The backpacker’s paradise of Koh Tao is an absolute dream to explore. On this tropical island travellers are spoilt for choice. Its palm tree-lined coastlines are full of hidden bays, cliff viewpoints, and world-class reefs. While inland adventures wait for you under rainforest canopies and down streets filled with quirky cafes, shops, and delicious restaurants.

So with all this on offer, you may be left wondering what the best activities to do in Koh Tao are and how to make the most of your visit here. 

See the Viewpoints 

The beloved Koh Tao can truly be appreciated from each of its 7 main viewpoints:

John Suwan viewpoint is the hardest climb but the view itself is arguably the most beautiful overlooking Sharks Bay and Chalok Baan Kao Bay. Koh Nang Yuan Viewpoint – although Ive explained why I’m not a fan of Koh Nang Yuan Island this viewpoint is undeniably spectacular as it frames the entire island on an iridescent blue ocean background. Mango Viewpoint offers the highest views of the island’s stunning rainforests and Mango Bay. The easiest viewpoint is at Love Koh Tao as you can drive straight there and enjoy a mountainside drink. Grape Viewpoint lets you admire Koh Nang Yuan without the crowds or expensive admission. The most central viewpoint in Koh Tao is the West Coast Viewpoint capturing resin forest-topped mountains, Sairee beach and Koh Nang Yuan. Deisha Viewpoint overlooks Freedom Beach and Chalok Baan Kao Bay and is one of the best viewpoints on Koh Tao for sunsets 

If you want a little more detail we have a complete guide on what you should know before you discover these top 6 viewpoints in Koh Tao. 

Cliff jumping at Tanote Bay 

Located on the east coast of Koh Tao, Tanote Bay is not only a beautiful beach but it is Koh Tao’s best cliff jumping spot. Just 50m offshore you will see a 16ft rock which is surrounded by 10 metre deep water. It’s a relatively easy 5-metre rock jump, perfect for perfecting flips and building confidence with cliff jumping. While the jump itself is super safe and great for beginners the climb up the rock takes some upper-body strength to pull yourself up with the rope. More importantly, the drive down to Tanote Bay is very steep so be sure to have some motorbike practice beforehand or cliff jumping will be the least of your worries. 

Snorkelling at Freedom Beach 

There are countless incredible snorkelling spots in Koh Tao so why are we choosing Freedom Beach? Well it’s an easy 10 minute drive away from Sairee beach, it costs just 50BHT admission and this includes a free Sunbed on the beach which by the way has plenty of shade, but most importantly the marine life is outstanding just metres from the shoreline. If you aren’t a confident swimmer an array of tropical fish and living coral wait for you in the shallows and if you’re more experienced swim 100metres out to where the ocean floor reaches 20metres deep for a chance at seeing black-tipped reef sharks and turtles. There is snorkel hire at the local restaurant and free parking too (although park at the top of the hill if you don’t like steep turns on mopeds)  

Kayak into the Sunset at Sairee beach

For just 150 BHT you can leave the buzzy beach bars behind and witness the sunset with just the ocean and the sky in front of you. This is a surreal experience as the ocean turns into a giant orange mirror reflecting the sun as it sinks into its depths of Koh Tao’s ocean. Weirdly most travellers and backpackers are too invested in predrinks to share this idea so once you get past the boats it is such a peaceful and surreal moment. Top Tip – bring some 7-11 snacks along with you! 

Try Scuba Diving

Koh Tao is one of the cheapest places in the world to learn to Scuba Dive with countless open water beginner courses available for as little as £250. 

There are world-class dive spots dotted around Koh Tao and the dive schools here are experts in getting travellers Padi Qualified open water divers. 

Many diving tours also offer reduced rates on accommodation and brilliant out of the water activities for every dive group. 

Muay Thai Lessons

Learning this traditional marital art from qualified Thai trainers who have a lifetime of experience will help you build effective self defence.

 Even in a single 300 BAHT session, you will start to understand the basic movements and strikes, yet over the course of a week (1500 BAHT) you can begin to grasp the fighting style and deliver powerful and clinical blows to your opponent. 

