Viewpoints of Koh Tao

If you take some time out from chilling on Koh Tao beaches and get out of the town and up into the hillsides of Koh Tao, you will be rewarded with some amazing views. There are fantastic viewpoints all around the island offering unrivalled outlooks in any and all directions. Koh Tao’s roads have been upgraded over the last few years and are now great quality and easy to drive. So we find more and more Koh Tao visitors are choosing to head inland and discover some of the island’s spectacular vantage points. 

Many of Koh Tao’s best viewpoints are easy to get to, while others take a little more effort. Some involve steep sections or driving on poorer quality roads with loose gravel and sand, and some are only accessible on foot or by boat. So if you are not already a confident driver and 100% comfortable renting a scooter on Koh Tao, then walking or joining a hiking tour may be your best option. 

Regardless of how you get there, our favourite (and most recommended) times to visit any of Koh Tao’s spectacular viewpoints are earlier in the morning and later in the afternoon. This way you avoid excess dehydration and/or burning during the peak heat hours of the day. If you are feeling particularly enthusiastic, you could even go to one of the viewpoints on the east coast of the island to watch a sunrise. Later on in the day, you’ll find that the west coast viewpoints are ideal for sunset. There’s nothing quite like gazing out over the ocean as the last of the sun’s rays disappear over the horizon. 

Whatever time of day you visit, do be sure to take plenty of water, and if you are hiking it’s always recommended that you have a mobile phone with you in case you should slip or fall and need to call for help. Some viewpoints are simply rocky outcroppings or mountainside vantage points, whereas others have small bars where you can get refreshments. We’ve made this distinction in our descriptions so you will know what to expect.  

Historically the majority of viewpoints on Koh Tao were free to access, but in recent years landowners have become understandably frustrated with trash, empty bottles, and cigarette butts getting left by visitors. So now access fees apply at some viewpoints to cover the cost of keeping the area clean and tidy. We have tried to provide the most up to date information on fees, but do be aware that information on charges and access is due to change, so it’s always a good idea to have some extra cash with you, just in case. 

We ask all visitors to please respect the natural beauty of Koh Tao, and take all of your trash away with you.