Panorama of viewpoint on Koh Nangyuan island at sunset, Thailand

Things to do in  Koh Tao

Save it for the full moon

The smallest of a triptych of islands in the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Tao offers rock climbing, high-energy nightlife, beautiful bays, and Nang Yuan Island (Koh Nang Yuan)—three islets linked by spectacular white sandbars. But the signature things to do in Koh Tao are diving and snorkeling, maybe even with whale sharks. The island is one of the world’s top destinations for learning to dive, from half-day discovery experiences to days-long open water courses and advanced certifications. Some schools favor PADI, others SSI.

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Top 2 attractions in Koh Tao

#1

Nang Yuan Island (Koh Nang Yuan)

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With its golden sands and clear water, Nang Yuan Island (Koh Nang Yuan) is the poster child of southern Thailand. Hike the rocky, forested landscape; swim and snorkel in crystalline water; or just relax in relative quiet. Nang Yuan sees only a fraction of the crowds that flock to its neighbors.More
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#2

Aow Leuk Beach

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Seclusion and solitude might be hard to find on Koh Tao, one of Thailand’s most popular islands, but on its southeastern side, between Sai Daeng Beach to the north and Tanote Beach to the south, lies the 65-foot-long (20-meter Aow Leuk Beach. This stretch of sand is slightly more remote so the large crowds stay away.More
Tours & Tickets

Explore Koh Tao by interest

Top activities in Koh Tao

Full day snorkeling adventure around Koh Tao

Full day snorkeling adventure around Koh Tao

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$21.55
Snorkel Tour to Koh Nangyuan and the hidden bays of Koh Tao onboard the Oxygen

Snorkel Tour to Koh Nangyuan and the hidden bays of Koh Tao onboard the Oxygen

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$22.14
PADI Discover Scuba Diving in Koh Tao - half day and two dives

PADI Discover Scuba Diving in Koh Tao - half day and two dives

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$82.89
Become certified diver in 3 days - PADI Open Water Diver course on Koh Tao

Become certified diver in 3 days - PADI Open Water Diver course on Koh Tao

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$295.37
Open Water Course

Open Water Course

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$311.73
La Bombona Diving Koh Tao Open Water Course

La Bombona Diving Koh Tao Open Water Course

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$359.20
SSI Open Water Diver

SSI Open Water Diver

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$331.57
Try Scuba Diving

Try Scuba Diving

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$96.71
Extend your diving limits in 2 days - PADI Advanced Diver Course

Extend your diving limits in 2 days - PADI Advanced Diver Course

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$283.39
Basic Diver

Basic Diver

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$124.34
Private Photo Session with a Local Photographer in Ko Tao

Private Photo Session with a Local Photographer in Ko Tao

From
$271.50
per group
Thailand Data eSIM 500MB per Day to 20GB - 30Days

Thailand Data eSIM 500MB per Day to 20GB - 30Days

From
$3.00
Koh Tao Viewpoint and Snorkeling Tour

Koh Tao Viewpoint and Snorkeling Tour

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$55.00
Koh Tao Snorkeling and Island Hopping Tour (Private)

Koh Tao Snorkeling and Island Hopping Tour (Private)

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$175.00
Snorkel Trip to Koh Nangyuan and Bays of Koh Tao By The Oxygen

Snorkel Trip to Koh Nangyuan and Bays of Koh Tao By The Oxygen

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$25.29
Open Water Course - Become certified diver in 3 days

Open Water Course - Become certified diver in 3 days

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$303.94
Koh Tao : Private Road Trip To 8 Famous Places

Koh Tao : Private Road Trip To 8 Famous Places

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$16.58
per group
Premium Snorkel Tour to the Bays of Koh Tao onboard the Oxygen

Premium Snorkel Tour to the Bays of Koh Tao onboard the Oxygen

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14
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$32.41
Advanced Adventurer - 2 days ( Advanced Open Water)

Advanced Adventurer - 2 days ( Advanced Open Water)

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$276.31
7 hours Snorkelling Around Koh Tao and Nang Yuan

7 hours Snorkelling Around Koh Tao and Nang Yuan

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$46.97
See all Koh Tao tours

All about Koh Tao

When to visit

Koh Tao is a great choice for anyone who wants to combine diving and partying—although be aware of the risks of diving while dehydrated. For clear seas, clear skies, and buzzing bars, parties, and beach clubs, plan to visit over the July–August peak. Book ferries and accommodation in advance as it’s crazy busy. April and May are the peak months for whale shark sightings; the island is quieter then, but still has plenty of va-va-voom.

Getting around

Koh Tao is a small island, so there’s no public transit or rideshare apps—although pickup trucks ply common routes, long-tail boats are easy to charter, and there are motorbike taxis. Most travelers get around under their own steam, by motorbike or (occasionally) bicycle. Be aware that riding a motorbike without a license that’s valid in your home country and Thailand will invalidate most travel insurance. No insurer will cover accidents while drunk, high, or helmetless.

Traveler tips

Koh Tao offers some of the Gulf of Thailand’s best diving, including Chumphon Pinnacle and Sail Rock, so many travelers visit for PADI or SSI open-water certification. But price isn’t the only factor to consider. Smaller group sizes mean more personalized instruction. Folk with less common body types—such as very tall, lean guys or petite, plus-size women—will want to check that gear is available in their size. You can save time on some courses by studying online in advance.

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Tours
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Reviews
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People Also Ask

Is it worth going to Koh Tao?

It depends. If you’re into diving and snorkeling, Koh Tao is a great choice. Likewise, if you’re already visiting Koh Samui and Ko Pha Ngan, it makes sense to visit the third island in the trio. If coral is not your thing, bigger islands will likely be a better fit.

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What is there to do in Koh Tao other than diving?

Koh Tao is short on cultural attractions, but there is more to do than the diving (and snorkeling) that made the island famous. Besides eating, drinking, partying, and sunbathing, you can hike, go rock-climbing, take a cooking class, or try your hand at yoga, pilates, muay Thai, or even trapeze.

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How long should I spend in Koh Tao?

It depends. If you’re learning to dive, allow at least a week: four days to do your open-water course, one to put your new skills to the test, one to go hiking, and one for the beach. Non-divers can speed through in two days: one hiking or rock-climbing, one snorkeling.

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Does Koh Tao have good nightlife?

Yes. While the nightlife isn’t on the scale of Ko Pha Ngan, which is larger, Koh Tao offers everything you’d expect from a Thai party island. The spectrum runs all the way from full moon parties and beach clubs with fire dancers to craft beer bars and transgender cabaret shows.

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Is Koh Tao a party island?

Yes, but only to a point. Koh Tao can be a party island, but it’s really about diving. Plenty of people come to let off steam and chill on the beach, and there’s a dynamic nightlife scene. But there are plenty of tranquil spots in the north of the island.

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What is the best month to visit Koh Tao?

April is the best month to visit Koh Tao. The weather is hot and sunny but not yet scorching, and it’s a good month for spotting whale sharks when you dive. Accommodation is easy to find compared to the summer and winter peaks, but there’s still a nightlife scene.

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Frequently Asked Questions
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