Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Koh Tao?
Should you spend 1 or 2 weeks in Koh Tao?
Most people spend two to seven days in Koh Tao during their visit. The mellow island offers amazing highlights such as scuba diving and snorkeling, the beaches, the gorgeous scenery, and the hiking.
A true island paradise, Koh Tao brings backpackers and scuba divers from around the globe. The island has cheap scuba certification courses, but because of its popularity, the reef and sea life are starting to struggle. The island itself is strikingly beautiful with stunning beaches and many dramatic viewpoints. Hiking and exploring by motorbike are popular activities.
Do you have one or two weeks to visit Koh Tao? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.
Is one week enough time in Koh Tao?
One week is more than enough time to see pretty much everything on Koh Tao. You can move at your own pace and take in the scenery and culture of the island. You could also use Koh Tao as a base for exploring the nearby destinations or get out on the water. You'll find some great day trips here for sure.
How to spend a week in Koh Tao
Scuba diving and snorkeling around Koh Tao is world-class, and is one of the main reasons why so many visitors come here. Spend a day exploring the beauty of the surrounding underwater world. 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.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Full day snorkeling adventure around Koh Tao ($22)
- Try Scuba Diving ($98)
- Snorkel Trip to Koh Nangyuan and Bays of Koh Tao By The Oxygen ($26)
Koh Tao is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. The island is famous for its cheap diving scene and underwater beauty, but there are also stunning beaches with crystal blue waters as well as quiet bays.
Koh Tao is a very walkable city. With only a day in the island, you'll have no trouble exploring the local sights. 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.
The beautiful beaches await you in Koh Tao, so spend the day (or several, if you can) relaxing on the sand or swimming in the water. 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.
You'll absolutely want to spend some time enjoying the food scene in this island, so make sure you spend time at one of the local restaurants where you can taste the delicious cuisine for a meal or two. 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.
Known for it's hiking, Koh Tao sees plenty of visitors looking to get outdoors. Spend a day exploring the natural beauty and scenery on a nearby hike. 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.
This island is very popular for nightlife. After the sun goes down, head out to one of the many popular venues around town. 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.
Perhaps the most famous place in Koh Tao is Mango Bay Viewpoint, so don't miss it. It might not be at the top of your list, but it's worth experiencing during your trip.
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
Shopping in Koh Tao is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. The main beach areas of Mae Haad, Sairee, and Chalok Baan Kao have the highest concentration of clothing and dive equipment shops. Because it's an island with limited access, prices can be a bit high.
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Koh Tao.
After you've explored most of Koh Tao, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.
A few tour suggestions include:
- From Ko Tao: Snorkeling Day Trip Ko Tao & Ko Nang Yuan with Meals ($56)
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
With plenty of hiking trails and viewpoints around Koh Tao, you'll need another day to experience the gorgeous hiking trails that you haven't seen yet. Either head out in a different direction, or pick up where you left off before.
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Koh Tao.
Is 2 weeks enough time in Koh Tao?
Two weeks provides more than enough time to explore the entirety of Koh Tao at your own pace to snorkel or scuba dive, swim at the beach, take in the beautiful scenery, and get out into nature. Then, use your hotel as a base to take some day trips or get out on the water, as this island offers plenty of options
The beach at Koh Tao
How to spend 2 weeks in Koh Tao
With 2 weeks in Koh Tao, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy everything the island has to offer at your own relaxed pace. You'll want to spend plenty of time snorkeling or scuba diving, relaxing on the beach, and hiking. You can also relax at your hotel, or casually explore this island looking for hidden gems. Also, consider taking some day trips to nearby destinations where you can explore more of the region.
A few trip suggestions:
- From Ko Tao: Snorkeling Day Trip Ko Tao & Ko Nang Yuan with Meals ($56)
More Info
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