Surat Thani (Koh Tao), Thailand: travel guide
Small Gulf island with coral reefs and a busy scuba training scene
Turtle Island — a diver's paradise with world-class coral reefs, affordable PADI certification, and vibrant backpacker scene.
About Surat Thani (Koh Tao)
Koh Tao is a small island in the Gulf of Thailand, off the coast of Surat Thani province, and it has grown into one of the world's busiest places to learn to dive. Its name means Turtle Island, a nod to its shape and the sea turtles seen offshore.
The water is warm and clear, with granite boulders, coral gardens and shallow bays suited to beginners. Beyond the dive shops, there are hillside viewpoints, snorkelling in Shark Bay and Freedom Beach, and small beach bars in Sairee. The island is compact and easy to explore by boat or on foot.
Koh Tao suits divers, snorkellers and backpackers. The drier months from about March to September are generally the calmest.
- Country
- Thailand
- Currency
- THB
- Time zone
- Asia/Bangkok
- Typical trip
- 3-4 days
Last updated
Plan a Surat Thani (Koh Tao) trip
Top places to visit in Surat Thani (Koh Tao)
John Suwan Viewpoint
observation_deck · 4.7 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
South Koh Tao hilltop with 360° views of the island, Shark Bay and the inner gulf.
Aow Leuk Beach
Beach · 4.2 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Small secluded bay on the southeast coast known for calm, clear water and snorkelling.
Ko Nang Yuan (Three-island Viewpoint)
scenic_spot · 4.6 rating · about 3 h · check the fee at the gate
Three tiny islets connected by white sand bars with a steep viewpoint offering Koh Tao's best panorama.
Freedom Beach Koh Tao
beach · 4.2 rating · about 1.5 h · entry ฿100 (≈ ₹280)
Secluded rocky-pocket beach accessible by longtail or a short hike. Calm and crystal-clear water.
Mango Bay
Beach · 3.5 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Sheltered bay on the northwest coast reachable only by boat, popular for snorkelling.
Tanote Bay
Beach · 4.6 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
East-coast bay with three connected beach coves and good snorkelling among rock formations.
Sairee Beach
beach · 4.4 rating · about 3 h · check the fee at the gate
Koh Tao's main beach strip — white sand, vibrant beach bars and easy access to dive shops.
Chalok Baan Kao Beach
tourist_attraction · 4.4 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
Sheltered south-bay beach good for swimming. Popular with long-stay divers and budget travellers.
Shark Bay (Haad Shark Bay)
tourist_attraction · 4.1 rating · about 2 h · entry ฿100 (≈ ₹280)
Snorkelling bay where blacktip reef sharks are regularly spotted in the shallow water. No fee to enter.
Sairee Beach Sunset Viewpoint
Beach · 4.2 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
The main beach strip on Koh Tao's west coast, lined with bars and dive shops, known for sunsets.
HTMS Sattakut Wreck Dive
tourist_attraction · 4.7 rating · about 4 h · check the fee at the gate
Decommissioned navy vessel sunk in 2011. One of Asia's top wreck dives at 18-30 m depth.
Hin Wong Bay
Beach · 4.1 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Rocky east-coast bay popular for shore snorkelling among granite boulders.
