Koh Tao travel guide

Hiking offers the freedom to explore Koh Tao at your own pace and the opportunity to see it from a unique perspective. These following hiking trails start near Sairee Beach, Mae Haad Bay, and Chalok Baan Kao.

Grape Viewpoint:

Close to the north end of the island, this observation point provides a fantastic view of Koh Nang Yuan. The appeal isn’t just the destination but also the trek to reach it. The hike starts on a steep paved road in North Sairee. While walking through Koh Tao’s dense dry evergreen forest, you’ll come across large alocasia plants, birdsnest ferns, and wild banana trees. Throughout the journey, you’ll be accompanied by the enchanting sound of wild cicadas. On your way back from Grape Viewpoint, if you still have some energy, think about visiting one of the paid viewpoints that offer stunning panoramic views of Sairee Beach.


Sairee Beach to Tanote Peak:

This hiking trail on Koh Tao is 4.6 km long and typically takes about three hours to complete. The trail begins at Sairee Soi 1, also known as Soi Moonlight. The first kilometer follows a small concrete road that goes uphill through a residential area and becomes more lush as it transitions into a dirt trail. The next 600 meters of the trail are partially washed away and require some easy climbing. At the Two View crossroads, continue straight to visit two of Koh Tao’s most spectacular viewpoints, West Coast and Tanote Peak, which is a 300 m walk across the road. After visiting the viewpoints, return to the Two View crossroads, turn left, and walk 500 m to reach the reservoir, where you can grab refreshments or take photographs at this popular local viewpoint (fees may apply). Then continue walking downhill for 600 m along the concrete road, before turning left onto Tanote Road. From there, it’s a 1 km walk to Tanote Bay. You may choose to enter through Tanote Villa Resort to find one of the few waterfalls on Koh Tao (seasonal waterfall) located beside their wooden bridge leading to the beach.


Koh Tao Lighthouse:

Trekking across land is the sole method to access the deserted Lighthouse Bay on Koh Tao, where visitors can relish a pristine shoreline, breathtaking underwater views, and marvel at the impressive lighthouse structure. A hidden pathway for hiking commences at this location, guiding hikers through a shaded tropical forest, which makes the steep ascent more bearable and enjoyable. While traveling this meandering route, you might have the chance to spot or listen to the Nicobar pigeon, a safeguarded species indigenous to Thailand, frequently spotted scavenging on the forest ground or indulging in Caryota urens palm nuts. It’s important to note that entry to the lighthouse tower is dependent on the maintenance timetable of the Royal Thai Navy, which manages this facility.


Laem Thian and Mao Bay:

This hike covers a distance of 2.8 kilometers and should take around 1 hour and 15 minutes to complete. The route to Laem Thian is primarily a rough dirt path. While hiking, keep an eye out for a Nicobar pigeon on the ground or a green imperial pigeon in the trees. Approximately 700 meters before reaching Laem Thian, you’ll spot a small trail on the left close to a large mango tree that leads to Mao Bay. This 300-meter trail gradually becomes narrow and overgrown as it descends towards the bay. Along the way, there is a waterway with large boulders and a massive Pandanus tectorius tree just before reaching the bay. Mao Bay is among the few remote spots devoid of any structures or human presence.


Mae Haad – Sai Nuan – Chalok Baan Kao:

The hiking trail on Koh Tao runs along the coast, starting from the southwest and ending at the southern part of the island. It’s a relatively easy hike that will take you to seven beaches, each only 500 to 700 meters apart. The trail begins at the Charm Churee Resort parking area and leads to Sai Nuan Beach via a well-constructed concrete pathway. Although suitable for all ages, be ready for a decent number of steps. From Sai Nuan, a 700-meter dirt road goes over a small hill, leading to Cape Je Ta Kang. About 50 meters before you reach the steps going down to the cape, a small left turn leads you to June Juea Bay. This 600-meter trail passes Tao Thong Villa 2 and a lush hill adorned with cycads before continuing to June Juea Bay, passing by Sunset Bungalows. Following the road behind June Juea Bay will take you to View Point Resort, Saan Jao Bay, and finally to Chalok Baan Kao Bay.