Koh Tao in Thailand is undoubtedly one of the most idyllic Thai islands. The island is small but there are lots of great beaches with clear blue water and white sand. There is good snorkelling in almost all places, so you won't get bored! We drove around the island for you and listed the best ones. Check out the must-see beaches in Koh Tao below!
General information on Thailand
Are you working on a travel plan for Thailand? Then check out our tips for the best travel period, daily budget and transport to and in Thailand. You can find all the information you need about Thailand here.
Just want more information about Koh Tao and curious what else you can do on this thai island, how to get there and where to stay? Check out our blog 6x cool sights on Koh Tao, Thailand (with map).
Beaches Koh Tao
Beaches on Koh Tao, Thailand
1. Shark Bay
2. June Juea Bay
3. Sairee Beach (The best beach to watch the sunset in Koh Tao)
4. Freedom beach
5. Tanote Bay
6. Koh Nang-Yuan
Map sights Koh Tao
Beaches on Koh Tao, Thailand
Koh Tao is often combined with the islands of Koh Samui and koh Phangan. Despite being similar to the other islands in terms of landscape, Koh Tao is known for its cool diving and snorkellingspots and beautiful beaches. Below, we share the best with you!
Keep in mind that some beaches require you to pay an entrance fee. This usually costs only about 100THB (€2.70) per person and we personally think it's worth it. We've listed a mix of paid and free beaches for you!
Check out the map at the bottom of this blog so you can create your ideal day layout!
1. Shark Bay
Shark Bay is definitely one of our favourite beaches on Koh Tao. This beach costs 100 bath per person but you can also go to the small beach next door for free.
If you choose the main beach, you can expect white sand, palm trees and clear blue water. If you choose the part that is free, you can expect a small white beach under a large tree. Since the two sections are separated only by a large wall of rocks, they are both ideal for snorkelling.
As the name suggests, this bay is known for its reef sharks and turtles. We have been there twice and saw sharks both times. Just keep in mind that you have to swim quite a bit into the sea from the beach.
As we described above, this beach costs about 100 baht (€2.70) if you choose the main beach. You enter through the Haad Tien beach resort and you can then use their toilets and wifi. If you don't want to pay, you can take a narrow road through a small stretch of forest to the beach. See the map at the bottom of this blog for the exact location.
2. June Juea Bay
June Juea Bay is a beautiful beach, absolutely worth a visit but somewhat difficult to reach. After a bumpy scooter ride over some steep hills, you eventually arrive at this gem. White sand, perfect crystal blue water and probably few other people! If you go in high season, you may have to pay a small fee here but otherwise it's completely free. June Juea Bay actually consists of two beaches split down the middle by a large rock, and they are both beautiful.
During sunset, this beach also turns out to be fantastic. However, keep in mind that the way back in the dark can be challenging.
3. Sairee Beach (The best beach to watch the sunset in Koh Tao)
Sairee beach is Koh Tao's ‘main’ beach and, as you might guess, it is very touristy here. However, it is also one of the best places to see the sunset. In addition, the beach is very long so you can abolsuut find a spot where it is quiet.
On the beach, you will find many beach bars and tents where you can rent stand-up paddleboards. Even though it can be a bit crowded, we recommend watching at least one sunset here!
Read also: All about Thai SIM cards, calling and internet when travelling
Read also: From Koh Tao to Koh Samui. Check out our tips!
4. Freedom beach
Freedom beach is quite small, especially at high tide, but it is surrounded by crystal clear water. On the beach you will find many trees that provide shade, ideal if you don't want to lie in the full sun. Unfortunately, this is a paid beach and it will cost you 100 thb (€2.70) to enter, but again, we think it's worth it.
Can't sit still for long either? Recognisable! Then check out these three cool games that you can easily take along for a beach day!
These card games are easy to understand, compactly packaged and therefore ideal when travelling.
5. Tanote Bay
Another beautiful beach on Koh Tao with crystal clear waters and cute beach bars! You can visit this beach for free and it is perfect for snorkelling. However, there is one more thing that really sets this beach apart and that is the rock jumping! There is a huge rock of about 10 metres, which you can climb up and jump off.
Just keep in mind that no one is watching you here and there are no safety checks. There is a rope attached to a huge vertical ramp on the rock, from which you can pull yourself up. So we only recommend trying the rock jump if you are sure you can pull yourself up safely. And once you get to the top, there is really only one way down.
6. Koh Nang-Yuan
Last but not least is Koh Nang-Yuan! This sandy beach lies between two islands, with crystal-clear water on either side. It is definitely one of the most beautiful places we have seen. It offers fantastic snorkelling and has an iconic viewpoint.
However, Koh Nang-Yuan is very crowded and takes effort to get there. You have to take a boat and there is an entrance fee of 100 thb (€2.70) which makes it a rather expensive option. Besides, it is popular, so you will find many other tourists there.
We visited this island during our snorkelling tour with SangThong Tour. You then stay here for about 1.5 hours which is more than enough. The other option is to take a boat yourself, which allows you to be one of the first on the island. Or, if you really want this paradise for yourself, you can stay overnight, although this is not cheap.
View accommodation on Koh Nang-Yuan here
Map sights Koh Tao
We hope this blog helps you plan your trip to Koh Tao! Planning a round trip? Then check out our other Thailand blogs. Did you like our blog about Koh Tao? Then don't forget to pin it for later!
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