Scuba diving, of course, will always remain the main tourist attraction because it is one of the cheapest places in the world to earn your PADI certification. But scuba diving isn't the only thing to do on Koh Tao!
Beach Activities
There is so much to see and do on Koh Tao that you'll want to set aside some time during your visit to do nothing but relax and enjoy the beach. The island boasts a variety of beaches that offer a variety of activities such as watersports, volleyball, kayaking, sunbathing, laid-back vibes, and excellent swimming and snorkelling opportunities to enjoy the turquoise waters and tropical marine life and fish, something that the island is well known for.
Wat Koh Tao Temple
There isn't much history here because it's a modern temple, but the Thai-style building is beautiful. The Koh Tao temple was completed in May 2018 and is the island's only Buddhist temple. The Thai-style architecture makes for fantastic photo opportunities, if you want to go inside you should dress modestly and be polite.
Viewpoints
There are numerous beautiful viewpoints on Koh Tao where you can witness the spectacular landscapes. These are easily accessible by scooter, moped, or car; some will require the hiring of a jeep, but the investment will be well worth it! Many half-day or full-day excursions include these views; tours are a good option if you don't have a lot of time on the island but want to see and enjoy the island's wonders from all angles. Viewpoints such as Mango, Chalok Bay, Love Koh Tao and the famous Nang Yuan viewpoint are popular and all give a different perspective.
What sport and fun activities are on Koh Tao?
Scuba Diving
Scuba diving is the number one reason most visitors come to Koh Tao, so let's start there. On the island, there is a large Scuba Diving community, which contributes to the laid-back atmosphere. There must be a hundred dive schools in Koh Tao for a reason: diving in Koh Tao is fantastic and inexpensive, with some travel bloggers claiming it to be one of the cheapest destinations in the world. It is, however, quite good, and it is well worth enrolling in an Open Water Diver Certification course.
Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP)
SUP Tao Paddleboarding will teach you how to use a paddleboard and show you the best technique and safe methods for doing so. How much fun you have is determined by your ability to swim, weather circumstances, and your personal sense of adventure. Paddleboarding is appropriate for beginners and advanced paddleboarders who wish to broaden their range, exercise, or simply relax and have fun in the water near the beach.
Kayak Tour
Kayaking is a fun hobby. If you don't want to just lie on the beach, you can hire kayaks on certain of Koh Tao's beaches. Sairee Beach, Tanote Bay, and Chalok Baan Kao Beach are all popular beaches. Kayaks can be rented at other beaches as well. The cost of hiring a kayak begins at 100 baht per hour. However, there are numerous bargains available, such as 200 baht for 3 hours and so on. Simply walk around the beach and you will undoubtedly locate the ideal spot for you.
Miniature Golf
The Koh Tao Leisure Park is located on the route between Mae Haad and Chalok Baan Kao in the south. You may play minigolf on 18 different courses or explore the rest of Koh Tao's modest entertainment park, which has a lot to offer. There is a tiny theatre showing new films, a bowling alley, a football pool, and a fantastic restaurant noted for its Sunday Roast. Also, a great way to have a good time on Koh Tao on a rainy day.
Snorkelling
Snorkelling is a great way to get a little closer to the sea creatures without being too intrusive. Unlike scuba diving, snorkelling does not require any training, classes, or exercises. As long as you can dive, you can snorkel and enjoy peeking beneath the calm waves to see what lies under!
Summary
This list of things to do when on Koh Tao will keep you occupied whether you're staying for a day or a week. Many of the island's activities, sports, and must-see attractions have a strong relationship to the sea and marine life. Plus the island is beautiful and so when you’ve done everything there is still plenty of opportunities to relax afterwards.