Studying the Koh Tao map before you go will help you determine the best places to stay and visit. Koh Tao, whose name means Turtle Island, may be small but it features some of the best sights and diving this side of Thailand.
Here’s what you need to know about the most popular parts of the island.
Koh Tao Map, Tourist Beaches, Hiking, Snorkelling & Viewpoints, Thailand
The beaches and town here are lively and filled with bustling tourist activity; you’ll be hard-pressed to find a moment of boredom if you choose to stay in Sairee Beach. Aside from that, there are many great hiking trails to explore on Sairee beach; many of which lead up to breathtaking viewpoints.
Chalok Bay provides a nice, quiet escape on Koh Tao. Located on the southern end of the island, it’s the most laid-back and chilled out place to stay. While it doesn’t have frantic tourist activity, Chalok Bay’s charm lies in its tranquillity. Most nights tend to be quiet, but it still has a sprinkling of bars where you can have a relaxed night out. The John Suwan viewpoint and Freedom Beach are the two most popular attractions here. Shark Bay is also nearby, a well-known beach famed for the presence of blacktip sharks which you can swim with.
When you look at the Koh Tao map, it’s hard to miss Mae Haad, which is the centre of the island. It is a busy town where most travellers pass through because of the pier here. The alleys are lively from the presence of vendors selling just about anything; from delicious Thai street food to souvenirs. There’s also several guesthouses, cafes, bars, and restaurants.
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