Map of Koh Tao, Thailand & Orientation
Located over 70Km out into the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Tao otherwise known as 'Turtle Island' (Thai meaning) is a small island with a big reputation!
Mae Haad, Koh Tao | Main Town & Piers
The main port is in Mae Haad Village, which is where most of the shops and banks are located. There are a couple of resorts, but the main focus of Mae Haad is as a port for all the Koh Tao ferries and shopping area.
Sairee Beach Koh Tao
Further north, Sairee Beach Koh Tao has become the most popular area for accommodation, with many resorts, bars and restaurants. This is the longest beach on the island, with everything you need within close walking distance. There's a massive range of accommodation from economical huts right through to luxury air conditioned hotels.
Simple Life Diving Koh Tao is located next to Sairee Village - our dive resort accommodation is peaceful, with everything you need close by, and direct access to the beach.
Chalok Ban Khao
To the South, the third largest settlement is Chalok Baan Kao, which again consists mostly resort accommodation, bars and restaurants. Chalok Ban Kao is a little quieter than Sairee Beach.
Koh Tao Dive Sites | Key to Map
Our Koh Tao map also shows all our main Koh Tao dive sites - here's a key to the map symbols:
| 1. Sairee Reef 2. Hin Pee Wee 3. White Rock 4. Chumphon Pinnacle 5. Twins |
6. Japanese Gardens & Wreck 7. Green Rock 8. Nangyuan Pinnacle 9. Mango Bay 10. Lighthouse Bay |
11. Hin Wong Pinnacle 12. Mao Bay 13. Tanote Bay 14. Tanote Bay Wreck 15. Aow Leuk |
16. King Kong Rocks 17. Shark Island 18. Sail Rock 19. Bio Rock Artificial Reef 20. Buddha Point |
21. Samran Pinnacle 22. Southwest Pinnacle 23. Sai Nuan 24. Sai Thong 25. Janson Bay |
Undeveloped East Coast of Koh Tao
Aow Leuk, Tanote Bay & Laem Thiam
Aow Leuk Bay, Tanote Bay, Mao Bay and Hin Wong Bay line the east coast of the island. These bays are very spectacular - largely undeveloped with beautiful beaches and great snorkeling. The bad news is, the roads to reach the east coast are pretty bad. You have to drive up over the mountain, which is very steep in places, plus large parts of the roads are sand, which is dusty and loose when its dry, and get washed away when it rains.
Even so, the east coast is well worth a visit - if you're not confident riding a motorbike, probably best to use a four wheel drive taxi or long tail taxi boat.
North Coast of Koh Tao
Mango Bay
The most northerly bay, Mango bay is also spectacular. This is a large bay with a small beach. Mango bay has a couple of small, upmarket and isolated resorts [Aow Muang Resort owned by the family of Simple Life Diving Koh Tao, plus Mango Bay Grand], plus a small beach. Scuba Diving and snorkeling is stunning in Mango Bay.
