Koh Tao, or “Turtle Island,” is one of Thailand’s most beloved destinations for divers, beach lovers, and those seeking laid-back island vibes. Whether you’re here for the stunning underwater world (it’s a diver’s paradise and one of the cheapest places to get your PADI license) or the cozy beachside restaurants, this tiny island has something for everyone. Here’s how to make the most of four unforgettable days in Koh Tao.
Note: We spent a total of three weeks island hopping across Southern Thailand, prioritizing relaxation and free beach activities over adventurous excursions and partying. However, there’s still some of that (we were in Koh Phangan for Songkran/New Year’s after all), but if you’re more into the landscapes and the food, this is the right blog for you.
Are you island hopping too? Check out our blog, How to Spend 3 Weeks in Southern Thailand (coming soon!).
Curious about other destinations on our journey? Check out our blogs on Japan, Indonesia, or the Philippines!
Disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase—at no additional cost to you.
TLDR 🫣
Koh Tao, Thailand’s premier diving destination, offers an unforgettable mix of underwater adventures, stunning beaches, and charming local eateries. Whether you're here to dive, relax, or explore, this island has something for everyone. We spent 4 days soaking up its beauty, trying incredible food, and diving with Rocktopus Dive School, making it one of the highlights of our trip to Southern Thailand.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Travel from Bangkok to Koh Tao; check into Wyh Hotel and catch the sunset.
Day 2: Explore Sairee Beach, book your dive, and enjoy smoothie bowls at Shaka’s.
Day 3: Practice dive with Rocktopus; visit Mango Bay and White Rock; dinner at Pooh’s.
Day 4: Dive day with Rocktopus; Chumphon and No Name Pinnacle; lunch from Pad Thai to go.
Pro Tips:
- Getting Around: Rent a scooter if you’re confident, or stick to walking and taxis for safety.
- Diving: Book in advance with a dive school that suits your vibe—Rocktopus Dive School was our favorite!
- Food: Don’t miss Mama’s Restaurant and 995 Duck for some of the best meals on the island.
Top Awards:
- Best Experience: Diving with Rocktopus at Chumphon Pinnacle.
- Best Eats: Mama’s Restaurant – the wait is worth it!
- Best "Bang for Your Buck" Hotel: Wyh Hotel – modern, quiet, and walkable to everything.
- Best e-SIM: Airalo (You can use our referral code “CELINA4205” to save $4.50 CAD OFF your first purchase).
HOW TO GET AROUND KOH TAO
Getting around Koh Tao is simple and affordable, with several transportation options to suit different preferences. The most popular choice for visitors is renting a scooter, which costs around 200-300 THB per day and allows you to explore the island at your own pace. Just be cautious on the hilly, narrow roads, especially if you’re a beginner rider. For those not comfortable with scooters, shared taxis (songthaews) are a convenient and safe alternative
WHERE TO STAY IN KOH TAO
When deciding where to stay in Koh Tao, location is key to maximizing your experience on the island. We stayed at Wyh Hotel, a cozy and modern accommodation situated at the quieter end of Sairee town. Its location strikes the perfect balance—far enough from the hustle and bustle to enjoy peaceful evenings, yet still walkable to most of the island’s hotspots, including dive shops, restaurants, and the vibrant Sairee Beach. Being able to stroll to our favorite dining spots, like Mama’s Restaurant and 995 Duck, or easily access dive centers like Rocktopus, made our stay incredibly convenient. Wyh Hotel’s clean, stylish rooms and warm hospitality made it an excellent choice for a relaxing and memorable stay. Keep in mind though, they don’t have a pool!
Pro Tip: Book early if you’re visiting during high season, as Koh Tao is a favorite among divers and backpackers alike!
ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrive and Unwind
Traveling to Koh Tao from Bangkok is straightforward and surprisingly comfortable. For $58 CAD per person, we opted for the VIP Lomprayah bus and ferry combo.
– Departure: 6:00 AM from Khao San Road, Bangkok.
– Arrival: 2:45 PM on Koh Tao.
