Koh Tao, Thailand: The full backpacker's guide - Everything you need to know

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Are you backpacking through Thailand and heading to the islands down south? Then you've probably already heard that Koh Tao is not to be missed! This island is like the ultimate playground for backpackers, and it's not just because of the cheap beer (though that certainly helps). Koh Tao is famous for its diving community and amazing, cheap dive schools, beautiful beaches and vibrant parties. In this backpacker's guide to Koh Tao, you'll find everything you need to know about the island. From where to get the best mango sticky rice to secret beaches, with this guide you'll be ready to conquer it all!

In this guide, you'll find everything you need to know on:

→ How to get to and around in Koh Tao

→ Where to stay in Koh Tao

→ Best things to do in Koh Tao

→ Best restaurants in Koh Tao

→ Everything on Koh Tao's nightlife

How to get to and around in Koh Tao

Before the fun kicks off on Koh Tao, you need to get there first (no shit, Sherlock). Since, Koh Tao is an island and doesn't have an airport, there is no option to get there without taking a ferry. If you're coming from any of the surrounding islands in the Gulf of Thailand, you can just take a short ferry. You can use these through your accommodation, taxi and tour companies or online through 12go.asia. You can also book all your transport for Thailand at any Revolution Hostel!

Coming from mainland Thailand or somewhere else? Then you have to make your way to one of the piers first. You can usually book a bus, minivan or train and ferry ticket combined in one, where the transfer company arranges the connection for you.

Coming from further away and need a flight before you can hop on the boat to Koh Tao? The closest airport to fly to is the one on Koh Samui, a bigger island close to Koh Tao. From there it's only a short boat trip to Tao. The downside is that flights to Koh Samui are usually pretty expensive. If you're on a budget (and let's be honest, who isn't?), you might want to consider flying to Surat Thani instead. Surat Thani is on the coast of the mainland and one of the main gateways to get to the islands. The ferry will be longer than from Samui, but it will save you a lot of money to spend on SangSom and mango sticky rice later.

Getting around on Koh Tao

If you've been to Thailand before, you might have gotten used to the convenient taxi apps in the country like Grab and Bolt. Are you usually too lazy to walk over to the foodstand across the street and just get motorbike taxis everywhere? Then we got some sad news for you: these apps are not available on Koh Tao...

But fear not! That doesn't mean you can get around by foot only. There are numerous options to get around the island. One of the most popular ones among backpackers is to rent your own motorbike and zoom around the island full Thai style. Motorbike rental on Koh Tao starts at about 150 Baht a day. Want to keep the bike for longer? You might even score a discount! Just remember: only rent a motorbike if you actually know how to ride one. Otherwise, you might end up looking like a mummy wrapped in bandages, and let’s be honest, that’s not the beach look you’re going for. Plus, you definitely don’t want to be the person who can’t swim in the ocean because they mistook a speed bump for a ramp...

Not comfortable on a motorbike? No worries! There's a whole fleet of taxi companies on Koh Tao! Some hostels and hotels even offer free transfers to specific beaches and towns. And even if they don't, just ask them to book you a taxi. They’re usually more than happy to help. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, just step outside and you'll probably run into a bunch of them without even having to look for it.

Looking for a greener option to get around? Why not rent a bicycle and explore Koh Tao at a true island pace? The island is not that big and most towns and beaches are less than 5 kilometers away from each other, so you can easily get from one to the other on a bicycle. And you'll see some beautiful scenery on the way!

The best places to stay in Koh Tao

Not that you know how to get to the island, it's time to look at accommodation opties. What are the best areas to stay in while backpacking Koh Tao? Which hostels are the stars of the island, and which ones are better to skip? We'll cover the best options in every price range!

On a budget? Stay at a hostel in the main town of Koh Tao!

The ferry to Koh Tao will take you to the pier of the main town on the island: Mae Haad. Most hostels are located here and in the neighboring town of Sairee Beach. If you’re not keen on lugging your backpack around like a pack mule for ages and you want to be in the social scene of Koh Tao, these places are for you!

Looking to make friends, socialize, and have the best time of your life in Koh Tao? Look no further than Revoluton Hostel—the craziest and most social party hostel on the island! Revolution hosts the best parties every night, featuring events like music bingo, pub quizzes and pregames for the legendary Jungle and Leo parties. And let’s not forget the Booze Cruise, aka the best day party of the week, where the only rule is to drink until you forget you’re on a boat. And if you're not too hungover during the day (which is a big “if”), join one the day activities and tours.

