Planning your holiday trip to Koh Tao and Koh Phangan but still unsure what activities there are for you? Fret not! We have prepared you a guide on things to do at these gorgeous islands in Southern Thailand.
Check them out below!
Koh Tao
Located on the east side of Surat Thani coastline, Koh Tao or Turtle Island in English has been home to the sea turtles. Although there are fewer of these turtles now on the island, you can still spot them in areas such as Thian Og Bay.
This small bean-shaped island is much more than a paradise for divers and snorkelers.
With beautiful beaches, scenic viewpoints, and many other exciting activities offered on the island, it attracts large crowds, both locals and tourists, for more than 40 years.
Things to do
Explore the underwater world
Being one of the top scuba-diving destinations in Thailand, Koh Tao is known for its crystal clear seawater and vibrant coral reefs with abundant marine life such as stingrays, reef sharks, and of course, turtles. If you are lucky, you may even spot the whale sharks!
Given numerous diving schools on the island, Koh Tao is a popular spot for tourists seeking diving courses and completing their diving licenses.
Moreover, you can choose to snorkel here as well! Some recommended places for snorkeling are Tanote Bay and Hin Wong Bay.
Tangle Bay (Cr. kohtaocompleteguide.com)
There are also snorkeling trips around the island, with prices often starting from 800 THB. Alternatively, to further enhance your snorkeling experience, you may rent your own longtail boat and drive from one place to another.
Sightseeing
Among the plenty magnificent beaches on Koh Tao, one of the most visited beaches is Sairee Beach. There, you can watch an amazing sunset and enjoy the rest of your evening while chilling at restaurants or bars.
Sairee Beach (Cr. theworldtravelguy.com)
There are also viewpoints scattered around the island where you can appreciate the beauty of Koh Tao as well as the breathtaking view of beaches and bays. Some viewpoints to check out are the John Suwan Viewpoint, the Mango Viewpoint, and the Love Koh Tao Viewpoint.
John Suwan Viewpoint (Cr. thefunkyturtle.com)
Water Sports
If you are looking for more adventurous activities, you will love the fun water sports offered on Koh Tao!
Have you heard of Stand Up Paddling? Yes, you can experience it at this Turtle Island! Although standing on a surfboard while paddling over the sea could be a little difficult at the start, you will get the hang of it after a short while. And that’s when the fun starts!
Stand Up Paddling (Cr. thefunkyturtle.com)
Another water-related activity that is no less fun is kayaking. Simply rent a kayak and begin your journey to the sea!
Kayaking (Cr. เกาะเCr.ต่า.net)
These activities are available on most of the beaches on Koh Tao.
How To Get There
The only transportation mode to Koh Tao is by boat. You can take a ferry from Chumphon, Surat Thani, Koh Samui, or Koh Phangan to Mae Haad Pier.
Koh Phangan
Not only is Koh Phangan, the neighboring island of Koh Tao and Koh Samui, famous for the wild and enjoyable nightlife, but it is also home to some of the Gulf of Thailand’s best beaches.
Given a range of exciting activities available, enjoy your time to the fullest on this beautiful and quiet island!
Things to do
Diving & Snorkeling
Just like Koh Tao, Koh Phangan is also a top diving and snorkeling spot, thanks to its location and clear water. It is only a 1-hour boat ride away from the well-known diving site, Sail Rock – a hotspot for diving with whale sharks!
Cr. pantip.com
Many diving schools here also offer PADI and SSI dive courses and charter dive trips, including wreck and night dives too!
Chilling at the beaches
After a long day, all you need may be to just lie down on the white sandy beach, listening to the waves and feeling the cool breeze.
One of the most famous beaches on the island is Haad Rin Beach. While this wonderful beach is best known for the full moon party, it has a lot more to offer than nightclubs for you to find out.
Haad Rin Beach (Cr. kosamui.com)
However, if you prefer a more peaceful and relaxed atmosphere with fewer crowds, we recommend heading to Haad Yao or Thong Nai Pan.
Haad Yao (Cr. phangan.info)
Full Moon Party
Another highlight activity that we must mention is the full moon party, a renowned all-night beach party. Did you know that it first originated in 1985 in Haad Rin on this island? The party is hosted monthly on the night before or after every full moon.
As the evening progresses, the beach will turn into a frenzy dance floor. People are continuously entertained by jugglers and fire-eaters. The dark sky is also lit up with the impromptu firework display. This full moon party will be one of your best nights ever!
This event has drawn huge crowds from all over the world. It usually attracts 10,000 – 30,000 tourists each month.
Cr. panvimanresortkohphangan.com
How To Get There
As Koh Phangan does not have its own airport, you will need to take a ferry from Koh Samui’s Big Buddha pier or Nathon pier. There are both day and overnight ferry services available from Surat Thani to Koh Phagan as well.
In short, if you are a fan of diving or snorkeling, a trip to Koh Tao and Koh Phangan is a must. The tropical beaches and relaxing ambiance on the islands make them perfect destinations for you to take a break from your busy life. You will surely have a great time here!