These are the best places to travel this summer

Ko Tao

Shop

Get even more with a Lonely Planet guide.

Shop Book
Dusk on Ko Tao.

Matt Munro

LONELY PLANET’S RECOMMENDED eSIM

Stay connected in Ko Tao

with

Saily is an affordable eSIM service that helps you stay connected and secure, anywhere in the world.

Get your eSIM

Overview

The baby of the Samui–Pha-Ngan–Tao trio, Ko Tao may still be the smallest in size but in many other ways it's all grown up. The island is consistently gaining in popularity and going more upscale, but for now this jungle-topped cutie has the busy vibe of Samui mixed with the laid-back nature of Pha-Ngan.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Ao Tanot

    Ao Tanot

    Ko Tao

    With crystal-clear waters and superb snorkelling, pretty Ao Tanot on the east coast also affords excellent rock-jumping opportunities from the huge…

  • Ko Nang Yuan

    Ko Nang Yuan

    Ko Tao

    These three lovely islands off the northwest coast of Ko Tao are linked together by a sandbar, with superb views from the island's highest points. Boats…

  • Gallery

    Gallery

    Ko Tao

    The only gallery on Ko Tao displays the photography of long term resident Chris Clarke who specialises in capturing the island's stunning night sky,…

  • Hat Laem Thian

    Hat Laem Thian

    Ko Tao

    In the lee of the headland, this secluded and sheltered little white-sand beach in the middle of the east coast, north of Ao Tanot, is a delightful place…

  • Ko Tao Temple

    Ko Tao Temple

    Ko Tao

    Next to Ko Tao school, this is the finest Buddhist temple on the island. It is a haven of peace and solitude and boasts a stunning white central building…

  • King Rama V Boulder & Statue

    King Rama V Boulder & Statue

    Ko Tao

    Long before Ko Tao was inhabited by people, in 1899, King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) visited the island, and as seems to have been a habit of his, he carved…

  • Mango Viewpoint

    Mango Viewpoint

    Ko Tao

    With glorious vistas from up high, this viewpoint can be reached by motorbike but it’s not advisable for inexperienced two wheelers. Arguably it’s more…

  • Nang Yuan Terrace

    Nang Yuan Terrace

    Ko Tao

    Come sunset, this terrace across from Ko Nang Yuan in the northwest of the island offers pleasant views over the islands as they are bathed in the crimson…

Advertisement

Plan with a local

Get a book. Get inspired. Get exploring.

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Ko Tao

Advertisement