Sherry's Take
Koh Tao certifies more divers than anywhere on earth — Open Water courses run ~9,000–11,000 THB including basic lodging. Not diving? Base at Sairee for sunsets and nightlife, or Chalok Baan Kao for the quiet southern bay.
Best For
DivingSnorkelingBackpackersCouplesBeach
Go in
FebruaryMarchAprilMayJune
Avoid if possible
OctoberNovemberDecember
Where to Stay
Sairee Beach
Longest beach, sunset bars, dive schools, nightlife strip
Mae Haad
Pier town — ferries, shops, cafés, dive boats
Chalok Baan Kao
Quiet southern bay, family resorts, calm swimming
Tanote Bay (east)
Snorkeling from shore, secluded, jungle backdrop
Money-Saving Tips
- 1Dive packages bundle free/discounted lodging — ask the school BEFORE booking a hotel separately.
- 2Thai-side food stalls behind Sairee run 60–100 THB a dish; beachfront western menus are 300+.
- 3Longtail water-taxis are negotiable — share with other travelers heading to the same bay.
Getting Around
- 1Getting here: night train/flight to Chumphon + 1.5–2h Lomprayah catamaran, or ferry up from Koh Samui/Phangan (1–2h).
- 2Scooter rental is 200–300 THB/day but roads to the east bays are steep dirt — only rent if you actually ride. Never leave your passport as deposit.
- 3The island is small: Sairee ↔ Mae Haad is a 20-min walk along the beach path.
Most Common Mistake
Visiting in November — it's the wettest month on the Gulf side, boats get rough or cancelled and visibility drops. March–May is glassy water and peak visibility.
Ideal Stay
3–5 nights
Combine with
- • Koh Phangan (1h ferry)
- • Koh Samui (2h ferry)
- • Koh Nang Yuan (10 min longtail)
