Koh Tao: Where to Stay, What to Do, How to Get There

Global Team
17 Aug 2024 - 5 min read
Woman traveler wearing pink dress and straw hat at Nang Yuan Island, Koh Tao, Thailand in a summer day

Koh Tao is a beautiful island in Thailand, perfect for adventure and relaxation. With its clear waters, vibrant marine life, and stunning views, it's a top destination for travelers. Whether you love diving, lounging on beaches, or exploring nature, Koh Tao has it all.

Here’s a simple guide on where to stay, what to do, and how to get there from Koh Samui or Singapore. Get ready to enjoy the charm and beauty of Koh Tao Island!

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Mon, 12 May 2025

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Best Places to Stay in Koh Tao

Beautiful young woman in portrait relaxing on a beach during her holiday travels in Koh Tao

Beautiful young woman in portrait relaxing on a beach during her holiday travels in Koh Tao

Koh Tao offers a variety of accommodation options to suit every traveler's needs and budget. Here's a breakdown of the best areas to stay and some popular hotels:

Best Areas to Stay in Koh Tao

Sairee Beach: This is the main hub of Koh Tao, offering a lively atmosphere with plenty of bars, restaurants, and shops. It's perfect for those seeking nightlife and a vibrant social scene.
Mae Haad: A quieter and more relaxed alternative to Sairee Beach, Mae Haad is ideal for travelers seeking a balance of relaxation and convenience. It offers a good selection of restaurants, bars, and dive shops.
Chalok Baan Kao Bay: This secluded bay is perfect for those looking to escape the crowds and enjoy a peaceful atmosphere. It's home to beautiful beaches, dive shops, and a few restaurants.
Southern Beaches: For complete seclusion and tranquility, head to the southern beaches of Koh Tao. These areas offer stunning natural beauty and a limited number of accommodation options.

Lücke Boutique Hotel: This adults-only hotel offers stylish rooms and a rooftop pool, perfect for couples seeking a romantic getaway.

Address: 25/9 Moo 2, Maehaad, Mae Haad, Koh Tao, Surat Thani, Thailand, 84360

Lücke Boutique Hotel

Koh Tao

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Savage Hostel Koh Tao: A trendy hostel with a rooftop pool, bar, and restaurant, ideal for backpackers and budget travelers.

Address: 9/296 Moo 1, Sairee beach, Koh Tao, Surat Thani, Thailand, 84360

Savage Hostel Koh Tao

Koh Tao

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Fisherman Koh Tao: This beachfront hotel offers a laid-back atmosphere and delicious Western and Thai cuisine.

Address: 22/2 Moo3, Chalok Baan Kao, Chalok Baan Kao, Koh Tao, Surat Thani, Thailand, 84360

Fisherman Koh Tao

Koh Tao

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Sai Daeng Resort: A beachfront resort with an outdoor pool and hot tub, perfect for relaxation and water sports enthusiasts.

Address: 46/9 Moo.3 Haad Sai Daeng, Koh Tao, Sai Daeng Beach, Koh Tao, Surat Thani, Thailand, 84360

Sai Daeng Resort

9.0/10

Sai Daeng Beach

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Remember to consider your budget, desired atmosphere, and activities when choosing your accommodation in Koh Tao.

Top Diving Spots in Koh Tao

Four scuba divers enjoying the warm water in Koh Tao Thailand

Four scuba divers enjoying the warm water in Koh Tao Thailand

Koh Tao is a diver's paradise, boasting a plethora of stunning dive sites catering to all levels of experience. Here are some of the most popular options:

For Beginners and Intermediate Divers:

Twin Peaks: This site offers a gradual slope, making it ideal for beginners. It's home to a variety of marine life, including colorful coral reefs and playful fish.
Japanese Gardens: Known for its beautiful coral formations and abundant marine life, this site is perfect for both beginners and experienced divers.
Aow Leuk: This sheltered bay offers calm waters and excellent visibility, making it a great choice for divers of all levels. It's also a popular spot for snorkeling.

For Advanced Divers:

Sail Rock: A true underwater spectacle, Sail Rock is a must-visit for experienced divers. It's home to a diverse array of marine life, including pelagic species like sharks and barracudas.
Chumphon Pinnacle: This challenging dive site offers stunning underwater topography and a chance to encounter larger marine creatures. It's suitable for advanced divers only.
HTMS Sattakut Wreck: Explore the remains of this sunken ship, teeming with marine life and offering an exciting underwater adventure.

