The jungle-strewn Ko Tao is one of Thailand’s most alluring tropical paradises, blessed with numerous marine life and vibrant coral, along with white-sand beaches and cocktail bars. This popular island getaway is a scuba diving hotspot but also provides adventurous jungle hikes and rock climbing excursions.

Things to do

If you’re up for a challenge and are keen to soak up incredible coastal views, take on the uphill trail to the John-Suwan Viewpoint. The trek takes you through a verdant native jungle and past enormous boulders, rewarding you with panoramic mountain and Chalok Baan Kao Bay views.

Snorkelers and scuba divers are spoilt for choice on Ko Tao, with an array of fascinating creatures and colourful coral environments right offshore. Sai Nuan Beach is great for spotting angelfish, while Thian Og Bay is the best spot for swimming with green and hawksbill turtles. Dive centres take you out to stunning reefs to see barracuda, blue spotted stingrays and reef sharks.

Save some time to relax and swim at Ko Tao’s premier white-sand beaches, including the 1.8-kilometre-long Sairee Beach and the bar-lined Chalok Baan Kao Bay. Soak up the coastal lifestyle around the piers at Mae Haad Bay, where you can walk past traditional fishing boats.

Need some rest and relaxation? Check yourself into one of the island’s pampering day spas for a hot stone treatment, body scrub or signature massage. When the sun sets, head to Fishbowl Beach Bar for bar games and cocktails or Chopper's Sports Bar for live music and beer.

Getting around

Ko Tao is easily reached by catching a bus from Bangkok and a two or three-hour ferry from Chumphon. Once you’re on the island, you can easily explore on foot, use the taxi boats and taxi cars or rent a motorbike or bicycle.