Beaches & viewpoints
Pick your shade of turquoise.
Big social beaches, boat-only coves and five viewpoints to earn your sunset.
Beaches & viewpoints
Big social beaches, boat-only coves and five viewpoints to earn your sunset.
The big four
The classic
1.7 km of sand on the west coast: dive schools by day, fire shows and beach bars by night. If Koh Tao has a main street, this is it, and it's made of sand.
The postcard
Three tiny islands stitched together by a white sandbar, ten minutes by longtail. Go early, climb the viewpoint, snorkel the Japanese Gardens before the crowds.
See the half-day trip
The slow one
A calm, shallow bay on the south coast where mornings stretch until noon. Family-run resorts, quiet restaurants and Shark Bay's turtles next door.
The gateway
Where every ferry lands and every journey starts. Markets, cafés, the pier promenade, and a surprisingly lovely beach once the boats clear out.
Hidden coves
Boulders, snorkelling and a famous cliff jump.
Turquoise shallows teeming with juvenile fish.
A hidden pocket of sand below John-Suwan.
Hammocks, coconut palms, no road access.
The east coast's deep, glassy snorkel bay.
Boat-only access and water like a swimming pool.
The shortcut
The full-island snorkel tour hits five bays and Koh Nang Yuan, with lunch on board. Most of these coves are boat-only anyway.
Earn the view
Two bays at once: the island's most famous panorama.
The shot on every postcard. Worth every step.
Sunset platform with the whole west coast below.
A locals' favourite above Chalok. Bring a drink.
The highest lookout on the island, jungle all the way.