Start our journey with Koh Tao's most famous beaches, which attract tourists from all over the world with their unique charm and wide range of attractions.

Sairee Beach is undoubtedly the most popular beach on the island. Stretching 1.7 km in length, it offers soft white sand and crystal clear water. It's the perfect place for both those seeking relaxation and those who want to be active. Along the beach you'll find numerous bars, restaurants and diving schools, making Sairee Beach bustling with activity both day and night. We especially recommend a visit at sunset, when the sky sparkles with beautiful colors and you can hear relaxing music from nearby bars in the background.

Another gem is Tanote Bay, which impresses with its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere. This picturesque bay surrounded by rocky cliffs offers excellent snorkeling conditions. The coral reefs just offshore are home to a variety of fish species, and with a little luck you may even encounter a sea turtle. Tanote Bay is also famous for its distinctive rock from which the brave can jump into the crystal clear water. The beach is less crowded than Sairee Beach, making it an ideal spot for those seeking peace and quiet and contact with nature.

Freedom Beach is another beach worth visiting during your stay on Koh Tao. This small but charming bay offers an intimate atmosphere and beautiful views. The white soft sand and turquoise water create a truly paradisiacal landscape. Freedom Beach is slightly more difficult to access than other beaches on the island, making it less crowded and retaining its pristine character. It's the perfect place for a relaxing day away from the hustle and bustle, where you can enjoy quiet swimming and sunbathing.

Each of these beaches has its own unique character and offers slightly different activities. Sairee Beach is the perfect choice for those who enjoy active recreation and nightlife, Tanote Bay will delight lovers of snorkeling and beautiful scenery, and Freedom Beach is a paradise for those seeking tranquility and intimacy. Whichever beach you choose, you can be sure that you'll be in for an unforgettable experience and views that will stay in your memory for a long time.

Beyond the popular beaches, Koh Tao also hides lesser-known but equally charming corners that are worth discovering during your trip. One such place is Ao Hin Wong, a picturesque bay located on the eastern side of the island. Surrounded by lush vegetation, this rocky beach offers peace and tranquility that is hard to find in more touristy locations. Ao Hin Wong is an ideal place for those who appreciate contact with nature and want to escape the hustle and bustle. The water in the bay is crystal clear, which creates excellent conditions for snorkeling. Although the beach is not sandy, its charm and tranquility attract many travelers looking for an authentic experience.

Another hidden gem is Mae Haad Beach, which combines the functions of the island's main port with the charm of a tropical beach. This is where the ferries with tourists arrive, but don't let that deter you from exploring this place. Mae Haad Beach offers a fascinating combination of local life and tourist infrastructure. Along the beach you'll find numerous restaurants serving fresh seafood, souvenir stores and diving schools. It's an ideal place to start your diving adventure or simply observe the daily life of the island. The beach is also a great starting point for exploring Koh Tao's underwater world, with easy access to dive boats.

When comparing these lesser-known beaches with popular destinations, there are several aspects worth noting. Ao Hin Wong and Mae Haad Beach offer a more authentic experience of Thai culture and a quieter atmosphere than Sairee Beach or Tanote Bay. They are also less crowded, which can be an advantage for those seeking peace and relaxation. On the other hand, the tourist infrastructure in these places is less developed, which means a smaller selection of restaurants or bars.

In terms of accessibility, Mae Haad Beach is easily accessible as it is located in the island's main port. Ao Hin Wong requires a bit more effort to reach it, but the reward is a unique experience and beautiful views. Compared to Freedom Beach, both of these locations are more easily accessible and offer more amenities.

In terms of water activities, Ao Hin Wong matches Tanote Bay when it comes to snorkeling opportunities, while offering a more intimate atmosphere. Mae Haad Beach, while it may not offer as spectacular underwater views as Tanote Bay, makes up for it with easy access to dive tours and a diverse range of dive schools.

When choosing between these beaches, consider your own preferences. If you value authenticity and don't mind less developed infrastructure, Ao Hin Wong will be an ideal choice. If, on the other hand, you want to combine beachcombing with easy access to a variety of attractions and the opportunity to observe local life, Mae Haad Beach will meet your expectations. Regardless of your choice, each of these beaches offers unique experiences that will enrich your stay on Koh Tao.

To fully enjoy the charms of Koh Tao's beaches, it's worth reviewing some practical tips to help you plan the perfect stay on the island.

First, the best time to visit Koh Tao is from March to September, when the weather is most stable and the sea is calm. During this time you can count on sunny weather and excellent conditions for beachcombing and snorkeling. However, keep in mind that this is also the peak tourist season, so the beaches may be more crowded.

When it comes to transportation between beaches, the most popular option is to rent a scooter. This is an economical and convenient way to explore the island. However, if you don't feel confident on a scooter, you can use water cabs or traditional land cabs. Note that some beaches, such as Ao Hin Wong and Freedom Beach, are more difficult to access and may require a short trek.

Protection from the sun is key when visiting the beaches of Koh Tao. The Thai sun is very intense, so don't forget high sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. You'll find umbrellas for rent on most beaches, but it's a good idea to have your own, especially if you plan to visit the more isolated bays.

For snorkeling enthusiasts, Koh Tao is a true paradise. It's a good idea to bring your own snorkeling gear, although on most beaches, such as Tanote Bay and Sairee Beach, you can rent it locally. Remember to be careful and respectful of the underwater ecosystem - don't touch the coral or feed the fish.

As for food and drinks, you'll find plenty of restaurants and bars on popular beaches like Sairee Beach and Mae Haad Beach. However, on more isolated beaches like Ao Hin Wong, food and beverage offerings may be limited. It's a good idea to bring water and snacks with you, especially if you plan to spend all day at the beach.

When comparing prices and amenities at different beaches, it's worth noting that the most popular beaches like Sairee Beach offer the most accommodation and entertainment options, but are also the most expensive. Lesser-known beaches like Freedom Beach or Ao Hin Wong may offer lower prices but fewer amenities. Mae Haad Beach is a good compromise, offering reasonable prices and good access to facilities.

Be aware that some beaches, like Freedom Beach, may charge a small entrance fee (usually around THB 100). It's a good idea to carry cash, as you can't pay by card everywhere.

Finally, I encourage responsible tourism. Koh Tao, like many paradise islands, struggles with plastic pollution. Try to minimize your use of plastic, pick up your trash and, if possible, participate in one of the local beach cleanups.

By following these tips, you can be sure that your stay on Koh Tao's beaches will not only be enjoyable, but also safe and responsible. Whether you choose the popular Sairee Beach, picturesque Tanote Bay, tranquil Ao Hin Wong or bustling Mae Haad Beach, each of these beaches offers a unique experience that will stay in your memory for a long time. Enjoy the paradisiacal views, crystal clear waters and unforgettable atmosphere of this unique island!