At a glance
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Best snorkeling from shore: Ao Leuk, Sai Daeng, Tanote, Hin Wong, Shark Bay (Thian Og).
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Easiest with kids / calm water days: Sairee (north half), Chalok Baan Kao (on calm days), Ao Leuk.
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Sunset: Sairee Beach, Mae Haad south, Nang Yuan viewpoint (day trip).
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Top viewpoints: John-Suwan, Love Koh Tao, Mango Viewpoint, Nang Yuan.
Quick tips: Sea conditions change with wind. If the east is breezy, try the west; if the west is choppy, head east. Bring cash for occasional access/parking where beaches are reached through private land.
Map: Beaches & Viewpoints
Add a simple Google My Maps with pins for each beach and viewpoint, then embed it here.
How to embed (Joomla): Content → Site Modules → New → Custom → switch editor to Code → paste your iframe → assign module to this menu item.
Beaches (west → south → east → north)
Sairee Beach (west coast) {#sairee}
Long, sandy, social. Great for sunset, cafés and easy swims on calm days. North Sairee often clearer water than the pier end.
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Best for: sunset, easy beach day, families.
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Notes: can be wavy/windy in some seasons; snorkel is average compared to the bays.
Mae Haad (pier area) {#mae-haad}
Useful for arrival, with a few small sandy patches south of the pier for swims and sunset photos.
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Best for: short sunset walk, convenience.
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Notes: boats = less snorkeling; stroll south for quieter water.
Chalok Baan Kao (south) {#chalok}
Wide shallow bay with a relaxed vibe.
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Best for: chill cafés, paddle board on calm days.
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Notes: shallow at low tide; water clarity varies.
Freedom Beach & Taatoh (south) {#freedom}
Small coves near the southern tip, often accessed via little paths through resorts.
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Best for: clear water on calm days, classic palm-leaning-over-sand photos.
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Access: steps/paths; some areas may request a small access/parking fee in cash.
John-Suwan Bay side (nearby coves) {#john-suwan-bays}
Tiny rocky coves under the John-Suwan ridge.
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Best for: quiet pockets, snorkeling on calm days.
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Notes: combine with the viewpoint hike.
Shark Bay / Thian Og (south) {#shark-bay}
Pretty turquoise bay; known for turtle sightings and occasional blacktip reef sharks (harmless if left alone).
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Best for: snorkeling from beach or kayak.
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Access: several resorts line the bay; land access may involve a small fee. Enter gently to protect seagrass and coral.
Sai Daeng Beach (southeast) {#sai-daeng}
Lovely sandy cove facing Shark Island; strong snorkeling with healthy coral.
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Best for: snorkeling/kayak to Shark Island (only in calm conditions).
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Notes: steeper road/steps; bring reef-safe sunscreen.
Ao Leuk (southeast) {#ao-leuk}
A favorite: clear, protected bay with coral on both sides; easy entry.
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Best for: shore snorkeling, families, lounging.
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Access: may request small access/parking fee via the beachfront properties.
Tanote Bay (east) {#tanote}
Granite-boulder bay with snorkeling straight off the beach; iconic jump rock (check depth/conditions first).
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Best for: snorkeling, adventurous swims.
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Notes: road is hilly; sea can be lively in easterly winds.
Hin Wong Bay (northeast) {#hin-wong}
Rocky bay with deep water close to shore and excellent fish life when calm.
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Best for: experienced snorkelers and photographers.
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Notes: entry over rocks—wear reef shoes; can be choppy in northeasterlies.
Mango Bay (north) {#mango-bay}
Clear water and coral; often accessed by boat or by a steeper road/hike.
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Best for: snorkeling from boat, quieter north-end feel.
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Notes: land access may be via resort gates/fees; boat trips are the easy option.
Lighthouse Bay (far northeast) {#lighthouse}
Remote rocky bay with very clear water on calm days.
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Best for: boat trips and advanced snorkelers.
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Notes: limited facilities; check wind before going.
Viewpoints
John-Suwan Viewpoint {#john-suwan}
The classic split-bay panorama over Chalok and Thian Og (Shark Bay). Short, steep trail with ropes.
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Time/effort: 15–25 minutes up; moderate.
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Access: trailheads near the southern beaches; small entry fee.
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Tip: grippy shoes; go early or late for shade and softer light.
Love Koh Tao {#love}
Café viewpoint over the island’s interior and east side.
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Time/effort: drive up; minimal walking.
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Access: small viewpoint fee or buy a drink.
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Tip: great mid-morning light and cloud-layer sunsets.
Mango Viewpoint {#mango}
High western ridge looking over Sairee and west coast.
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Time/effort: drive + short walk; some steep sections.
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Access: viewpoint hut may collect a small fee.
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Tip: one of the best sunset vantage points when skies are clear.
Two View / West Coast ridgeline {#two-view}
Forest tracks to several bouldery lookouts on the spine of the island.
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Time/effort: hike or ride + hike; moderate.
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Tip: download an offline map; avoid after heavy rain.
Nang Yuan Viewpoint (day trip) {#nang-yuan}
Famous sandbar triple-island view.
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Access: boat from Koh Tao; island entry fee; steps to the top.
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Tip: go early/late to avoid crowds; shoes with grip for the final rock.
Practical & eco tips
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Reef-safe sunscreen only; don’t stand on coral or seagrass.
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Water & shade: many bays have limited shade—bring water and a hat.
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Footwear: reef shoes help at rocky entries; viewpoints need grippy soles.
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Cash: bring small bills for access/parking where beaches are reached through private land.
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Waste: pack out what you bring; bins aren’t everywhere.
Q: What’s the best snorkeling beach?
A: Ao Leuk is the easiest all-rounder; Tanote, Hin Wong, and Sai Daeng are excellent on calm days.
Q: Where’s best for sunset?
A: Sairee Beach and Mango Viewpoint; Nang Yuan if you’re on a day trip.
Q: Do I need to pay to access beaches?
A: Public coastline is free, but some land access/parking routes pass through private property that may charge a small fee—bring cash.
Q: Is Shark Bay safe?
A: Yes—blacktip reef sharks are shy. Keep distance, don’t chase wildlife, and avoid standing on coral.