Travel guide

Koh Tao

World's cheapest dive certifications

🗓️ Best time: March–September💰 Budget · ~$45/day📍 Thailand

About Koh Tao

Turtle Island is the planet's busiest place to get your PADI Open Water — clear water, granite boulders, and backpacker dive culture.

PADI Open Water courseSnorkeling at Shark BayJohn-Suwan viewpointFreediving coursesKayak to Koh Nang YuanTanote BayHin Wong BayMango viewpoint

Signature local dishes worth seeking out.

Thai curriesGrilled fishSairee backpacker dinersRoti

Walk, taxi truck, or scooter (mind the hills).

Shop dive schools — prices and standards vary; pick SSI/PADI 5-star.

Safe. Scooter accidents common — go slow on hills.

Sairee Beach has bars, fire shows, and dive-school crowds.