10

Best Beaches in Koh Tao

Sai Nuan 1 and Sai Nuan 2 are two adjacent and lazy beaches of Koh Tao that you will fall in love with at first sight. These unhindered beaches have no signs of bars, restaurants, cafes or dive shops. You can simply pitch a hammock into the soaring palm trees and watch the world go by. 

Location: Sai Nuan Beach, Koh Tao 84280, Gulf of Thailand, Thailand

Activities: Swimming, lounging, sunbathing, photography, and snorkelling

Cost: Free of cost

Distance from Koh Tao: Around 6 kilometres

A petite and isolated beach sprawls south of the Island is quite a hidden spot right behind the famous Freedom Beach. Offering calm and clear water, silky white sand and large granite boulders to climb up and gaze the unending horizon is one thing that you can do.

The bars fringing on the shore can help you out with drinks and snacks while there are a couple of decent accommodation options as well. If you plan on exploring the beach, don’t miss out on the Chalok Bay Viewpoint. 

Location: Taa Toh Lagoon, Chalok Baan Kao Bay, Koh Tao, Surat Thani, Thailand

Activities: From playing beach volleyball, swimming to simply lazing on a hammock; this is one of the secluded beaches of Koh Tao. 

Cost: Free of cost

Distance from Koh Tao: Around 6.5 kilometres

Freedom beach is an idyllic but tiny cove that stretches south of Patong on the west coast of Phuket. A longtail boat ride from Patong will drop you here, soon after which you can unwind and relax while engaging in various beach activities.

You can also pay for sunbeds which are laid out under the shade of the fringing palm tree on the inside of the beach. 

Location: Freedom Beach, 20 Moo 3, Koh Tao, Surat Thani, Thailand

Activities: This private beach has amazing corals for snorkelling and swimming. You can also find Volleyball court and football nets on the beachfront.

Cost: 20 Baht per person

Distance from Koh Tao: Around 6.5 kilometres

Nang Yuan island beach is a celebrated destination which is a group of islands having a single meeting junction. The islands can be reached on a longtail boat in about 15 to 20 minutes from Sairee beach.

A short hiking trail uphill can give you an elevated view of all the three islands and the dividing sandbar appears threadlike.

Location: Nangyuan Island, Moo 1 T.Koh Tao A.Koh Pha-Ngan Koh Tao Koh Phangan, Surat Thani 84360, Thailand

Activities: A decent beach for a snorkelling trip, longtail boat rides, and diving tours are conducted on this island. You can also participate in small hiking expeditions to enjoy a higher view of the islands. 

Cost: The beach charge is 100 Baht per person. The boat charges around 100 to 150 Baht one way. 

Distance from Koh Tao: Approximately 3 kilometres

Chalok Baan Kao Beach is among the largest Koh Tao beaches which are located on the southern coast of Koh Tao, in the neighbourhood of Taa Toh Bay and Freedom Beach. 

The aquamarine water and the sparkling sand strip is marked with large boulders. The beach length is approximately 500 meters, it is edged by plenty of beachfront hotels and resorts.

Location: Chalok Baan Kao Bay, Tambon Koh Tao, Amphoe Ko Pha-ngan, Chang Wat Surat Thani 84280, Thailand

Activities: Ideal for swimming and boating. Other sports like volleyball and football can be enjoyed here too. 

Cost: Free of cost

Distance from Koh Tao: Around 5.5 kilometres

Shark Bay rewards you with some of the adventurous beaches in Koh Tao like this one where you can swim with sharks.

Shark Bay is famous among snorkelers and divers who voluntarily take the plunge into the wild waters of the sea to swim with Blacktip reef sharks, ranging between 6 feet to 12 feet of length. The best time to witness sharks is between 7 am to 10 am.

Location: Haad Tien Beach, Tambon Koh Tao, Amphoe Ko Pha-ngan, Chang Wat Surat Thani 84360, Thailand

Activities: Guided boat tours, snorkelling excursions, kayaking,  and deep-sea diving. 

Cost: A guided tour can cost you around 1000 to 1200 Baht per person. Also, you can either rent a scooter for 150 Baht or reach here by foot.

Distance from Koh Tao:  Around 5.5 kilometres

Situated in close proximity to the Shark Bay, Sai Daeng Beach can simply be reached on  Kayak from shark beach within 10 minutes at the top. The beach is considered heavenly for snorkelers who can witness an assorted collection of marine life.

Blacktip reef sharks, sea turtles, and the rarest Golden sharks can be found in the water.  Sai Daeng Beach is a small beach compared to the many beaches in Koh Tao but serves as ideal access to see some rare sea animals.

Location: Sai Daeng Beach, Golf von, Thailand

Activities: Kayaking, snorkelling, diving, and underwater photography

Cost: A guided tour can cost you around 1000 to 1200 Baht per person. Also, you can either rent a scooter for 150 Baht or reach here by foot. 

Distance from Koh Tao: Approximately 6 kilometres

Flanked by colourful corals on both the side of the bay, Ao Leuk is a snorkeler’s paradise. The huge sandy shore makes an ideal swimming destination as well. This concave-shaped bay also records the presence of blacktip reef shark which is found around the area during low tides.

Ao Leuk along with the other neighbourhood Koh Tao beaches are quite offbeat and secluded from the mundane crowd. 

Location: Ao Leuk, Koh Pha-Ngan, Amphoe Ko Pha-ngan, Chang Wat Surat Thani 84280, Thailand

Activities: Lounging on the beach, swimming, can take diving lessons here.

Cost: The beach has no entry charge to accept transportation until here can cost you around 150 to 200 Baht per person. 

Distance from Koh Tao:  Approximately 5.5 kilometres

Mango Bay Beach is a private beach, situated on the mid-western coast of Phu Quoc. Stocked with all sorts of amenities, the beach is an ideal picnic spot for families and is located a small drive away from the main town. One of the calmest beaches in Koh Tao is 25 minutes away from scenic drive away. 

Location: Mango Bay, Thailand

Activities: Lounge, party, swimming, yoga, volleyball, and snorkel. 

Cost: There are a couple of high-end boutique resorts if you decide to take up their services; you will be charged accordingly. 

Distance from Koh Tao: Approximately 3 kilometres

Famous as the busiest and the longest beach in Koh Tao, Sairee Beach spans as long as 1.85 kilometres up the west coast. The beach swarms with dive centres, cafes, bars, shops and are thronged with a long list of restaurants.

Placing it at the top of the list of commercial beaches in Koh Tao, it witnesses a huge footfall almost every day during the peak season.

Location: Sairee Beach, Tambon Koh Tao, Amphoe Ko Pha-ngan, Chang Wat Surat Thani 84280, Thailand

Activities: Try a game of beach volleyball, frisbee or football. You can also simply lie on the beach and get some tan or snorkel in the clear water.  

Cost: Depends on the things you buy and services you take. 

Distance from Koh Tao: Approximately 2 kilometres