Koh Tao

The Destination

My favourite of the 3 islands and a highlight of my South East Asia trip. Koh Tao has a much more laid back vibe to it, most people spend the day diving and return to the beach bars for a chilled drink on a bean bag. A good place to just sit back, relax and enjoy.

The List

Dive

  • You can’t go to Koh Tao without giving it a shot. You can do a discovery dive in a day without having any certifications. I’d recommend the one a few doors down from Choppers bar. They took us straight out to practice in the sea instead of a swimming pool.
  • If you are thinking of doing your open water, do it here, it is one of the cheapest places in the world and you can get it done in 3 days.

Koh Tao Pub Crawl

  • Yes sit back and relax but also go on the pub crawl, it has been one the of best ones I have done on my journeys. It’s run out of Choppers Australian bar and walks you around to some good spots including a visit to a Lady Boy Cabaret. Its a popular one so you don’t have to worry about being the only one to show up, there were 190 of us when I went. As a tip I would do this before diving as you may get a discount from a diving school.

Koh Nang Yuan

  • One of the most picturesque islands you will see in your life. I’d recommend boating over either early in the morning or late afternoon (an hour before the island closes) to avoid the crowds. Hike to the viewpoint, relax on the beach, explore the beauty of the island.

Mango Viewpoint

  • There are a few different view points but this one is an absolute beaut. If you can manage the rough terrain to the top you will not be disappointed. Take a bit of cash and enjoy a fruit shake from the shack at the top.

Hire a scooter

  • Scootering is one of the best ways to get around in Thailand, hiring a scooter wherever you go will help you cover more ground and get a better experience of all the different places. Koh Tao roads and its drivers can be pretty dodgy but once you get going there are so many amazing beaches to explore.

Tanote Bay

  • One of the many good spots in Koh Tao. Take your time and get yourself a massage while you’re there.

THE STAY

  • Koh Tao Backpackers
    • Standard, easy, good choice.
  • If you’re feeling like splashing out stay in one of the gazillion bungalows on the beach. Beach vibes all day every day.
  • Koh Tao is another vortex you could easily get stuck in. If you want to do your open water diving certificate stay plan to stay at least 5 nights. Without the course I would stay at the very least 3 nights.

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