Koh Tao is the smallest of the three main Gulf islands, north of Koh Samui and Koh Phangan. It is known above all for scuba diving. Dive schools line the west coast, courses are good value, and calm, shallow reefs make it an easy place to learn. Away from Sairee Beach the island is hilly and quiet, with small bays at the end of steep roads. It suits divers, snorkellers and anyone wanting a slower island than Samui, but not those after long, wide beaches.
Where should you stay on Koh Tao?
Most people stay on the west coast, between Sairee and Mae Haad. The south and east have quieter bays but are harder to reach.
| Area | Best for | What it is like | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sairee Beach | First visits, nightlife, divers | The longest beach, with bars, restaurants and rooms for most budgets | About a 15-minute walk from the pier |
| Mae Haad | Divers, no scooter | The village around the main pier, with dive shops and cheaper rooms | Quiet in the evening; the easiest place to find transport |
| Chalok Baan Kao | A calmer base near town | A bay of about 500 metres on the south coast, with low-key bars | Under ten minutes from Mae Haad by road |
| Southern and eastern bays (Tanote, Shark Bay, Aow Leuk) | Snorkelling, couples | Small coves, mostly at the bottom of steep hills | Prices tend to be higher; going in and out is tiring |
| North coast | Seclusion | Hillside bungalows on a rocky, less developed coast | All within about 5 km of the pier, but by steep roads |
How do you get to Koh Tao?
Koh Tao has no airport, so every route ends with a boat. Most ferries arrive at Mae Haad on the west coast.
- From Koh Samui: the Lomprayah catamaran takes about two hours and the Lomlahkkhirin speedboat about an hour and a half, both from about 700 baht. Slower Songserm ferries take up to three hours or more. Bangkok Airways flies Bangkok to Samui in about an hour and a half.
- From Koh Phangan: boats from Thong Sala take about one to one and three-quarter hours, from about 450 to 600 baht.
- From Chumphon: Lomprayah and Boonsiri run fast ferries twice a day, for about 750 baht one way. The crossing takes about an hour and a half. Buses from Bangkok to Chumphon take about six to eight hours.
- Train and ferry from Bangkok: the overnight sleeper to Surat Thani takes nine to ten hours from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central. A catamaran from Donsak pier then takes about three and a quarter hours. Allow 13 to 14 hours in all.
Book ahead around holidays and Koh Phangan's full moon parties.
How do you get around Koh Tao?
There is no bus service, and no Grab or Bolt. Taxis are pickup trucks with bench seats. There is no meter, so agree the price first. Short hops around Sairee and Mae Haad cost about 50 to 100 baht per person by day, and more at night. Longtail boats run to bays that are hard to reach by road.
Scooters cost about 200 to 250 baht a day, often with a cash deposit of 3,000 to 5,000 baht. Think carefully before you hire one. The roads are steep, with blind bends and loose sand, and they get slippery in the rain. Do not learn to ride here. Walking works well between Sairee and Mae Haad, which takes about 20 to 30 minutes along the coast.
Is Koh Tao good for learning to dive?
Yes. Dive schools are everywhere and the reefs are calm and shallow. An Open Water course takes three to four days and costs about 11,000 to 12,500 baht in 2026. Some schools add a free dorm bed while you train. Certified divers pay about 800 to 1,200 baht per fun dive. Deeper sites such as Chumphon Pinnacle, Southwest Pinnacle and Sail Rock cost more than standard sites.
The island's shape helps. One side is usually sheltered, so training and reef dives can carry on through most of the year. Whale sharks are most often seen from February to May.
What are the best things to do on Koh Tao?
- Koh Nang Yuan: small islands joined by a sandbar, about 500 metres off the north-west coast. Longtail boats from Sairee take about 15 minutes. Climb the short, steep path to the viewpoint, then snorkel the shallow reef beside the sandbar.
- Snorkelling bays: Tanote Bay on the east coast is known for snorkelling. Shared half-day longtail snorkel trips cost about 800 to 1,200 baht per person.
On Koh Nang Yuan, plastic bottles, cans, fins and water shoes are not allowed, to protect the reef. Staff check bags on arrival. Day visitors pay an entry fee in cash, reported at 250 baht for adults and 100 baht for children, and must leave by late afternoon.
When is the best time to visit Koh Tao?
Koh Tao follows the Gulf pattern, not the Andaman one. The monsoon usually arrives in late October or November and can last until around Christmas, sometimes into January. November is generally the worst month. Strong winds can make crossings rough and cloud the water.
February to May is the hot, dry season, with water up to about 30°C and very good visibility. February to September is the best period for diving, with visibility often over 20 metres. July and August are busy but usually calm. September and October are quieter and still often good.
What should you know before you go?
- Bring cash. Taxis, longtail boats and the Nang Yuan fee are paid in cash.
- Save water. Fresh water is scarce in the hot, dry months.
- Allow a spare day. Monsoon crossings can be rough, so avoid tight flight connections.
- Check your insurance. Make sure it covers diving, and riding a scooter if you plan to.
Tip: if you plan to dive, choose the school before the room. Many schools offer a discount on rooms nearby, and staying close saves early-morning trips across the hills.
Facts checked October 2026. Ferry times and fares, dive prices and the Koh Nang Yuan fee change often; check with operators before you travel. Weather varies from year to year.
Sources
- How to get to Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao from Bangkok (Bangkok Airways)
- Where to stay on Koh Tao (Time Travel Turtle)
- How to get around Koh Tao (Lorenzigo)
- Budget guide 2026: how much is diving on Koh Tao? (Big Blue Diving)
- Koh Tao weather and climate (Black Turtle Dive)
- How to visit Koh Nang Yuan island viewpoint (The World Travel Guy)
Discover Thailand · Islands Edition
Every island, in one book.
The Islands Edition covers the Andaman and Gulf islands in depth, with ferry routes, beach maps and which coast to pick in each month. Leave your email and we will tell you the day it launches.
Notify me at launch
