Solo Travel in Koh Tao

Solo Travel in Koh Tao

Types of Girl about the Globe – Beach, Island, Ocean GatG

If you’re heading to Thailand, you can’t miss Koh Tao, especially if the nearby island of Koh Samui is on your itinerary. 

Koh Tao is a peaceful island located in the Gulf of Thailand that has turned into a refuge for solo travellers looking for adventure, relaxation, and self-discovery. With its crystal-clear waters, colourful marine life, and friendly locals, Koh Tao is great for solo travellers.

If you’re unsure how to travel here and what to do when you arrive, this quick guide on solo travel in Koh Tao will help you to plan. 

About Koh Tao

Although Koh Tao is famous as a diving destination, the island is much more than that. There are plenty of activities such as hiking to breathtaking viewpoints, exploring hidden coves by kayak, snorkelling, or just having a quiet time with yourself on the secluded beaches.

And if you need a hand now and then during your solo travel, Koh Tao’s inclusive community is always around to help. What’s more, this is one of the go-to destinations in Thailand for backpackers. Therefore, it is unlikely you’ll remain solo for too long once you’re here!

How To Reach Koh Tao

Getting to Koh Tao is easy, with a variety of travel options available to suit various tastes and budget. Perhaps the most scenic and accessible is the ferry from Koh Samui to Koh Tao, providing a leisurely trip over the Gulf of Thailand. This is a good choice for solo travellers from Koh Samui airport or surrounding resorts and an excellent opportunity to make friends with other island hoppers en route.

Apart from Koh Samui, you can also access Koh Tao through:

Ferries from Chumphon (mainland): If you’re traveling from Bangkok, you can go by train or bus to Chumphon and then take a ferry. It’s an economical way to get there, with nightboats being an option for those who need to save time.

Surat Thani ferries: The other mainland access, Surat Thani, has both train and bus connections from Bangkok and other major cities. Ferries then take you to Koh Tao from there, stopping along the way at Koh Samui and Koh Phangan.

Koh Phangan ferries: If island-hopping, you can come from Koh Phangan to Koh Tao. The short ferry is a favourite for solo travellers returning from the Full Moon Party or other parties.

Solo Travel in Koh Tao

Solo travel doesn’t mean solitude. The small size of Koh Tao and the welcoming nature of the island is perfect for solos. Koh Tao’s social scene is vibrant, with beach bars, and communal dining spots, perfect for making connections with other travellers 

The locals are known for their hospitality, going out of their way to assist and engage with visitors. And you can meet others through day tours and activities especially if you are snorkelling or diving. 

Safety Tips for Solo Travellers

Although Koh Tao is very safe, it’s worth following the usual solo travel advice such as:

• Transportation: When renting a scooter, be sure you feel at ease with the local driving conditions and always wear a helmet.
• Nighttime Safety: Stick to well-lit areas and inform someone of your whereabouts when exploring at night.​
• Valuables: Keep your belongings secure and avoid carrying large sums of cash.​
• Always check reviews and do your due diligence before choosing a dive school.

Where to Stay in Koh Tao

The island offers a range of accommodations, from budget hostels to cozy bungalows, to suit all tastes and budgets.

Stay in Sairee Beach, which is close to the well-known dive schools, party venues, and night action. You’ll find plenty of budget hostels here where you can chill with other travellers.

What To Do in Koh Tao

Scuba Diving and Snorkelling: Koh Tao is world-famous for its diving locations, including Chumphon Pinnacle and Shark Bay. Many dive schools teach courses for both beginners and experts. Snorkelling is another activity, and it has many accessible sites around the island.

Hiking and Viewpoints: The island’s terrain offers several hiking trails leading to breathtaking viewpoints like John-Suwan Viewpoint and Fraggle Rock. These hikes are manageable solo and provide panoramic views of the island’s lush landscape.​

Cooking Classes: Taking a Thai cooking class is a wonderful way to experience the local culture. These classes are hands-on and offer a chance to learn about Thai food while interacting with other travelers.​

Yoga and Wellness: For travellers in search of inner peace, Koh Tao has a variety of yoga studios and wellness retreats where classes and retreats are offered. These places have a tendency to foster a community feel, making it easy for us solo travellers to connect with like-minded others.

Why You Should Travel to Koh Tao

As you can see, Koh Tao might be small, but it offers a lovely balance for solo travellers. It’s a place where you can be as active or as relaxed as you like. It’s easy to reach by ferry from Koh Samui, and once you arrive, the island feels welcoming and easy to navigate.

Whether you’re diving in clear waters, walking peaceful jungle trails, or enjoying a simple Thai meal by the sea, there’s a quiet rhythm here that suits solo travel really well. You can enjoy time on your own or find friendly company when you feel like it. I hope I have inspired you to visit!

Tip – If you’re planning to see other destinations in Thailand, my Solo Travel in Thailand guide has lots of tips and advice to help you plan your trip!