Koh Tao Hiking

Hiking gives you the freedom to discover Koh Tao at your own pace and the chance to see it in a unique way. These 5 best Koh Tao hiking trails take you from the towns of Sairee Beach, Mae Haad Bay, and Chalok Baan Kao.

Hiking Grape Viewpoint, Koh Tao

You are hiking to Grape Viewpoint on Koh Tao, a secluded spot first brought to public attention by Koh Tao Complete Guide in 2017. This lookout is situated near the northern tip of the island and offers a close-up view of the stunning Koh Nang Yuan. But the real attraction isn’t just the destination itself; it’s also the journey to get there. Your hike begins on a steep concrete road in North Sairee. As you make your way through Koh Tao’s lush dry evergreen forest, you’ll encounter giant alocasia plants, birdsnest ferns, and wild banana trees. All the while, you’ll be serenaded by the enchanting song of wild cicadas. On your return journey from Grape Viewpoint, if you still have some energy left, consider visiting one of the pay-to-enter viewpoints that offer breathtaking panoramic views of Sairee Beach.

Hiking Sairee Beach – Tanote Peak

Head back to the Two View crossroads, turn left, and walk 500 m to the reservoir (E), where you can grab some refreshments or take a few Instagram shots at the local favourite ‘Love Koh Tao’ viewpoint. Continue to walk downhill 600 m along the concrete road, then turn left when you reach Tanote Road (F). From here, it’s a 1 km walk to Tanote Bay, which you may choose to enter through Tanote Villa Resort to find one of a few waterfalls on Koh Tao (seasonal waterfall) beside their wooden bridge leading to the beach.

Hiking to Tanote Peak Viewpoint, Koh Tao

West Coast Viewpoint

Hiking Laem Thian and Mao Bay, Koh Tao

This is a 2.8 km hike that will take approximately 1 1/4 hours. The road to Laem Thian (A) is mainly a washed-away dirt track. As you hike, look around; you may see a Nicobar pigeon on the ground or a green imperial pigeon in the trees. About 700 m before you reach Laem Thian, there is a small trail on the left near a big mango tree (B) that leads to Mao Bay (C). This 300 m trail becomes narrow and bushy as it goes downhill to the bay. There is a waterway with large boulders and a huge Pandanus tectorius tree just before you arrive. Mao Bay is one of a few secluded places with no buildings or people.

Secret Mao Bay’s waterway

Hiking Koh Tao Lighthouse

Overland, hiking is the only way to reach the uninhabited Lighthouse Bay on Koh Tao, where you can enjoy a pristine beach, magnificent underwater scenery, and admire the striking lighthouse tower. A secret hiking trail starts here, leading you through a shaded tropical forest, which makes the steep incline more manageable and pleasant. As you navigate this winding path, you may have the opportunity to observe or hear the Nicobar pigeon, a protected species native to Thailand, often seen foraging on the forest floor or feasting on Caryota urens palm nuts. Keep in mind that access to the lighthouse tower is subject to the maintenance schedule of the Royal Thai Navy, which oversees this facility.

Mae Haad – Sai Nuan – Chalok Baan Kao