The Best Things to See and Do in Koh Tao

Koh Tao is seemingly more stunning under the water than it is above. No matter where visitors find themselves on this turtle shaped island, they will to run into dive shop after dive shop lining the winding roads. Koh Tao has an international reputation for its amazing dive sites and renowned instructors and shops, and the island offers underwater explorers the most affordable way to do so, as well. There are course options available for all types of divers, including those wanting to get their open water, advanced open water, rescue diver course, or simply want to go on a fun dive. Prices vary from shop to shop, but visitors can expect to pay some of the most affordable prices in the entire world for their underwater adventures.

Although the island is quite small, the best way to explore all that Koh Tao has to offer is on a set of wheels. For those who have never driven a scooter, it may be better to opt for a quad bike to explore. The roads in Koh Tao are somewhat neglected and weave as they please, so this is not ideal terrain for learners. Visitors can rent a scooter for about ฿150 a day. Be wary of who you rent a bike from, however, as many shops are known to scam new drivers into paying loads of baht for a scratch or two on a rental. There are reputable shops, however, including Oli’s Motorbike Rentals. Be sure to pay up the extra few dollars or so for insurance.

The pancakes in Koh Tao combine everything there is to love about dessert and puts them together into one tasty treat. These pancakes can be found in cities across Southeast Asia, but no place seems to have more of an abundance of pancake carts than the island of Koh Tao. Visitors will not be able to meander far without coming face to face with one of these silver carts, equipped with a flat grill for their resident chefs to cook up this delicious snack. Nutella, peanut butter, bananas, chocolate syrup: these pancakes can be topped with any number of ingredients, so feel free to pick and choose to your heart’s (or stomach’s) desire. What this snack lacks in nutrition it makes up for in flavor. Pancakes start at about ฿40.

The island has one too many viewpoints to choose from when deciding where to watch the sun go down over the Gulf of Thailand. The John Suwan viewpoint is arguably the most stunning one on the entire island. It was named this because it was apparently discovered by two men whose names were Mr. John and Mr. Suwan, and visitors will be most grateful to the pair when they see the views from this towering, natural site. Another great viewpoint is the one that overlooks Sairee Beach.