Island Life & Scuba
Koh Tao
Crystal-clear water, vibrant reefs and a laid-back island lifestyle — one of the best places on earth to learn to dive.
Scuba divingSnorkellingIsland lifeSunsets
See what we love About Koh Tao
A tiny island with a giant reputation. Koh Tao is one of the world's best — and cheapest — places to learn to dive, ringed by coral and granite boulders, with a laid-back, barefoot rhythm all of its own.
Koh Tao, Gulf of Thailand
World-Class Diving
Cheap, beginner-friendly courses and warm, clear water.
Hidden Bays
Quiet coves and snorkelling straight off the sand.
Laid-Back Life
Beach bars, yoga and a slow, barefoot island pace.
Sunset Views
Granite viewpoints and the best skies in the Gulf.
01Where you'll be
One small island, a few little worlds
Koh Tao is tiny — you can cross it in 20 minutes — but each bay has its own feel. Here's where you'll spend your time.
02Getting there
How to get there
Koh Tao has no airport — you arrive by ferry. Most people fly into Koh Samui (then ferry ≈1.5–2 hr) or take the catamaran from Chumphon or Surat Thani on the mainland. We'll help you line up the connection.
03When to come
Best time to visit
Sunny & dryMixedRainyHeavy rain
February
Dry, warm and calm. A lovely all-round month above and below the water.
04The people
Meet our local friends in Koh Tao
05What you can do
Experiences we'd recommend
Every one led by a local friend who knows Koh Tao inside out.
Stay in Koh Tao
View all staysHandpicked places to rest, hosted by people we know and trust.
Koh Tao Regal Resort
Our Local Friend Mae Haad, Koh Tao
A private-beach dive resort at Mae Haad built around three outdoor pools — one a deep training pool — with an on-site PADI centre and air-conditioned rooms with private balconies, a short walk from the pier.
From $37 / night ฿1,100
Koh Tao Beach Club
Our Local Friend Mae Haad, Koh Tao
A Thai-style beachfront hotel on its own 150-foot private beach near Mae Haad, with a pool, a beach bar and a free shuttle from the pier — an easy, sociable base a short walk from the ferry.
From $50 / night ฿1,500
Unlocks when you book
Koh Tao Local Guide
Book any stay or experience in Koh Taoand we'll unlock the full local guide — written by the friends who live there — free.
4 local spots 5-item packing list
Got a question? Just ask.
Tell us where you want to go, what you're into, or what you're not sure about. We reply within 24 hours — from real people who live here.
Book with us and we'll send your personal itinerary & local list before you arrive.