Pro Tip: Arrive at least 30 minutes early to secure a great seat on the bus. We were the first to board and had front-row seats, which made for a super comfy ride. The seats recline almost fully, making it easy to rest during the 8.5-hour journey. Despite the long haul, this budget-friendly option exceeded our expectations. We slept comfortably most of the way.
Heads up: There’s a very small island tax – ฿40.00 for the two of us. Once you arrive on Koh Tao, check into your hotel, drop your bags, and catch your first sunset—it’ll set the tone for your island adventure.
Head to Sairee Beach, Koh Tao’s most popular stretch of sand, for a relaxing evening stroll or a refreshing dip. The sunsets here are incredible—grab a drink, kick back, and let the tropical colors mesmerize you.
Day 2: Beach Day and Dive Prep
Start your first full day with a visit to Koh Tao’s pristine beaches.
Morning: Spend a leisurely morning at Sairee Beach, or venture to quieter spots like Sai Nuan Beach, which offers a peaceful atmosphere and crystal-clear waters.
Afternoon: If you’re planning to dive, this is the perfect time to book your practice dive for tomorrow. We highly recommend Rocktopus Dive School—their chill vibes and professional team made the experience unforgettable. #notsponsored
Where to Eat:
Brunch/Lunch: Head to Shaka’s Smoothie Bowls for a refreshing, healthy meal. Their colorful bowls are packed with tropical fruits and are as Instagram-worthy as they are delicious. This meal set us back only ฿500.00.
Dinner: Don’t miss Mama’s Restaurant—our favorite dining spot on Koh Tao. It’s a small, no-frills eatery with incredible Thai food. Be patient—it’s popular for a reason, and you might have to wait for a table and your meal (about 45 minutes), but it’s worth every second! You need to try the curry and the spring rolls – 10/10! Everything you see in these photos cost us only ฿290.00!
Day 3: Practice Dive and More Beaches
Your third day is all about exploring Koh Tao’s world-famous underwater landscapes and hidden gems.
Morning: Kick off your diving journey with a practice dive at Rocktopus Dive School. Their friendly instructors will guide you through the basics, making it a stress-free and enjoyable experience.
Afternoon: After your dive, head to Mango Bay or White Rock for snorkeling or swimming. These spots are teeming with marine life, so bring an underwater camera if you have one!
Where to Eat:
Try Pud (or Pooh’s) Restaurant for authentic Thai food. The casual vibe and generous portions make it a perfect post-dive spot. We ordered Massaman curry and pad thai. Both dishes cost a total of ฿180.00.
Day 4: Dive Day
Save the best for last: a full day of diving!
Morning: Begin your adventure with Rocktopus Dive School, where you’ll explore iconic dive sites like Chumphon Pinnacle and No Name Pinnacle. These spots are known for their vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life, including barracudas, groupers, and even whale sharks if you’re lucky! We even checked out a ship wreck close by!
Afternoon: After a successful dive, grab a quick lunch and spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach or picking up souvenirs.
Where to Eat:
Wrap up your trip with a meal at 995 Duck Restaurant. Known for its rich, flavorful duck dishes, it’s the perfect way to end your Koh Tao adventure. This noodle dish only cost us ฿180.00. Top it off with a mango smoothie from Mama’s, and you’re golden!
TOTAL COST for 2 Days in Koh Tao (Approximate CAD for 2 people):
Accommodations for 5 nights: $235
Activities: (4 dives) $323
Food: $91
Transportation: $55
Souvenirs (we did not shopping here, leaving that for other islands): $0
TOTAL: $705 (Roughly $71 per person, per day)
FINAL THOUGHTS
Koh Tao is a dream destination that perfectly blends adventure and relaxation. Whether you’re diving into the vibrant underwater world, lounging on serene beaches, or savoring mouthwatering Thai cuisine, this island will leave you enchanted.
Feel free to ask us questions in the comments! Curious about other destinations on our journey? Check out our blogs on Japan, Indonesia, or the Philippines!
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