If you’re searching for a tropical destination that not only offers incredible diving but also plenty of exciting topside activities, then the island of Koh Tao might just be for you! Located in the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Tao is one of Thailand’s most popular tourist spots — and for good reason.
With countless activities that are sure to whet any traveler’s appetite, delicious food, picturesque landscapes and a lively island vibe, it’s easy to see why travelers flock to Koh Tao (and never want to leave).
About Koh Tao
Koh Tao, meaning “Turtle Island,” was named not only because the waters around the island are a natural breeding ground for turtles, but also because when first seen from open seas, the shape of the island resembles the silhouette of a turtle.
Once (and still) a favorite among backpackers, Koh Tao is now becoming increasing popular with families wanting to get scuba certified while soaking up the island’s relaxed lifestyle and pristine white-sand beaches. In recent years, Koh Tao has seen a shift in traveler demographics, with an increase in the average age of visitors as many previous backpackers return with their families.
So what makes the island of Koh Tao so appealing? Is it the rich and diverse marine life found beneath the surface? Or maybe it’s the stunning beaches and landscape throughout the island? Keep reading to find out!
Incredible Food For All Appetites
With numerous PADI Dive Shops on Koh Tao offering scuba courses in a wide range of languages, the island is always attracting new tourists from different countries. To cater to the diverse array of international travelers, Koh Tao has a variety of restaurants to accommodate the needs of their visitors. During your stay, you can savor delicious dishes from cuisines around the world.
The Gallery Restaurant offers authentic Thai food and a good selection of wines. The Lung Pae Restaurant, situated on a hillside with great sea views, is famous for its great value steak and wide range of authentic Thai food (try the red curry with duck). Breeze Restaurant, located on Mae Haad Beach, offers a large and tasty variety of western food (plus, they are also open for breakfast). Fizz Beach Lounge in the middle of Sairee Beach is a great place to enjoy Koh Tao’s famous sunsets while sipping on a cocktail. It also has a good selection of Western dishes.
Another must-visit restaurant is Darawan Barracuda, which is known for its fresh seafood and beautiful surroundings. If you’re more interested in enjoying Koh Tao’s exciting nightlife, there is no shortage of bars on or near the beach where people hangout, socialize and meet soon-to-be friends from all over the world.
Breathtaking Diving
Whether you are new to scuba diving or a seasoned pro, Koh Tao will not disappoint. The waters surrounding Koh Tao provide excellent diving conditions year-round.
Koh Tao is also frequented by whale sharks. There are even numerous stories of new PADI divers meeting whale sharks during their Open Water Diver training dives!
The best dive sites on Koh Tao are ideal for underwater photographers and macro lovers as there is an abundance of marine life to see. Reef sharks and sea turtles are commonly spotted. Some of Koh Tao’s most famous dive sites include Chumphon Pinnacle, HTMS Sattakut Wreck, South-West Pinnacle, White Rock, and Shark Island.
Exciting Outdoor Activities
If you’re asking yourself, “What else is there to do while visiting Koh Tao?”, we’ve got you covered! The island offers plenty of adventurous and entertaining outdoor activities to enjoy during your stay. We’ll explore some of them below.
Muay Thai – Thai Boxing
Muay Thai is a very popular sport in Thailand — including on the island of Koh Tao. If you’re interested in learning or refining your skills, the island has some great training facilities. Island Muay Thai and Monsoon Gym both feature qualified trainers with years of expertise in the sport.
Stand-Up Paddle Boarding (SUP)
If you want to master your stand-up paddle board skills, then Koh Tao is the perfect place for you. The island’s stable climate and calm conditions make it ideal for beginners. You can rent a SUP on Sairee Beach or Chalok Beach. Paddle along Sairee Beach, or if you have enough energy, make your way to the Nang Yuan Islands. The Nang Yuan Islands are famous for their white-sand banks that connect the three islands.
Yoga
Looking for an activity to help relax you after an exhilarating dive or mountain trek? Yoga, may be the answer. There are lots of professional yoga studios on the island. Each one can help you find inner peace as you recuperate for another activity-filled day. Or if you’re after a more physical challenge, try combining your yoga workout with a stand-up paddle board experience.
Spas and Massage Salons
If you want more relaxation and like the sound of a day of pampering, visit one of Koh Tao’s many spas and massage salons. There is nothing better than relaxing with a nice massage as the sun goes down. One of Koh Tao’s most beautiful spas, Jamahkiri, is located in the south of the island. Furthermore, if you’re after the ultimate relaxing experience, try spending the whole day at Jamahkiri with their full-day treatment. It involves relaxing by their in-house swimming pool, which is surrounded by truly incredible views!
Rock Climbing
Koh Tao has a unique landscape — one predominantly made up of limestone rocks and cliffs. This makes the island a paradise for rock climbing. There are lots of climbing routes on the island suitable for novice climbers. So even without any prior rock climbing experience, visitors will be able to have an enjoyable experience. In addition, at the top of the route, climbers are rewarded with some of the most spectacular scenery Koh Tao has to offer.
Trekking and Hiking
Koh Tao’s many trekking and hiking trails allow visitors to escape and absorb the natural beauty of the island. If you’re looking for an easier trek along the seaside, give the track from Mae Haad and Sensi Paradise Resort to Sai Nuan Beach a try. Walking along the rocks by the shore is a breathtaking experience, and that’s before you arrive at one of the most secluded beaches of Koh Tao.
Here are three other notable hiking routes on Koh Tao:
- Sairee – Tanote (4.6 km/2.85 miles in length – approximately 3 hours): Highlights include passing through one of the two most beautiful viewpoints on the island.
- Laem Thian — Mao Bay (2.8 km/1.73 miles in length – approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes): You might have a chance of spotting a rare tropical bird in the trees along the trail — or even seeing one of the island’s resident monitor lizards.
- Mae Haad – Sai Nuan – Chalok (Simple Coastline Walk): This is a fairly simple walking route that takes you from the southwest coast of Koh Tao to the south of Koh Tao. It crosses seven beaches, each of which is only between 500 and 700 meters/0.31 to 0.43 miles apart.
Ready To Book Your Trip to Koh Tao?
So what are you waiting for? If Koh Tao sounds like the island destination of your dreams, it’s time to make it a reality. Book your getaway today and dive into the adventure of a lifetime! Discover more about scuba diving in Koh Tao here or contact the experts at PADI Travel via email, phone or chat for more information.