My Koh Tao Travel Guide
Koh Tao is the smallest and most northerly of the three Gulf islands and the diving headquarters of Thailand. There are more dive shops per square kilometer here than almost anywhere else in the world, and the Open Water certification is famously cheap, social, and well-taught. Even non-divers come for the snorkeling – the reefs are shallow, the visibility is good, and the boat trips out to Koh Nang Yuan (the connected three-islet formation) deliver one of the country’s prettiest swimming spots.
We’ve done Koh Tao twice. Once for my Open Water cert (took 4 days), once with the older girls for a chill snorkeling trip. Both versions worked. It’s a small island – you can walk most of it – with an oversized backpacker scene and surprisingly good food once you find the right places.
My 2026 Koh Tao Travel Guide
- Skip to our Koh Tao FAQ
Koh Tao Basics
- Where to stay in Koh Tao (coming soon)
- Best time to visit Koh Tao (coming soon)
- Getting to Koh Tao from Bangkok or Samui (coming soon)
Koh Tao Hotels
- Best Hotels in Koh Tao (coming soon)
- Best Koh Tao Dive Resorts (coming soon)
- Best Boutique Koh Tao Stays (coming soon)
Koh Tao Activities and Attractions
- Best Koh Tao dive shops (coming soon)
- Open Water certification – how to pick a school (coming soon)
- Koh Nang Yuan day trips (coming soon)
- Snorkeling without diving (coming soon)
Koh Tao Travel Planning
Frequently asked questions
Is Koh Tao only for divers?
Mostly. If you don't dive or snorkel and don't want to learn, Phangan or Samui will give you more to do. But if you've thought about getting your Open Water cert, this is the cheapest and friendliest place in the world to do it.
How do I get to Koh Tao?
Ferry from Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Chumphon, or Surat Thani. Total transit from Bangkok is most of a day. Fly to Samui, then 90-minute high-speed boat is the standard route.
How long should I stay?
Four to seven nights if you're getting your Open Water (a 3-4 day course plus rest days). Two to three nights if you're a certified diver doing fun dives. One or two nights if you're just snorkeling.
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About Bangkok John
Bangkok John was started in 2020 when I posted my first hotel review. The site now publishes regularly updated guides to Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Koh Samui, Krabi, Hua Hin, and all of Thailand.
I'm a Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite member and an Emirates Skywards Gold member, so I lean toward Marriott properties when the choice is close. I pay for my own rooms.
Questions? Email me at hello@bangkokjohn.com.