Most individuals who journey to Thailand need to spend at the very least a few of their journey on a tropical island. The Kingdom of Smiles has no scarcity of paradisiacal islands to select from. Among the best Thai islands to go to is Koh Tao, “Turtle Island.”
Koh Tao is among the finest places to visit in Thailand in the event you’re on the lookout for a diving vacation spot, however there’s rather more occurring right here.
I had such unimaginable experiences in Koh Tao and cherished scuba diving, seaside bumming, mountaineering, and wild nightlife. All this and extra await if you journey to Koh Tao. Right here’s my record of the perfect issues to do in Koh Tao that can assist you plan your Thai island getaway.
1. Get Scuba Licensed
There are few locations on the earth higher to get scuba licensed than Koh Tao. There are tons of dive retailers on the island, and the competitors helps hold costs down. You may get your open water certificates right here for simply round $300. What a deal!
For those who’ve at all times been eager about scuba diving however have been placing it off, Koh Tao is the right place to start out. It’s nice having the ability to be taught within the ocean, as there are spots which might be shallow sufficient to take action.
I for one am actually glad I realized out within the ocean moderately than in a pool. It made the transition to correct scuba diving very clean and we had nice instructors.
Since there are a lot of dive faculties on Koh Tao, it’s essential to do your analysis and select the one which’s best for you. Two high contenders embody the highly-rated La Bombona and Dpm Diving (which additionally has nice lodging out there, check that out here).
Those that have already got their open water certification can add loads of different credentials right here, together with superior diver, divemaster, and extra. Many dive retailers additionally supply underwater images courses in the event you’d prefer to get into that. There’s little question that scuba diving is on the high of the record of issues to do in Koh Tao.
2. Unleash Your Interior Yogi
It’s not all about being within the water right here. There are additionally loads of issues to do in Koh Tao on land, together with practising yoga. There are fairly a number of yoga studios in Koh Tao lately, providing courses of varied varieties and ranges.
It’s arduous to consider a greater option to begin your day than with an ocean-view yoga class. For those who’re considering of turning your passion for yoga right into a job, you may look into doing all of your yoga instructor coaching right here as nicely.
Take a look at Shambhala Yoga on Sairee Seashore (round 300 baht per class) or try Ocean Sound who supply scuba diving and yoga courses.
☞ See Additionally: Things To Do in Chiang Mai – A Record of 17 Highlights
3. Go On a Snorkeling Cruise
You don’t must be a diver to benefit from the underwater world that surrounds Koh Tao. There are many snorkeling cruises for individuals who aren’t dive-certified however nonetheless need to admire the considerable marine life.
Along with seeing turtles (which you’d count on on Turtle Island), you may additionally spot black-tip reef sharks and blue-spotted rays. I’m a giant fan of diving, however the snorkeling in Koh Tao is fairly superior as nicely. It’s definitely simpler and cheaper, too!
On this highly-rated journey, you’ll discover Koh Nang Yuan islands off of Koh Tao, have use of kayaks, paddleboards and snorkel gear, and revel in a meal with drinks. Click here to be taught extra about this enjoyable journey.
For those who’re on nearby Koh Samui, you are able to do a day journey to Koh Tao to benefit from the underwater world.
4. Feast on a Seafood BBQ
After all these fish within the water, it’s time to eat a few of them again on land. There are many beachside eating places the place you may select from a wide range of recent seafood and have it barbecued proper on the spot.
A seafood feast on the seaside is definitely one of the crucial scrumptious issues to do in Koh Tao! Take a look at Family Kitchen or Barracuda for some tasty meals.
5. Play Mini-Golf
Probably the most enjoyable issues to do in Koh Tao is enjoying a spherical of mini-golf. Head to the Koh Tao Leisure Park to play a spherical on their 18-hole course.
You possibly can play as many rounds as you want for about $5, so go forward and provides the “Goofy Golf” a attempt. It stays open late and it’s flood-lit at evening, so this can be a nice option to spend a night out.
Along with mini-golf, in addition they have petanque courts, pool tables, foosball tables, a cinema, and a sports activities bar. Convey some associates alongside from the hostel for a tremendous enjoyable evening.
6. Eat a Banana Pancake
Seeing as how Koh Tao is firmly on the famed Banana Pancake Path by way of Southeast Asia, you need to most likely eat at the very least one. There’s a purpose you will discover banana pancakes in all places on this area. They’re candy, scrumptious, and tremendous low cost, so why not?
Take a look at Coconut Monkey for extra of a restaurant type, or hit up any of the streetside distributors for a banana pancake full of Nutella, bananas and extra. At round 40 baht ($1.20), it’s a discount. Consuming a banana pancake is certainly one of the crucial fashionable things to do in Thailand for backpackers.
