Koh Tao

By Evi Goossens, a travel storyteller, certified tour guide, and photographer from The Netherlands. Updated November 2024

Reading time: 4 min

Ultimate Koh Tao Guide: Dive, Party, and Relax on this Tropical Island

Koh Tao, dive island, murder island, whatever you want to call it, it’s the best place in Thailand to spend a solid two weeks and still not have seen everything. You could say I speak from experience 😝. Whether you’re coming to Koh Tao just to get a taste of island life in Thailand or to get your PADI, I’ll say one thing… you’re in the right place.

As I mentioned earlier, there’s plenty to do on Koh Tao. Whether you have a diving certification or not, I’d recommend taking at least a week to explore because there’s so much to do here!

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| TABLE OF CONTENTS

  • Christmas in Koh Tao?

  • First Things First: Diving

  • Muay Thai Boxing Match

  • Jungle Party

  • Boat Tour

  • Viewpoint

  • Ladyboy Show

  • Fire Show at the Beach

  • Where to stay/eat/go out

Need-to-Know Nuggets 💡

  • From Bangkok, you can reach Koh Tao in one travel day. The bus usually takes about 6-8 hours, followed by a bit of waiting for the boat, 2 hours on the boat, and then you’re on the tropical island.

    If you’re coming from the north of Thailand and want to fly straight down south, you can do that too! From Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and Bangkok, you can fly to one of the nearby islands, Koh Samui.

  • 5-14 days

  • Rent a scooter or with local taxi drivers book via your hostel

  • Diving and snorkeling 🤿

Christmas in Koh Tao?

Celebrating Christmas on a tropical island in Southern Thailand? Who wouldn’t want that? Discover how I almost became homeless on Koh Tao during the holiday rush. In this honest story, I share my backpacker experience of booking hostels last minute and the lessons learned. Get tips on how to avoid the chaos and plan ahead for a stress-free trip to Koh Tao during peak season. Check out this blog!

First things first: Diving

Most people come to Koh Tao because it's the cheapest place on earth to get your diving certification! Everywhere you look, there are divers, dive shops, dive stores, and boats transporting divers. It takes up a huge part of the island.

You can get your Open Water certification here, which is the first step if you want to dive more. You’ll learn the basics of diving and get the tools to dive safely and responsibly.
If you want to know more about diving and how it works, check out this blog!

Muay Thai Boxing Match

You can attend Muay Thai boxing matches all over Thailand, but they’re usually pretty expensive. In Chiang Mai, I paid quite a lot, but in Koh Tao, the price was super low and I had an amazing night.

What’s special about Muay Thai is that it’s a very respectful and traditional sport. You often hear typical Thai music during the fights, which makes the atmosphere even cooler.

In these fights, you often see locals and tourists. Many Thai men participate, but there are also many tourists. So, it’s not just a fun place for backpackers and tourists, but you also get to learn about the local people, their traditions, and their culture.

Entrance fee: $12,50

Jungle Party

Once a week, there’s a Jungle Party on Koh Tao. Backpackers from all over Koh Tao attend. Opinions are divided on whether it’s fun or not. I’ve been there twice. The Jungle Parties are held at Escobar. You know, when you're with a good group, it’s definitely an experience. But it can get crowded, and it feels like everyone is out to hook up. It’s huge, so you’ll lose people easily, and transportation to and from the event is arranged in a bit of a quirky way.

I must admit, I had a great time twice, but it might be just as fun to throw a party at a beach bar. If you’re in Koh Tao and your friends are going, you can definitely give it a go and it will probably be a blast, but if you miss it, don’t worry, it’s not that fantastic.

Boat Tour

If you haven’t been on a boat for 3 days due to your diving course, you can also do a boat and snorkeling tour in Koh Tao. It’s a stunning island, and seeing it by boat is the best way to explore. You’ll get to places you wouldn’t visit on a bus tour or scooter.

Viewpoint

I think everyone loves a good viewpoint. If you like hiking and want a beautiful view over the sea and the island, there are several viewpoints in Koh Tao that you can visit. Here are the most popular ones:

  1. John-Suwan Viewpoint

  2. Koh Nang Yuan Viewpoint

  3. Mango Viewpoint

  4. Love Koh Tao Viewpoint

Ladyboy Show

I think this, alongside diving, was one of the most fun things I did on Koh Tao. The vibe is amazing, everyone is having a good time, and even the tough guys love this show. There’s such a fun atmosphere, everyone is open to a party, you get a great show and even a free drink! What more could you ask for?

Entrance fee: $5

Fire Show at the Beach

Koh Tao is also perfect for relaxing on the beach with a cold drink in hand. There are plenty of fun beach bars, and almost everywhere you can watch a fire show. So, don’t worry about missing it. Just keep in mind that the beach spots often get full later in the evening, so be sure to arrive a bit early.

Where to stay

I spent over two weeks on Koh Tao and stayed in five different hostels. I’ve experienced both the diving side and the busier side of the island. Want to know exactly which hostels are worth staying at and which ones to avoid? Check this blog out!

Book your hostel: https://www.hostelworld.com

Cafe del Sol
These were honestly the best pizzas I had in all of Asia. A few months before, I was in Italy, but I swear these pizzas were even better than the real Italian ones. It’s a bit on the pricier side, but you get to sit in a lovely spot with a beautiful sea view, and the food is absolutely delicious.

Baimai Cafe Koh Tao
The cheapest breakfast spot on the diving side of the island. Food on Koh Tao can be expensive, especially at the trendy spots by the sea. This place had a deal where you could get a smoothie and breakfast for a fixed price. Not only was it healthy, but it was also super tasty. I went there so often that the owner eventually recognized me, so if you visit frequently, she’ll definitely remember you!

Infinity Restaurant
In my opinion, the best Thai food on the island. It’s a cozy spot, and it fills up every evening. Be smart and book your table in advance!

High On Chai – Authentic Indian Restaurant
If you love Indian food, this is the place to be. I kept coming back because it was just that good. Definitely a
must-visit when you’re in Koh Tao! Make sure to reserve a table in advance here as well!

Where to eat

As mentioned above, Escobar Jungle Parties are fun, but there are plenty of other options on the island. I’d recommend taking a walk along the beach—you’ll come across several great bars along the way. There’s something for everyone!

Where to go out

DISCOVER MORE ADVENTURES

  • Diving in Koh Tao: Everything You Need to Know

    Diving in Koh Tao: Everything You Need to Know

    Planning to dive in Koh Tao? This guide covers everything from choosing a dive school to must-have gear, ideal for beginners and curious divers alike.

    Check it out!

  • Best Budget Hostels in Koh Tao: Where to Stay & Avoid

    Looking for budget hostels in Koh Tao? Check out my honest reviews on the best places to stay, from social party hostels to quiet options near the dive spots

    Check it out!

  • From Backpacker to Homeless: My Koh Tao Hostel Crisis

    Learn how I almost became homeless on Koh Tao during the holiday rush and get tips on how to avoid hostel chaos. Plan ahead for a stress-free trip to Koh Tao during peak season!

    Check it out!

  • Ultimate Guide Yi Peng & Loy Krathong Festival

    The ultimate bucket list experience for your Thailand trip! Every November, Chiang Mai lights up for Loy Krathong and Yi Peng. In this blog, I’ll share the do’s and don’ts!

    Check it out!

  • Backpacker’s Paradise: The Best Things to Do in Pai

    Welcome to Pai, the most charming village in Northern Thailand! Relax, unwind, and discover the best things to do here.

    Check it out!