Around Koh Tao
Koh Tao is only asmall island which measures around 4km by 7km,but there are quite a few places to visit on the island if you want todo more than go scuba diving or chill out on the beach.
Sairee Beach
Sairee Beach is the longest beach on Koh Tao and is the beach that Silver Sands is located on. During the day you can cool off in the sea when it's high tide, during low tide the water doesn't get above knee deep before you get to the reef. You can snorkel here and you will see fish and corals, however this isn't the best place to snorkel around the island. From Sairee beach you can also take along tail taxi to either Koh Nang Yuan Island or Mango Bay which offer much better snorkelling.
You can also rent Kayak's and Stand Up Paddle Boards along Sairee beach and there are numerous cafes, restaurant and beach bars to explore and as Sairee is on the western sideof Koh Tao it is also the best location to watch sunset.
Mango Bay
Mango Bay is at the northern end of Koh Tao and is a challenging bay to get to by road even since most of the way there was concreted many years ago, so most people tend to visit there by boat either whilst they are taking a diving trip or course or with a snorkelling trip or private longtail. There is accommodation there for people who want to get completely away from the crowds and have quiet evenings during their stay on Koh Tao. The bay is one of the best spots around the island for snorkelling and so well worth a visit as has a good diversity of corals and marine life.
Aow Leuk
Aow Leuk Bay, located on the southeast side of Koh Tao, Thailand, is a highly regarded destination for its stunning natural beauty and excellent snorkeling and swimming conditions.
Location and Access
Aow Leuk Bay is situated on the east side of Koh Tao. It can be reached by scooter, taxi, or on foot. The journey from Mae Haad takes around 15 minutes by scooter or 1.5 hours on foot, following the road towards Tanote Bay. We don't recommend walking there without plenty of water or around the middle of the day as it can be very hot.
Beach and Bay Characteristics
Name and Meaning: Aow Leuk means "deep bay," reflecting its deep, concave shape and the depth of the water, making it suitable for snorkeling even at low tide.
- Beach:The bay features a wide, white sandy beach that stretches into the water which makes this a great beach for swimming and lounging.
Coral Reefs: Coral reefs are present on both sides of the bay, starting in shallow waters just off the beach. This makes it an excellent spot for snorkeling and observing a variety of marine life, including parrotfish, snappers, and yellow tail barracuda. - Marine Life and Snorkeling: Diverse Marine Life: The bay is known for its abundant marine life, including colorful fish and occasional sightings of sea turtles and blacktip reef sharks. Baby blacktip reef sharks can be seen in the shallows at some times of the year, while adults are usually found further out, around 400-500 meters from the beach.
Chalok Baan Kaow
Chalok Baan Kaow is a picturesque area located on the southern part of Koh Tao, Thailand. It offers a mix of natural beauty, local culture, and activities for visitors.
Beach and Natural Features
- Beach: Chalok Baan Kaow features a beautiful, sandy beach that is ideal for swimming and sunbathing. The beach is less crowded compared to other areas on the island, providing a more relaxed atmosphere.
- Surrounding Scenery: The area is surrounded by lush vegetation and rocky landscapes, creating a scenic backdrop. Nearby viewpoints offer stunning panoramic views of the ocean and neighboring islands.
Activities
- Snorkeling: The waters around Chalok Baan Kaow are suitable for snorkeling, with diverse marine life and coral reefs just a short swim from the shore. This makes it an excellent spot for both beginners and experienced snorkelers.
- Kayaking: The bay is also popular for kayaking, allowing visitors to explore the coastline and nearby coves at their own pace.
King Rama Rock
King Rama Rock is at the southern end of Sairee beach, where the boulder is located and next to it there is a statue of King Rama 5. In 1899, King Chulalongkorn Rama V, known as the greatest and most beloved king of Thailand, had come here and had his initials carved on a large boulder. Since then, this place became a place of worship for the residents as well as the visitors.
Koh Tao Buddhist Temple
Wat Koh Tao is a new temple that was built in 2016, however the first temple on Koh Tao wasconstructed in 1977, you can see some more information about the temple on the welovekohtao website here.