Apart from walking, you can hire scooters, motorcycles, bicycles and water taxis.
It's quite easy to explore much of the island on foot, although certain hill paths may make this a challenge in hot weather.
Koh Tao has one major concrete road, which runs from Sairee Beach in the north of the island, passing through the main village of Mae Haad, to Chalok Baan Kao in the south.
Elsewhere, numerous small concrete roads and dirt tracks lead to hilltop lookouts as well as various beaches and bays around the island.
Steep trails, sharp curves, sand, potholes and washed out tracks demands careful driving in Koh Tao.
Note: Walking on the main road from Mae Haad to Sairee, especially at night, can be dangerous. It’s better to walk along the dirt road passing the school, where there is little traffic.
Motorbike hire: Motorbikes are the most efficient way to get around Koh Tao Island. Daily rental rates start at 150 Baht for a scooter, with larger bikes starting at 350 Baht. Motorbikes are available in automatic and semi automatic versions. Discounts are available for weekly and monthly rentals.
It's normal practice to be asked to leave your passport or a cash deposit.
When riding a motorbike you should always wear a helmet. Traffic drives on the left-hand side of the road.
Note: You should be aware that if the bike is damaged in any way, any parts must be replaced new, not just repaired, by the person who hired it. Before hiring, check carefully the condition of the bike for any scratches and broken parts. Take photos of the bike and make sure all parties concerned are aware of anything amiss before you drive off.
Taxi: Taxis are the safest way of getting around Koh Tao, and can be found driving along the main road that runs through the middle of the island, as well as at Mae Haad pier, Sairee Beach and at Chalok Baan Kao.
Taxis on Koh Tao are pick up trucks identified by the word ‘taxi’ and a number. Taxis charge on a per person basis so they will often rather wait until they have a few more people before they go.
If you are on your own or a couple, you will probably have to pay double the cost if you want to go anywhere immediately. Some destinations on Koh Tao require a 4WD to get there.
Note: Almost all resorts offer taxi transfers between the pier and resort if you have a reservation.
Songthaews: Songthaews (taxi cars), can be found parked up in most of the busy areas of Koh Tao. You can jump on and off along the way at your leisure.
Songthaews are normally available from early morning until late night. The price you pay is dependent on your journey distance and the number of people in the vehicle. If you travel alone or as a pair then expect to cover the whole cost of the journey. There are no fixed prices.
You can expect to pay 200 Baht from Mae Haad pier to Sairee Beach or Chalok Baan Kao. Groups of two or more will pay 100 Baht each. Rides from Sairee to Chalok Baan Kao cost 150 Baht per person, or 300 Baht for solo tourists.
These prices are rarely negotiable, and passengers will be expected to wait until their taxi is full unless they want to pay an additional 200 Baht to 300 Baht. Prices double for trips to the east coast, and the drivers will raise the prices when rain makes the roads harder to negotiate.
Bicycle: Mountain bikes are available for hire and are a popular way of getting around Koh Tao given the continuous improvement in the road network.
There is a bicycle shop in Chalok Baan Kao, and several resorts and a few small shops have bikes for hire.
A mountain bike with efficient gears and reliable brakes is ideally the best type to use on the island.
Boats: Taxi boats – traditional ‘longtail’ boats – are easily found at Mae Haad pier, on most beaches and at some of the larger resorts.
Taxi boats offer a fun way to explore hidden bays and remote beaches on Koh Tao, and depart from Mae Haad, Chalok Baan Kao and the northern part of Sairee Beach (near Vibe Bar).
As a rough guide, a journey from Mae Haad pier to Chalok Baan Kao should cost around 200 Baht per person, and from Mae Haad pier to Tanote Bay around 400 Baht per person. You can also charter by the day for around 1500 Baht per boat.
Latest update: How to get around Koh Tao: 5 May, 2022
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