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7. Lease Some Wheels
One of the simplest ways to discover Koh Tao is certainly with your individual two wheels. Most vacationers select to hire motorbikes, that are available and fairly low cost. With a set of wheels, you’ll have the ability to hit all corners of the island simply with out having to fret about discovering a cab. Simply ensure you drive safely and at all times trip with a helmet.
For those who’re not snug on a motorcycle, it’s also possible to discover bicycles for hire in Koh Tao. There are many good bike rides you may tackle the island, and also you’ll get some train within the course of.
Take a look on the extremely rated Oli’s Motorbike Rentals or KP Travel and Motorbike Rental.
☞ On the lookout for an epic bike journey? Don’t miss the Mae Hong Son Loop in northern Thailand, it’s a spotlight of any journey to the nation.
8. Take a Hike to a Viewpoint
Talking of getting train, there are a number of quick mountaineering trails in Koh Tao that take you to gorgeous viewpoints. Among the finest embody the John Suwan Viewpoint and Fraggle Rock.
It’s finest to move out mountaineering early within the morning or later within the day simply earlier than sundown, because the noon solar could be intense. Everytime you go, working up sweat is among the high issues to do in Koh Tao.
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9. Take a Day Journey to Koh Nang Yuan
Simply since you’re already on a stunning island doesn’t imply you may’t depart for the day to go to one other one. Close by Koh Nang Yuan is a tiny island that makes for an excellent day trip.
Along with enjoyable on the postcard-worthy seashores and having fun with some world-class snorkeling, you will get a pleasant adrenaline rush right here on the superior zipline.
Koh Nang Yuan is residence to the world’s first island-to-island zipline, which options some fairly unimaginable views. Make sure you put it excessive in your record of issues to do in Koh Tao. Click here to learn about this amazing day trip.
☞ On the lookout for a surprising island with pristine seashores, however much less vacationers? Don’t miss the entire unimaginable things to do in Koh Lipe.
10. Climb On Rocks…and Leap Off Them
For those who can handle to climb out of your seaside chair, why not give mountaineering a attempt in Koh Tao? Whether or not you’re an absolute newbie or a professional, there’s a climbing route right here for you.
There are a number of retailers providing climbing programs on the island, so get on the market and provides it a attempt. One other expertise price attempting is cliff leaping. After that critical exercise climbing, it’s tons of enjoyable leaping within the water and cooling off.
Take a look on the fashionable Koh Tao Climbing Project for extra particulars.
11. Lease a Kayak and Snorkel
An effective way to spend a half day in Koh Tao is renting a kayak and snorkel and heading out by yourself. It’s not arduous discovering a store that may hire the gear out to you for a few hours.
There are many bays within the south of the island the place you may head out from – Jansom Bay, Shipwreck, Sai Nuan Seashore, June Juea Seashore, Viewpoint Cape, Cape Je Ta Kang and Freedom Seashore (to call a number of).
A day of paddling across the bay with a little bit of snorkeling blended in is difficult to beat. Wherever you exit in Koh Tao, you’re certain to see loads of marine life. The kayak/snorkel combo is certainly one in every of my favourite issues to do in Koh Tao.
Take a look at this day trip which features a boat tour, snorkeling, kayaks, and rather more. Or, take a look at this awesome snorkel boat trip round Koh Tao!
*Word: at all times examine the wind and sea circumstances earlier than setting off and search native recommendation about the place (and the place not) to kayak.
12. Drink a Bucket
When partying in Koh Tao (or any Thai island), the drink of alternative is certainly a bucket. The idea is easy – take a seaside bucket, and fill it with booze, ice, and some mixers. Add a number of straws (ideally bamboo or glass ones), and share it with associates!
Dipping your toes within the sand, dancing to some music, and sipping on a bucket with a few of your finest journey buddies undoubtedly makes the record of high issues to do in Koh Tao. Fishbowl is a well-liked spot to seize a drink.
13. Practice in Muay Thai
For those who’re seeking to get into form, you need to think about coaching in Muay Thai whilst you’re visiting Koh Tao. Even in the event you’re not into the concept of moving into the ring for an precise match, signing up for some Muay Thai classes is an effective way to get match. In spite of everything these banana pancakes and buckets, it’s most likely not a foul thought.
Island Muay Thai on Sairee Seashore is an efficient place to attempt.
14. Watch a Fireplace Present
You realize that previous saying about enjoying with hearth? Folks in Koh Tao have by no means heard of it. One of many quintessential issues to do in Koh Tao is watching a fireplace present on the seaside.
Each evening of the week, you will discover seaside bars with hearth exhibits occurring. Seize a drink, pull up a beanbag, and sit right down to get pleasure from a scorching scorching efficiency.
Take a look at Koh Tao in our “Streets, Beats & Eats” collection!
15. Study About Marine Conservation
On this tiny island that’s a very talked-about vacationer vacation spot, marine conservation is extraordinarily essential. Fortunately, Koh Tao takes this matter very critically and there are a lot of nice organizations arduous at work there.
