The classic view over Koh Nang Yuan, just off Koh Tao's northwest coast.
Koh Tao travel guide
A small island with a lot packed in: world-class diving, snorkelling straight off the boat, a famous viewpoint, quiet beaches and sunsets to plan your evenings around. Here is how to spend your days.
The classic view over Koh Nang Yuan, just off Koh Tao's northwest coast.
Koh Tao is tiny — you can drive its length in twenty minutes — but it holds some of Thailand's best diving and snorkelling, a handful of gorgeous viewpoints, and sunsets that are reason enough to come. Here is the shortlist.
Koh Tao is one of the cheapest and most popular places on earth to learn to scuba dive. The water is warm and calm, the training sites are shallow, and an entry-level Open Water course takes about 2.5–3 days and certifies you to dive worldwide. You do not need to be a strong swimmer, and you can start from age 10.
LUM's dive partner is Dive Onda, who keep groups small and film each session so you can watch back and improve. Already certified? The signature sites — Chumphon Pinnacle, Sail Rock, White Rock and the Japanese Gardens — sit a short boat ride away, with a real chance of turtles, reef sharks and, in season, whale sharks.
You do not need a tank to see the reef. Many of Koh Tao's best snorkelling spots are in shallow bays you can reach by longtail — or step straight in from the beach at places like Shark Bay (green turtles), Aow Leuk and Hin Wong. Half-day boat trips loop the island's best coral in a morning.
The picture everyone takes home. Koh Nang Yuan is a cluster of little islands joined by a bright white sandbar, just off the northwest coast. A short climb leads to one of Thailand's most photographed viewpoints, and the snorkelling around it is excellent. Go early to beat the day-trippers — there is a small entry fee, and single-use plastic is not permitted.
Koh Tao is hilly, and the climbs reward you. Favourites include:
Wear proper shoes, carry water, and many viewpoints charge a small entry fee to the family whose land you cross.
The west coast faces the sunset, so this side of the island is where to be at golden hour. Sairee Beach is the social choice, with bars right on the sand. For something quieter, the Sai Nuan bays and the little beach bars south of Mae Haad give you the same show without the crowds. Best of all is watching it from your own terrace — the whole reason LUM sits where it does. See our guide to the best time to visit for when skies are clearest.
| Beach | Where | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Sairee | West coast | Longest beach, sunsets, bars, buzz |
| Chalok Baan Kao | South | Relaxed, restaurants, easy swimming |
| Sai Nuan | Quiet west coast | Secluded, snorkelling, calm |
| Tanote Bay | East coast | Snorkelling, cliff jumping |
| Aow Leuk | Southeast | Clear water, coral, family-friendly |
Beyond diving there is kayaking and paddleboarding in the sheltered bays, sunset longtail cruises, rock climbing, and Muay Thai if you fancy a session. Evenings are for a slow dinner and a drink by the sea — we are happy to point you to the best tables and book them for special occasions.
Most people rent a scooter, but Koh Tao's roads are steep and rough in places — ride only if you are confident, and always with a helmet. There are also pick-up taxis (pricey for short hops) and longtail boats to reach the west-coast bays. LUM handles your pier and island transfers and can deliver a scooter to the villa if you would like one — just ask.
Koh Tao is world-famous for scuba diving — more people learn to dive here than almost anywhere on earth, thanks to warm, calm water, shallow training sites and very good value. Beyond diving it is known for snorkelling, the postcard viewpoint over Koh Nang Yuan, quiet beaches and west-coast sunsets.
Yes, easily. There is excellent snorkelling straight off the boat, hidden beaches and viewpoints to hike to, kayaking and paddleboarding, a trip to Koh Nang Yuan, Muay Thai, and some of the best sunsets in Thailand. Many LUM guests never put on a tank and still fill their days.
An entry-level Open Water course takes about 2.5 to 3 days and certifies you to dive to 18 metres anywhere in the world. You do not need to be a strong swimmer, just comfortable in the water, and you can start from age 10. LUM's partner Dive Onda keeps groups small and films each session for feedback.
Yes. Koh Nang Yuan is a tiny cluster of islands joined by a white-sand sandbar just off Koh Tao's northwest coast, with a short climb to one of Thailand's most photographed viewpoints and superb snorkelling. Go early to beat the day-trip crowds; there is a small entry fee and single-use plastic is not allowed.
Most people rent a scooter, but the roads are steep and rough in places, so ride carefully and only if you are experienced. There are also pick-up taxis (pricey for short hops), longtail boats to reach the west-coast bays, and plenty you can do on foot. LUM arranges transfers and can deliver a scooter to the villa if you would like one.
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Search routes on 12Go →With 20 years on Koh Tao, we can line up diving, snorkel trips, longtail cruises and the best dinner tables around your stay — then hand you back the keys to a quiet pool for the evening. Book direct with the owners; no agents, no OTA fees.