This list includes the most popular views in Koh Tao as well as a few secret local spots that we found while we lived on the island. 

Visiting the island’s viewpoints has become a major attraction for visiting backpackers and unsurprisingly in recent years the locals have started making the most of this popularity by charging admission fees. 

John Suwan Viewpoint 

Cost – 50BHT per person (includes entry to freedom beach) 

We are starting with John Suwan Viewpoint arguably the most beautiful but definitely one of the most challenging to climb. Overlooking the entire island and nearby Sharks Bay and Chalok Baan Kao Bay; the view is a mesmerising mix of blues that shift in the light and depth of the ocean. The waves break into giant grey boulders that sit in front of an emerald jungle that covers the island for as far as your eyes can see. While not the most famous sunset viewpoint in Koh Tao as the sun slips beneath the hills to the north, you’ll see the whole island light up into an orange glow. 

This is definitely one of the most well-known and visited viewpoints so be sure to get there early if you don’t want to share the viewpoint boulder with other tourists. Luckily the crowds are thinned out by a tricky steep climb which has ropes and boulders to help you haul yourself to the top. Be extra careful of the loose boulder at the very top, it gives most tourists the fright of their life as it shifts under your weight. Climbing up John Suwan Viewpoints takes around 15-20 minutes. 

Afterwards, you’ll be hot and sweaty but luckily you finish the trail just metres away from Freedom Beach where you can get a sunbed and enjoy some of the very best snorkelling in Koh Tao. 

How to get there – Drive directly to Freedom Beach when you reach a dead end at the bottom of the hill don’t worry you’ve made it and should see signs for the viewpoint on the left.

Koh Nang Yuan Viewpoint 

Cost – 250BHT per person 

Although in previous articles I’ve questioned whether visiting Koh Nang Yuan Island is worth it, the actual viewpoint is undeniably striking.

From the hilltop boulder, you can see the entire island, from the famous small connecting strip of sand to the large palm tree-covered hilltops and of course an ocean background of bright blue hues. 

Although the climb can take quite a long time getting through the crowds, the actual route is one of the easiest treks to a Koh Tao viewpoint. Most of the route has steps, the only challenge is to pull yourself up onto the boulder viewing platform. 

Be sure to not visit in peak times or you may face 30-minute queues before you even start the hike.

How to get there – Take a round trip on a long tail boat from Sairee Beach or Mae Haad pier 

Mango viewpoint 

Cost – 100BHT per person 

For the highest views of the islands rainforests and coastline visit Mango Viewpoint. 

The view from 300 metres high lets you see most of the western side of the island including Sairee beach and Mae Haad pier. You get a great panoramic view of the island from this height and an incredible setting to watch the sunset over the island. 

Luckily you don’t have to hike the whole way up. You can drive directly to the top of the viewpoint but the roads have loose rubble and holes so only attempt it if you are a confident motorcyclist. If not the hike will take around an hour or so if you follow the main road. 

On the dirt track road, there are multiple ‘fake’ mango viewpoints which offer cheaper admissions at 20BAHT/50BAHT with just as an impressive viewpoint but the official viewpoint has a 100BAHT where there is also a brilliant family-run restaurant. 

Some fake viewpoints may even convincingly tell you that the real viewpoint is closed when it isn’t, just to get you into their restaurant. 

How to get there – Take a left to exit the main Aow Muang road until you reach Jim’s Bar, and then carry on 200 metres to the main viewpoint

Love Koh Tao Viewpoint 

Cost – One Drink 

The least challenging viewpoint to get to is at Love Koh Tao. If you don’t want to battle a climb or feel confident on a moped this is a good choice of viewpoint. 

The road there takes you directly to the top of the viewpoint, once parked up, pay your admission fee by buying any drink at the bar. 

The views here directly overlook the hillsides around Tanote Bay. This is not a sunset viewpoint as it faces the opposite way to the sunset but it is still an incredible place to enjoy a drink and take in the breathtaking views of the unspoilt eastern side of the island. 

How to get there – Follow signs to Tanote Bay and you’ll see a signposted sign for Love Koh Tao viewpoint which will take you directly to the viewpoint.  

Grape Viewpoint 

Cost – Free

If you want to admire Koh Nang Yuan without the crowds or expensive admission this viewpoint is for you. On the northern tip of Koh Tao, this viewpoint overlooks Koh Nang Yuan island from an unseen and up close angle.

This viewpoint is impossible to get to via road so to access you’ll need to brave the hike. This isn’t a viewpoint to watch sunset or sunrise but one to take in the sights of Koh Tao’s jungle and of course Koh Nang Yuan. 

Unlike most other viewpoints in Koh Tao there are no places to buy supplies and water so be sure to bring a rucksack full of everything you need. 

How to get there – Head for 180 Viewpoint bar, once you arrive use the track on the other side of the road passed an old abandoned wooden shack when the road forks keep right and stay on that track for 30 minutes until you reach Grape Viewpoint! 

Deisha Viewpoint 

Cost – Free 

For one of the best viewpoints for sunsets in Koh Tao visit Deisha Viewpoint.

Tucked away in the hillside jungle, Deisha Viewpoint is a reggae bar that overlooks Freedom beach and Chalok Baan Kao bay. You can even spot Koh Samui any Koh Phangan in the distance on a clear day. 

This is an incredible spot to grab a drink plus there cocktails are great value for money and can be enjoyed on a bean bag on their rooftop terrace.

Although its easy to find from the signs on Sai Nuan beach main road there are 125 stairs to reach the bar so make sure you don’t have too many cocktails otherwise getting back down might be tricky. 

How to get there – Simply follow signs from Sai Nuan beach main road and you’ll have an easy drive up to the viewpoint parking area. 

West Coast Viewpoint

Cost – Free

As the name suggests this viewpoint captures the beauty of the entire West Coast of Koh Tao. This panoramic view allows you to not only spot Sairee beach and Koh Nang Yuan but also south towards Mae Haad and beyond. The divers among you may even be able to see the area of ocean known as Chumphon Pinnacle a popular whale shark diving spot. 

This spot faces directly west towards the setting sun and is one of the very best viewpoints to watch the sunset without the crowds in Koh Tao. 

Although there is no official admission fee, the landowners may approach you and ask for some money for crossing their land. 

How to get there – Head for Two View Viewpoint Bar, where you can park and hike to the viewpoint. From the bar, walk 5 minutes uphill until you reach two large boulders.  Look left and duck through the gap in between the large boulders to gain access to the viewing platform rock.

What to bring before visiting Koh Tao’s viewpoints 

• Walking shoes : some of the routes are incredibly steep, uneven and many require you to climb up boulders so flip flops will cut your feet up bad. 
• Water : Don’t underestimate how hard a small hike in the heat can be bring some water for the trip
• Camera : Every viewpoint on this list has insane photo opportunities
• Phone : In case of emergency it’s always good to have a phone on you. Luckily Koh Tao seems to get reception in pretty much anywhere on the island so if you get lost or injured you can call for help