Koh Tao is a small island of about 21 square kilometres in the Gulf of Thailand, part of Surat Thani province. The name means Turtle Island, and it is best known today as one of the places in Thailand where people learn to dive. Wikipedia records that it was a political prison from 1933 until a royal pardon in 1947, was largely abandoned afterwards, and began receiving overseas visitors in the 1980s before diving took over in the 1990s.
For an Indian family or a senior traveller, the island is simple to understand. There is no airport and no railway. You arrive by ferry at Mae Haad, then settle on the west coast at Sairee Beach or on the quieter south bay at Chalok Baan Kao. Most of what you do is on or near the water: snorkelling in shallow bays, a boat trip to the sandbar at Ko Nang Yuan, and sunsets on the beach.
Be realistic about the limits. Services are modest, roads can be steep and rough, motorbikes are the main way to get around and a common cause of injuries, and medical care on the island is limited to clinics. The nearest hospitals are on Ko Samui and in Chumphon, which Wikivoyage describes as at least two hours away by ferry. Good travel insurance is not optional here.
Koh Tao suits couples, young families with confident swimmers, and older travellers who are happy with a slow beach stay. It does not suit anyone who wants sightseeing, big temples or a wide choice of Indian food. Three or four nights is usually enough.
Before you plan
Koh Tao at a glance
- Best months
- February to April is the driest windowFebruary to April is the driest window; May to September is humid with moderate rain; October to December is wettest and boats can be disrupted.
- Ideal trip length
- 3 to 4 nights3 to 4 nights, plus travel days to and from the mainland or Ko Samui
- Airport
- None on the islandNone on the island. Nearest are Chumphon (CJM), Ko Samui (USM) and Surat Thani (URT), each followed by a ferry; most visitors from India connect through Bangkok
- Railway station
- None on the islandNone on the island. Trains run to Chumphon on the mainland, where ferries connect (Wikipedia)
- Getting around
- TaxisTaxis, shared pickup trucks, hired scooters and short boat rides; a hotel transfer is easiest for older travellers
- Daily budget
- Varies widely: basic bungalows and…Varies widely: basic bungalows and dive-island cafes are cheap, resort stays and dive courses are not. Check current prices before you go.
- Senior comfort
- Moderate: flat beaches near SaireeModerate: flat beaches near Sairee, but steep roads, limited medical care and no hospital on the island
- Language
- ThaiThai; English is widely used in dive schools, resorts and restaurants
Prices, opening hours and weather change. Recheck live details before booking.
Best time to visit Koh Tao: February, March. Month-by-month weather →
How many days do you have?
Koh Tao itinerary
One good day
1 day in Koh Tao
Arrive by ferry at Mae Haad, leave your bags at your hotel and take a morning snorkel at Shark Bay or Freedom Beach. Have lunch at Chalok Baan Kao, rest in the afternoon, and finish on Sairee Beach for sunset.
Day-by-day plan →Two days
2 days in Koh Tao
Start early at Shark Bay for snorkelling, then spend the rest of the morning at Freedom Beach. Lunch at Chalok Baan Kao and a quiet afternoon.
Day-by-day plan →Three unhurried days
3 days in Koh Tao
Shark Bay and Freedom Beach in the morning, lunch at Chalok Baan Kao.
Day-by-day plan →
