Most individuals who journey to Thailand wish to spend a minimum of a few of their journey on a tropical island. The Kingdom of Smiles has no scarcity of paradisiacal islands to select from. Among the best Thai islands to go to is Koh Tao, “Turtle Island.”
Koh Tao is without doubt one of the finest locations to go to in Thailand for those who’re in search of a diving vacation spot, however there’s rather more occurring right here.
I had such unimaginable experiences in Koh Tao and beloved scuba diving, seashore bumming, mountain climbing, and wild nightlife. All this and extra await whenever you journey to Koh Tao. Right here’s my record of one of the 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 may get your open water certificates right here for simply round $300. What a deal!
If you happen to’ve at all times been curious about 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 might be shallow sufficient to take action.
I for one am actually completely satisfied I discovered out within the ocean reasonably than in a pool. It made the transition to correct scuba diving very easy and we had nice instructors.
Since there are lots of dive colleges on Koh Tao, it’s vital to do your analysis and select the one which’s best for you. Two prime contenders embrace the highly-rated La Bombona and Dpm Diving (which additionally has nice lodging out there, verify 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 images courses for those who’d prefer to get into that. There’s little doubt that scuba diving is on the prime of the record of issues to do in Koh Tao.
2. Unleash Your Interior 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 a number of yoga studios in Koh Tao today, providing courses of assorted varieties and ranges.
It’s onerous to consider a greater solution to begin your day than with an ocean-view yoga class. If you happen to’re considering of turning your ardour for yoga right into a job, you’ll be able to look into doing all your yoga trainer coaching right here as properly.
Try Shambhala Yoga on Sairee Seashore (round 300 baht per class) or take a look at Ocean Sound who supply scuba diving and yoga courses.
☞ See Additionally: Issues To Do in Chiang Mai – A Record of 17 Highlights
3. Go On a Snorkeling Cruise
You don’t need to 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 wish to admire the plentiful 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 an enormous fan of diving, however the snorkeling in Koh Tao is fairly superior as properly. 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 luxuriate in a meal with drinks. Click on right here to study extra about this enjoyable journey.
If you happen to’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 taking a look at 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’ll be able to select from a wide range of contemporary seafood and have it barbecued proper on the spot.
A seafood feast on the seashore is actually one of the crucial scrumptious issues to do in Koh Tao! Try Household Kitchen or Barracuda for some tasty meals.
5. Play Mini-Golf
One of the crucial 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 solution to spend a night out.
Along with mini-golf, additionally 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 most likely eat a minimum of one. There’s a cause yow will discover banana pancakes in every single place on this area. They’re candy, scrumptious, and tremendous low cost, so why not?
Try Coconut Monkey for extra of a restaurant model, or hit up any of the streetside distributors for a banana pancake crammed with Nutella, bananas and extra. At round 40 baht ($1.20), it’s a discount. Consuming a banana pancake is unquestionably one of the crucial widespread issues to do in Thailand for backpackers.
☞ See Additionally: Issues To Do in Pai: 21 Issues You Don’t Need to Miss
7. Hire Some Wheels
One of the simplest ways to discover Koh Tao is unquestionably with your personal two wheels. Most vacationers select to hire motorbikes, that are available and fairly low cost. With a set of wheels, you’ll have the ability to hit all corners of the island simply with out having to fret about discovering a cab. Simply be sure to drive safely and at all times journey with a helmet.
If you happen to’re not snug on a motorcycle, it’s also possible to discover bicycles for hire in Koh Tao. There are many good bike rides you’ll be able to tackle the island, and also you’ll get some train within the course of.
Take a look on the extremely rated Oli’s Motorcycle Leases or KP Journey and Motorcycle Rental.
☞ In search of 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 a number of quick mountain climbing trails in Koh Tao that take you to beautiful viewpoints. A number of the finest embrace the John Suwan Viewpoint and Fraggle Rock.
It’s finest to move out mountain climbing early within the morning or later within the day simply earlier than sundown, because the noon solar will be intense. Everytime you go, working up a great sweat is without doubt one of the prime issues to do in Koh Tao.
☞ See Additionally: Issues To Do in Chiang Rai – 21 Prime Issues You Don’t Need to Miss
9. Take a Day Journey to Koh Nang Yuan
Simply since you’re already on a stunning island doesn’t imply you’ll be able to’t depart for the day to go to one other one. Close by Koh Nang Yuan is a tiny island that makes for a wonderful day journey.
Along with enjoyable 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 dwelling to the world’s first island-to-island zipline, which options some fairly unimaginable views. You’ll want to put it excessive in your record of issues to do in Koh Tao. Click on right here to find out about this superb day journey.
☞ In search of a shocking island with pristine seashores, however much less vacationers? Don’t miss the entire unimaginable issues to do in Koh Lipe.
10. Climb On Rocks…and Soar Off Them
If you happen to 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 a number of outlets providing climbing programs on the island, so get on the market and provides it a strive. One other expertise value making an attempt is cliff leaping. After that critical exercise climbing, it’s tons of enjoyable leaping within the water and cooling off.
