Chalok Baan Kao Bay
Sheltered horseshoe bay on the south coast, a mellow low-key alternative to Sairee with calm water, cafes and dive shops.
- Category
- Beaches
- Entrance fee
- Free (public beach).
- Hours
- Open 24 hours.
- Best time
- Morning to midday for calm swimming; quieter than Sairee year-round. Dry season Dec-Apr best.
- Time needed
- 1-3 hours, or a base for a quieter stay.
About Chalok Baan Kao Bay
Chalok Baan Kao is Koh Tao's mellow south-coast bay, a sheltered horseshoe that feels a world away from the buzz of Sairee. There are cafes and dive shops here too, but the pace is slower, and it's a good pick if you're travelling with family or just want somewhere quieter to base yourself.
One thing to know: the water can get shallow and rocky at low tide, so this is more a relaxed chill-out bay than a place to swim laps all day. Think mornings with a coffee, a dip when the tide's right, and an easygoing vibe rather than a big beach day.
If Sairee feels too much, this is the natural alternative, still connected and convenient but noticeably calmer.
Highlights
- Sheltered horseshoe bay with calm water
- Quieter and more low-key than Sairee year-round
- Cafes and dive shops without the crowds
- Good base for families and slower travellers
Tips
- Time swims for higher tide, it gets shallow and rocky at low tide
- Just a short scooter or taxi hop from the Sairee/Mae Haad hub
- Best in the morning to midday for calm water
- Come here if you want a quieter stay than the main strip
How to get there
From Sairee/Mae Haad: ~10 min by scooter or taxi to the south of the island; taxi ~100-200 THB, scooter rental ~150-250 THB/day.