What are the Best Things to do in Koh Tao?

Koh Tao is located in the Gulf of Thailand and is the smallest of the islands that form the Samui Archipelago in the province of Surat Thani.

www.thefunkyturtle.com panoramic views at john suwan koh tao
Looking Out Over Chalok Baan Khao Bay from John Suwan Viewpoint

Tropical Island

Koh Tao is the least developed of these popular island destinations and offers travellers an unforgettable holiday experience.

A tropical island getaway boasting beautiful bays lined with palm trees and fantastic viewpoints that overlook lush green forest and dense jungle.

www.thefunkyturtle.com Mango viewpoint-thailand
Choose a Viewpoint to Visit

Amazing Things to do in Koh Tao

For beach lovers there are picturesque beaches with with the best snorkeling opportunities, scuba diving and colorful, stunning sunsets.

Koh Tao provides visitors with a good choice of land based or in-water activities, excellent nightlife and superb bars and restaurants offering Thai or international food and drink options.

You can spend an eternity exploring Koh Tao either on foot or by scooter and you will discover something new every day.

Our Things to do on Koh Tao guide is to help travellers discover the most popular things to do while visiting and find things to do they did not know existed.

www.thefunkyturtle.com kayaking koh tao saan jao beach
Explore Saan Jao Beach and Chalok Baan Kao

13 Best Things to do when Visiting Koh Tao

1. Explore Koh Tao on a Scooter

The first thing you can do is explore Koh Tao on a scooter. To do this you need to rent a scooter, although Koh Tao is not the best place to learn to ride a scooter for the first time.

However, if you have experience riding a scooter it is a cheap and easy way to explore Koh Tao and discover all the secrets of this beautiful island.

Koh Tao is only 7 kilometres in length from north to south and barely 2 kilometres wide with dozens of hidden bays, beaches and amazing viewpoints.

Most locations offer refreshments for the intrepid explorer or you can pack a rucksack with your own drinking water, snacks, good footwear, a mobile phone and a compass.

www.thefunkyturtle.com muay thai koh tao every day
Muay Thai Koh Tao Welcomes Visitors

2. Learn Muay Thai on Koh Tao

If you are an active type of person that likes to keep fit, you will not be disappointed with Koh Tao. There are several gym and fitness facilities on the island with organised classes to keep you busy.

If you really want to get fit, or stay in shape, you can try the Thai national sport and Learn Muay Thai.

Several local gyms offer Muay Thai training. You can sign up for daily classes, or sign up for a longer course package and have a more structured experience.

There is also a Jiu Jitsu camp on the island, HITT classes, strengthening rooms and boxing areas with classes.

www.thefunkyturtle.com-beginner-yoga-on-koh-tao
Beginner Yoga Courses on Koh Tao

3. Learn Yoga on Koh Tao

If you like things a little more relaxed, yet challenging, you can learn Yoga at one of the Yoga schools on the island that offer daily classes, courses and full retreats.

Yoga is a great way to stay in shape, physically, mentally and of course spiritually and Koh Tao provides the perfect backdrop for those that want to explore this side of themselves.

You can find an independent Yoga Instructor, join classes in air conditioned studios or do what a lot of visitors do and join a Yoga class next to or on the beach.

www.thefunkyturtle.com-thai-cooking-classes-koh-tao
Thai Cooking Lessons on Koh Tao

4. Learn to Cook Thai Food on Koh Tao

If you are a foodie, or interested in getting a little Thai cultural experience, you can learn to cook tasty Thai food with Thai cooking lessons.

Learn how to cook your favorite Thai dishes and impress your friends when you return home.

www.thefunkyturtle.com thai language classes on koh tao
Part Time & Full Time Thai Language Lessons

5. Learn the Thai Language on Koh Tao

If you plan to immerse yourself into the culture of this beautiful country and people, you can Learn the Thai language and impress the locals with a few important phrases when meeting new people.

www.thefunkyturtle.com scuba diving koh tao thailand
Scuba Diving Koh Tao

6. Learn Scuba Diving on Koh Tao

For those that are more at home in the water, Koh Tao offers a large choice of watersports and your favorite pastimes.

You can learn to scuba dive in as little as 2.5 days and leave with a recognized certification that is valid for life.

