Best Things to Do in Koh Tao (Beyond Diving)
Koh Tao might be known as one of the best places in the world to learn how to scuba dive, but take it from this non-aquatic gal, there is still a lot to enjoy about Koh Tao up on the surface.
Whether you’re not diving, taking a break between courses, or just want to experience Koh Tao from a different perspective, this is an ideal place to slow down, explore, and connect with the island on land and at sea.
From jungle viewpoints and quiet beaches to snorkeling, wellness experiences, and island-hopping adventures, here’s how to make the most of your time in Koh Tao — no dive certification required 😄.
Hike to Koh Tao’s Viewpoints
Koh Tao’s hilly landscape might make getting around a bit of a workout, but it also means you’re rewarded with some of the most beautiful viewpoints in Thailand (although this country has a lot of great viewpoints!). Most viewpoints in Koh Tao require a short but difficult hike, often with large rocks, uneven paths, or stairs, but the panoramic views over turquoise bays and jungle-covered hills are more than worth the effort.
You’ll have to buy something to enjoy this particular perch at High the Moon, but I did enjoy a slow morning coffee here on the swing and think it’s worth it!
A few standout spots include:
EASY: High the Moon — This is a restaurant/cafe, but if you can’t hike, this is a must. That way, you can soak in an epic vantage point. Even if you can hike, I do recommend getting a coffee or drink here. I went early in the morning, and there was only one other customer.
MEDIUM: John-Suwan Viewpoint — On the other end of the spectrum, this is a short hike, but not for the faint of heart because you’re sort of… rock climbing, slightly 🤣 I found the hike up really fun, and it only took about 15-20 minutes. At the top, you need to slip between some giant rocks to get to the actual viewpoint, where you can clearly see two peninsulas and bays in extraordinary green and blue hues.
After enjoying this hike and viewpoint, you can go down to Freedom Beach, which is a calm beach with swimmable water for a dip.
HARD: Mango Bay — This is a bay with an abandoned resort, and apparently a nice snorkeling and swimming spot too! A traveller I met told me about this one, and I’d say it’s best suited to those who are pretty capable on a motorbike. The access is quite difficult, but rewarding. (Please be careful! 🤗) P.S. The bad reviews on it are all about access — so don’t head that way unless you’re (A) capable on your motorbike and (B) up for an adventure 😉
💡Psst! Go early in the morning or just before sunset to avoid the heat, and bring water. It gets intense out there, and there isn’t always shade.
The view from John-Suwan Viewpoint is definitely worth the hike — but it’s a tough (but short) one, so not for everyone!
Go Snorkeling Around the Island
You don’t need to dive to experience Koh Tao’s marine life. The island is surrounded by coral reefs and clear waters, making it an incredible place to snorkel. You can rent snorkels at the beaches or from your hotel if you don’t have your own.
Snorkelers dot the sea at various parts of the island, with clear waters and vibrant sea life.
Popular spots for snorkeling independently include:
Alternatively, you can book a snorkeling tour with one of Koh Tao’s many providers, and they’ll take you to multiple locations in a half or full-day trip. Check out some great options with GetYourGuide:
💡 Psst! Bring reef-safe sunscreen with you to help protect the ecosystems you’re there to enjoy, and to avoid burning your toosh in that strong Thai sun!
Do Nothing… yes, really.
Not every day in Koh Tao needs an agenda.
In fact, if there’s a place that realllly doesn’t need an agenda, it’s a small tropical island like this.
When was the last time you put down your phone? Took in the sights and sounds around you without distraction? Pick a beach or a viewpoint and head over with no agenda — maybe just a book or a journal — and good intentions.
Let the day unfold slowly — swimming, reading, writing, or just watching the longtail boats drift by.
Giving yourself permission to do less is part of the holiday experience, after all.
A dramatic sunset from Sairee Beach, Koh Tao 🌇
Some spots that might lend well to this include your hotel/resort, Freedom Beach (you can rent a lounger and there’s a restaurant), or Koh Tao Foodville (they have beach seating in chairs or bean bags, a pool table, food stalls, and a beach bar).
Take a Thai Cooking Class or Try an All-You-Can-Eat Buffet
Thai culture has a lot going for it, but if there’s one thing you’ll miss when you get home, it will be the flavours!
A Thai cooking class should be on everyone’s Thailand itinerary, and it just so happens that one of the most beautiful ones is right here in Koh Tao. And I found it by a beautiful coincidence 🥹. I was riding my scooter around the island when I noticed a nice view and pulled over.
