Koh Tao is a tropical island known for Scuba Diving, Ao Leuk Bay, and Chalok Baan Kao Bay. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. Whether you're eating the delicious cuisine, enjoying the nightlife, or scuba diving with your friends, we'll help you plan the ideal trip to Koh Tao that stays within your budget.
How much does it cost to travel to Koh Tao?
You should plan to spend around $47 (฿1,595) per day on your vacation in Koh Tao. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $17 (฿584) on meals
- $9.40 (฿318) on local transportation
- $31 (฿1,042) on hotels
A one week trip to Koh Tao for two people costs, on average, $661 (฿22,330). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$330
฿11,165
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$661
฿22,330
-
One Month
Per person
$1,416
฿47,850
-
One Week
For a couple
$661
฿22,330
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$1,321
฿44,660
-
One Month
For a couple
$2,832
฿95,700
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Koh Tao cost?
A one week trip to Koh Tao usually costs around $330 (฿11,165) for one person and $661 (฿22,330) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Koh Tao on average costs around $661 (฿22,330) for one person and $1,321 (฿44,660) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Koh Tao will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Koh Tao on average costs around $1,416 (฿47,850) for one person and $2,832 (฿95,700) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Koh Tao expensive to visit?
Koh Tao is a popular island that attracts many visitors who have various travel styles and spending habits. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.
Koh Tao can be very expensive if you want it to be, but there are ways to cut down on your costs, like eating at less expensive restaurants and enjoying the free hiking trails.
On average, budget travelers spend $19 (฿659) per day, mid-range travelers spend $47 (฿1,595) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $105 (฿3,609) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Koh Tao.
Within Asia, Koh Tao is a reasonably affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in Asia for its affordability. You can find more affordable cities such as Mandalay, but there are also more expensive cities, such as Similan Islands.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Koh Tao Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Koh Tao?
The average Koh Tao trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Koh Tao travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Koh Tao cost?
Koh Tao on a Budget
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$6
(฿216)
|
$15
(฿521)
|
$34
(฿1,166)
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$4
(฿135)
|
$9
(฿318)
|
$20
(฿665)
|
Food 2
|
$7
(฿249)
|
$17
(฿584)
|
$36
(฿1,211)
|
Entertainment 1
|
$11
(฿371)
|
$29
(฿968)
|
$77
(฿2,616)
|
Alcohol 2
|
$2-5
(฿58-173)
|
$4-12
(฿131-393)
|
$7-22
(฿244-733)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
When planning your trip to Koh Tao, it's important to have realistic expectations about your budget. Many believe they can travel on a shoestring, but that often leads to either uncomfortable travel experiences or some surprisingly high expenses. Consider your vacation style. Do you enjoy staying in hostels, resorts, regular hotels, or vacation rentals? Are attractions and dining experiences a priority? These factors will affect how much you spend and your itinerary.
What Does It Mean to Be a Budget Traveler?
While you might think you're a budget traveler, without giving up many of your usual comforts, you'll likely need to spend more than the $19 per day that backpackers often spend.
Backpackers often work within this tight budget by staying in hostel dorms, eating fast food or street food, using public transit, and mainly visiting free attractions.
Fortunately, Koh Tao features plenty of hostels, including Taco Shack Diving Hostel & Restaurant, Good Dream Hotel , and Revolution Koh Tao. At hostels like these, you can find cheap dorm beds and a vibrant social atmosphere, though amenities are often scarce. Food also plays a significant role in a visitor's experience to Koh Tao, yet budget travelers might stick to street food or hostel meals, resulting in less exposure to the wonderful culinary scene.
What Makes You an Average Traveler?
Couples and families enjoying a vacation will probably want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at popular dining spots, and explore the key museums and attractions that have entry fees. When visiting Koh Tao, you'll want to see Scuba Diving, Ao Leuk Bay, or Chalok Baan Kao Bay. Keep in mind that most activities cost money. Thus, it's reasonable to expect your daily budget to be around $47 per person, per day.