Are you ready to party your ass off and make some lifelong friends? Book your stay at Revolution Hostel Koh Tao here!

Looking for some more peace and quiet on a budget? Stay in Chalok Baan Kao

Are you coming to Koh Tao for a relaxing beach holiday and are you trying to get away from the partyscene? But are you at a bit of a budget at the same time? Then Chalok Ban Kao might be the best option for you. Here you'll find the more affordable private bungalows. If you’re the type who prefers to connect with nature rather than connect with the bottom of a bucket of questionable cocktails, get a bungalow here!

From your cozy bungalow in Chalok Baan Kao, you'll be on the beach in no-time. Or even better, you can even find some places to stay at right on the beach! There are some restaurants around - please listen to us when we say you must try Sandwich Lady - and bars nearby, and you'll be in the main town within a 5 minute drive.

Looking for a fancy holiday? Stay at one of the resorts in Ao Thian Og!

Do you need a break from the stress that comes with travelling? Are you looking to treat yourself to a fancy holiday in Koh Tao, where the only thing you have to worry about is whether to order a piña colada or a margarita? Look no further than Ao Thian Og! This is the most luxurious area of the island, where you'll find all the fancy resorts. Ideal for when you just want to soak up the sun with a coconut in your hand.

If budget isn't that much of an issue for you, why not treat yourself to one of those fancy resorts like Haadtien Beach Resort, Freedom Beach Resort, or Sai Daeng Resort? The only thing you'll have to worry about here is which sunbed to claim as your throne for the day and whether you’ve packed enough sunscreen to prevent turning into a lobster.

The best things to do on Koh Tao

Now that you now how to get to Koh Tao and where to stay, it's time for the fun part of planning your trip: finding the best activities! Of course you can expect some amazing beaches on the island, but Koh Tao is so much more than that!

Get your diving licence!

Koh Tao is known as a true diver's paradise. Not only is the islands surrounded by some beautiful dive spots, but it's also insanely cheap to get diving certified in Thailand, which makes it one of the most popular diving spots in the world for backpackers. Diving in Koh Tao is not just about exploring the ocean; you'll also dive headfirst into a community of like-minded travelers.

Not sure yet if diving is for you? Well, at most shops, you can do a try-dive first—think of it as a first date with the ocean. If you fall in love with diving during your try, most shops will give you a discount on your course after! There's a set price for diving courses in Thailand, so it will be the same price at every whop. Just pop by a few places to check the vibe and pick the one you're most comfortable with.

Don't want to dive but still explore the ocean? Go on a snorkeling trip

Do you not have the time or money to do a full dive course? Or do you feel like diving is simply not for you? But still want to explore the underwater world? Just slap on a snorkel and go on a snorkeling trip to see the beautiful coral and fish around Koh Tao! Depending on where you're staying, you can probably hop on a snorkeling tour from your hostel. You won't just see some amazing things underwater; you'll also have the chance to make friends at your hostel! Who knows, you might even find someone who appreciates your unique ability to inhale saltwater while trying to look cool!

Ready for a lazy day? Go beach hopping!

One of the must-do things on any island is - of course - explore the beaches. Koh Tao boasts some stunning white sand beaches with crystal clear waters. The island isn't big, so that makes it even easier to get from one beach to the other. Rent a motorbike and go for a fun day of driving around the island, stopping off to lay your towel down every once in a while.

Our two recommended beaches you absolutely can't miss: Freedom Beach and Sairee Beach! Freedom Beach is a tiny beach away from the busy main beaches. It is surrounded by a beautiful landscape of rocks and jungle, and features and amazing reggea kind of bar with great food and drinks. You'll pay a small enrty fee, but believe us when we say that that's totally worth it! Sairee Beach is one of the main beaches, so expect it to be a bit busier, but it has some great beach bars and the best view over the sunset. So make your way over to this beach at the end of the day to watch the sunset with a cocktail in your hand.

Get some exercise - and good views - in and hike to John Suwan Viewpoint

Ready to get some steps in after perfecting your sunbathing skills on the beach all day From Freedom beach you can waddle your way over to John Suwan Viewpoint, right next to the beach. The climb up is about 20 minutes - just long rnough to tire you out on a sunny day. Turn left when you arrive at the carpark (there will be a sign), and conquer the rocks. Trust us, the view from the top will be so rewarding that you’ll forget all about the fact that you just turned your calves into jelly.

Join the legendary Koh Tao Booze Cruise

Are you ready to experience the best day party in Koh Tao? Join the legendary Booze Cruise! Every