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Koh Tao

Thailand travel guide

What to see in Koh Tao

The little diving island: one of the most popular places in the world to get certified, with coral coves and reef sharks.

Updated 19 October 2026 · How we make our guides

  • 5 must-see places
  • Best time: January, February
Photo: Benedict Quirbach · Public domain

Koh Tao highlights

The places you can’t miss. In the app we sort them by day and close to each other.

  1. Koh Nang Yuan

    Three islets joined by sandbars.

  2. Sairee Beach

    The main beach.

  3. Tanote Bay

    Snorkelling and rocks to jump from.

  4. Shark Bay

    Harmless reef sharks.

  5. John-Suwan viewpoint

    Views over two bays.

Day trips from Koh Tao

We take you straight to the best-rated tour on GetYourGuide, with its reviews and dates.

Some links are affiliate links: if you book through them, Bagintravel may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

When to travel to Koh Tao

The months with the fewest warnings to travel to Koh Tao are January, February. If you can, avoid April and November (intense heat, rainy season in the gulf).

  1. Jan no warnings
  2. Feb no warnings
  3. Mar with warnings
  4. Apr with strong warnings
  5. May with warnings
  6. Jun with warnings
  7. Jul with warnings
  8. Aug with warnings
  9. Sep with warnings
  10. Oct with warnings
  11. Nov with strong warnings
  12. Dec with warnings
  • from March to May

    Intense heat

    From March to May temperatures reach 35–40 °C with high humidity; April is the toughest month.

    What to do: Visit temples at sunrise, rest at midday and drink plenty of water.

  • from June to October

    Rainy season

    It’s usually heavy afternoon downpours, not whole days of rain. Everything is greener and there are fewer tourists.

    What to do: Plan outdoor visits for the morning and save the afternoon for museums, covered markets or a massage.

  • from October to December

    Rainy season in the Gulf

    From October to December it rains a lot on these islands; November is the worst month.

    What to do: At this time of year, the Andaman coast (Phuket, Krabi) is at its best from November onwards.

Where and what to eat

To eat like a local: the street stall. The dishes you can’t miss are in the Thailand guide.

Frequently asked questions about Koh Tao

What to see in Koh Tao?

Koh Nang Yuan, Sairee Beach, Tanote Bay, Shark Bay and John-Suwan viewpoint.

What to see in Koh Tao in one day?

Don’t miss Koh Nang Yuan, Sairee Beach, Tanote Bay, Shark Bay and John-Suwan viewpoint. To split it into days and areas without crossing the city back and forth, the Bagintravel app plans your trip in a minute.

What’s the best time to travel to Koh Tao?

The months with the fewest warnings to travel to Koh Tao are January, February. If you can, avoid April and November (intense heat, rainy season in the gulf).

What day trips can you take from Koh Tao?

Snorkelling around Koh Tao and Try-dive.

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Guide reviewed 19 October 2026. Places, areas and seasons: the same data the Bagintravel app uses. Sources and method.