Want the freedom to explore Koh Tao at your own pace? Renting a scooter is the most convenient way to get around. Do a quick walk-around before you sign anything, ride within your limits, and you’ll have an easy time reaching beaches, viewpoints, and cafés across the island.
Continue reading "Motorbike Rental"After a long journey here or an active day diving you're feeling a little sore and tired then then a lot of people like to go for a massage. There are a number of massage shops on the island especially along the beach road in Sairee, our top pick is the Silver Sands Resort Massage shop located right next to the Silver Sands Hotel. They offer a variety of massages & beauty treatments performed in a pleasant atmosphere by professionals at reasonable prices.
Most people when they are here on Koh Tao at some point are going to need to get a ticket off the island onto their next destination. You can book in your tickets online via the 12Go.asia website. If you can't find the link on the site to book in the activity you want to do for a day trip such as fishing or snorkelling etc then drop us a message and we'll see what we can do for you.
LONG GONE SORRY... There actually isn't a guesthouse any longer that closed it's doors with the onset of Covid-19, so these days we just offer free advice about Koh Tao
Continue reading "Location"
Fastest: Fly Bangkok → Koh Samui (USM), then ferry to Koh Tao.
Good value: Bus + high-speed ferry from Bangkok (day or overnight).
Most comfortable budget: Sleeper train → Chumphon, then ferry.
Closest mainland piers: Chumphon (north) and Surat Thani/Donsak (south).
Ferries arrive at Mae Haad Pier on Koh Tao.
Continue reading "Getting to Koh Tao"Tip: Ferry timetables change with weather/season. Always recheck times the day before you travel and arrive early for check-in.
Is Koh Tao safe?
If you ask anyone who has spent any time here over the last 10-15 years then they will almost certainly answer yes. That is of course unless you indulge in too many Buckets (the traditional Full Moon Party drinks made in a small bucket with ice, cheap local spirits and mixers) and then attempt to drive a scooter, as this is a very risky activity and has resulted in numerous injuries some thankfully not resulting in too much bodily harm and just harming the individuals wallet. Unfortunately though many have resulted in very serious injuries even fatalities. There was of course the tragic murders of two British Backpackers in September 2014 as well. However Koh Tao is unquestionably as safe or safer than anywhere else in not just this country but most others too.
Is there anything else to do if I don't want to go Scuba Diving?
Yes plenty, see the menu at the top of the site for other ideas, there are plenty of things to keep you entertained for your holidays.
Is Koh Tao a good place to bring kids?
There are plenty of things here to keep kids happy, be it swimming pools and beaches or mini golf and snorkeling.
When is it best to come to Koh Tao?
You can come to Koh Tao all year round, but the wet or monsoon season here is usually November and December and then the diving improves from February onwards each year. Of course there can be exceptions as we've had floods here in early January and even in March as the wind changes direction.
Koh Tao isn’t only about diving—its granite boulders and seaside crags make it a brilliant place to climb, from first-timers to seasoned lead climbers. Expect short approaches, ocean views, and friendly local operators who can kit you out or guide you to the best routes.
FYI: The island’s climbing is on granite with routes across a broad spread (roughly French 4–7c). Some sectors have sensitive access; always check locally before you go.
See courses and book with Goodtime Adventures
The Bunker – indoor hours, pricing & outdoor trips
When it’s too hot or wet, train at The Bunker—Koh Tao’s only dedicated indoor climbing/bouldering gym—open 09:00–20:00 with rental shoes and chalk on site.
You can climb year-round. Mornings (start 07:00–10:00) or late afternoons are best to beat the heat; mid-day granite can be toasty. Dry season (roughly Dec–Apr) is popular; October–November can see heavier rain, so have the indoor gym as a backup.
Is Koh Tao good for beginners? Yes—there are true beginner top-rope courses and half-day intros with abseiling. If you already climb indoors, guided top-rope days are perfect to sample the granite.
Can I just rent a rope and go? Experienced climbers can arrange guiding or rental with local shops, but always verify access and anchors at the sector you plan to visit.
How hot is it on the rock? It warms up quickly—plan early/late sessions or hit the indoor gym mid-day, then go swim or snorkel.
Koh Tao’s granite coastline gives you a couple of legit, natural jump spots—most famously the offshore boulder in Tanote Bay, plus several jumps at Laem Thian for the more adventurous. Jump conditions (and ladders/ropes) can change after storms, so always check the water depth and exit points on the day. thefunkyturtle.comWe Seek Travel
A large boulder sits just off the beach; people commonly use it for low–moderate jumps (roughly ~3–10 m depending on where you step). Recent guides mention a rope/ladder on the rock, but this can vary seasonally—confirm when you arrive.
Bonus: Tanote is also a top snorkel bay, so keep an eye out for snorkelers below before you jump.
Links: Funky Turtle – Tanote Bay (mentions rock jumping) • We Seek Travel overview (ladder + ~5 m jump). thefunkyturtle.com+1We Seek Travel
Wild, scenic headland with multiple boulders and higher jumps (local guide quotes ~3 m, 9 m, 12 m).
Access: hike ~1 hour from Sairee or go by boat; no services and patchy/no signal—go prepared and preferably not alone.
