Most individuals who journey to Thailand need to spend not less than a few of their journey on a tropical island. The Kingdom of Smiles has no scarcity of paradisiacal islands to select from. Probably the greatest Thai islands to go to is Koh Tao, “Turtle Island.”
Koh Tao is among the greatest locations to go to in Thailand should you’re in search of a diving vacation spot, however there’s way more occurring right here.
I had such unimaginable experiences in Koh Tao and liked scuba diving, seashore bumming, mountain climbing, and wild nightlife. All this and extra await whenever you journey to Koh Tao. Right here’s my checklist of the very best issues to do in Koh Tao that can assist you plan your Thai island getaway.
1. Get Scuba Licensed
There are few locations on the planet higher to get scuba licensed than Koh Tao. There are tons of dive outlets on the island, and the competitors helps preserve costs down. You will get your open water certificates right here for simply round $300. What a deal!
When you’ve at all times been concerned with scuba diving however have been placing it off, Koh Tao is the proper place to start out. It’s nice with the ability to study within the ocean, as there are spots which can be shallow sufficient to take action.
I for one am actually comfortable I realized out within the ocean relatively than in a pool. It made the transition to correct scuba diving very clean and we had nice instructors.
Since there are numerous dive faculties on Koh Tao, it’s vital to do your analysis and select the one which’s best for you. Two high contenders embrace the highly-rated La Bombona and Dpm Diving (which additionally has nice lodging out there, examine that out right here).
Those that have already got their open water certification can add loads of different credentials right here, together with superior diver, divemaster, and extra. Many dive outlets additionally supply underwater pictures courses should you’d prefer to get into that. There’s little doubt that scuba diving is on the high of the checklist of issues to do in Koh Tao.
2. Unleash Your Inside Yogi
It’s not all about being within the water right here. There are additionally loads of issues to do in Koh Tao on land, together with working towards yoga. There are fairly just a few yoga studios in Koh Tao lately, providing courses of assorted sorts and ranges.
It’s arduous to think about a greater option to begin your day than with an ocean-view yoga class. When you’re pondering of turning your ardour for yoga right into a job, you possibly can look into doing all your yoga trainer coaching right here as effectively.
Try Shambhala Yoga on Sairee Seashore (round 300 baht per class) or try Ocean Sound who supply scuba diving and yoga courses.
☞ See Additionally: Issues To Do in Chiang Mai – A Listing of 17 Highlights
3. Go On a Snorkeling Cruise
You don’t must be a diver to benefit from the underwater world that surrounds Koh Tao. There are many snorkeling cruises for individuals who aren’t dive-certified however nonetheless need to admire the ample marine life.
Along with seeing turtles (which you’d anticipate on Turtle Island), you may additionally spot black-tip reef sharks and blue-spotted rays. I’m a giant fan of diving, however the snorkeling in Koh Tao is fairly superior as effectively. It’s actually simpler and cheaper, too!
On this highly-rated journey, you’ll discover Koh Nang Yuan islands off of Koh Tao, have use of kayaks, paddleboards and snorkel gear, and revel in a meal with drinks. Click on right here to study extra about this enjoyable journey.
When you’re on close by Koh Samui, you are able to do a day journey to Koh Tao to benefit from the underwater world.
4. Feast on a Seafood BBQ
After all these fish within the water, it’s time to eat a few of them again on land. There are many beachside eating places the place you possibly can select from a wide range of recent seafood and have it barbecued proper on the spot.
A seafood feast on the seashore is actually one of the scrumptious issues to do in Koh Tao! Try Household Kitchen or Barracuda for some tasty meals.
5. Play Mini-Golf
Probably the most enjoyable issues to do in Koh Tao is enjoying a spherical of mini-golf. Head to the Koh Tao Leisure Park to play a spherical on their 18-hole course.
You possibly can play as many rounds as you want for about $5, so go forward and provides the “Goofy Golf” a strive. It stays open late and it’s flood-lit at night time, so this can be a nice option to spend a night out.
Along with mini-golf, in addition they have petanque courts, pool tables, foosball tables, a cinema, and a sports activities bar. Convey some pals alongside from the hostel for a tremendous enjoyable night time.
6. Eat a Banana Pancake
Seeing as how Koh Tao is firmly on the famed Banana Pancake Path by means of Southeast Asia, it’s best to in all probability eat not less than one. There’s a purpose you could find banana pancakes in all places on this area. They’re candy, scrumptious, and tremendous low cost, so why not?
Try Coconut Monkey for extra of a restaurant type, or hit up any of the streetside distributors for a banana pancake stuffed with Nutella, bananas and extra. At round 40 baht ($1.20), it’s a discount. Consuming a banana pancake is certainly one of the common issues to do in Thailand for backpackers.
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7. Hire Some Wheels
One of the best ways to discover Koh Tao is certainly with your individual two wheels. Most vacationers select to hire motorbikes, that are available and fairly low cost. With a set of wheels, you’ll be capable to hit all corners of the island simply with out having to fret about discovering a cab. Simply ensure you drive safely and at all times journey with a helmet.
