John Suwan Viewpoint
John Suwan Viewpoint is one of the most famous and iconic viewpoints on Koh Tao, second only to Koh NangYuan Viewpoint. Located right on the southernmost tip of the island, standing on the rocks looking back at the island you’ll see dense green jungle in your centre view, Chalok Bay to the west, and Shark Bay (Thian Og), Sai Daeng Bay and Shark Island to the east. The short walk up to John Suwan Viewpoint is almost as pretty as the view itself, winding through coconut groves looking down onto the crystal blue waters below. The walk itself only takes around 15 minutes and is steep in parts, but the track is well maintained and there are some guideline ropes to help you in some of the more ‘scrambley’ sections.
Access
To get to John Suwan Viewpoint you’ll need to come through Chalok Baan Khao, and head towards Freedom Beach. At the parking area after the turnoff for Sun Suwan Viewpoint 360 Bar, simply take the path off to the side which is signposted ‘Viewpoint’. If you are staying locally, it’s also possible to walk all the way from Chalok Baan Khao to John Suwan Viewpoint by following the walking path along the coastline and up from Freedom Beach.
Fees
If you visit early enough in the day, it may be possible to take in the sights from John Suwan Viewpoint without paying. However, from around 8am there is a pay station around 100 metres up the track from the car park, where the staff sell tickets for 50THB per person.
Services & Facilities
While there are no services and facilities up on John Suwan Viewpoint itself, there are plenty nearly at Freedom Beach, Chalok Bay, and even at OK restaurant on the way down to Shark Bay (Thian Og).
Sunrise or Sunset?
Both! John Suwan Viewpoint ‘s unique position and outlook to both eastern and western coastlines make it a great spot to catch either the first or last light of the day.