Ko Tao

Island · Koh Tao ·

Ko Tao

Island · Koh Tao ·

World-class diving, snorkeling, vibrant reefs, and affordable courses

Information

Ko Tao, Surat Thani, Thailand Get directions

@travelleisure

28,641 Postcards · 5,542 Cities

I’ve Lived in Thailand for 12 Years and These Are My 6 Favorite Islands in the Country

"A small, hilly island of about eight square miles renowned as Thailand’s diving capital thanks to clear waters brimming with vibrant marine life and an abundance of scuba schools; it’s reachable by a two-hour ferry from a nearby larger island. The west, particularly Sairee Beach and its surroundings, is home to a wide range of restaurants (from Burmese to Szechuan) and a standout wine bar. For wellness and sunset views there are on-island resorts offering specialized experiences and spectacular headland vistas." - Jeninne Lee-St. John

https://www.travelandleisure.com/islands-in-thailand-8727150

Ko Tao

@cntraveler

42,481 Postcards · 5,683 Cities

How I Travel: Natalie Dormer Grew Up Visiting the Beaches in Wales

"A Southeast Asian country known for its beautiful beaches and diving spots, where Natalie wants to dive."

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/how-i-travel-natalie-dormer

Ko Tao

@nomadicmatt

6,682 Postcards · 1,172 Cities

10 Best Places to Go Scuba Diving in 2025

"As a cheap place to learn to scuba dive, Ko Tao has a plethora of dive shops for beginners and experts alike; I found it to be one of the most affordable learning hubs in Thailand. Open Water certification costs around $350 USD, single-tank dives are less than $50 USD, and full-day trips run about $75 USD, so it's a great option if you're starting out." - Matthew Kepnes

https://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-blogs/best-places-to-go-scuba-diving/

Ko Tao

@nomadicmatt

6,682 Postcards · 1,172 Cities

Southeast Asia Itineraries: From 2 Weeks to 3 Months

"Ko Tao is the top diving destination in Thailand — popular sites include Elephant Head Rock and reefs teeming with fish, rays, and turtles; day trips for two dives (including equipment and park fees) start at about 5,900 THB, introductory single‑day dive experiences start at about 2,500 THB, and a four‑day open water course costs around 11,000 THB." - Matthew Kepnes

https://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-blogs/southeast-asia-itinerary/

Ko Tao

@nomadicmatt

6,682 Postcards · 1,172 Cities

9 Incredible Things to Do Thailand in 2025 | Nomadic Matt

"As a diving hub, Ko Tao is one of the famous spots I point to for scuba; Thailand is very affordable for learning to dive (a PADI course around 10,000 THB and a two-dive boat trip about 2,500 THB), and Ko Tao is central to that scene." - Matthew Kepnes

https://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-blogs/things-to-do-in-thailand/

Ko Tao

maybetomorrow

Google

Recommended only for snorkeling and diving. Unfortunately, I caught a cold while I was on the island, so I could only snorkel. Even so, there were plenty of snorkeling spots. I saw sharks, huge turtles, triggerfish, and various fish. I hope to see whale sharks when I return. 🥰

Uygar K.

Google

If you just want to see tourists and extreme tourist prices without enjoying anything other than parties with full of tourists, this is a place for you, however, I got really bored as I wanted to experience the local thai life also on the islands. Unfortunately the mass tourism is ruining this island. I will come back in an off-season to avoid the crowds!

natalie s

Google

Unfortunately, this place didn’t feel like Thailand to me at all! There is no authentic Thai life or atmosphere here anymore :( It feels overcrowded with tourists constantly arriving and leaving The roads are chaotic, with very dangerous driving — mostly by other tourists 🤯 The overall feeling is that an artificial environment has been created only for tourists to spend money Sadly, many beaches are covered with trash. We also experienced rude and disrespectful behavior from some tourists — something we had never encountered before. There is very little respect on the roads as well Overall, it was a big disappointment. The atmosphere felt unfriendly and uncomfortable

Mayukh C.

Google

1. Paradise for scuba divers 2. Quietest and most laid back island among three islands in this zone 3. So many diving spots around the island 4. Beautiful underwater around the island with lots of colorful fishes and species 5. Lovely island for people who does not dive. It is lovely for snorkelling and relaxing as it's a laid back island

D P

Google

We liked the island and would return. We got there during a monsoon in February when they never usually get rain, the downtown area by the 7-11 was flooding for a few days but we managed to tour the island on our rented scooter anyway 😎

Ian B.

Google

Smaller island, main activity for tourists is scuba diving, but we'll worth a visit, for as long as you can spare, even if you are a non diver. Great views, beautiful beaches, fantastic food, friendly people, cheaper than some other islands.

Gary

Google

Great place to snorkeling, and learn to scuba dive. Awesome blue waters, colorful fish. Very steep narrow roads.

Susan A.

Google

Spending 10 days here for diving which is amazing. As a runner there is not a lot of places to run. There is a main road that is very narrow and dangerous to walk let alone run. The “walking” sidewalk is also used by crazy driving motorcyclists and tons of tourists. Lots of good restaurants and places to shop.