One of the questions I was often asked while working at the Tourism Authority of Thailand in Sydney was, “What can I do in Koh Tao if I don’t dive?”—usually followed by, “How do I get there?” So I thought I’d share my answers here.
Yes, Koh Tao is one of the world’s best and most popular dive destinations. Its underwater world is incredibly diverse—think vibrant soft corals, colourful marine life, and even sunken shipwrecks. You’ll find plenty of dive schools and centres offering everything from fun dives to full certification courses, and even marine conservation dives, all at very competitive prices.
But there’s so much more to Koh Tao than just diving.
Over the years, the island has evolved into a hub for conservation and sustainable tourism. Many local dive centres, accommodations, and tourism operators—including the Koh Tao Tourism Association—work together on initiatives like coral restoration, reef and beach cleanups, and environmental education. Visitors can take part in eco-diving programs, conservation-focused courses, beach cleanups, or join creative, hands-on workshops like zero-waste Thai cooking or coconut tie-dye. These activities not only deepen your connection to the island’s natural beauty, but also introduce you to a wonderful community of like-minded travellers. (Read more about the collaboration here.)
Koh Tao truly offers something for everyone, whether you dive or not. From its vibrant marine ecosystem to creative and sustainable experiences on land, there’s always something to explore. And if you’re in the mood for a little buzz, the island also has a handful of lively dining and drinking spots where you can enjoy great food, relaxed beach bars, and live music with a view. Sairee is the longest and busiest beach, known for its lively atmosphere, beachfront bars, restaurants, and shops. During the day, it is a popular spot for activities like paddle boarding, beach volleyball, and enjoying the sunset. Mae Haad is another sandy beach which is very convenient with 5 minutes’ walk from Koh Tao Pier and 10 minutes’ walk to Sairee.
The fact is, you might simply want to slow down—soak in the sea views, feel the warm sun and fresh breeze, and do absolutely nothing at all.
I first visited Koh Tao over twenty years ago, when it was still full of backpackers and beach bars with loud music. Back then, I came mostly for the diving. My most recent visit was in 2023, when I had the honour of escorting Jayne Jenkins and Tom Park—renowned professional underwater photographers and videographers from Australia—to experience the underwater world with Black Turtle Dive, one of the island’s best dive centres which offer both leisure as well as marine conservation dives. I didn’t get to dive this time as it was a work trip, but I did have the chance to join a zero-waste coconut tie-dye workshop and a Thai cooking class.
What impressed me the most on this visit was that, despite its popularity, the island still retains a peaceful, laid-back atmosphere that feels worlds away from the buzz of other tourist spots. Backpackers are still around, but these days there are also more four-star (and above) accommodations. With plenty of sandy beaches and scenic hilltop viewpoints, there’s always a peaceful spot to be found. Many cafés, wellness studios, and hotels now embrace sustainable practices in one way or another. You’ll also find medical centres, pharmacies, and small corner shops that make staying on the island convenient and comfortable.
Just a 10-minute ride by longtail boat brings you to Koh Nang Yuan, a private island that welcomes day-trippers from 10 AM to 5 PM. If you want to experience sunrise or sunset here, you’ll need to stay overnight at the island’s one and only resort—Nang Yuan Island Dive Resort.
Together, Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan offer the perfect blend of adventure, beauty, and tranquillity—a true sanctuary for those seeking meaningful travel.
Getting to Koh Tao
Getting to Koh Tao is easy. From Bangkok, the most convenient route is to fly to Koh Samui Airport (USM), then take a high-speed ferry to Koh Tao. Ferries from Koh Samui are operated by Lomprayah, and the journey takes approximately 1.5 hours.
Alternatively, for a more budget-friendly option, you can take a combined bus and ferry service from Bangkok to Koh Tao. Operators like Lomprayah offer this service, departing from Khao San Road and arriving at Mae Haad Pier in Koh Tao. The entire journey typically takes around 9 to 11 hours.
You can also reach Koh Tao from Chumphon by ferry. The most popular option is the Lomprayah high-speed ferry, which takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes from Thung Makham Noi or Mataphon Pier to Mae Haad Pier. In fact, that’s how I got to Koh Tao for the first time, more than 20 years ago.
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