When you’re not snug on a bike, you too can discover bicycles for hire in Koh Tao. There are many good bike rides you possibly can tackle the island, and also you’ll get some train within the course of.
Take a look on the extremely rated Oli’s Bike Leases or KP Journey and Bike Rental.
☞ Searching for an epic bike journey? Don’t miss the Mae Hong Son Loop in northern Thailand, it’s a spotlight of any journey to the nation.
8. Take a Hike to a Viewpoint
Talking of getting train, there are just a few brief mountain climbing trails in Koh Tao that take you to beautiful viewpoints. Among the greatest embrace the John Suwan Viewpoint and Fraggle Rock.
It’s greatest to move out mountain climbing early within the morning or later within the day simply earlier than sundown, because the noon solar could be intense. Everytime you go, working up sweat is among the high issues to do in Koh Tao.
☞ See Additionally: Issues To Do in Chiang Rai – 21 High Issues You Don’t Wish to Miss
9. Take a Day Journey to Koh Nang Yuan
Simply since you’re already on a stunning island doesn’t imply you possibly can’t go away for the day to go to one other one. Close by Koh Nang Yuan is a tiny island that makes for a superb day journey.
Along with stress-free on the postcard-worthy seashores and having fun with some world-class snorkeling, you will get a pleasant adrenaline rush right here on the superior zipline.
Koh Nang Yuan is residence to the world’s first island-to-island zipline, which options some fairly unimaginable views. You should definitely put it excessive in your checklist of issues to do in Koh Tao. Click on right here to study this superb day journey.
☞ Searching for a shocking island with pristine seashores, however much less vacationers? Don’t miss all the unimaginable issues to do in Koh Lipe.
10. Climb On Rocks…and Soar Off Them
When you can handle to climb out of your seashore chair, why not give mountain climbing a strive in Koh Tao? Whether or not you’re an absolute newbie or a professional, there’s a climbing route right here for you.
There are just a few outlets providing climbing programs on the island, so get on the market and provides it a strive. One other expertise price making an attempt is cliff leaping. After that severe exercise climbing, it’s tons of enjoyable leaping within the water and cooling off.
Take a look on the common Koh Tao Climbing Venture for extra particulars.
11. Hire a Kayak and Snorkel
An effective way to spend a half day in Koh Tao is renting a kayak and snorkel and heading out by yourself. It’s not arduous discovering a store that may hire the gear out to you for a few hours.
There are many bays within the south of the island the place you possibly can head out from – Jansom Bay, Shipwreck, Sai Nuan Seashore, June Juea Seashore, Viewpoint Cape, Cape Je Ta Kang and Freedom Seashore (to call just a few).
A day of paddling across the bay with a little bit of snorkeling blended in is difficult to beat. Wherever you exit in Koh Tao, you’re positive to see loads of marine life. The kayak/snorkel combo is certainly certainly one of my favourite issues to do in Koh Tao.
Try at the present time journey which features a boat tour, snorkeling, kayaks, and way more. Or, take a look at this superior snorkel boat journey round Koh Tao!
*Be aware: at all times examine the wind and sea circumstances earlier than setting off and search native recommendation about the place (and the place not) to kayak.
12. Drink a Bucket
When partying in Koh Tao (or any Thai island), the drink of selection is certainly a bucket. The idea is straightforward – take a seashore bucket, and fill it with booze, ice, and some mixers. Add a number of straws (ideally bamboo or glass ones), and share it with pals!
Dipping your toes within the sand, dancing to some music, and sipping on a bucket with a few of your greatest journey buddies undoubtedly makes the checklist of high issues to do in Koh Tao. Fishbowl is a well-liked spot to seize a drink.
13. Practice in Muay Thai
When you’re trying to get into form, it’s best to take into account coaching in Muay Thai when you’re visiting Koh Tao. Even should you’re not into the concept of stepping into the ring for an precise match, signing up for some Muay Thai classes is a good way to get match. In spite of everything these banana pancakes and buckets, it’s in all probability not a foul thought.
Island Muay Thai on Sairee Seashore is an efficient place to strive.
14. Watch a Fireplace Present
You already know that outdated saying about enjoying with fireplace? Individuals in Koh Tao have by no means heard of it. One of many quintessential issues to do in Koh Tao is watching a hearth present on the seashore.
Each night time of the week, you could find seashore bars with fireplace reveals occurring. Seize a drink, pull up a beanbag, and sit right down to get pleasure from a scorching sizzling efficiency.
Try Koh Tao in our “Streets, Beats & Eats” collection!
15. Study About Marine Conservation
On this tiny island that’s a highly regarded vacationer vacation spot, marine conservation is extraordinarily vital. Fortunately, Koh Tao takes this subject very critically and there are numerous nice organizations arduous at work there.