Go on a motorbike tour of the island 

You can drive across Koh Tao in just 30 minutes from Mango Bay to Freedom Beach. The island’s size makes it a dream to explore on a motorcycle. Discover secluded bays tucked away from the crowds and jungle paths that lead to the very best snorkelling spots. 

Although any journey on Koh Tao is relatively quick it’s not always simple. Many roads have sharp banking turns and steep hills so make sure you are careful if you don’t have too much moped experience.

Swim with Reef Sharks and Turtles in Sharks Bay

For your best chances of seeing black tip reef sharks and turtles at Shark Bay you’ll need to swim out 250m or so and swim along the palm trees on the Sai Daeng Peninsula (where the John Suwan viewpoint is). You increase your chances of seeing reef sharks if you go early in the morning when they are active and before the boats and heat force them into deeper waters. 

Skimboarding 

You may have spied a couple of skimboards in the tattoo shops around Koh Tao. This is because a favourite hobby of many Koh Tao locals is skimboarding. The tide pools over the sand and shallow waters make it a perfect place to try skimboarding out for the first time. With a few friends. 

You can rent boards from pgskimboards which is down walking street in Sairee. 

Go on a Beach Clean 

Koh Tao’s local community groups organise regular beach cleans that are not only crucial in maintaining clean and sustainable beaches but also a great social event to meet others who love to protect the ocean. 

To get involved contact Eco Koh Tao to volunteer on their next beach clean event https://www.ecokohtao.com/clean-ups/

Or simply grab a bag and a couple of hostel buddies and start picking up litter along the beach. 

Snorkelling Tour 

Snorkelling tours let you visit the best-known snorkelling spots and hidden bay in Koh Tao. Most tours visit Sharks Bay, Aow Leuk Bay, Hin Wong Bay, and Mango Bay. 

Usually, you’ll see plenty of marine life ranging from millions of yellow-striped scad fish to turtles and even blacktip reef sharks if you’re lucky. 

Grab a sunset drink at Koh Nang Yuan Terrace

The views from this hilltop bar are easily good enough to be classed as one of Koh Tao’s best viewpoints. Sit back and enjoy a cocktail or cold beer at sunset as the sun dips below Koh Nang Island. The viewpoint can be accessed through Dusit Buncha Resort but it’s available to the public. Plus just below this viewpoint, you’ll find a rocky bay which is known for its beautiful coral. 

Wat Koh Charoen Santi Dhamma

Located on the main road between Mae Haad Pier and Saireee you’ll find Wat Koh Tao or Wat Koh Charoen Santi Dhamma. Many visit Wat Koh Tao to learn and understand spiritual life and the teachings of Buddhism. We highly recommend visiting this stunning temple and taking a moment to appreciate the tranquility and art of spiritual peace that is taught there. 

Be sure to remove any headwear and your shoes before entering the temple, do not touch or point at the Buddha statue or sit with your feet facing the Buddha statue. If a monk is praying do not take any pictures and do not speak in rooms where meditation is occurring. 

Stand-up paddle boarding 

The waves of Koh Tao are almost always calm allowing tourists to paddle out and explore the island’s coastline on a SUP. 

The price of renting a SUP costs roughly the same amount as renting a kayak, costing around 150BAHT per hour. 

Mini golf at Koh Tao Leisure Park 

Who doesn’t love a quick game of mini-golf? For just 180BAHT you get unlimited rounds of golf around the 5000 square metre mini golf course. The bar area also has a snooker table and you can even play footpool… This is essentially an enlarged version of a pool where footballs replace pool balls and your foot becomes the cue! Plus there is a cozy cinema which has films on every single night. 

Address

2/21, Moo 3 Between Mae Haad & Chalok Ban Kao, Koh Tao 84360 Thailand

Traipsing in Thailand 

Yep you read that right, Koh Tao has its very own venue for trying out trapeze. This is a bit of a random activity to try on Koh Tao but you probably aren’t going to get another chance to try this so if you have ever fancied trying the Trapeze Koh Tao might just be the perfect place.