Koh Tao is the envy of the world for scuba diving courses and this stunning holiday destination certifies more scuba divers than any other location worldwide, it is that popular.

As a complete beginner you can enjoy a 1 day Discover Scuba Experience or sign up for the world’s most popular entry level beginner course – the PADI Open Water Course.

There are diving courses for Advanced Divers, Specialty courses, Divemaster and Diving Instructor courses plus full time Scuba Diving Internships for those who want a career and lifestyle change.

www.thefunkyturtle.com basic freediving course
Introduction to Freediving in the Pool

7. Learn to Freedive on Koh Tao

If you enjoy being in a crystal clear, warm tropical sea without all that equipment why not see how long you can hold your breath for and Learn to Freedive.

The sport of Freediving is one of the fastest growing activities in the world and Koh Tao offers those who want to learn, a perfect environment to explore the underwater world in silence.

www.thefunkyturtle.com-snorkel-half-day-trip-on-koh-tao-thailand
Experience Snorkeling at the Best Bays of Koh Tao

8. Learn How to Snorkel on Koh Tao

If you really are just looking for a relaxed holiday without any challenges or structured courses, then an afternoon is all you need to Learn to snorkel on Koh Tao.

Snorkeling in the safe, warm sea around Koh Tao is extremely popular with tens of thousands of visitors enjoying this favorite activity.

The island is surrounded by over 8 kilometres of pristine Coral Reef, sandy bays, beautiful beaches, underwater rock formations and an abundance of colorful marine life.

You can join one of the daily organized half day or full day snorkel trips that circumnavigate around the island and stop at 5 of the best bays for snorkeling.

www.thefunkyturtle.com sup tao best paddleboarding in sairee beach on koh tao
Best Paddle Boarding on Koh Tao

9. Learn to Paddleboard on Koh Tao

Paddleboarding on Koh Tao is a leisurely and popular activity that can be done during the day or at sunset.

Sairee beach is the place to go to rent a board and you can get a friendly introduction from the team at SUP Tao Paddleboarding and rent the board per hour of for the day.

It just so happens that SUP Tao are located next door to one of the most popular bar venues on Koh Tao, Maya Beach Lounge, so you can truly relax for the day, enjoy a drink and witness a famous Koh Tao sunset.

www.thefunkyturtle.com kayaking tanote beach koh tao
Kayaking & Rock Jumping at Tanote Beach

10. Learn to Kayak on Koh Tao

If you want to discover the bays and beaches of Koh Tao and have energy to spare, you can rent a Kayak to explore.

Kayaking can be as relaxed as you want it to be as you paddle around the coastline with a refreshment bag on board and a snorkel and mask.

When Kayaking it is advisable to stay close to the shoreline and be aware of the weather and sea conditions before setting off. Weather systems can arrive on Koh Tao very fast and without warning.

www.thefunkyturtle.com bouldering climbing on koh tao
Outdoor Adventure

11. Learn to Rock Climb on Koh Tao

For the more adventurous who like to push and challenge themselves, the island also offers a diverse environment of huge granite rocks and boulders.

Safety is thorough and there are climbing and bouldering lessons available from the absolute beginner to the seasoned Pro offering enthusiasts panoramic views across the island.

Koh Tao (known as ‘the Rock’), is perfect for Rock Climbing and Bouldering for visitors that want to try something different, be a little adventurous and have lots of fun.

www.thefunkyturtle.com flying trapeze lessons koh tao
Flying Trapeze Lessons Koh Tao

12. Learn to Trapeze on Koh Tao

If you don’t have an issue with heights and want to try something new, which is fun and challenging, a fun flying experience on the Trapeze is the perfect thing to do on Koh Tao.

Trapeze sessions are led by expert Trapeze artists who have performed around the world and you can be sure to have an action packed, safe and fun filled experience.

www.thefunkyturtle.com breeze restaurant koh tao beach location
Breeze Koh Tao Beach Front Restaurant & Cafe

13. Koh Tao Sunset Dinner on the Beach

With so many Koh Tao restaurants and bars situated on the beach facing west, it would be neglectful to not include a sunset dinner on the beach.

After a day of activities or relaxing on a beach topping up your tan, there is something special about enjoying a delicious meal to a sunset backdrop.

