Koh Tao
Diving paradise with the cheapest certifications in the world
About Koh Tao
Koh Tao (Turtle Island) is where the world comes to learn to dive. Crystal clear waters, abundant marine life, and the cheapest PADI certifications globally. Even non-divers love the snorkeling, viewpoints, and laid-back beach bar culture.
Watch Before You Go
Koh Tao Guide (Paddy Doyle)
Koh Tao Detailed Travel Guide
Koh Samui, Phangan & Tao Travel Guide 4K
Price Breakdown
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | ฿400 | ฿1,000 | ฿3,000 |
| Food & Drink | ฿300 | ฿500 | ฿900 |
| Transport | ฿100 | ฿200 | ฿400 |
| Activities | ฿400 | ฿800 | ฿1,200 |
| Total / day | ฿1,200 | ฿2,500 | ฿5,500 |
Where to Stay
3 areas in Koh Tao — each with a different vibe and price range
Sairee Beach
The main drag. Every dive shop, bar, and restaurant is here. Long beach with great sunsets. Buzzing at night, chill during the day. Where you'll end up whether you planned to or not.
฿400–2,500/night
Chalok Baan Kao
A sheltered bay in the south. Calmer water, fewer people, good snorkeling right off the beach. Budget bungalows mixed with mid-range resorts. The relaxed alternative to Sairee.
฿500–2,000/night
Mae Haad
Ferry pier area. Walking distance to both Sairee and the south. ATMs, pharmacies, cheapest rooms on the island. Practical, not pretty — but you'll be on the beach all day anyway.
฿300–1,500/night
Things to Do
via GetYourGuideMore Activities & Prices
PADI Open Water course
3-4 days, ฿9,900–12,000. Free accommodation often included.
2-dive fun dive
฿1,600–2,400. For certified divers.
Discover Scuba (1 day)
฿2,500–3,500. No certification needed.
Shark Bay snorkeling
Free. Blacktip reef sharks and turtles.
John-Suwan Viewpoint hike
Free. Short hike, panoramic views.
Night dive
Bioluminescent plankton. Mind-blowing.
Tourist Traps to Skip
- ×Paying full price for dive courses — free accommodation is standard, negotiate.
- ×Renting a scooter on steep hills — many injuries happen here.
How to Get There
Local Tips
Book dive course in advance for high season — schools fill up.
Free accommodation with dive courses is standard.
The island is small — you can walk across it in 30 minutes.
Water taxis to remote beaches cost ฿100-200.
Bring cash — ATMs are limited and charge ฿220 fees.
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