Ko Tao
A small mountainous island ('Turtle Island') north of Samui, world-renowned as one of the cheapest and most popular places on earth to learn scuba diving, plus great snorkelling and viewpoints.
- Category
- Islands
- Entrance fee
- No island entrance fee; reached by paid ferry
- Hours
- N/A (open island); ferries run daytime
- Best time
- Feb–Apr and Jul–Sep for best visibility; can do as a long day trip but an overnight is better
- Time needed
- Full day to multi-day
About Ko Tao
Ko Tao is dive central. This little mountainous island north of Samui is famous worldwide as one of the cheapest, easiest places to learn to scuba dive, and the snorkelling and viewpoints back that reputation up. If getting underwater is on your list, it's absolutely worth the trip.
It's no secret, though, so the main bays are developed and busy, and you'll be sharing them. It's also a genuine journey from Samui, which is why an overnight beats a long day trip if you can swing it.
One honest note: Ko Tao has had its share of safety stories over the years, so it's worth reading up before you go and using common sense. Aim for the clear-visibility months, and the diving here is hard to beat for the price.
Highlights
- One of the world's cheapest places to learn to scuba dive
- Excellent snorkelling
- Mountainous 'Turtle Island' viewpoints
- A springboard to nearby Ko Nang Yuan
Tips
- Overnight rather than day-trip if you can
- Aim for the best-visibility months for diving
- Read up honestly on Ko Tao's safety reputation before going
- Main bays are developed and busy, so manage expectations
How to get there
High-speed catamaran/ferry from Samui (Nathon, Maenam or Bang Rak piers), roughly 1.5–2.5 hrs, ~600–1,000+ THB each way