Country Info | Read more

Flags are sourced from free platforms like flagpedia.net

Koh Tao (Thailand)

Koh Tao is a diver’s paradise, famed for its clear waters, coral reefs, and laid-back vibe. Learn to scuba dive, relax on quiet beaches, and enjoy unforgettable sunsets in this Thai island gem.

Review

average rating is 3 out of 5, based on 150 votes, Ratings

* Affiliate links are marked with an asterisk (*). We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Photos without credits are sourced from free platforms like Unsplash and Pexels

Summary

Overview

When to visit

Climate Data

Climate Chart

Weather, Crowds and Costs

Best Regions/Cities to visit

Best Islands to visit

Things to see

How to get around

What to eat

Flights

Visa

Important things to know

Souveniers

Location

Review

Neighboring Countries

- Thailand

- Phuket (Thailand)

- Phi Phi Islands (Thailand)

- Indonesia

- Myanmar

Did you know?

Turtle Island – “Tao” means turtle, and the island was once a breeding ground for sea turtles.

Overview

Months

01. January, 02. February, 03. March, 04. April, 05. May, 06. June, 07. July, 08. August, 09. September

Vacation type

Beach, Family, Couple, Hiking, Nature

Expenses

<100€, <150€, <200€, Over 200€

Temperature

20-25°C, 25-30°C, Over 30°C

Rainfall

50-100mm, 100-150mm

Safety

Safe

Continent

Asia

Currency

Thai baht

Languages

Thai

Currency Converter

When to visit

The best time to visit Koh Tao is from February to April.

- Weather: These months offer warm, sunny days with very little rain — perfect for diving, snorkeling, and beach activities.

- Sea conditions: Calm and clear waters make it ideal for underwater exploration and boat trips.

- Crowds: This period is just before the peak tourist season, so it’s less crowded than later months like December and January.

Avoid October to December, when the southwest monsoon brings heavier rains and rough seas, potentially disrupting travel and water activities.

Plan the whole vacation, including flights, transportation, hotels and tours with Expedia *

Climate Data

Peak Season December to April

Average Sunny Hours per Day: 7 to 8 hours.
Rain Frequency: Low, with mostly dry and pleasant weather.
Rainy Hours per Day: 1 to 2 hours.
Intensity: Light to moderate showers, with occasional brief downpours.
Duration: Rainfall tends to be short, usually clearing up within an hour.

Off-Peak Season October to November

Average Sunny Hours per Day: 4 to 6 hours.
Rain Frequency: High, as this is the peak of the monsoon season in Koh Tao.
Rainy Hours per Day: 3 to 5 hours.
Intensity: Moderate to heavy rain, often with thunderstorms.
Duration: Rain typically comes in longer bursts and can last several hours, mainly in the afternoon or evening.

Climate Chart

ClimateCharts.net

Weather, Crowds and Costs

Per one person

Tourist Season: December – April (Dry Season)

Best months for diving, snorkeling, and beach activities. Clear skies and calm seas make it ideal for underwater exploration.

Budget Vacation ($40–$80/day)

Accommodation: $10–$25/night (hostels, simple bungalows).
Food: $8–$15/day (street food, local eateries).
Activities: $5–$15/day (snorkeling, hiking, beach visits).
Transportation: $5–$10/day (scooter rental).
Other Costs: $5–$10/day (entry fees, drinks).

Mid-Range Vacation ($80–$150/day)

Accommodation: $30–$70/night (beach resorts, mid-range hotels).
Food: $15–$30/day (restaurants, seafood).
Activities: $15–$30/day (diving courses, boat trips).
Transportation: $10–$15/day (scooter or taxi).
Other Costs: $10–$20/day (massage, nightlife).

Luxury Vacation ($150+/day)

Accommodation: $100–$250+/night (luxury villas, boutique resorts).
Food: $30+/day (fine dining, specialty restaurants).
Activities: $30+/day (private dive trips, spa).
Transportation: $15+/day (private transfers).
Other Costs: $20+/day (spa treatments, exclusive tours).

Off-Peak Season: May – November (Green Season)

Rainy season with occasional storms, but fewer tourists and lower prices.

Budget Vacation ($30–$60/day)

Accommodation: $8–$20/night (discounted hostels).
Food: $6–$12/day.
Activities: $5–$10/day (beach, hikes).
Transportation: $5/day.
Other Costs: $5–$10/day.

Mid-Range Vacation ($60–$120/day)

Accommodation: $20–$50/night.
Food: $12–$25/day.
Activities: $10–$20/day.
Transportation: $5–$10/day.
Other Costs: $10–$15/day.

Luxury Vacation ($120+/day)

Accommodation: $80–$200+/night.
Food: $25+/day.
Activities: $20+/day.
Transportation: $10+/day.
Other Costs: $15+/day.

You can find accomendations that fit your trip and budget on Booking.com, Vrbo and Hotels.com

Best Regions to visit

Cities

1. Sairee Village

- The island’s main tourist hub with plenty of bars, restaurants, and dive shops along the beach. It’s the liveliest spot on Koh Tao.

2. Mae Haad Village

- The entry point and ferry port, with local markets, shops, and a more authentic island vibe.

3. Chalok Baan Kao Village

- A quieter village in the south, great for relaxing and enjoying peaceful beaches away from the crowds.

4. Ao Leuk Village

- A small village near a beautiful bay, perfect for snorkeling and unwinding.

Sairee Village

Photo by David Wilmot https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Koh_Tao_Street.jpg

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/deed.en

Did you know?

Secret Waterfall Pools – Koh Samui hides natural jungle pools perfect for swimming and chilling.

