Best Things to Do on Koh Tao (2025 Guide)

Beyond world-class diving, Koh Tao is loaded with easy adventures—snorkel coves, mellow paddles, short hikes to big views, and sunset hangs. Use this guide to plan a few perfect island days.

At a glance

  • On the water: snorkel tours, kayak/SUP, hire a longtail to quiet bays.
  • On land: viewpoints & short hikes, Muay Thai, yoga, café hopping, cooking classes, sunset spots.
  • Day trip: Koh Nang Yuan for the sandbar + viewpoint.
  • Family-friendly: calm-day beach time (Ao Leuk, north Sairee), easy bays, paddle boards.
Conditions change with wind/season. If the west is breezy, the east is often calmer (and vice-versa).

Water activities

Snorkel tours (half-day / full-day)

Boat trips circle the island with stops like Ao Leuk, Tanote, Hin Wong, Mango Bay, and sometimes Nang Yuan.

  • Tips: reef-safe sunscreen, rash guard, fins if you have them; don’t stand on coral; follow boat lanes and flag systems.
  • Booking: easy to arrange at Mae Haad kiosks, Sairee beach stands, or any dive/snorkel shop. For peak weeks, book a day in advance.

Kayak & SUP (rentals at many beaches)

Great on calm days for exploring headlands and small coves.

  • Best zones: Sairee (north), Chalok, Ao Leuk, Sai Daeng → Shark Island (only if flat).
  • Safety: stay near shore, wear a leash, watch boat traffic; mornings are usually smoother.

Longtail hire (DIY mini-tour)

Hire a local longtail with skipper to hop between 2–4 bays.

  • Good combos: Sairee → Mango Bay → Hin Wong; or Ao Leuk → Sai Daeng → Tanote on flat days.
  • Bring: water, hat, dry bag, cash for entry/parking at some bays.

Land activities

Viewpoints & short hikes

  • John-Suwan Viewpoint: classic split-bay view over Chalok & Shark Bay (short, steep, small entry fee).
  • Love Koh Tao: drive-up café viewpoint over the east side (buy a drink or pay a view fee).
  • Mango Viewpoint: west-ridge sunset panorama (steep road, small fee).
  • Two View / ridge tracks: bouldery lookouts—use grippy shoes and offline maps.

Muay Thai (train or watch)

Gyms offer drop-in classes; you can also catch Fight Nights when scheduled.

  • Bring: water, towel, light clothes; for stadium nights, arrive early for seats.

Yoga & fitness

Morning vinyasa, sunset yin, and occasional sound-bath/ice-bath add-ons. See Yoga & Wellbeing on Koh Tao for live timetables.

Thai cooking classes

Fun, hands-on half-day sessions covering pastes, stir-fries, and classics like green curry or pad thai.

  • Good to know: most can do vegetarian/vegan and mild/spicy variants; choose an evening slot if you’re diving in the day.

Rock boulders & scrambling

Granite outcrops and short scrambles around ridges and bays.

  • Safety: avoid after rain; shoes with grip; respect private land and gates.

Cafés, markets & chill

Island-roasted coffee, smoothie bowls, Thai seafood grills; pop-up evening markets around Sairee/Mae Haad.

Day trip: Koh Nang Yuan

  • Why go: unique triple-island sandbar + viewpoint.
  • How: join a snorkel boat or hire a longtail; island entry fee; steps to the lookout.
  • Best time: early or late to dodge the midday crowds; bring water shoes for hot boards and rocky bits.
  • Rules: check onsite for current restrictions (e.g., bottle/drone policies) and opening hours.

Sunset spots

  • Sairee Beach (walk north for a quieter vibe), Mae Haad south corner, Mango Viewpoint for ridge sunsets.
  • Tip: arrive 30–45 minutes before sunset for the best color.

Eco & safety notes

  • Reef care: use reef-safe sunscreen; never stand on coral or seagrass.
  • Hydration: it’s hot—carry water and shade up.
  • Roads: hills and sand patches—ride cautiously; helmets always.
  • Waste: bins are limited at some beaches—pack it out.

Planning & timing

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