Beaches of Ko Tao
Ko Tao is best known for its underwater attractions, but there also some very nice beaches to enjoy around the island. Here’s a selection of the best spots to spread your towel.
Sai Ree Beach
Sai Ree is the longest, most popular beach on the island and is located on the west coast, north of the capital Mae Haad. It is a lively place by Koh Tao standards and can get very busy during high season. This is the place to head for if you are looking for fun and entertainment. The beach itself is a lovely swathe of soft white sand backed by a choice of chilled out bars and restaurants. Along with Mae Haad town, this is also where most of the dive schools and resorts are based. The north end of the beach is good for snorkelling but it can get busy with dive boats and tours so choose your time carefully.
Ao Chalok Baan Kao
This is the third largest beach on the island, situated on the south coast. The beach is mainly coral, so the sand isn’t as fine as it is on Sairee, but is still very pretty. There are a few nice resorts behind the beach and it is easily accessible from the main road. The sea can be shallow for swimming at certain times of the year when the tides are low.
Ao Leuk
Aou Leuk is a beautiful little secluded bay situated on the south east coast. The horseshoe stretch of beach is very sheltered, and the water is clear and great for swimming. A perfect spot for lazing in the sun in amongst the boulders and there are also some great snorkelling spots around the rocks. The snorkelling is safe and easy, so it can get quite busy mid-morning with tours and dive boas arriving, but they don’t usually stay too long. Ao leuk is accessible by road, but the last couple of kilometres are on a dirt track so only 4-wheel drive taxis will take you. It is actually walkable from Mae Haad in about 40 minutes but take some water taxis.
Ao Thian Og
Ao Thian Og is situated on the southern most tip of Koh Tao around 2.5 kilometres from Mae Haad. It is accessible from the main road and therefore an easy beach to visit for the day. This area is commonly known as Shark Bay because it includes the famous dive site – Shark Island. The land behind the beach is government property and to date nothing has been built so it is a particularly unspoilt and peaceful bay to hang out on. The sand is soft and white, and there are bushes and trees lining the beach for shade. The snorkelling is wonderful straight out from the beach, and there are even signs of coral regenerating as well as lots of great tropical fish to see. The best part of the reef is quite a long swim from the beach, but you don’t need to go that far to see things. The small café/bar on the beach rents out snorkels and fins by the hour and for 10/20 baht you can use the toilets and showers.
