Koh Samui Life
British expat documenting island life and practical insights for Koh Samui and Thailand's Gulf islands.

Koh Tao, meaning 'Turtle Island,' is a world-renowned diving paradise in the Gulf of Thailand. This small island has become one of the most popular places on earth to earn a scuba diving certification, thanks to its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and affordable dive courses. Beyond the underwater world, Koh Tao offers stunning viewpoints, secluded bays, and the iconic Koh Nang Yuan with its connecting sandbar linking three tiny islets.
1 creators vlog from this region

Koh Tao, measuring just 21 square kilometers at roughly 7 by 3 kilometers, has earned its reputation as the diving capital of Southeast Asia. This tiny island in the Gulf of Thailand certifies more PADI divers annually than almost any other location on earth, with Open Water courses running 9,900 to 12,000 Baht over three to four days, significantly cheaper than comparable courses in Australia or the Caribbean. For YouTube creators, the island delivers an extraordinary concentration of underwater, adventure, and lifestyle content within walking distance.

The diving infrastructure on Koh Tao is remarkably creator-friendly, with over 70 dive schools competing for business. Major sites include Chumphon Pinnacle, where whale sharks appear from March to May, Southwest Pinnacle with its vibrant soft coral walls, and Sail Rock, the Gulf's premier dive site with a vertical chimney swim-through at 200 to 300 Baht boat surcharge. The HTMS Sattakut, a decommissioned navy vessel deliberately sunk in 2011, sits at 30 meters and provides wreck diving content unique to the island. Shark Bay consistently delivers blacktip reef shark encounters for snorkelers (free beach access). The Japanese Gardens offers beginner-friendly snorkeling from the shore with equipment rental at 200 Baht per day.

Koh Nang Yuan, the iconic triple-island formation connected by a white sandbar just 15 minutes by longtail boat, charges 100 Baht entry and strictly bans plastic bottles, a sustainability angle that resonates with eco-conscious audiences. The viewpoint at the top rewards a 15-minute climb with one of Thailand's most photographed panoramas. Back on Koh Tao, the Mango Viewpoint costs 50 Baht including a mango smoothie and delivers sweeping sunset vistas. John-Suwan Viewpoint on the southern tip is free and offers 360-degree views over Shark Bay and Chalok Ban Kao. Two Views Bar at 100 Baht minimum spend provides split-perspective views of both coasts simultaneously.
5 guides to help you explore Koh Tao – from nightlife to hidden gems.
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