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Ko Tao

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City
—°10
Ko Tao (Thailand)
ℹ️

Practical info — Ko Tao

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

Ko Tao, meaning 'Turtle Island', is Thailand's premier destination for scuba diving enthusiasts. Its calm, clear waters and bustling coral reefs make it the well-suited place to earn a diving certification. The island maintains a laid-back backpacker vibe while offering increasingly sophisticated amenities for all types of travelers. Beyond the underwater world, Ko Tao features rugged hiking trails leading to panoramic viewpoints like John-Suwan and Mango Viewpoint. The main beach, Sairee, is the hub of activity with numerous restaurants and bars, while smaller bays like Shark Bay offer excellent snorkeling opportunities with blacktip reef sharks. The local dining scene is a delightful mix of fresh seafood, spicy southern Thai specialties, and international comfort food. Sunset at a beachfront bar followed by a fire show is a classic Ko Tao experience. The island is accessible by ferry from Koh Samui or the mainland ports of Chumphon and Surat Thani. The best weather is typically found from February to August.

Geography

Population
1,382 (2023)
Coordinates
10.09000, 99.83800

Facts

  • World's top destination for dive licenses
  • Named after its sea turtle shape
  • No airport on the island
  • Home to over 25 dive sites
  • Famous for beach fire shows
  • Close to the scenic Koh Nang Yuan
  • Motorbikes are the main transport
  • Part of the Chumphon Archipelago

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Sights in the town Ko Tao (10)

Ao Thian📍 landmark

A rocky bay on Ko Tao known for its clear waters and surrounding scrubland.

Ocean Sound Yoga📍 landmark

A wellness retreat on Ko Tao offering yoga sessions with calming ocean views.

🕒 Mo-Su 10:00-18:00

Ao Luek📍 landmark

A deep, scenic bay on Ko Tao featuring a sandy seabed well-suited for snorkeling.

Cindy's Tower🌿 nature

An elevated viewpoint on Ko Tao offering panoramic vistas of the island's coastline.

Mao Bay - Ao Mamuang🎡 recreation

Mao Bay - Ao Mamuang is a secluded sandy beach framed by dense jungle-covered hills in Ko Tao.

Laem Thian🎡 recreation

Laem Thian is a tranquil beach area in Ko Tao featuring fascinating rock formations along its shoreline.

Top of the rock🌿 nature

Top of the rock is an elevated viewpoint in Ko Tao offering panoramic views across the lush island landscape.

Tanote Peak🌿 nature

Tanote Peak features a sweeping viewpoint from high up overlooking the forested slopes of Ko Tao.

Sairee Cottage Dive Resort🎡 recreation

Sairee Cottage Dive Resort is a tropical beachfront accommodation in Ko Tao offering direct access to ocean diving courses.

Welcome to Koh Tao Turtle Monument🏺 historical

The Welcome to Koh Tao Turtle Monument is a prominent sea turtle statue greeting visitors as they arrive on the island.

Frequently asked questions

Ko Tao: where is it located?
Ko Tao is located in Thailand.
Ko Tao: what is there to see?
Highlights include Ao Thian, Ocean Sound Yoga, Ao Luek.
Ko Tao: why is it worth visiting?
Ko Tao, meaning 'Turtle Island', is Thailand's premier destination for scuba diving enthusiasts.
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