Koh Tao trip

Build custom days, browse curated routes, and access practical tools for Koh Tao.

KOH TAO ITINERARIES TRAVEL TOOLS

LOCAL CONTEXT

Know Before You Go

Authoritative guides and practical orientation for Koh Tao.

CITY GUIDE

Getting to Know Koh Tao

Understand Mae Haad, Sairee, Chalok Baan Kao, the quieter bays and why diving shapes so much of Koh Tao’s modern identity.

PLANNING

Best Areas to Stay

Choose between practical Mae Haad, lively Sairee, relaxed Chalok Baan Kao and quieter bays depending on the pace you want.

FIRST VISIT

First-Time Koh Tao Guide

Plan your first visit with practical advice on ferries, diving, snorkelling, island transport, viewpoints, beaches and how long to stay.

SEE THE SHAPE OF THE ISLAND

Koh Tao Map

Explore Koh Tao’s beaches, dive hubs, viewpoints, bays, restaurants, nightlife and arrival points across the island.

TRAVEL TOOLS ITINERARIES ← ALL DESTINATIONS

VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPSKoh Tao