Things to do
- PADI Open Water Dive Course — Koh Tao Water Sports · 36 h · from THB 4,100 per person
- Snorkelling Day Trip around Koh Tao Water Sports · 6 h · from THB 1,000 per person
- Sunset Boat Cruise around Koh Tao Sightseeing · 2 h · from THB 860 per person
- Muay Thai Training Session on Koh Tao Wellness · 1.5 h · from THB 520 per person
- Chumphon Pinnacle Dive Trip Activity · 5 h
- Sail Rock Dive Trip Activity · 5 h
- Freediving Course on Koh Tao Activity · 4 h · from THB 7,800 per person
- Sunset Kayaking from Sairee Beach Activity · 2 h
Day trips and tours
- Ko Nang Yuan & Shark Bay Snorkel Trip 4 h · from THB 550
- HTMS Sattakut Wreck & Twin Peaks Dive 6 h · from THB 1,400
- Island Hopping & Koh Tao Sunset Cruise 6 h · from THB 760
Where to stay in Surat Thani (Koh Tao)
- Beach Area about THB 3,500 per night
Diving destination with beach resorts
Hotels
- Rocky Resort 4-star
- Sairee Cottage Resort 2-star
- Ko Tao Resort 3-star
Where to eat
- Seaside Restaurant Southern Thai, Seafood · about THB 600 per person
- The French Market French, Italian, Bakery · about THB 500 per person
- Cafe del Sol French, Italian · about THB 550 per person
- Harmony Restaurant Steakhouse, Western, Fine Dining · about THB 1,500 per person
- Yang's Thai Food Thai · about THB 80 per person
- Coconut Monkey Cafe · about THB 350 per person
- Whitening Thai, International · about THB 700 per person
- Zest Cafe, Sandwiches · about THB 200 per person
Getting to Surat Thani (Koh Tao)
Airport: Surat Thani (Koh Tao) (URT)
How visitors arrive in Surat Thani (Koh Tao)
- Ferry from Chumphon By ferry from Chumphon · common
Chumphon is the closest mainland port to Bangkok and the most common ferry departure point for Ko Tao. Source: en.wikivoyage.org
- Ferry from Surat Thani By ferry from Surat Thani · common
Catamaran and overnight boats run from Surat Thani, sometimes via Ko Samui and Ko Pha Ngan. Source: en.wikivoyage.org
- Flight to Chumphon with ferry transfer By air from Bangkok · possible
Nok Air sells a Bangkok to Ko Tao ticket combining a flight to Chumphon with a ferry. Source: en.wikivoyage.org
- Boat from Ko Samui By ferry from Ko Samui · possible
Ko Samui has an airport and several piers with boats onward to Ko Tao. Source: en.wikivoyage.org
From the airport to the centre
- Fly to Chumphon, Samui or Surat Thani
Chumphon and Surat Thani airports both connect to Koh Tao by combined ticket with Lomprayah, which pairs a road transfer with a catamaran. Book the joint ticket ahead of your flight. Source: lomprayah.com
From the port to the centre
- Ferry from Chumphon or Surat Thani
Lomprayah high-speed catamarans run to Koh Tao from Chumphon and from Surat Thani (Don Sak). Confirm which pier your boat uses, then arrange a taxi or pick-up to your beach on arrival. Source: lomprayah.com
Getting around
- Motorbike Rental
Motorbikes can be rented at many places around Koh Tao, including in Mae Haad.
- Shared Taxi
Taxis operate around Sairee Village and Mae Haad, and pickup trucks make set runs to the outlying Tanote Bay.
- Walking
Safety and scams to avoid
Generic tourist overcharge
Major tourist zones
Tourists are quoted significantly above local price.
How to avoid it: Verify prices upfront. Use registered taxis/apps.
Best time to visit Surat Thani (Koh Tao)
- Jan 27°C
- Feb 28°C
- Mar 28°C
- Apr 29°C
- May 30°C
- Jun 29°C
- Jul 29°C
- Aug 29°C
- Sep 28°C
- Oct 31°C
- Nov 30°C · rough
- Dec 29°C · moderate
More in Thailand
Frequently asked questions about Surat Thani (Koh Tao)
- How many days do you need in Surat Thani (Koh Tao)?
- A typical trip to Surat Thani (Koh Tao) is 3-4 days.
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Surat Thani (Koh Tao)?
- The highest-rated places in our Surat Thani (Koh Tao) guide are John Suwan Viewpoint, HTMS Sattakut Wreck Dive, Ko Nang Yuan (Three-island Viewpoint), Tanote Bay, Sairee Beach.
- Where should I stay in Surat Thani (Koh Tao)?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Surat Thani (Koh Tao): Beach Area.
- How do I get around Surat Thani (Koh Tao)?
- Ways to get around Surat Thani (Koh Tao) covered in our guide: Motorbike rental, Shared taxi, Walking.
- What scams should I watch out for in Surat Thani (Koh Tao)?
- Scams reported to us for Surat Thani (Koh Tao) include Generic tourist overcharge. Each is explained in the guide, with how to avoid it.
- What is the weather like in Surat Thani (Koh Tao)?
- Average daytime highs in Surat Thani (Koh Tao) run from 27°C in Jan to 31°C in Oct.