Koh Tao beaches / Aow Leuk
Aow Leuk Beach & Snorkelling Bay on Koh Tao
A calm, deep bay on the south-east coast with white sand, reef on both sides and baby reef sharks.
Koh Tao beaches / Aow Leuk
A calm, deep bay on the south-east coast with white sand, reef on both sides and baby reef sharks.
Aow Leuk Koh Tao (also written Ao Leuk) is a bay on the south-east corner of the island that works well for swimming and snorkelling. The sand is soft and white, the water stays deep even at low tide, and reefs line both sides of the bay.
You may pay a small fee to reach the beach, depending on which path you take. This page covers the fee, how to get there and when to go.
The name means "deep bay", and it fits. Soft sand continues into the water, which stays deep enough for swimming at any tide. Palms along the edges give shade, and there is space to spread out. It is popular, though, so loungers can fill up on busy days.
Dive schools also use the bay for training, so you will see boats and groups. For divers, the Aow Leuk dive site page has the underwater side.
Coral reefs run along the rocky coastlines on both sides of the bay and start in shallow water, so you can see colourful fish a few metres from the sand. Expect butterflyfish, clownfish, lionfish and the occasional ray. Artificial reef structures have been added along the shore.
Baby blacktip reef sharks use the shallows as a nursery at certain times of year, while adults stay further out. Sightings are less certain than at Shark Bay, and these sharks are harmless to swimmers. Shark Island lies offshore: strong currents and boats make it a trip for tours or experienced paddlers, so do not swim there. For more options, see snorkelling on Koh Tao.
The usual route runs through the Aow Leuk Grand Hill resort, where you pay a small entrance fee at the car park or gate, usually with a lounger and a soft drink included. Outside food and drink are not allowed on the beach, and bags may be checked.
One local guide reports a way in via the restaurant on the left-hand fork, which does not charge a fee if you eat there. Rules vary, so ask on arrival.
Take the road from Mae Haad toward Tanote Bay across the middle of the island, then follow the signs to Aow Leuk. A scooter or taxi takes roughly 15 minutes. A car park is just before the beach.
Plan your day with getting around Koh Tao. Tanote Bay is just around the coast: see Tanote Bay.
You will find restaurants serving Thai and Western food, shade, sun loungers, and rental of snorkel gear, kayaks and paddleboards. Wi-Fi is mentioned by some resort-side guides.
Arrive early for a calm bay, a lounger and fewer day-trippers. The bay faces east, so the north-east monsoon can bring rougher water in the wetter months. Choose settled weather: see the best time to visit Koh Tao.
In case of trouble, see Koh Tao emergency numbers.
Usually yes: a small fee through the resort entrance, often with a lounger and a soft drink included. There may be a free route if you eat at the restaurant, so ask on arrival.
Yes. Reefs run along both sides of the bay and start in shallow water, and the bay is deep enough to snorkel even at low tide.
Sometimes. Baby blacktip reef sharks use the shallows at certain times of year. They are harmless, but sightings are less likely than at Shark Bay.
Follow the road toward Tanote Bay across the island, then the signs to Aow Leuk. It takes about 15 minutes by scooter or taxi, and there is a car park near the beach.
Usually not. Outside food and drink are not allowed on the resort beach, but restaurants serve meals and cold drinks.
Early morning on a calm day, before day-trippers arrive. The east-facing bay can be rough in the north-east monsoon.
Checked in November 2026. Opening hours and timetables change: confirm locally before you go.