All-You-Can-Eat Buffet Dinner
That’s where I found a beautiful lady named Taiy in her outdoor kitchen. She was cooking a hearty soup, a panang curry, and a green curry, overlooking her garden and the ocean. They were setting up for their daily buffet, served on a purpose-built deck over their mushroom farm.
COST
THB 350,000 per adult for all-you-can-eat
THB 500,000 per adult for BBQ with fish, chicken/pork
AVAILABILITY
No reservation required, just show up, pay and enjoy
Offered daily from 6-10 PM
What a spot for a buffet dinner overlooking the ocean 😍
Daily Thai Cooking Classes
The lovely Taiy runs daily cooking classes at the same location.
If booking privately, you can request specific dishes you love and want to learn to make back home. Otherwise, you can join another class on offer.
COST
THB 1,200 per person, including all food and 1 drink
AVAILABILITY
A reservation with a deposit or full payment is required
Available daily at 11 AM, 2 PM, 4 PM, 6 PM or 8 PM
In any case, I am sure you wouldn’t be disappointed spending a few hours with not only a lovely view, but a lovely soul!
💡 Psst! Try a cooking class around 4 PM to enjoy the coast with less heat and cook in perfect time to enjoy dinner and sunset.
Cooking classes are such a fun souvenir — bring home some new skills for your kitchen while having a great time
Explore Ang Thong National Marine Park (From Koh Tao)
Okay, hear me out. Most trips to Ang Thong National Marine Park leave from Koh Samui or Koh Phangan rather than Koh Tao, but I think the trip I found is super unique and worth trying.
Made up of 40+ jungle-covered islands, limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons, and emerald waters, Ang Thong feels like a world away from Koh Tao’s already beautiful coastline. You can hike, kayak, snorkel, and see the cutest little dusky leaf monkeys!
The operator I discovered even offers one-of-a-kind overnight trips to Ang Thong — apparently, they are the only ones permitted to do so — which allows passengers to experience the park at a slower pace and with fewer crowds. Think sunset views, early morning swims, and no rushing to get back to your boat.
If you’re looking for something a little more special, this is absolutely worth considering. Just message me here or on Instagram, and I’ll send you the booking link!
Get a Bamboo Tattoo
If tattoos are your thing — and if you’re done with swimming or going in the ocean… then this could be a fun place to do it. There are some highly-rated tattoo artists on the island. If you want to try something unique, you can opt for a bamboo tattoo, which is a traditional hand-poked method popular in Thailand. While they don’t always use bamboo needles anymore, the hand-poked method is an art in itself!
You might want to check out highly rated shops like Koh Tao Bamboo Tattoo (they have 3 shops on Koh Tao, all with 5⭐ reviews on Google), Imperial Bamboo Tattoo, or Kohtao Ink.
💡 Psst! Please don’t combine this with bar hopping and make your tattoo decision while sober 😅 Always do your research, check recent reviews, ensure total cleanliness of the shop and process, and get your own vibe check in before selecting a tattoo artist.
Cafés & Nightlife in Koh Tao
Like everywhere in Thailand, Koh Tao has a lovely café scene, with everything from smoothie bowls to strong espresso and cozy work-friendly spaces. If it suits your vibe, Koh Tao is the kind of place where mornings stretch out slowly into afternoons that can easily turn into sundowners at the beach.
Mountain View Restaurant doesn’t have a crazy view, but it does have a cozy corner with cushions and hammocks for a slow coffee or Thai tea moment — plus healthy menu options.
Some spots to consider:
Bamboo Beach Bar for a chill island vibe
Koh Tao Foodville for beach seating (chairs and beanbags) and food stall options
Bonus: they have a pool table upstairs and host movie nights on the beach!
Treehouse Cafe for a unique, no-fuss ambiance with lovely views and highly-rated food
Thalas Cafe is perfectly convenient for those chilling before or after their ferry, as it’s right next to the pier, and has a pretty view (check out the upstairs!), cozy vibe and good coffee
Lamoon Rooftop Barfor a more bougie perch
Mountain View Restaurant has a chill corner with cushions and hammocks for leisurely coffees, and a nice menu with both Thai and healthy options
Big Tree Boutique Cafe for an aesthetic nature vibe
Croissant & Ko if you’re after yummy pastries or breads
Wizards of Koh Tao for great coffee, games, and chill camping-chair ambiance
Koppee Beach Club is another bougie option for those willing to splurge on the finer things — an amazing view and well-rated food and drink
In the evenings, things can shift from relaxed dinners to more lively parties, especially around Sairee, but there are loads of options, and it’s easy to find something for every mood.