How to Travel from Koh Samui to Koh Tao

Lomprayah High Speed Catamarans connect form Bangkok

Lomprayah High Speed Catamarans connect form Bangkok

Ferry is the primary mode of transportation between Koh Samui and Koh Tao. Here are the two main ferry operators offering this route:

1. Lomprayah High Speed Ferries

Ferry is the primary mode of transportation between Koh Samui and Koh Tao. There are two main ferry operators offering this route: Lomprayah High Speed Ferries and Songserm Travel. Lomprayah High Speed Ferries is a faster and more comfortable option, with a travel time of approximately 1 hour 30 minutes and multiple departures throughout the day.

2. Songserm Travel

Songserm Travel is a more affordable option, with a travel time of around 3 hours 45 minutes and fewer departures compared to Lomprayah.

How to Travel from Singapore to Koh Tao

Viewpoint from the mountaintop to see the beach, sea, and nature of Koh Nang Yuan and Koh Tao.

Viewpoint from the mountaintop to see the beach, sea, and nature of Koh Nang Yuan and Koh Tao.

There's no direct route from Singapore to Koh Tao, so you'll need to combine flights and ferries to reach this beautiful island. Here’s a breakdown of the most common options:

Fly to Koh Samui, then Ferry to Koh Tao

This is the fastest and most comfortable option, although it is generally more expensive. First, fly from Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) to Koh Samui Airport (USM), with several airlines offering this route. Upon arrival, take a taxi or a pre-booked transfer to Lomprayah or Seatran Ferry Pier in Koh Samui. From there, board a ferry to Koh Tao, with Lomprayah offering faster and more comfortable ferries, while Seatran is a budget-friendly option.

Fly to Surat Thani or Chumphon, then Ferry to Koh Tao

This option is potentially cheaper than flying to Koh Samui but involves a longer travel time with multiple transfers. Start by flying from Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) to Surat Thani or Chumphon airports. Then, take a bus or taxi to the ferry pier in Donsak (Surat Thani) or Chumphon. Finally, board a ferry to Koh Tao.

Must-Do Activities on Koh Tao Island

Night diving around Koh Tao Thailand

Night diving around Koh Tao Thailand

Given Koh Tao's reputation as a diver's paradise, it's no surprise that underwater activities top the list:

Scuba Diving: This is undoubtedly the star attraction. With crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life, Koh Tao offers world-class diving experiences for all levels.
Snorkeling: For those who prefer to stay on the water's surface, snorkeling is equally rewarding. Discover colorful coral reefs and playful fish in shallow waters.
Relaxation and Sunbathing: Koh Tao's beautiful beaches invite you to unwind and soak up the sun.
Island Hopping: Explore nearby islands like Koh Nang Yuan for pristine beaches and stunning scenery.
Rock Climbing: Challenge yourself with the island's rock climbing opportunities, offering breathtaking views.

Koh Tao is a tropical paradise offering a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and underwater exploration. Sunscreen, comfortable clothing, and a sense of adventure are essential for an unforgettable Koh Tao experience.

To make your trip even more convenient, book your tickets and accommodations through Traveloka. With Traveloka, you can find the best deals on any tickets, nearby hotels, flights and more tourist attractions. Plus, you can read reviews and get travel tips to ensure you make the most of your visit. Start planning your adventure today with Traveloka and enjoy a hassle-free memorable trip!

In This Article

• Best Places to Stay in Koh Tao
• Best Areas to Stay in Koh Tao
• Popular Hotels in Koh Tao
• Top Diving Spots in Koh Tao
• For Beginners and Intermediate Divers:
• For Advanced Divers:
• How to Travel from Koh Samui to Koh Tao
• 1. Lomprayah High Speed Ferries
• 2. Songserm Travel
• How to Travel from Singapore to Koh Tao
• Fly to Koh Samui, then Ferry to Koh Tao
• Fly to Surat Thani or Chumphon, then Ferry to Koh Tao
• Must-Do Activities on Koh Tao Island

Flights Featured in This Article

Mon, 12 May 2025
Scoot
Singapore (SIN) to Koh Samui (USM)
Start from SGD 189.20
Book Now
Thu, 22 May 2025
Bangkok Airways
Bangkok (BKK) to Koh Samui (USM)
Start from SGD 97.60
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Fri, 23 May 2025
Bangkok Airways
Phuket (HKT) to Koh Samui (USM)
Start from SGD 109.56
Book Now
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