Links: Island Travel – Laem Thien Bay (jump heights + access notes). islandtravelkohtao.com
Other bays (Mango, Hin Wong, etc.) are primarily for snorkeling; you may see people hop from low rocks, but depths, coral and boat lanes vary—stick to the two spots above unless you know the area well. thefunkyturtle.com
Check depth every time. Water levels change with tide and swell; you want several metres of clear depth with no coral/rocks beneath. (Local businesses advise 3–4 m minimum.) Facebook
Scan for snorkelers/boats and wait for a clear window—especially at Tanote, which is a busy snorkel bay. thefunkyturtle.com
Feet-first only. No head-first dives. Keep arms tight to your sides.
Know your exit. Climb path/ladder can be sharp or slippery; test the route before you jump. Ladder/rope may be missing after storms. We Seek Travel
Don’t jump alone (spotter on shore), avoid alcohol, and skip low tide / rough days.
Respect the reef: never stand on coral; pack out all trash.
Remote spots: If heading to Laem Thian, carry water, footwear, a small first-aid kit, and tell someone your plan. islandtravelkohtao.com
Morning (clearer water, fewer boats) or late afternoon for softer light.
Sea conditions are generally calmer Mar–Sep around Koh Tao; windy/monsoon periods (roughly Nov–Jan) may reduce safe windows.
Tanote Bay: ride or taxi to the beach (roads are steep—ride carefully), then swim/kayak ~short distance to the rock. Bay info: Funky Turtle. thefunkyturtle.com
Laem Thian: hike ~1 hr from Sairee (via Tarna Align turn) or charter a longtail; no shops on site—bring water/snacks. Details & route: Island Travel. islandtravelkohtao.com
Tanote Bay overview & “rock jumping” note – The Funky Turtle. thefunkyturtle.com
Tanote Bay jumping rock & rope ladder (late-2024 report) – We Seek Travel. We Seek Travel
Laem Thian jumps (3–12 m) & access – Island Travel Koh Tao. islandtravelkohtao.com
Extra safety tips from a local hotel page at Tanote – Lub d Koh Tao (depth/obstacles reminders). Facebook
Is cliff jumping allowed everywhere?
No. Only jump at known, deep-water spots where locals do, and never inside swim zones, near piers, or where signs forbid it. Tanote’s offshore boulder and Laem Thian’s rocks are the main public spots discussed by local guides. thefunkyturtle.comislandtravelkohtao.com
How high is the Tanote jump?
Guides vary; expect low-to-moderate jumps (often quoted around ~5 m, with other take-off points a bit higher/lower). Ladder/rope status can change—check on arrival. We Seek Travel
Is Laem Thian safe for beginners?
It’s remote and conditions vary—go with experienced friends, by boat, or consider skipping it if you’re unsure. Start at Tanote and stay conservative. islandtravelkohtao.com
When Divers started to come to the island they still wanted to party after they'd finished their diving, and of course there were plenty of people willing to help them. There are many bars all over the island with some of the most noteable ones being located in Sairee.
Continue reading "Bars & Nightlife"
Looking for a fun, family-friendly thing to do after the beach? Head to Koh Tao Leisure Park in the south of the island for an 18-hole, flood-lit mini golf course set in leafy gardens. It’s an easy, low-key evening out for couples, friends and kids—and you can play as many rounds as you like for a single entry fee.
Koh Tao Leisure Park (KTLP)
What’s there: 18-hole mini golf (flood-lit), bar & grill, sports bar with big-screen sports, pool/foosball, pétanque, occasional movie nights/cinema. Great for groups and families.
Typical opening hours: mid-afternoon to late evening (commonly listed ~1:45 pm – 11 pm). Hours can vary with season/events—check the latest post before you go. Facebook+1
Location: Between Mae Haad and Chalok Baan Kao on the south side of the island (easy by scooter or taxi).
Need the latest update? The venue regularly posts current hours/what’s on via the Hacienda Bar & Grill @ KTLP page. Check there before you ride over.
Expect a small entry fee for unlimited rounds on the 18-hole course (guides and recent round-ups put it around the ฿170–฿180 mark; confirm on the day). Walk-ins are normal; larger groups can message the venue in advance. TravelTriangle.com
Cash/QR (small purchases), a bottle of water, and mosquito repellent for dusk. Wear comfy sandals/trainers. If you’re riding a scooter, bring a light jacket for the ride home.
Great at night: Mini golf is flood-lit and most lively after sunset—perfect once you’ve finished diving or the sun is off the sand.
Food & drinks on site: You can grab burgers, Thai plates and cold drinks at the adjoining bar & grill / sports bar.
Rain plan: Showers pass quickly, but if it pours there’s usually pool/foosball and televised sports to keep you busy.
Scooter: 10–15 minutes from Mae Haad or Sairee; park on-site.
Taxi: Ask for “Leisure Park / Mini Golf near Chalok.”
Walking: Feasible from Chalok (hot after midday), less so from Sairee.
Easy, all-ages fun that doesn’t require a full evening commitment.
Budget-friendly (unlimited rounds).
One stop for games, food and drinks—ideal for mixed groups.
Koh Tao Leisure Park – activity overview (18-hole course, unlimited play).
Hacienda Bar & Grill / KTLP – live updates, sports listings & kitchen hours.
General hours snapshot (often shows ~1:45 pm–11 pm for mini golf). Facebook