Islands

1. Koh Nang Yuan
- Just a short boat ride away, famous for its three connected islets and incredible snorkeling spots with crystal-clear water.

2. Koh Phangan
- About 30 minutes away by ferry, known for its lively Full Moon Parties and beautiful beaches.

3. Ang Thong National Marine Park
- A cluster of 42 islands nearby offering kayaking, hiking, and stunning viewpoints — perfect for day trips.

Find the perfect place to stay in any of these top cities and islands with Booking.com, Hotels.com and Vrbo – offering entire homes and apartments for a comfortable and private experience.

Koh Nang Yuan

Things to see

Natural Attractions

1. Ao Leuk Bay
- Not the most famous, but perhaps the most picturesque bay for snorkeling—calm waters, coral gardens, and fewer crowds than neighboring beaches.

2. John-Suwan Viewpoint
- A short but steep jungle trek at the island’s southern tip rewards you with a panoramic view of Chalok Baan Kao and Shark Bay—especially stunning at sunrise.

3. Tanote Bay
- Rugged and less developed, this eastern beach features large granite boulders and some of the island’s best off-the-beach snorkeling with decent coral reefs.

4. Shark Bay (Thian Og Bay)
- Despite the name, the blacktip reef sharks here are harmless and easy to spot while snorkeling early in the morning—one of Koh Tao’s low-key wildlife gems.

5. Mango Bay (Ao Muang)
- Accessible by boat or a challenging hike, this northern cove is often quiet, and the surrounding hills offer a hidden jungle feel and excellent diving visibility.

Historical & Cultural Attractions

1. Wat Koh Tao
- The island’s modest temple in Mae Haad isn’t grand, but it’s where locals celebrate major Buddhist holidays. Quiet and often overlooked, it reflects real local spirituality.

2. Koh Tao Community Art & Cultural Center (Chalok)
- A tiny initiative that showcases traditional Thai arts, music, and environmental education—often hosting workshops or community events that show the island’s less-touristy side.

3. Jitsin Herbal Sauna & Temple Garden
- A peaceful spot run by locals—this natural steam bath and herb garden offers a mix of Thai medicinal tradition and island hospitality. Not just for relaxation, but a window into wellness culture.

4. The Japanese Garden (off Nang Yuan Island)
- While mostly known as a dive site, its coral structures resemble a “garden” and are considered culturally significant to diving locals who’ve grown up protecting these waters.

5. Local Fishermen Shrines
- Scattered around Koh Tao’s coast are small spirit houses and shrines erected by fishing families—offerings of rum, flowers, and incense highlight the animist-Buddhist blend still practiced here.

The best way to explore major cities and must-see attractions is by booking guided tours.* They offer convenience, local insights, and often save time when visiting popular sights.

John-Suwan Viewpoint

Photo by Andrey Samsonov https://www.flickr.com/photos/8477877@N03/21448153171

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/deed.en

How to get around

1. Natural Mobility

- Walking: Ideal for short distances in Mae Haad, Sairee, and Chaloklm. Easy to explore the main village and beaches on foot.

- Bicycles: Available for rent in town. Good for flat coastal routes, though uphill areas can be hot and tiring.

2. Motorbikes & Scooters

- Motorbike rental is the most popular way to move between beaches, viewpoints, and hillier areas.

- Rent from local shops—helmets are mandatory by law, though enforcement is basic.

- Roads are narrow, sometimes sandy or potholed. Drive defensively, especially near curves and blind spots.

Songthaews (Shared Trucks)

- Limited service mostly around Mae Haad and Sairee Beach.

- Not reliable—no fixed schedule; they run when full and are more common on weekends.

3. Taxis

- No official taxis—some dive shops, guesthouses, or private drivers offer private shuttles or drop-offs.

- These can be pricey compared to self-transport using scooters.

4. Boat Transfers

- Speedboats and longtail boats are essential for accessing off-shore dive sites, snorkeling spots, and nearby islands.

- Available from Mae Haad pier daily; prices vary by season, destination, and boat size.

You can find great car rental deals for your vacation on Expedia *

Did you know?

Film Star Island – Koh Samui was a filming location for movies like The Beach starring Leonardo DiCaprio.

What to eat

1. Grilled Barracuda or Snapper
– Fresh local fish, usually grilled whole and served with chili-lime sauce. Many beachfront restaurants offer catch-of-the-day specials.

2. Som Tum (Papaya Salad)
– A spicy, crunchy salad made from shredded green papaya, tomatoes, peanuts, lime juice, and fish sauce. Refreshing and fiery—perfect in the island heat.

3. Panang Curry with Chicken or Tofu
– Creamy and slightly sweet red curry with coconut milk and kaffir lime leaves. Lighter than mainland versions, often served with jasmine rice.

4. Thai Pancakes (Roti)
– Street-style crispy pancakes filled with banana, Nutella, or coconut. A popular late-night snack after a beach party.

5. Khao Pad (Thai Fried Rice)
– Fried rice with egg, veggies, and your choice of shrimp, chicken, or tofu. Often topped with lime and cucumber for a clean finish.

Grilled Barracuda

Flights

Flight prices are approximate and vary by departure city, airline, and booking time. Check airlines or travel platforms for the latest details.

Main Access: Fly into Koh Samui (USM) or Surat Thani (URT) / Chumphon (CJM), then transfer by ferry—Koh Tao has no airport.

Flight Prices and Seasons

From Europe

- Average Round-Trip Cost: €400–€900 (via USM)

- Cheapest Months: January–March, September–November