This post contains 6 of the best viewpoints in Koh Tao, Thailand.
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My favourite little island, Koh Tao (meaning “turtle island” in Thai) is located in the gulf of Thailand.
Koh Tao is renowned for its extraordinary snorkelling and scuba diving sites, being a first-choice destination for marine enthusiasts in Thailand!
However, above land, Koh Tao also has a lot to offer. The island is home to many incredible viewpoints, that can be primarily accessed by foot or scooter.
I highly recommend including at least a few of Koh Tao’s viewpoints in your itinerary. They’re perfect for capturing those breathtaking travel pics and appreciating the island life from high up!
In this post, I have included my must-see viewpoint as well as 2 fewer visited spots so you can find the perfect ones for you!
Safety: Some of these viewpoints require some steep trekking or climbing to reach the top so ensure that you wear appropriate footwear. If you’re taking a scooter, please wear a helmet too since some roads can be difficult to drive along (more on this later).
Check out the map below where I have pinned each viewpoint that I talk about in this post!
My MUST-SEE Viewpoint
1. Grape Viewpoint
An absolute DREAM of a viewpoint, Grape Viewpoint is definitely my most recommended spot to visit in Koh Tao.
Grape Viewpoint was recently renovated at the start of 2024 to include a gorgeous bar and restaurant and is maintained by the friendliest family (and cutest dog).
However, to be completely honest, this viewpoint can be a mission to reach.
You’ll have to use a scooter (or take quite a long trek) along long and windy roads and the occasional dirt path.
If you’re worried about getting back after dark, I noticed they offered free trips in their car to ensure a safe journey home to their visitors which is SO lovely!
However, don’t let this put you off your adventure to Grape Viewpoint.
The breathtaking view overlooking to Nangyuan Island and the owners’ delicious cooking (my boyfriend claims he had his best Pad Thai EVER here), is seriously worth the journey’s inconvenience!
Entrance fee: 100 THB (includes a free soft drink)
Other Viewpoints
2. John-Suwan Viewpoint
Arguably the most famous viewpoint in Koh Tao, John-Suwan offers the most breathtaking views of the north of the Island.
Looking straight out, you can see both sides of Koh Tao, including Chalok Baan Kao Bay (to the left) and Shark Bay (to the right). This makes John-Suwan Viewpoint the perfect spot to enjoy the beauty of the tiny island.
Entrance fee: 100 THB
Discover other sustainable activities to do in Thailand with this post: Eco-Friendly Travel in Thailand for Backpackers [2024]
3. West Coast Viewpoint
The West Coast viewpoint provides breathtaking views of the island’s western coastline, including scenic bays, rocky cliffs, and vibrant coral reefs dotting the azure sea.
This spot is particularly popular for witnessing mesmerizing sunsets. As the sun dips below the horizon, hues of orange and pink are cast across the sky, creating a stunning and magical ambiance.
Visiting this viewpoint is basically a 3 for 1 since you’ll be close to both Two Views Viewpoint and Tanote Peak Viewpoint as well!
Entrance fee: 100 THB (which includes a free drink) to be paid at the first stop of the trial: Two Views Viewpoint.
4. Sun Suwan 360 Bar
Neighbouring John-Suwan Viewpoint, at Sun Suwan 360 you can experience incredible 360-degree views of the island.
This viewpoint is relatively easier to reach compared to the others in this list and has a bar where you can enjoy cool soft drinks, cocktails, fruit shakes, and snacks while watching the sunset.
Entrance fee: 50 THB (includes a free soft drink)
Quieter Viewpoints
5. Sunset Viewpoint
Sunset Viewpoint is the perfect spot to kick back, relax and enjoy the views of Koh Tao.
Featuring an observation and, to my absolute delight, lots of hammocks to chill in, this viewpoint located in the centre of the island is not to be missed!
Entrance fee: 80 THB (includes a free soft drink)
6. Summit Viewpoint
We stumbled across this location on our way to Grape Viewpoint, and I’m so grateful that we did!
Priding itself as the highest viewpoint in Koh Tao, Summit Viewpoint hosts a bar and comfortable seating area so you can relax while taking in the breathtaking scenery.
Entrance fee: 100 THB (includes a free soft drink)
How to Get AROUND Koh Tao
You guessed it, renting a scooter is one of the most affordable (not to mention fun!) was of getting around Koh Tao.
Every time we’ve been in Koh Tao, we’ve rented a bike from The Stamp Hotel.
This hotel is located in the centre of the island and the family that owns the company is so friendly and kind!
I believe we paid 120 THB a day for a bike (helmets are free of charge). It may be possible to get a slightly lower rate elsewhere on the island however all the scooters provided by The Stamp Hotel are relatively new and are maintained extremely well!
How to Get TO Koh Tao
Located around 70km from the mainland, Koh Tao is ONLY accessible by boat.
If you’re travelling from mainland Thailand, you’ll need to reach one of the ferry departure piers at Surat Thani or Chumphon.
You can travel by ferry during the daytime (approx 4-hour trip) or by night. Be aware that the night ferry is a sleeper boat and the journey will be around 8 hours.
You can usually find tickets at local travel agencies wherever you are in Thailand.
If you prefer to purchase them online, 12Go.asia is a great website to use. They offer very affordable options for travellers!
Where to Stay in Koh Tao
An extremely social hostel located just a few minutes walk away from Mae Haad Pier.
The Islander Hostel offers diving lessons and courses at their Finsanity Dive School.
I highly recommend this hostel to any solo travellers looking to develop their scuba diving skills!
I’ve already raved about The Stamp Hotel, but honestly, I cannot recommend this hotel enough for your stay in Koh Tao!
We couldn’t believe how nice our room was considering it was a very affordable price (split between two people). The location is perfect, you’re close to the action of the walking street and you even get your own balcony for those more chill evenings!
During our last visit to Koh Tao, we found this special little place. At O’Chai Bungalows you can book your own adorable bungalow that is only a few literal steps away from Sairee Beach!
It’s the perfect location if you are set on being VERY close to the beach and all bungalows have aircon and great facilities for a pleasant stay!
I believe that O’Chai Bungalows is quite popular so ensure you book in advance to avoid disappointment. You’ll be seriously glad that you did!
Haven’t got your flights booked yet? Check out your prices below!
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