Koh Tao isn’t just a dot on the map. It’s a place where the water sparkles. It is a place where the trails climb high, and the days slow down just enough to let you breathe. Whether you’re here for a week or just a few days, knowing what things to do in Koh Tao can turn a good trip into a great one. It’s clear water, green hills, and laid-back beach life make it a chill base for short trips or longer stays.
Start with the sea
The ocean is the heartbeat here. Even if you’ve never snorkeled or dived before, you can still jump in.
Snorkel Shark Bay or Aow Leuk for calm water, coral, and a good chance of spotting turtles or baby reef sharks.
Join a half-day snorkel tour to hit multiple bays in one go.
Try a dive, without the need for a certificate, if you want a guided, shallow intro to scuba in safe conditions.
Learn to Dive
Getting certified is one of the most popular things to do in Koh Tao.
- Open Water Course: Prefer this course, which is taught over a few days, to learn the basics and dive with confidence.
- Advanced Course: This course is to push to deeper sites and improve navigation and buoyancy.
- Refresh Session: Try it if it’s been a while since your last dive.
Snorkel Where the Sharks Are Small
You don’t need a boat to see amazing sea life. Just walk into Shark Bay at sunrise.
- Baby blacktip reef sharks glide near the shore
- Turtles drift lazily over coral gardens
- Bright fish swarm like confetti in the shallows
It’s safe, easy, and perfect if you’ve never snorkeled before. Bring your own gear—or rent it right off the beach.
Hike to a View That Stops You
The Laem Thian Trail isn’t long, but it’s steep. And it’s worth every step.
- Sweeping views of the whole island
- Jungle sounds all around you
- A quiet spot to sit, sip water, and just be
Don’t rush. Stop when you need to. The view doesn’t disappear.
Take a Boat to Koh Nang Yuan
This tiny island feels like a postcard. Three small bits of land, connected by a white sandbar.
- Walk across the sandbar barefoot
- Snorkel in the calm, clear water
- Sit on the beach with no one else around
There’s a small fee to enter—it’s to protect the place.
Try a Nighttime Fishing Trip
Sunset isn’t the end of the day. It’s the start of something new.
- Get picked up from your hostel
- Eat what you catch, grilled fresh on the boat
- Fish under the stars with the support of local guides
No fishing skills? You don’t even need them, as local guides handle everything.
Visit the John Suwan Viewpoint at Sunset
This is the spot everyone talks about—and for good reason.
- A short, steep climb to the top
- 360-degree views of the island and sea
- The sky turns orange, pink, then deep purple
Bring a towel. Sit on the rocks. Watch the light fade. No phone needed.
Just Sit. And Watch the Waves.
Some of the best things to do in Koh Tao, Thailand, don’t cost a thing.
- Find a quiet beach in the afternoon
- Lie back. Listen to the rhythm of the sea
- Let your mind go quiet
You didn’t come here to check boxes, but to feel something.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been wondering what to do in Koh Tao, start with the water. The best Koh Tao things to do aren’t on a checklist. When you leave, you won’t remember how many sites you hit, but you will remember how the water felt.
Knowing what to do in Koh Tao isn’t about the list, but captures the moments of the ocean. It allows you to forget everything else.
