KOH TAO
Koh Tao is a popular Thai island known for its clear waters, beautiful beaches, and vibrant marine life, making it a premier destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. Beyond water activities, the island offers hiking, rock climbing, and a mix of relaxation with its laid-back atmosphere and lively nightlife, while also focusing on sustainable eco-tourism initiatives.
POPULAR ATTRACTIONS:
- John-Suwan Viewpoint
- Tanote Bay
- Sairee Beach
- Ao Leuk
- Ao Hin Wong
- Free beach to shark bay
- Haad Sai Daeng
- Nang Yuan Island
- Ao Tanote Beach
- Chalok baan kao bay
- Koh Nang Yuan Viewpoint
POPULAR MARKETS:
- Sairee Beach Night Market: A vibrant night market experience with stalls selling food, souvenirs, clothing, and electronics. It’s known for its lively atmosphere, with live music often accompanying the market.
- Pen Market: One of the larger supermarkets on the island, it has a wide selection of essentials, including imported goods, at more reasonable prices than convenience stores.
- The French Market- Koh tao: This specialty market and restaurant complex in Mae Haad features a bakery, delicatessen, pizzeria, and a wine cellar with an extensive selection. It’s the place to go for high-quality French and Italian products.
CULTURAL & CULINARY EXPERIENCES:
- Diverse Cuisine: Koh Tao serves a variety of food, from local Thai favorites and fresh seafood to international options.
- Local Flavors: Enjoy Southern Thai dishes, which often feature sweeter curries and are paired with Jasmine rice. Restaurants like The Treehouse Cafe offer a relaxed atmosphere with local food.
- International Variety: Explore diverse international cuisines like Mediterranean at Milk and Honey, authentic Mexican at Centrico (which also serves passion fruit margaritas), and Thai-Italian fusion at Choo Choo.
- Seafood: Fresh seafood is a staple, with many restaurants offering it in both local and European-style dishes.
- Dining with a View: Many restaurants provide dining experiences with beautiful ocean views, especially during sunset. For example, Barracuda Restaurant offers an upstairs dining area with sunset views and live music.
- Cultural experiences
- Thai Cooking Classes: Participate in a private rooftop cooking class to learn how to make authentic Thai dishes such as Pad Thai, Tom Yum, or Green Curry from scratch.
- Hands-on Learning: These classes include an introduction to Thai herbs, spices, and tools, giving you a hands-on experience in a relaxed, open-air kitchen setting with stunning views above Sairee.
- Dietary Options: Many cooking classes accommodate dietary needs with vegetarian, vegan, and allergy-friendly options.
- Cultural Context: Learning to cook traditional dishes is a great way to understand Thai culture, with an emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients.
WHY VISIT:
Koh Tao for its world-class diving and snorkeling, beautiful beaches, and hiking to scenic viewpoints. The island offers a mix of relaxing natural beauty and vibrant activities, including a lively nightlife, making it a popular destination for both backpackers and holidaymakers.
HOW TO GET THERE:
From the Surath Thani & Koh Samui & Koh Phangan to Koh Tao you can take a Van + Speedboat/ Ferry.
BEST TIME TO VISIT:
January to April: The best weather, with low rainfall, sunny days, and calm seas.
March to October: Vibrant Island life, clear skies, and turquoise waters.
May and November: Shoulder months with a good balance of pleasant weather.
October to November: The monsoon season, bringing more rain and rougher seas.