There's a wide selection of hotels and vacation rentals in Koh Tao. If you're traveling with others, sharing a hotel room with a partner, friend, or kids will help split costs and save money. When traveling as a family, look for hotels and restaurants that welcome children. Sensi Paradise Beach Resort is a great choice for kids, and Aukotan Place is another wonderful option. For more family and couple-friendly places to stay, check out our Koh Tao hotel costs guide.
Want to Escape the Daily Grind in Style?
If you want an all encompassing getaway with top-notch amenities and exceptional service, get ready for a daily cost around $105. Staying in upscale hotels, dining at acclaimed restaurants, indulging in lavish activities, and using taxis or private drivers to navigate the island will require a more luxurious budget. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as Koh Tao: SunSet Magic Snorkeling Day Trip Tao & Nangyuan w/ Meals - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Koh Tao
In Koh Tao, the price of hotels can really surprise you. Some are much more expensive, offering higher luxury and amenities. Peak season rates soar, with off-season averages around $50 and peak winter season rising to an average of $93. Prices typically range from $17 to $289, but hostels remain cheaper, especially in dorms. To save money, book during the low season or take advantage of special promotions and advance deals.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Koh Tao for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $31 (฿1,042). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $15 (฿521) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Koh Tao? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Koh Tao include:
- Sairee Cottage Resort starting at $19
- The Tarna Align Resort starting at $49
- P D Beach Resort starting at $33
- View Point Resort Koh Tao starting at $49
- Sensi Paradise Beach Resort starting at $63
This island features a range of resorts. You might find a place that offers meals, or at least breakfast, and many resorts have their own restaurants.
Many visitors to Koh Tao stay for a week, and if you're staying for an extended period, a vacation rental with a kitchen could help you prepare your own meals.
If you avoid winter and go during the low or shoulder season, you'll find better hotel deals and fewer tourists.
Lots of folks enjoy wandering around Koh Tao, making it ideal to book a place in the heart of the city. Be aware that this may mean spending a bit more.
Transportation Budget in Koh Tao
Koh Tao lacks an efficient public transit system. You can rent a motorbike or bicycle to explore the island. There are also taxis and taxi boats available.
If you're someone who enjoys discovering a place on foot, you'll love it here. The island is smaller than many islands in Thailand, and the small towns are usually no more than 5 kilometers apart. It's also possible to walk around most of the small towns.
Public Transit: 



(moderate)
Walkability: 



(great)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $9.40 (฿318) per person, per day, on local transportation in Koh Tao. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Koh Tao is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$9.40
฿318
How much does it cost to go to Koh Tao? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Koh Tao will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Some typical prices for transportation in Koh Tao are shown below. These are actual costs from previous travelers, and are representative of the amount you'll likely spend on transportation in Koh Tao. Don't forget that your individual costs will vary based on how you get around, because hired cars such as taxis are often much more expensive than local public transportation.
-
Motorbike Rental
฿190
-
Chumpon to Koh Tao Ferry
฿650
Food Budget in Koh Tao
The food scene in Koh Tao is incredible, so be sure to spend time tasting all the local dishes. You'll find a huge ex-pat community on the island, and with them they bring a variety of international cuisines. There are also local establishments that sell the typical Thai dishes with lots of seafood, curries, and noodle dishes. It's fun to enjoy a beachside restaurant that lets you sit right by the water looking off into a tropical paradise.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Koh Tao can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Koh Tao is $17 (฿584) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$17
฿584
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Koh Tao is around $17 (฿584) per person, with previous travelers spending from $7 to $35. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Koh Tao are as follows:
- Breakfast: $2 to $5
- Lunch: $3 to $7
- Dinner: $5 to $12
- Coffee: $1
- Fast Food or Street Food: $3
Koh Tao is full of all the specialties of Thai dining you could ask for. Seafood – especially barbecued fish- are on the menu almost anywhere you go. While many people living here are from all over the world, there are also other cuisines offered around the island.