If you wish to find out about marine conservation, you need to drop by Eco Koh Tao and the New Haven Reef Conservation Project. Each are doing nice work and have a wide range of programs and tasks you may take part in.
16. Dive at Sail Rock
When you’ve acquired your open water certificates, you may as nicely stick round Koh Tao to do a number of free dives. Among the best dive websites within the space is certainly Sail Rock, so put a visit on the market on the high of your record.
Many of the dive retailers in Koh Tao supply journeys out to Sail Rock. You’ll get two dives, lunch on the boat, and loads of superior views alongside the way in which.
17. Go to Ang Thong Marine Park
Probably the most fashionable day journeys out of Koh Tao is the Ang Thong Marine Park. This beautiful archipelago of islands is only a quick boat trip away, and nearly each tour operator runs journeys there.
On a visit round Ang Thong, you’ll get to get pleasure from some snorkeling and a brief hike to a stupendous lagoon. You’ll seemingly spot some wildlife as nicely, together with dusky langurs, hornbills, silver-haired bats, and hawksbill turtles. Go to Island Travel Tour Company for tickets – in addition they hire scooters.
18. Sip on Sundowners
After an extended time out within the water or up on the rocks, one of the simplest ways to wind down is with some sundowners on the seaside. Just about each bar on the seaside has Joyful Hour round sundown, so plop down in that beanbag and get your self an grownup beverage or two!
There are additionally a number of bars up the hill that supply a panoramic view of the sundown. Cruise as much as the aptly-named Sky Bar, seize a drink, and benefit from the present. (notice: consuming at a sky bar can be one of many high things to do in Bangkok – put it in your record for the capital!)
19. Take a Thai Cooking Class
While you depart Thailand, you’ll inevitably miss loads of issues in regards to the nation. One factor you’re certain to lengthy for is the meals. Thai cuisine is a number of the finest on the earth, so why not learn to cook dinner it your self?
Signing up for a Thai cooking class is certainly top-of-the-line issues to do in Koh Tao. Discover ways to cook dinner some traditional Thai dishes after which impress your folks again residence along with your culinary prowess.
Parawan’s Thai Dwelling Cooking Courses are extremely rated on the island. Half-day courses (3 hours) with 3 totally different dishes price round 1,500 baht ($45). Click here to be taught extra about this genuine cooking class in Koh Tao.
20. Get together it Up on the Pub Crawl
For those who’re seeking to let unfastened, have time, and meet fellow travellers, there’s nothing higher than the Koh Tao Pub Crawl. This epic pub crawl is a lot enjoyable that they now run it 4 nights every week!
Each Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, you may be part of within the insanity and expertise a wild evening out in Koh Tao.
The pub crawl consists of stops at a number of bars, a pool get together, and a ridiculously enjoyable ladyboy cabaret present. The doorway charge of about $15 will get you a tank high, a bucket, a number of pictures, and drink specials at each bar. In all my travels round Southeast Asia, the Koh Tao Pub Crawl stands out as one of the crucial enjoyable nights out.
21. Be a Seashore Bum
After that jam-packed record, it’s becoming that the final spot goes to easily being a seaside bum. There’s a lot to see and do in Koh Tao that you just’ll have to take at the very least a while in your journey to simply do completely nothing and benefit from the seaside.
When you’re sitting there in your seaside chair, why not go forward and plan your journey to the following Thai island? In spite of everything, each Koh Pha-Ngan and Koh Samui are only a quick boat trip away. There are such a lot of superior things to do in Koh Phangan, together with the well-known Full Moon Get together. Or, attempt your hand at digital nomad life on these lovely Thai islands.
The place to Keep in Koh Tao
There are some nice lodging choices on Koh Tao. Listed here are a few our suggestions:
1. Big Tree Boutique Hotel: positioned close to Mae Haad Seashore, this lovely lodge affords parking, a backyard, and an onsite restaurant and bar. The essential rooms have balconies and personal bogs, whereas the suites embody a kitchen. Click here for details.
2. MAR24 Koh Tao Hotel: positioned close to Chalok Baan Kao Bay, this lodging has an onsite outside pool, a solar terrace and free pickup from the pier. Rooms have fan or air-conditioning, non-public bogs, and complimentary snacks. Click here for details.
3. Treehouse Bungalows: these distinctive bungalows are positioned close to Aow Leuk Seashore. Get pleasure from swaying backwards and forwards in your hammock on the deck, or hand around in the backyard. Rooms right here have sea view as nicely! Click here for details.
Able to Journey to Koh Tao?
As you may see, Koh Tao affords much more than simply diving. There are such a lot of issues to do in Koh Tao that you might skip out on the diving completely and nonetheless fill loads of days there.
You shouldn’t do this, although, as a result of the diving is top-notch. So what are you ready for? Plan that journey of a lifetime and recover from to the Thai islands.