💡 Psst! Thai businesses are chill about patrons enjoying and taking their time. That said, if you’re chilling for hours at a cafe or bar, be sure to keep ordering to support their business 🤗
Koh Tao Foodville offers bean bag seating upstairs and on the beach, multiple food stalls to choose from, and a free pool table for customers.
Workout… on a Beach With Wood
If you want a unique workout in Koh Tao, you should check out Wild Wood Beach Fitness! Not only is it an oceanfront gym on Sairee Beach, but they have also designed and built all of their own equipment, with a focus on sustainability.
Wild Wood Beach Fitness is super unique — check out their day pass options
COST:
THB 350 1-day pass
THB 800 3-days / THB 1,200 1 week / THB 2,000 1 month
Passes include gym access plus swimming pool, ice bath, sauna and steam room
AVAILABILITY:
No reservation required for a day pass, just walk in and pay.
If you want to get your strength and sweat on, check out Wild Wood Beach Fitness.
💡 Psst! It’s an outdoor gym in a tropical climate, so make sure you hydrate a lot before and after. Add hydration salts to your water (you can buy them in local pharmacies) or grab a local sports drink like Pocari Sweat or 100Plus.
Play a Game of Mini Golf
If you tire of beach time or want something a little different, spend an hour over at Koh Tao Mini Golf. They have a diverse 18-hole setup that’s fun to play, annnnd they give you free ice cream at the end!
COST:
THB 200 per person for unlimited rounds
AVAILABILITY:
No reservation required
Open daily from 1:45-11 PM
💡 Psst! Bring insect repellent if you’re going in the evening.
An unexpected but surprisingly nice activity away from the ocean in Koh Tao.
Recharge with Yoga, Ice Baths, Massages & More
Koh Tao is a great place to slow down and reconnect. Whether it’s a morning stretch, a sunset meditation, or an hour-long massage after a day in the sun (hopefully not too much sun 🥵), taking some time out for wellness activities is the cherry on top of any island vacay.
At Koh Tao Foodville you can get food from one of the stalls
You can try:
Yoga Classes & Wellness Centers
The Reborn Yoga — Indoor yoga and pilates classes at two Koh Tao locations: Sairee and Mae Haad. A drop-in class costs THB 300. No reservation required; open daily from 8:30 AM – 7:15 PM.
Tadasana Wellness— Offers outdoor yoga with an incredible view (hence the premium price). Online booking is required and costs THB 600 per class. Classes are not daily; check the schedule on their website.
Unity Yoga — Outdoor yoga classes at multiple locations in Koh Tao. They offer mat pilates, multiple yoga flow classes, ice baths, energy workshops, massage, and a Thai massage workshop. Class prices range from THB 400 to THB 600.
Manicures & Pedicures
Getting your nails done always feels like a treat! I’d opt for:
Zonda Nails Koh Tao for a mani or pedi, with services starting at THB 400.
Thai Massages
The average cost for a 1-hour massage is around THB 300 to 350, with higher prices near the beach and at higher-end shops
My favorite massage types are:
Traditional Thai massage — where they use compressions and stretches for a full body massage on a table or mattress on the floor
Thai foot massage — where you’re seated on a recliner, and they massage pressure points and muscles on your feet and legs
I personally went to Luna massage, but you’ll find massage shops everywhere. Be sure to check recent reviews to know which are legitimate.
💡 Psst! As you may have heard, Thai massage can have a double-entendre in terms of what type of “massage” service you’ll receive. While there are plenty of legitimate massage places, there are also quite a few not-so-legitimate ones… 👀 so it’s a good idea to check the vibe (i.e., if there are girls in front wearing revealing clothes and the windows are all covered… it’s probably not legit) and the reviews to get a sense of legitimacy.
Final Thoughts
Koh Tao might be famous for diving, but as you’ve probably realized by now, there’s so much more to experience here above the surface.
Whether you spend your days hiking to viewpoints, snorkeling along the coast, learning something new, or simply doing nothing at all, this island has a way of slowing you down—in the best possible way.
Take your time, follow what feels good, and let Koh Tao surprise you 🤍
Travel well,
Lynne
Please keep in mind that pricing, opening times, and other details are based on my experience and research at the time of writing and are subject to change by each property. View the links in the article to see prices for your dates.
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