If you wish to study marine conservation, it’s best to drop by Eco Koh Tao and the New Haven Reef Conservation Venture. Each are doing nice work and have a wide range of programs and initiatives you possibly can take part in.
16. Dive at Sail Rock
When you’ve obtained your open water certificates, you may as effectively stick round Koh Tao to do just a few free dives. Probably the greatest dive websites within the space is certainly Sail Rock, so put a visit on the market on the high of your checklist.
Many of the dive outlets in Koh Tao supply journeys out to Sail Rock. You’ll get two dives, lunch on the boat, and loads of superior views alongside the way in which.
17. Go to Ang Thong Marine Park
Probably the most common day journeys out of Koh Tao is the Ang Thong Marine Park. This beautiful archipelago of islands is only a brief boat journey away, and nearly each tour operator runs journeys there.
On a visit round Ang Thong, you’ll get to get pleasure from some snorkeling and a brief hike to a ravishing lagoon. You’ll probably spot some wildlife as effectively, together with dusky langurs, hornbills, silver-haired bats, and hawksbill turtles. Go to Island Journey Tour Firm for tickets – in addition they hire scooters.
18. Sip on Sundowners
After an extended time out within the water or up on the rocks, one of the best ways to wind down is with some sundowners on the seashore. Just about each bar on the seashore has Comfortable Hour round sundown, so plop down in that beanbag and get your self an grownup beverage or two!
There are additionally just a few bars up the hill that supply a panoramic view of the sundown. Cruise as much as the aptly-named Sky Bar, seize a drink, and benefit from the present. (notice: consuming at a sky bar can also be one of many high issues to do in Bangkok – put it in your checklist for the capital!)
19. Take a Thai Cooking Class
Whenever you go away Thailand, you’ll inevitably miss a whole lot of issues concerning the nation. One factor you’re positive to lengthy for is the meals. Thai delicacies is among the greatest on the planet, so why not discover ways to prepare dinner it your self?
Signing up for a Thai cooking class is certainly probably the greatest issues to do in Koh Tao. Learn to prepare dinner some basic Thai dishes after which impress your mates again residence along with your culinary prowess.
Parawan’s Thai Dwelling Cooking Courses are extremely rated on the island. Half-day courses (3 hours) with 3 completely different dishes price round 1,500 baht ($45). Click on right here to study extra about this genuine cooking class in Koh Tao.
20. Get together it Up on the Pub Crawl
When you’re trying to let unfastened, have time, and meet fellow travellers, there’s nothing higher than the Koh Tao Pub Crawl. This epic pub crawl is a lot enjoyable that they now run it 4 nights every week!
Each Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, you possibly can be part of within the insanity and expertise a wild night time out in Koh Tao.
The pub crawl consists of stops at just a few bars, a pool celebration, and a ridiculously enjoyable ladyboy cabaret present. The doorway charge of about $15 will get you a tank high, a bucket, just a few photographs, and drink specials at each bar. In all my travels round Southeast Asia, the Koh Tao Pub Crawl stands out as one of the enjoyable nights out.
21. Be a Seashore Bum
After that jam-packed checklist, it’s becoming that the final spot goes to easily being a seashore bum. There’s a lot to see and do in Koh Tao that you just’ll have to take not less than a while in your journey to simply do completely nothing and benefit from the seashore.
Whilst you’re sitting there in your seashore chair, why not go forward and plan your journey to the following Thai island? In spite of everything, each Koh Pha-Ngan and Koh Samui are only a brief boat journey away. There are such a lot of superior issues to do in Koh Phangan, together with the well-known Full Moon Get together. Or, strive your hand at digital nomad life on these stunning Thai islands.
The place to Keep in Koh Tao
There are some nice lodging choices on Koh Tao. Listed below are a few our suggestions:
1. Large Tree Boutique Resort: situated close to Mae Haad Seashore, this stunning lodge affords parking, a backyard, and an onsite restaurant and bar. The essential rooms have balconies and personal loos, whereas the suites embrace a kitchen. Click on right here for particulars.
2. MAR24 Koh Tao Resort: situated close to Chalok Baan Kao Bay, this lodging has an onsite outside pool, a solar terrace and free pickup from the pier. Rooms have fan or air-conditioning, personal loos, and complimentary snacks. Click on right here for particulars.
3. Treehouse Bungalows: these distinctive bungalows are situated close to Aow Leuk Seashore. Take pleasure in swaying backwards and forwards in your hammock on the deck, or hand around in the backyard. Rooms right here have sea view as effectively! Click on right here for particulars.
Able to Journey to Koh Tao?
As you possibly can see, Koh Tao affords much more than simply diving. There are such a lot of issues to do in Koh Tao that you possibly can skip out on the diving totally and nonetheless fill loads of days there.
You shouldn’t do this, although, as a result of the diving is top-notch. So what are you ready for? Plan that journey of a lifetime and recover from to the Thai islands.
