Hidden Koh Tao

Among Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao, Koh Tao is definitly my prefered spot. Harder to reach, 2h30 from Koh Samui and 1h30 from Koh Phan Ghan in ferry, lots of tourists stop at adventure at Koh Phangan.

Koh Tao is smaller, with less tourists, which gives to the island a very peaceful atmosphere, far from the fullmoon party in Koh Phangan !

We have been told by french expat that renting a scooter in Koh Tao might be more dangerous. Roads are more difficult, locals do not drive correctly and in case you have an accident, the renter will be very strict. Willing to explore the maximum, we still rented a scooter. Driving carefully, we did not experience any issue.

4 main beaches in Koh Tao have to be explored :

1) Sairee Beach, which is the main one, closest to the pier and where you can enjoy an amazing sunset, seated on pouffe, at the lounge the Fizz Beachlounge for exemple.

2) Haad Tien Beach, which is an inlet between luxury resorts. As it is an inlet and access is not easy (we found a way through the forest), you have the feeling to have found a special spot. The Taatoh Seaview Resort offers from its terrace and amazing view on Haad Tien Beach

3) Chalok Baan Kao Bay, this beach offers mid range hotels, small hippie or reggea bars and is quite pleasant.

4) Freedom Beach, the most famous spot. At the time we there, in 2016, the only way was to use a boat (taxi boat or organized tour) and we have been told that the spot was not so amazing, full of tourists. We decided not to go ther, which I regret. Today in 2020, the access might be easier as I have the feeling that new roads have been opened.

Diving

Koh Tao is one of my best memories in terms of diving. I chose the French Kiss Divers center, which is very serious. We went diving at Aow Leuk beach, the spot was full of colorfull fishes, even the instructors were amazed about the quantity of fishes. French Kiss Divers is a french speaking center.

Hotels

For Luxury Budget, I recommend Cabana Resort at the end of Sairee Beach or Haad Tien Beach Resort, directly on the beach.

For cheap budget, I recommend Aukotan Place, which was 30 € per double room on 1st of week of January (very high season, 5 min walk from Chalok Bay.

Haad Tien Beach

Sairee Beach