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Key Takeaways Exploring Koh Tao’s viewpoints showed me a whole new side of the island beyond the bars and late nights. John Suwan, I Love Koh Tao, and Mango Viewpoint were the highlights, each with its own kind of view. Renting a scooter made it super easy to see them all in a day, even if the road to Mango was a bit of an adventure. And trust me, always take photos of the bike before riding off, just in case! |
A DAY AROUND THE ISLAND OF KOH TAO
When you are in Koh Tao, it’s all too easy to get stuck in a cycle of drinking at night, sleeping, grabbing a quick toasty from 7-Eleven, and then repeat. Don’t get me wrong, it’s amazing and no matter where I go will be hard to top. But sometimes the only way to avoid joining another bar crawl is to get yourself out of the town and away from all the bad influences. So, we decided to rent a scooter and get away for the day to witness some of the best viewpoints in Koh Tao
HERE YOU COULD SEE A SIDE OF KOH TAO YOU WOULDN’T KNOW EXISTED
JOHN SUWAN VIEWPOINT
There’s rarely a bad view when you are on holiday, even if the weather isn’t up to scratch, it’s still easy to appreciate! John Sawan viewpoint is at the southernmost point, about a 15-minute drive from the main town, Sairee. From the parking area, it’s an easy 10-15-minute walk up, and although it’s not the highest of viewpoints, you are able to see coasts on either side of the island.
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I LOVE KOH TAO VIEWPOINT
Definitely the quietest viewpoint of all. I love KT, which is centrally located on the island and has a restaurant and a bar. Wherever there are tourists or a chance to make money, you can be sure the Thais will have it covered! Not my favourite viewpoint, but with the letters and lack of tourists, it’s hard not to enjoy!
MANGO VIEWPOINT
This is for sure my favourite, but the weather was less than ideal when we made the trip. Mango viewpoint in Koh Tao is probably the most popular, and there is a bar and a game of Connect 4 if the view bores you. It’s an effort to get up. If you are taking a scooter (I don’t recommend walking unless you need the exercise), just don’t stop until you reach the top. Areas of the road are so steep that it makes getting the bike going again very, very difficult.
Gang up at Mango Viewpoint waiting for the storm
We could only stay an hour until the clouds gathered. And having been in SE Asia long enough, we knew what was coming. We began our descent immediately, but we were all soaked by the time we got to the bikes. Near the top, it’s only dirt tracks, which don’t take kindly to the rain and are impossible with a scooter. We passed plenty of people stuck or off their bikes at the side of the road, but there was no time to play good Samaritan.
If the viewpoints blew your mind, Christmas on Koh Tao will show you just how wild the island gets when holiday mode kicks in.
Giving Nora an Irish lesson in connect 4
After a brilliant day we heading out for a few drinks to wind down of course
FINAL THOUGHTS
I would highly recommend renting a bike and checking out what else the island has to offer. It doesn’t take long to make your way around the viewpoints on Koh Tao, and it’s an ideal way to chill with a mango shake or 2.
Be sure to take some photos or a video of the bike you are renting; otherwise, you may get stung for damage you might not have been responsible for. The majority of locals are friendly and honest, but it only takes one to be a chancer. Mike had a small crash where the brake handle got scratched. He just went and bought a black marker and touched it up, good as new!!
NEXT UP
As per usual, we couldn’t resist another Koh Tao pub crawl; this island knows exactly how to keep you out way past sensible hours.
SAFE TRAVELS, DS x
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After chasing cliffs and views, treat yourself to some beach-life calm! Check out Nangyuan Island, Koh Tao, for snorkel spots and soft waves.
This post is part of The South East Asia Series! Coming up next is My First Day in South East Asia.
FAQs
1. What is the highest viewpoint in Koh Tao?
The highest easily accessible viewpoint is Mango Viewpoint. It sits on top of the northern hills of the island, giving you those crazy wide views over Sairee and beyond.
2. Can you walk to Mango Viewpoint in Koh Tao?
You can; if you’re mentally prepared. It’s a steep, sweaty hike, especially in the heat. Most travelers choose a scooter because the road feels endless, but walking is doable if you love a challenge (and leg day).
3. Where is the best place to see the sunrise in Koh Tao?
Sunrise hits the east coast spots like Love Koh Tao Viewpoint, Tanote Bay, or the I Love KT sign area are perfect. Peaceful, fewer people, and golden light over the ocean. Pure magic.
4. Which viewpoint in Koh Tao is the best for photos?
Mango Viewpoint wins for those big island panoramas, definitely the most Instagram-approved. John Suwan Viewpoint is unbeatable for that iconic “coasts on both sides” shot.
5. What’s the best time to visit Koh Tao’s viewpoints?
Early morning or late afternoon. Cooler weather, better lighting, and less chance of melting into the ground.
