Getting Around Koh Tao

Getting around Koh Tao is easy thanks to our high-quality roads, and there is a variety of transport options to choose from when you go out exploring.

One long, wide, and well-marked road now connects Sairee, Mae Haad, and Chalok. Side roads of the same quality lead over the island to east coast locations like Hin Wong, Tanote Bay, Aow Leuk, and Sai Daeng. There are still some dirt tracks and rocky roads in more remote areas, but this is becoming increasingly uncommon. So whatever transport you use, the majority of your journeys should be easy and comfortable.

BY FOOT • BY TAXI • BY SCOOTER • OTHER OPTIONS

Getting Around Koh Tao by Foot

If you are staying in one of the main villages on Koh Tao, then getting around on foot is possible – especially if you’re happy staying local and don’t plan on exploring too far afield. Some estimated walking times for popular routes are:

North Sairee to South Sairee – 20 minutes
Central Sairee to Mae Haad – 30 minutes
Sairee to Hin Wong – 40 minutes
Mae Haad to Chalok – 30 minutes

It’s not always just about getting from A to B, though. There are some fantastic hiking trails to explore on Koh Tao too. So if you get bored of beach life, you can always head into the mountains and dive into nature.

Top Tips for Getting Around Koh Tao on Foot

- - Wear comfy trainers or hiking shoes rather than flip-flops.
  - Take plenty of water and a mobile phone with you.
  - Make sure someone knows where you are headed and what time you expect to get back.

Getting Around Koh Tao by Taxi

There are two types of taxi on Koh Tao – taxi cabs and longtail taxi boats. Both are better for families and larger groups, as they can be quite expensive. So if you are staying somewhere remote without transfers or transport rental included, you’ll need to factor this into your budget. Prices are subject to seasonal change, but here are a few estimates:

- - Taxi cab from Mae Haad to Sairee – 400THB one way
  - Taxi cab from Mae Haad to Chalok – 400THB one way
  - Taxi cab from Mae Haad to Sai Daeng/Freedom Beach/ Tanote Bay – 550THB one way
  - Taxi cab from Mae Haad to Hin Wong – 700THB one way
  - Longtail taxi from Mae Haad to Banana Rock – 600THB return
  - Longtail taxi from Mae Haad to Aow Leuk – 800THB return
  - Longtail taxi from Mae Haad to Koh NangYuan – 600THB return
  - Full day round-island hire – 1500-2000THB

Longtail taxi boats take longer than going by road, but are generally cheaper and a fun way to take in the sights of Koh Tao from an ocean vantage point.

Longtail taxi boats are a fun and exhilarating way to get around Koh Tao.

Top Tips for Getting Around Koh Tao by Taxi

- - Wear comfy trainers or hiking shoes rather than flip-flops.
  - Take plenty of water and a mobile phone with you.
  - Make sure someone knows where you are headed and what time you expect to get back.

Getting Around Koh Tao by Scooter

Hiring a scooter is the most economical and flexible way to explore Koh Tao on your own schedule. Costs vary between 150THB and 250THB per day, and there is no shortage of rental shops scattered around the island. Once you’re on board, you can get to most places quickly and easily.

- - North Sairee to South Sairee – 5 minutes
  - Central Sairee to Mae Haad – 7 minutes
  - Sairee to Hin Wong – 10 minutes
  - Mae Haad to Chalok – 15 minutes
  - Mae Haad to Aoe Leuk – 10 minutes
  - Mae Haad to Tanote Bay – 15 minutes

Top Tips for Getting Around Koh Tao by Scooter

- - Take an insurance option that covers you for minor scratches.
  - Always wear a helmet.
  - Use a provider that accepts photocopies or a cash deposit rather than leaving your passport.
    If you do hire a scooter on Koh Tao, please be sure to drive slowly and carefully. The road rules may be different to your home country, and remember, we drive on the left in Thailand!