The 5 Best Beaches in Koh Tao, Thailand

Koh Tao in Thailand may be a premier scuba diving destination in Southeast Asia–it’s certainly the cheapest–but the island offers just as much beauty above the surface.
With more than 21 kilometres of coastline and over half of the island completely undeveloped, there are dozens of beaches tucked away ready to be explored–or just happy to drive your ultimate relaxation.

Destinations Unlocked:
Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture tripCentralAmerica
1. Guatemala
An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.CentralAmerica
2. Belize
A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.CentralAmerica
3. Mexico
An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.SouthAmerica
1. Ecuador
A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.SouthAmerica
2. Peru
An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.Europe
1. Italy
The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.Europe
2. Scotland
Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.Europe
3. Portugal
A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.Asia
1. South Korea
Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.Asia
2. Thailand
From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.Asia
3. Sri Lanka
A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great priceAfrica
1. Morocco
An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!Africa
2. Egypt
From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.Sai Nuan Beach
Hiking Trail

This off-track stretch of sand has long been a local hideaway, while still an easy walk from the main pier area of Mae Haad. Rarely crowded, thanks to its inaccessibility by road, the rock outcroppings nearly entirely camouflage the rest of Koh Tao, evoking the charm of idyllic island days past, when the Gulf trio of Koh Samui, Phangan, and Tao were just first being discovered.
Tanote Bay
Hiking Trail

One of the easternmost bays on Koh Tao, Tanote is best reached by motorbike or taxiboat. The beach itself curves gently out to sea, with plenty of space to lounge around on even the busiest of days. Tanote also claims some of the best snorkeling on the island. The shallow beach drops out almost instantly across stunning coral reef packed with marine life, and even as it gets deeper the crystal-clear water awards ever-expansive views into its depth. This bay is also popular for a giant rock jutting up from its waters, fixed with a permanent rope ladder to reach incredible views and adrenaline-pumping cliff jumping.
Laem Thian
Hiking Trail

Another secluded spot, accessible only by hike or taxiboat, Laem Thian is a prime snorkel location that will entice more advanced swimmers with its underwater swim-throughs formed naturally from the piled-up volcanic rock. The 45-minute trek through the center of the island from Sairee is a treat in itself, the trail winding through untouched flora and fauna enclosed under a dense canopy of jungle. The bay was once home to a small resort, now abandoned for almost a decade, but the spooky property is still in tact for exploration and great photo opportunities.
Sai Daeng
Hiking Trail

The drive through the island to reach Sai Daeng beach is nearly as stunning as the beach itself. Winding up over the hills of southern Koh Tao through old palm plantations past the island’s now defunct windmill, the road eventually crests to bright blue views extending out towards Phangan in the south, and Samui past that on a clear day. At Sai Daeng itself, a fleet of kayaks is available to help you paddle out toward Shark Island, an uninhabited volcanic mount, or just laze around on the sand while filling up on beers or fruit shakes from the bamboo beach bar.
Banana Rock
Hiking Trail

Just down from Sai Nuan beach is this private slice of paradise–particularly at its best during sunset. Amble out among the scattered rockbed exposed during low tide, to enjoy Koh Tao’s natural evening lightshow seemingly far away from packed Sairee Beach, or share a few beers at the ramshackle Banana Bar–a local haunt that has weathered years of a changing tourism ethos on the island (as well as actual inclement weather!) while retaining its original antiquated charm.
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!


Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.


KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.