Koh Tao has a great choice of restaurants and bars situated along Mae Haad or Sairee Beaches and at least one visit should be on your travel itinerary.

www.thefunkyturtle.com love koh tao viewpoint thailand
Relax & Refresh at Love Koh Tao Viewpoint

Things to do on Koh Tao Besides Diving

There are lots of activities you can participate in during the time you spend on Koh Tao and the difficult part is deciding which activities you won’t have time to fit into your schedule.

It is not surprising that people plan to visit this magical island for 3 or 4 days and end up staying here for years.

Our 13 recommendations is not a comprehensive list and there are many more fun activities to do when you arrive.

If you have any questions about any activities or want to book, we can make the necessary arrangements to ensure you get the most from your Koh Tao experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best things to do on Koh Tao?

Koh Tao is a paradise playground for short and long term visitors and is a perfect destination for families who need to keep their children occupied.

This small island is surrounded by shallow sandy bays, beaches and has many stunning viewpoints where you can relax and enjoy refreshment.

Koh Tao is easy to get to, inexpensive and offers budget conscious travellers a tropical island paradise escape.

There is an abundance of in-water and land based activities for for seasoned travellers or for those who want to visit Thailand for the first time.

What is there to do on Koh Tao besides scuba diving?

Koh Tao certifies more scuba divers than any other location in the world. However, this pristine tropical island is equally, if not more popular for snorkeling.

The island offers visitors a huge choice of land based and alternative water based activities other than scuba diving.

You can choose from Yoga, Rock Climbing, Flying Trapeze, Hiking and even mini Golf for the kids.

Water enthusiasts can choose from Paddleboarding, Wakeboarding, Kayaking, Snorkeling, Kitesurfing and much more.

What things are there to do on Koh Tao for kids?

Children can enjoy many of the water sports activities including Snorkeling, Swimming lessons, Paddleboarding or visit the local Leisure Park.

Koh Tao offers families a dream holiday with very high standards of training, instruction and safety with experienced guides on hand at all times.

Many of the resorts on Koh Tao have child friendly amenities and staff that are available to support adults so the whole family has a great time.

What are the best things to do on Koh Tao if I can’t swim?

You can take swimming lessons and learn to swim within a few days with a short swimming lesson each day taken over a few days.

If swimming is not part of your plans, you can enjoy many of the land based activities that Koh Tao offers.

There are dozens of bays, beaches and Viewpoints you can visit, relax on a beach, eat at many of the huge choice of restaurants.

There is Yoga, Massage and Spa, Hiking, Climbing or for the more energetic there is Flying Trapeze, Gym facilities or Thai Cooking lessons.

Are there things to do on Koh Tao on land?

Even if you do not enjoy many of the water sports activities the island has to offer, you can easily find lots of things to do on Koh Tao.

If conservation is close to your heart you can get involved in any of the land based conservation activities that take place almost every day.

There are daily beach clean ups in areas of the island led by local community and business groups.

You can occupy your day by relaxing on a beach, visiting a bay or hiking to one of the amazing Viewpoints Koh Tao offers.

Maybe you would like to learn the Thai language or learn to cook Thai food, visit a gym or join a group class for Muay Thai or fitness.

Whatever you choose to do, you will be sure to have a great time learning something new and meeting new people from around the world.

What is there to do on Koh Tao Island?

Our Things to do on Koh Tao guide is to help travellers discover the most popular things to do while visiting and find things to do they did not know existed.

  • Rent a Scooter
  • Learn Muay Thai
  • Practice Yoga on the beach
  • Learn to Cook Thai Food
  • Learn to Speak Thai Language
  • Learn Scuba Diving
  • Learn Freediving
  • Learn How to Snorkel
  • Learn Paddleboarding
  • Learn to Kayak along the Coastline
  • Learn Rock Climbing
  • Learn the Flying Trapeze
  • Enjoy a Sunset Dinner on the Beach
  • Visit Koh Nang Yuan Island
  • Hike to a Viewpoint
  • Relax at an Idyllic Beach for the Day

It is not surprising that people plan to visit this magical island for 3 or 4 days and end up staying here for years.

There are lots of activities you can participate in during the time you spend on Koh Tao and the difficult part is deciding which activities you won’t have time to fit into your schedule.

Contact us for more Information