#1
Ao Leuk
4.2 (3,166)·Koh Tao
Come for the snorkeling straight off the sand, not for the beach itself, which is small.
The 9 Best Beaches in Koh Tao, Ranked
This lot leans heavily east coast, with quiet snorkeling bays like Tanote, Haad Sai Daeng and Ao Hin Wong doing most of the work, plus a couple of walk-in coves on the south side. Ao Leuk takes top spot, though Sairee is the one for anyone who wants a bar and a sunset rather than solitude.
9 placesAvg 4.3 on GoogleUpdated Oct 2026
- #2
Tanote Bay
4.6 (1,261)·Tanote BayA secluded bay on Koh Tao's east coast, popular with snorkelers and divers for its clear waters.
- #3
Freedom Beach
4.2 (1,689)·Koh TaoA small, calm-water cove for swimming and snorkeling, best treated as a half-day escape from the busier sands.
Where to stay
Best Hotels in Koh Tao
My pick at each price level in Koh Tao, going by Google's hotel class. Hotels from my ranked list of the 10 best come first, then the best-reviewed. Each button opens the hotel on Booking.com with your dates filled in.
#5Luxury · 5-star
Jamahkiri Dive Resort & SPA4.2 (637 reviews)
Swanky seaside resort offering colorful rooms & suites, plus Thai dining, an outdoor pool & a spa.
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#3Mid-range · 4-star
Sai Daeng Resort4.4 (1,265 reviews)
Laid-back beachfront resort offering an outdoor pool & a hot tub, plus a bar & terrace dining.
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#10Budget · 3-star
Blue Tao Beach Hotel - Koh Tao4.5 (317 reviews)
A well-regarded beachside hotel on Koh Tao, offering comfortable accommodation steps from the water.
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- #4
Shark Bay
4.1 (1,506)·Koh TaoA quiet natural bay on Koh Samui offering snorkeling, soft corals, sea turtles, and the chance to spot small sharks.
- #5
Haad Sai Daeng
4.6 (645)·Koh TaoA secluded red-sand beach on Koh Tao's east coast, popular for snorkeling and peaceful swimming.
- #6
Sairee Beach
4.4 (864)·Sairee BeachKoh Tao's longest and liveliest beach, perfect for swimming, diving, and beachfront dining.
- #7
Ao Hin Wong
4.1 (770)·Koh TaoSecluded beach & snorkeling spot with a tiny bar (entrance fee required).
- #8
Haad Sai Nuan
4.5 (342)·Koh TaoA quietly beautiful beach on Koh Tao, ideal for those seeking calm waters and a relaxed atmosphere.
- #9
Free beach to shark bay
4.1 (584)·Koh TaoA scenic coastal trail on Koh Tao connecting a free beach to the calm, sheltered waters of Shark Bay.
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