Practical Info — Money, SIM, Transport, Safety & Essentials

Money & ATMs {#money}

• Currency: Thai Baht (THB).

• ATMs: In Mae Haad and Sairee; withdrawal fees apply. Carry some cash for taxis, access/parking, small eateries.

• Exchange: Money changers in Mae Haad/Sairee; bring passport for larger exchanges.

SIM, eSIM & Wi-Fi {#sim}

• SIM: Tourist SIMs/eSIMs are widely available; bring passport for physical SIM registration.

• Coverage: Good in towns; can dip in remote bays and inside valleys.

• Wi-Fi: Most cafés/hotels offer it; speeds vary.

Getting around {#transport}

• Taxis (songthaews): fixed-area prices; confirm fare before riding.

• Scooters: common and convenient; roads can be steep with sand patches. Wear a helmet. Take photos of any existing scratches before renting.

• Longtails: handy for bay-to-bay hops in calm weather.

• Walking: Mae Haad–Sairee is walkable (15–25 minutes depending on where you start).

Health & safety {#health}

• Clinics & pharmacies: Several in Mae Haad/Sairee; minor issues handled on island.

• Emergencies: 191 (police), 1669 (medical), 199 (fire).

• Sun/heat: Hydrate, shade up, reef-safe sunscreen, rash guard for long snorkels.

• Water: Bottled/filtered for drinking; ice is factory-made.

• Bites & stings: Vinegar/heat packs for jellyfish stings; seek advice at a clinic if unsure.

Power & plugs {#power}

• Voltage: 220V, 50Hz.

• Plugs: Mostly Type A/B/C fittings; a universal adapter is handy.

Etiquette & environment {#etiquette}

• Temples & respect: Cover shoulders/knees when visiting; remove shoes indoors where requested.

• Reef care: Never stand on coral or seagrass; don’t feed wildlife.

• Waste: Bins are limited at some beaches—pack it out.

• Noise: Keep late-night noise down in residential lanes.

Laundry & convenience {#laundry}

• Laundry shops charge per kilo; same-day options are common.

• Minimarts carry basics; refillable water stations reduce plastic.

At a glance

• Sairee: biggest beach, sunset, walkable food/nightlife.

• Mae Haad: near the pier, handy for arrivals, quieter lanes.

• Chalok (south): relaxed vibe, cafés, easy access to viewpoints.

• East & north bays: scenic, great snorkeling; steeper roads/fewer shops.

• Hillside: views and quiet; factor in scooter/taxi access and steps.

Areas overview

Sairee (west) {#sairee}

• Best for: first-timers, sunset lovers, walk-to-everything convenience.

• Consider: livelier at night; choose north Sairee for a quieter sleep.

Mae Haad (central) {#mae-haad}

• Best for: easy arrivals/departures, quick pier access.

• Consider: fewer beachfront stays; short walk to sunsets.

Chalok Baan Kao (south) {#chalok}

• Best for: laid-back cafés, calm days on the bay, access to John-Suwan viewpoint.

• Consider: shallow bay at low tide; quiet at night.

East & north bays (Ao Leuk, Tanote, Hin Wong, Mango) {#east-north}

• Best for: snorkeling and nature.

• Consider: hilly roads/steps, occasional access/parking fees via private land, limited late-night options.

Hillside villas (various) {#hillside}

• Best for: views, privacy, groups/families.

• Consider: taxis/scooters for getting around; confirm parking and road gradient.

Types of stays

Hostels & budget bungalows {#budget}

• Dorms and simple fan/AC rooms; great for solo travelers.

• Look for lockers, curtains, and communal spaces.

Mid-range hotels & boutique resorts {#mid}

• AC rooms with pools and on-site cafés.

• Good balance of comfort and price in Sairee/Mae Haad/Chalok.

Villas & upscale resorts {#upscale}

• Private pools, kitchens, sea views.

• Ideal for groups; book early for peak weeks.

Booking tips

• High season: late Dec–early Jan and Jul–Aug — book ferries + stays early.

• Location vs transport: staying in Sairee reduces taxi costs; remote bays need scooters/longtails.

• Access notes: some bays are via resort gates; bring cash for access/parking where applicable.

• Noise: check map pins—avoid bar clusters if you’re a light sleeper.

• Families: prefer flatter areas (Sairee north/Mae Haad lanes) and rooms close to the beach.

Map (add later)

When we build the My Map, we’ll add pins by area and embed it here to help visitors choose.

Food & Nightlife on Koh Tao — Where to Eat, Drink & Catch Sunset

At a glance

• Thai favorites: curry pastes made fresh, stir-fries, seafood grills.

• International: brunch cafés, pizza/pasta, burgers, Middle Eastern, Mexican.

• Diet-friendly: plenty of vegetarian/vegan and gluten-friendly options.

• Nightlife: beach bars, sunset cocktails, low-key pubs, occasional live music & fire shows.

Kitchens may close earlier than big cities. In high season, book popular spots around sunset–8pm.

Eating on Koh Tao

Thai staples {#thai}

• Curries: green, massaman, panang; ask for mild/medium/spicy.

• Stir-fries & noodles: pad kra pao, pad thai, pad see ew.

• Seafood: whole fish, prawns, squid; often grilled with garlic & lime.
  Tips: If new to spice, request phet nit noi (a little spicy). Carry cash for small, family-run spots.

Seafood grills & BBQ {#seafood}

• Common along the beach areas; choose your fish by weight.

• Expect simple sides (rice/salad) and fresh sauces (nam jim).

Breakfast & cafés {#cafes}

• Island-roasted coffee, smoothie bowls, sourdough, omelettes.

• Many cafés have decent Wi-Fi and power for a short work session.

Veggie & vegan {#vegan}

• Easy to find plant-based curries, tofu stir-fries, fresh salads, fruit shakes.

• Look for coconut-milk curries and tofu/veggie swaps.

Sweet things {#dessert}

• Mango sticky rice, banana roti, coconut ice cream, seasonal fruit.

Nightlife

Sunset bars (beachfront) {#sunset}

• Sairee Beach is the main sunset strip: beanbags, chill playlists, happy hours.

• Arrive 30–45 minutes before sunset for the best light and seats.

Live music & pub vibe {#live}

• Rotating acoustic nights and jam sessions.

• Casual pubs show sports and host quizzes in high season.

Cocktail & wine bars {#cocktails}

• Smaller venues with signature cocktails and quieter atmospheres.

• Dress code: beach casual; sandals fine.

Fire shows & night events {#events}

• You’ll see occasional fire shows on Sairee; watch from a safe distance.

• Bigger party nights happen around holidays—ask locally.

Practical notes

• Payments: Cards increasingly accepted; carry cash for street food, taxis, access/parking.

• Tipping: Not expected, but rounding up or ~10% for great service is appreciated.

• Water: Ice is factory-made; stick to bottled/filtered water for drinking.

• Eco: Skip single-use straws; bring a reusable bottle.

Best Time to Visit Koh Tao — Weather, Sea Conditions & Crowd Levels (2025)

Koh Tao is a year-round island. Conditions shift through the seasons, but you’ll find beach days and diveable water in every month—just plan around the weather pattern you’re likely to meet.