If you're really interested in Thai food, ask your hotel about cooking lessons. They are frequently available in many of the resorts around Koh Tao.
Lots of hotels throw breakfast into the room rate, but some will charge for it. The quality and price can differ by hotel. Understanding this in advance can help you figure out if you'll need to spend extra money. It may be worth splurging on the hotel buffet, or you could find a less expensive option at a nearby bakery or cafe.
Make a picnic to enjoy the scenery and save money. Find a local grocery store or market, grab some fresh food, and head to a nice park or beautiful location for your meal.
Carry a reusable water bottle with you to avoid spending on drinks. It's also a win for the environment.
Before booking a tour, make a point of knowing which meals are part of the package. You may be responsible for some of your food costs, which can increase your overall budget.
Food and meal prices in Koh Tao, based on real travelers' reported expenses, are shown below. These typical costs can give you a sense of the overall price range for meals. However, your individual expenses might be different depending on your dining habits, restaurant choices, and specific orders.
-
Sit Down Lunch (for One)
฿200
-
Breakfast
฿150
-
Casual Breakfast (for Two)
฿120
-
Fancy Dinner (for Two)
฿490
-
Pancake
฿70
-
American Breakfast (for Two)
฿280
-
Dinner at Bam Bam (for Two)
฿270
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Koh Tao
The reason people visit Koh Tao is clear, as it offers scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, budget-friendly accommodations, and food.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Koh Tao typically cost an average of $29 (฿968) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$29
฿968
Some of the most popular sights include:
- Scuba Diving for $300
- Ao Leuk Bay (Free)
- Chalok Baan Kao Bay (Free)
- Mango Bay (Free)
- Sairee Beach (Free)
- Shark Bay (Free)
- Nang Yuan Island for ฿100
- John-Suwan Viewpoint for ฿50
The entire island of Koh Tao is a sight to see. Take a bike and just tour the island for a day. Ko Nang Yuan, Freedom Beach, Mango Bay and Tanote Bay are just a few areas that provide amazing scenery. Really, though, for the best experiences, get off the bike and take a walk. Roads can't reach most of the spectacular views. Follow a path to John Suwan Mountain Viewpoint in the south, or Fraggle Rock in the north.
If all you want is to see some sandy shoreline, there are plenty of beaches to lounge on. The largest beach on the island is Sairee Beach. Located on the west side of the island, Sairee Beach is full of dive schools, resorts, restaurants and bars. The southern and central sections of this island are the place to be for the Koh Tao nightlife.
The main spot of Koh Tao is where the ferry will arrive. This is the Mae Head beach. There are plenty of shops, but keep in mind that this is one of the most expensive areas on the island.
Chalok Bay is where to go if you're looking to lay down a towel and chill. There are several resorts and restaurants but way less than Sairee Beach. If this still isn't isolated enough for you, there's Tanote Bay. There are no towns or villages on this beach, and only four resorts. Keep in mind, though, there aren't any ATMs here and you want to watch your step. The sane is coarse and there is broken glass in most places from people drinking while sitting on the rocks. It's still a beautiful place for relaxation and reflection.
The biggest draw to Koh Tao is the scuba diving. It's relatively inexpensive, easy, fun, and there are plenty of friendly critters waiting under those waters. You'll get to see turtles, stingrays, barracudas, reef sharks and countless smaller fish. Don't let the word "shark" scare you off. These sites are safe as the sharks are quite small. In recent years the large influx of tourists seeking the inexpensive scuba certification schools has led to a degradation of the coral reefs around the island, but the diving is still better than in most places in the world.
Koh Tao welcomes more than just divers, though. This beautiful island can provide a dream vacation for anyone who loves a good time on the water. Take your boat and explores the coves and bays of untouched mountain ridges. Scale those gorgeous mountains, and then do a daring cliff dive. Go wake boarding, work on your mini golf game or take a relaxing moment to get a massage.
