Ao Leuk
Come for the snorkeling straight off the sand, not for the beach itself, which is small.
Stay within reach of Ao Leuk
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Tours that include Ao Leuk
Guided visits and day-tour combos that include Ao Leuk.
Why go, and how to do it well
The snorkeling is the reason to come. This is a small sheltered bay on Koh Tao's eastern side, and because it's protected, the water sits calmer and clearer than at the island's more exposed beaches. You can wade in and be over coral within a minute, with reef fish around you, no boat needed. That's rarer than people think.
The beach is modest, so don't turn up expecting a long stretch of sand. What you get instead is space, a slow pace, and far fewer people than on the west coast strips. It suits a half day rather than a full one. Swim, dry off, swim again, then head back before the light goes.
Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Oct 2026
Tours that include Ao Leuk
Guided visits and day-tour combos that include Ao Leuk.
Around here, on foot
Well-rated places within a short walk of Ao Leuk, nearest first. Minutes are at an easy pace in the heat.
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Ao Leuk, round out your day in Koh Tao with contrasting stops nearby.
3RCQ+RH3 เกาะเต่า Tambon Ko Tao, Amphoe Ko Pha-ngan, Chang Wat Surat Thani, Thailand
Open in Google MapsMore beaches nearby
All within 1.6 km of Ao Leuk.
Haad Sai Daeng
Shark Bay
Free beach to shark bay
Taa Toh Lagoon Beach
Tips for Visiting Beaches
Go Early for Empty Sand
Even the busiest beaches are nearly deserted before 9 AM. A sunrise walk is the best hour of the day on the sand, and you'll beat the heat for a morning swim.
Use Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Many Thai marine parks ban chemical sunscreens that damage coral. Bring reef-safe (mineral/zinc-based) sunscreen from home — it's harder to find and pricier in Thailand.
Ao Leuk: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ao Leuk worth visiting?
Ao Leuk holds a 4.2★ rating from 3,166 Google reviews — a strong rating for beaches in Koh Tao.
When is the best time to visit Ao Leuk?
The best months to visit Koh Tao are March – September (calmest water, best visibility), with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in December – January & July – August — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: November (monsoon swell peaks).
Where is Ao Leuk located?
Ao Leuk is at 3RCQ+RH3 เกาะเต่า Tambon Ko Tao, Amphoe Ko Pha-ngan, Chang Wat Surat Thani, Thailand, in Koh Tao. Getting around Koh Tao: Walking around Sairee and Mae Haad; Motorbike rental (฿200–300/day; some concrete roads are extremely steep).
Also popular in Koh Tao
Blue Shark Brunch, Koh Tao
Roctopus™ | Koh Tao Diving Center
Nang Yuan Island
Maya Beach Club Koh Tao
Similar Beaches across Thailand
Zen Beach
Silver Beach (Crystal Bay)
Sunset Beach
