The beautiful little island constantly on lists of world’s best where it’s 29C in February

If you’re thinking of escaping the freezing British winter, look no further. Brits are no strangers to Thailand’s treasures, but beyond the chaotic urbanity of Bangkok and the crowded serenity of Phuket lies a hidden paradise that most overlook when booking their beach getaway.

(which means “Turtle Island” in Thai) gets its name from being a breeding ground and natural habitat for hawksbill and green turtles. Located on the western shore of the Gulf of Thailand, this subdistrict is home to only around 1,500 inhabitants.

Main Attractions

Thanks to its distance from the mainland, Ko Tao boasts crystal-clear water that makes it a global hotspot for scuba diving. Over 80 dive centers on the island are certified by the (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) and, offering courses for divers of all levels. Prices range from ฿2,500 to ฿11,000 (£58 to £258).

Depending on the season, depth, and location, divers can encounter reef fish, stingrays, sea turtles, triggerfish, pufferfish, sharks, mantas, eels, and even whale sharks.

For those who prefer to stay above water, the island features at least nine idyllic beaches and bays, offering boat tours and offshore parties. Five of the most popular beaches also have serving everything from pub food and Italian dishes to Thai classics and fusion meals.

Hikers will enjoy Ko Tao’s trails and natural wonders. The include:

•Grape Viewpoint: A lush forest trail leading to a panoramic view of Koh Nang Yuan Bay.

•Sairee Beach: A steep journey showcasing residential areas, dirt trails, a reservoir, seasonal waterfalls, and a beach.

•Laem Thian and Mao Bay: A secluded dirt track with large boulders and giant trees.

•The Lighthouse: A shaded forest trail ending at a pristine beach and a lighthouse.

•Mae Haad/Sai Nuan/Chalok Baan Kao: A coastal trek connecting seven beaches.

Weather and when to visit

The coldest it gets in Ko Tao is 26°C (yes, that’s winter there). With its rounded shape and attractions on all sides, even if one spot is windy, you’re likely to find calm weather elsewhere. Temperatures rarely exceed 31°C, keeping it comfortable year-round.

High seasons are December/January and July/August, coinciding with UK holiday periods. Swimmers and scuba divers may want to visit between November and March for high tides, while April to October is perfect for sunbathing and beach activities during low tides.

Locals warn against the monsoon season from mid-November to late December, which usually lasts just a few weeks.

Where to stay

Accommodation in Ko Tao has come a long way from its humble beginnings. Back in the 1980s, visitors used to stay in simple small huts with no commodities, while tourists now enjoy a wide choice of beach bungalows, luxury villas and resorts, family-run hotels and budget-friendly hostels.

Those can cost you from as low as £4 a night for cheaper hostels, between £50 and £125 per night for mid-range stays and over £250 for high-end all-inclusive resorts.

How to Get There from the UK

The fastest route is a flight from Bangkok to Ko Samui (offered by every half-hour), followed by a high-speed ferry ( or, both running three times daily) to Ko Tao.

For budget travellers, the most popular option is a combined bus and ferry ticket departing from Bangkok, provided by Lomprayah Catamaran. Alternatively, sleeper trains take you to the piers for the ferry leg of the journey.

You can also reach Ko Tao from other Thai locations, such as Chumphon or Surat Thani.

Prices

Here are a few trip styles you can base your Ko Tao getaway costs on:

For a budget traveller, accommodation will cost £5-£10 a night, food can be found for £0.70-£1, and activities will depend on how you would want to spend your day: Snorkeling (around £20 for a full-day trip), hiking or exploring beaches. The estimated daily cost then comes to anywhere between £16 and £32 – £112-£224 for a full week.

A mid-range explorer would find places to stay for £18-27/night, food from £1 to £1.40, and activities following the same pattern: Scuba diving (Open Water Diver course – £250), snorkeling (£20 for a full-day trip), hiking, exploring beaches. Daily costs come to £32-£56 (£224-392 a week).

If you are looking for a luxury experience, stay at a high-end resort for £45-£115 a night, eat fine dining for up to £2.70 and take part in Scuba diving (Professional Level Courses – starting at £680), private tours and wellness activities (yoga, spa treatments). All of that will cost you around £56 to £120 a day, or £392 to £840 a week.

Return flights from most UK cities to Bangkok usually cost from £336 to £418. Prices for Ko Samui, where you can take a direct boat to Ko Tao, are between £489 and £555.