Take a look on the widespread Koh Tao Climbing Challenge 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 onerous discovering a store that can hire the gear out to you for a few hours.
There are many bays within the south of the island the place you’ll be able to head out from – Jansom Bay, Shipwreck, Sai Nuan Seashore, June Juea Seashore, Viewpoint Cape, Cape Je Ta Kang and Freedom Seashore (to call a number of).
A day of paddling across the bay with a little bit of snorkeling combined in is difficult to beat. Wherever you exit in Koh Tao, you’re certain to see loads of marine life. The kayak/snorkel combo is unquestionably considered one of my favourite issues to do in Koh Tao.
Try this present day journey which features a boat tour, snorkeling, kayaks, and rather more. Or, take a look at this superior snorkel boat journey round Koh Tao!
*Word: at all times verify 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 unquestionably a bucket. The idea is easy – 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 finest journey buddies positively makes the record of prime issues to do in Koh Tao. Fishbowl is a well-liked spot to seize a drink.
13. Prepare in Muay Thai
If you happen to’re seeking to get into form, it’s best to contemplate coaching in Muay Thai whilst you’re visiting Koh Tao. Even for those who’re not into the concept of moving into the ring for an precise match, signing up for some Muay Thai classes is a good way to get match. In any case these banana pancakes and buckets, it’s most likely not a foul thought.
Island Muay Thai on Sairee Seashore is an efficient place to strive.
14. Watch a Fireplace Present
You understand that outdated saying about enjoying with hearth? Folks in Koh Tao have by no means heard of it. One of many quintessential issues to do in Koh Tao is watching a fireplace present on the seashore.
Each night time of the week, yow will discover seashore bars with hearth reveals occurring. Seize a drink, pull up a beanbag, and sit all the way down to take pleasure in 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 very talked-about vacationer vacation spot, marine conservation is extraordinarily vital. Fortunately, Koh Tao takes this subject very critically and there are lots of nice organizations onerous at work there.
If you wish to find out about marine conservation, it’s best to drop by Eco Koh Tao and the New Haven Reef Conservation Challenge. Each are doing nice work and have a wide range of programs and initiatives you’ll be able to take part in.
16. Dive at Sail Rock
When you’ve received your open water certificates, you would possibly as properly stick round Koh Tao to do a number of free dives. Among the best dive websites within the space is unquestionably Sail Rock, so put a visit on the market on the prime of your record.
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 best way.
17. Go to Ang Thong Marine Park
One of the crucial widespread day journeys out of Koh Tao is the Ang Thong Marine Park. This beautiful archipelago of islands is only a quick boat journey away, and nearly each tour operator runs journeys there.
On a visit round Ang Thong, you’ll get to take pleasure in some snorkeling and a brief hike to a lovely lagoon. You’ll probably spot some wildlife as properly, together with dusky langurs, hornbills, silver-haired bats, and hawksbill turtles. Go to Island Journey Tour Firm for tickets – additionally 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 a great Pleased Hour round sundown, so plop down in that beanbag and get your self an grownup beverage or two!
There are additionally a number of 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. (word: ingesting at a sky bar can also be one of many prime issues to do in Bangkok – put it in your record for the capital!)
19. Take a Thai Cooking Class
If you depart Thailand, you’ll inevitably miss numerous issues concerning the nation. One factor you’re certain to lengthy for is the meals. Thai delicacies is a few of the finest on the planet, so why not learn to cook dinner it your self?
Signing up for a Thai cooking class is unquestionably among the best issues to do in Koh Tao. Discover ways to cook dinner some basic Thai dishes after which impress your mates again dwelling together with your culinary prowess.
Parawan’s Thai Residence Cooking Lessons are extremely rated on the island. Half-day courses (3 hours) with 3 totally different dishes price round 1,500 baht ($45). Click on right here to study extra about this genuine cooking class in Koh Tao.
20. Social gathering it Up on the Pub Crawl
If you happen to’re seeking to let free, have a great 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 per week!
Each Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, you’ll be able to be a part of within the insanity and expertise a wild night time out in Koh Tao.
The pub crawl contains stops at a number of bars, a pool get together, and a ridiculously enjoyable ladyboy cabaret present. The doorway charge of about $15 will get you a tank prime, a bucket, a number of 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 crucial enjoyable nights out.
21. Be a Seashore Bum
After that jam-packed record, 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 must take a minimum of 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 any case, each Koh Pha-Ngan and Koh Samui are only a quick boat journey away. There are such a lot of superior issues to do in Koh Phangan, together with the well-known Full Moon Social gathering. 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. Get pleasure from swaying forwards and backwards in your hammock on the deck, or hand around in the backyard. Rooms right here have sea view as properly! Click on right here for particulars.
Able to Journey to Koh Tao?
As you’ll be able to see, Koh Tao affords much more than simply diving. There are such a lot of issues to do in Koh Tao that you would skip out on the diving completely and nonetheless fill loads of days there.
You shouldn’t try 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.
