Aow Leuk Bay

Aow Leuk Bay has a wide sandy beach and is perfect for all seaside holiday activities. On either side of the bay, you’ll find colourful coral reefs and plenty of marine life, even just the in the shallow water. The abundance of fish makes it a popular choice for scuba diving as well as snorkeling, and you’ll see many dive boats here hosting first-time divers on Discover Scuba Diving programmes and Open Water Courses. 

Access

To reach Aow Leuk Bay you need to follow the road towards Tanote Bay, which branches off the main road in Mae Haad and cuts over the centre of the island to the east coast. It’s a beautiful drive, but do be careful when driving past the exit to the rubbish dump. Because this is a popular crossing point for a local herd of goats!

Fees

The entrance fee at Aow Leuk Bay is 100THB which includes sun lounger rental and a soft drink. You pay at the car park on arrival to receive a ticket to present to the staff at the beach. 

Services & Facilities

You can rent snorkeling gear, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards on the beach. There is also a restaurant with a wide selection of Thai food, western dishes, and drinks. 

Swimming and Snorkeling

Both sides of Aow Leuk Bay give way to rocky coastlines and shallow coral reefs. Just a few metres deep you’ll see all kinds of colourful fish, and Aow Leuk is one of Koh Tao’s best beaches for the chance to see blacktip reef sharks in the shallows. Sightings are not as guaranteed here as they are at Shark Bay (Thian Og), but certainly more likely all year round rather than purely in the breeding season.

Recommended for… A Classic Beach Day

For the access fee of 100THB, you have a large and spacious beach. Access to a sun lounger makes Aow Leuk Bay a popular choice. Even though it can be a little busier than some of the other bays. There is plenty of space to spread out. Although if you are feeling social there’s often a game of frisbee or beach volleyball underway. The many palms on the outskirts of the beach cast enough shadow for there to be enough space for everyone seeking a break from the sun, adding to its popularity as a great beach on Koh Tao to spend a full day. 

If you want to take in a spectacular view on the way back, Love Koh Tao Viewpoint Bar is just a couple of minutes’ detour.