Scuba Diving & Snorkeling:
One of the key highlights in Koh Tao is its popular scuba diving scene. The island is Thailand's most famous scuba diving destination for it's affordable certifications and prolific dive shops. There are a variety of dive sites near the island, but with fame and popularity come challenges. The coral and sealife is feeling the pressure of the high number of tourists, and the reefs show their damage. But the training you receive here is affordable and well-established.
Beaches:
Beachgoers frequently travel to Koh Tao for a restful retreat. The white sand beaches have a mellow vibe with beautiful blue waters. This is a true tropical paradise with beachside cafes, easy snorkeling, and warm water. The beaches range from quiet and isolated to high energy and vibrant.
Hiking:
The hiking experiences around Koh Tao are quite exceptional. Hiking is the best way to enjoy the inland beauty of the island. There are paths that take you through the jungle covered land to viewpoints and remote areas. Many paths are rustic and not always well maintained so it's helpful to ask a local for directions beforehand.
A nice way to explore destinations in Koh Tao is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- No Rush Morning & Afternoon 5 Stop Snorkeling tour for Koh Tao for $23 details
- CocoTipAdventures and Snorkel with Meals-BBQs-Cocktail-Sunset for $52 details
- Full day snorkeling adventure around Koh Tao for $23 details
Outlined below are some typical prices for entry fees and activities in Koh Tao. They have been reported from the expenses of previous travelers. These costs provide an idea of what you might need to spend, though your individual expenses will depend on the activities you participate in, the places you visit, and how often you choose budget-friendly or free activities.
-
Kayak Rental (One Hour)
฿250
-
Snorkel Rental
฿100
-
Kayak and Snorkel (2)
฿100
Nightlife Budget in Koh Tao
The nightlife in Koh Tao offers a lively atmosphere, making it a favorite for visitors who enjoy local bars, clubs, and parties. While most people head for the island for its scuba diving, when the sun goes down everyone heads to the beach to party. The island has a very active nightlife scene with its own Full Moon Parties, dance clubs, beachside bars, and more. Head to Sairee Beach for the most active nightlife and entertainment options.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $7.75 (฿262) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Koh Tao per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$7.75
฿262
Nightlife is a blast when traveling, but scaling back on drinks can really help stretch your travel budget.
When you're out at night and drinking, be aware of what's going on around you. You could become a target for pickpockets or other crimes, so it's safest to stay in groups.
Here are some typical drink and nightlife prices in Koh Tao, drawn from the experiences of past travelers. These costs can give you a general sense of what to expect, though your own spending will differ based on how often you enjoy alcoholic beverages and how much you consume. Remember, one of the most effective ways to reduce your travel costs is to limit alcohol consumption.
-
Beer
฿65
-
Bottle of Wine
฿370
Travel cost data last updated: Dec 20, 2024
Traveling in Koh Tao
The beach at Koh Tao
With a name that literally means, "Turtle Island," Koh Tao, Thailand is the type of vacation spot divers dream of. There is the faintest current and a buffet of dive sites and shops.
This tiny island hosts hundreds of thousands of visitors a year, but take not that there are no garbage disposal facilities. Everything that can't be burnt needs to be taken from the island. Avoid plastic bags, and don't dump your trash in the open landscape (then again, why would you?) because there are no departments for road clean up. Water and electricity on the island are scarce, so use them wisely.
Keep in mind that monsoon season from November to January so you may be faced with constant rain for days at a time in those months.
Neighborhoods & Around
The west coast of the island gently wraps around a large bay. The southern end of this bay is the ferry pier, where most travelers arrive. Heading north up the bay is a beautiful beach with many small hotels and resorts. The narrow roads providing access to these places are full of shops and restaurants for travelers.
The eastern side of the island is home to some smaller bays with a variety of additional accommodations.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
We went to Koh Tao for a diving course. This seems to be a popular reason to visit the island, because the courses are so cheap. The actual diving was better elsewhere in Thailand though.