Getting Around Koh Tao

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Getting Around Koh Tao

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Koh Tao is a small island and it’s possible to walk about and explore most of it in 3–4 days.

The roads here are about 80% concrete, and the remainder is dirt track. The main roads are fairly new and wide and there are continuing roadworks around the island. Random sand patches are common, so care and awareness is needed.
Care and awareness is needed when getting around Koh Tao using the roads. There are no proper footpaths, and, whether you are walking or driving, you need to be careful. Large open drainage ditches are on each side of the roads. People and animals share the roads, so all this combined with the interesting driving techniques often seen here, can make riding a bike particularly precarious, especially if you have no previous experience. As a result, Koh Tao has its fair share of accidents which can do huge damage not only to your body, but to your wallet as well for medical bills and damages to the bike.

Getting Around Koh Tao By Foot

Getting around Koh Tao by foot
Walking around Koh Tao is a great way to see the island, you see things you would miss on a bike. Distances between towns, beaches and bays are not far, no more than 5 kilometres. Some of the more remote places such as Lighthouse, Laem Thian, Aow Mao and most of the mountain viewpoints are only accessible on foot. Here, you get to experience more of nature and get away from the hustle and bustle of busier places on Koh Tao. As there are no footpaths, when walking, always walk on the right side of the road. Wear something bright and have a flashlight when walking at night. Use the brick road along the beach if you are going between Mae Haad and Sairee.

See example routes in Koh Tao Hiking



Simple Life Divers, Koh Tao
Kame Japanese Restaurant Koh Tao
Fizz Beachlounge, Koh Tao



Taxi Service on Koh Tao

Taxi Cars

Taxis on Koh Tao are pick up trucks with the word ‘Taxi’ and an identity number on them. Taxis charge on a per person basis so they will often rather wait until they have a few more people before they go. If you are on your own or a couple, you will probably have to pay double the cost if you want to go anywhere immediately. Some destinations on Koh Tao require a 4 wheel drive truck to get there.

Taxis can be found easily at the three main bays of Mae Haad; at the pier, Sairee; at the junction and at Chalok Baan Kao; at the 7-Eleven there.

Almost all resorts offer transfers between the pier and resort if you have a reservation.

Taxi Boats

Taxi boats are ‘longtail’ boats that can easily be found along the beaches, at the pier and at some of the larger resorts. All taxi boats also offer trips around the island.

Getting around Koh Tao by taxi boat

Read more about Around Island Trip



Bangkok - Koh Tao Lomprayah boat ticket

Vehicle Rental on Koh Tao

Getting around Koh Tao by bicycle

Read more about Cycling in Koh Tao

Motorbike Rental

Motorbike rental rates start at 150 Baht per day (24 hours) for a manual, and 150 – 250 Baht for an automatic. All the rental shops work the same way, the rule being that if the bike is damaged in any way, any parts must be replaced new, not just repaired, by the person who rented it. Therefore, before renting, check carefully the condition of the bike for any scratches and broken parts already there so you don’t get charged. Make sure all parties concerned are aware of anything amiss before you drive off. It is normal practice to be asked to leave your passport or an amount of money as a deposit.

Bicycle Rental

Lately using a bicycle has become more popular due to Koh Tao’s ever developing roads. Some resorts and few small shops have them available. At the moment there is only one bicycle shop and service located in Chalok Baan Kao. A mountain bike with efficient gears and reliable brakes is ideally the best type to use on this island.