Koh Tao, paradise island
A jewel in the Gulf, renowned for its crystal-clear waters and lush, tropical landscapes. Discover more about this paradise island's captivating beauty.
Fishing Island to Diving Mecca
Koh Tao, with its rich and diverse history, has transformed remarkably over the years into a beloved tourist destination. This journey began in its early days as a remote and largely uninhabited island. Originally, it served as a respite for fishermen during storms due to its location in the Gulf of Thailand. The island's seclusion and natural beauty kept it off the radar for most, maintaining its pristine charm.
In 1933, it was chosen as the site for a political prison, a role it played for over a decade. However, after the release of the prisoners in 1947, the island slowly began to attract permanent settlers. These early inhabitants laid the foundation for the thriving community that exists today, sustaining themselves through traditional means like fishing and coconut farming.
The real turning point for Koh Tao came with the growing recognition of its natural beauty and marine richness, attracting the attention of tourists and diving enthusiasts. From the late 20th century onwards, it rapidly evolved into a premier destination for scuba diving, thanks to its clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and diverse marine life. This shift not only brought in a wave of tourism but also transformed the island's economy and culture. Today, Koh Tao is celebrated globally for its diving spots, laid-back lifestyle, and stunning landscapes, making it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking both adventure and tranquility.
Dive Sites of Koh Tao
Explore vibrant coral gardens, diverse marine life, and captivating underwater landscapes at Koh Tao's renowned dive sites, where crystal-clear waters invite divers to discover the beauty of Japanese Gardens, Chumphon Pinnacles, and Shark Island.
Chumphon Pinnacle
A jewel among Koh Tao's dive sites and a must-visit for any diver in the area. Renowned for its impressive marine life, including large shoals of fish, it's particularly famous for being one of the best spots to encounter the majestic Whale Shark.
Southwest Pinnacle
A spectacular dive site renowned for its vibrant and diverse marine life. The site is also frequented by larger pelagic species, providing an exhilarating experience for those who dive here.
Twins
A charming dive site off Koh Tao, boasts gentle slopes with colorful coral gardens, teeming with tropical fish, moray eels, and occasional sightings of turtles and stingrays.
White Rock
A favorite among Koh Tao divers, with its stunning coral formations and a rich array of marine life, including turtles, vibrant fish, and nocturnal creatures, perfect for all levels.
Japanese Gardens
Nestled near Koh Nang Yuan is a diver's paradise, especially suited for beginners. This site is renowned for its stunning array of hard corals, artistically arrayed like a meticulously designed garden.
Sail Rock
A marvel in the Gulf of Thailand, celebrated for its breathtaking underwater topography and vibrant marine life. This magnificent granite pinnacle, rising dramatically from the seabed and peeking above the water's surface, forms a haven for a diverse array of marine species.
Shark Island
A diverse underwater terrain from gentle slopes to steep walls, rich in coral life, teeming with tropical fish, and a favoured spot for reef sharks and rays.
Red Rock
A small yet notable pinnacle is the starting point for an enthralling swim to Nang Yuan Cave. This journey unveils one of Koh Tao's most enchanting swim-throughs, offering a visual feast for divers.
Mango Bay
Divers have the option to explore the diverse marine life on both sides of the bay or opt for a thrilling 'drop off' entrance, a favorite among more experienced divers.
Green Rock
A dive site that truly showcases the spectacular topography of the underwater world. With its labyrinth of swim-throughs and crevices, it offers an exhilarating exploration experience. The site is adorned with stunning coral formations, enhancing the visual splendor of the dive.
Aow Leuk
A serene and shallow dive site, ideal for novice divers to refine their skills in a calm underwater setting. For those seeking a more varied marine life and slightly deeper dives, Hin Ngam, located near Aow Leuk, offers a delightful step-up.
Hin Wong Pinnacle
A serene and often overlooked gem on Koh Tao's East side. Its landscape is a magnificent array of large boulders, creating an intricate underwater maze. These formations provide numerous hiding spots for fish.
Come join the sub culture with Roctopus Dive today
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Where To Stay on Koh Tao
Explore our top picks for budget, mid-range, and luxury accommodations to find your perfect stay on Koh Tao.
Vibrant and sociable, the perfect spot for fun-loving travelers. Award winning modern accommodation with 5 separate dorms and a total of 32 beds.
Set in Koh Tao, 200 metres from Sairee Beach, Good Dream Hotel (Khun Ying House) offers accommodation with a fitness centre, free private parking, a shared lounge and a terrace.
Situated in Koh Tao and only a few steps from Sairee Beach, Mama O Chai Koh Tao features accommodation with sea views, free WiFi and free private parking.
Situated along Sairee Beach on Koh Tao, Wind Beach Resort boasts its own beachfront bar and restaurant where guests can enjoy stunning sunset views.
Savage Hostel Koh Tao is a hip design hostel in the heart of Sairee on the tropical island of Koh Tao, in the centre of all the buzz and entertainment of bars, café’s, and spas, however located directly on the beautiful sandy beach.
Offering air-conditioned rooms with views of the garden, Sairee Sairee Guesthouse is just 100 metres from Sairee Beach. It features a restaurant, free Wi-Fi and parking.
Located in a breathtaking setting of greenery and tranquility, The Place Luxury Boutique Villas offers one-bedroom villas in Ko Tao, 4.2 km from Mango Bay.
Set amid a tropical jungle overlooking the Gulf of Thailand, this refined resort fronts a white-sand beach. It's 3 km from both Koh Tao Leisure Park and ferries at Mae Haad Pier.
Located on the hill of Sairee Beach, Monkey Flower Villas is a 5-minute walk to Sairee Beach. The property offers free Wi-Fi and 2 dining options. Guests enjoy free usage of local mobile phone and 24-hour shuttle service.
Getting to Koh Tao From Bangkok
Thailand has some of the best public transportation systems in the world, so getting to Koh Tao is simple. Arriving at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok you have 3 choices that all include a final leg on a ferry:
Bus
Catch the bus from the Ko San Road area (Banglampoo) of Bangkok with Lomprayah. The bus departs twice daily, at 06.00 and at 21.00. The bus arrives in Chumphon on the mainland in time to catch the 13.00 & 07.30 ferries (respectively) to Koh Tao.
Train
Effortlessly travel from Bangkok to Koh Tao: Board a comfortable overnight train to Chumphon, followed by a scenic boat ride to the island.
Choose between first-class sleeper cabins or second-class A/C options for a relaxing journey. Departing at 7:30 PM, the train reaches Chumphon by early morning, connecting you with a boat transfer to Koh Tao's stunning shores.
For daytime travel, a night's stay in Chumphon might be needed.Plan and book your train trip via Thai Railways or with assistance from our trusted travel agent, Booking Centre Koh Tao. Ensure to arrange your boat passage for the final leg of your journey to the idyllic island of Koh Tao.
Flying
Booking your flight to Koh Tao is now more convenient with most airlines offering combined flight and boat tickets. If this option isn't available, you can easily purchase boat tickets and arrange transfers from the airport to the pier through Lomprayah or Songserm.
To ensure a smooth connection, it's important to align your flight schedule with the ferry boat timings to Koh Tao, guaranteeing a seamless transition from air to sea on your journey to the island.
Our Facilities
At the heart of Sairee Beach, equipped for both training and relaxation, our facilities set the stage for an unforgettable diving experience on Koh Tao.
