Koh Tao

เกาะเต่า

A small island renowned as one of the world's best and most affordable places to learn scuba diving. Koh Tao offers vibrant coral reefs, marine life, and a laid-back atmosphere popular with backpackers and divers.

Things to do

• PADI Scuba Diving Certification — Enroll in Open Water or Advanced certification courses at one of the island's many dive shops, with instruction at world-class coral sites and guaranteed small class sizes.
• Dive at Chumphon Pinnacle — Explore a submerged rock formation teeming with barracuda, trevally, and occasional whale sharks during the dry season.
• Snorkel at Mango Bay — Wade into shallow, crystalline waters on the northwest coast to spot tropical fish, sea turtles, and vibrant coral without requiring certification.
• Hike to John Suwan Viewpoint — Climb to the island's highest point for panoramic views of the Andaman Sea, nearby islands, and sunset over the water.
• Visit Shark and Barracuda Point — Descend to this dramatic dive site known for encounters with blacktip reef sharks, giant barracuda, and schooling fish.
• Relax at Sairee Beach — Spend time on the island's longest and most popular beach, lined with beach bars, massage huts, and calm turquoise waters.
• Island Hopping Tour — Take a speedboat to nearby islands like Koh Nangyuan or Koh Phangan for day trips featuring white sand beaches and additional dive sites.
• Night Dive Experience — Descend after sunset with guided instructors to witness nocturnal marine creatures, bioluminescence, and a completely transformed reef ecosystem.

Food to try

• Tom Yam Goong — A fiery and aromatic soup made with fresh prawns, lemongrass, galangal, and lime juice, widely available at beachfront restaurants and local eateries.
• Fresh Grilled Barracuda or Grouper — Whole fish caught daily from local waters, grilled and served with chili dipping sauce, lime, and sticky rice at waterfront seafood shacks.
• Pad Thai — Stir-fried rice noodles with shrimp or chicken, bean sprouts, peanuts, and tamarind sauce; a staple comfort food served at street carts and restaurants island-wide.
• Massaman Curry — A mild, rich curry blending meat, potatoes, peanuts, and warm spices, traditionally offered at Thai restaurants catering to international divers.
• Fresh Coconut and Tropical Fruit Smoothies — Blended drinks made from local mango, papaya, pineapple, and young coconut, sold at beachside juice stands and backpacker hangouts.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Marine Conservation — Follow dive shop guidelines strictly regarding coral protection, reef-safe sunscreen, and wildlife interaction, as the island's livelihood depends on preserving its delicate ecosystem.
• Dress Appropriately Away from Beach — Wear modest clothing when leaving the beach or entering temples; cover shoulders and knees as a sign of respect in Thai Buddhist culture.
• Learn Basic Thai Phrases — Locals appreciate visitors who use simple greetings like 'Sawasdee krap' (hello) and 'Khob khun krap' (thank you); it fosters goodwill in this tight-knit island community.
• Avoid Negative Speech About the Monarchy — Thailand has strict laws protecting the royal family; refrain from any criticism or disrespect toward the king, queen, or their images in public spaces.