Koh Tao is a tropical paradise, and one of the smaller Thai islands. But you may be wondering whether your legs are actually up for walking around this island, or whether just getting a car is going to be the easiest option.
Koh Tao is only 21 km2 and car rental on the island is not popular. Depending on your level of physical fitness, it is small enough to walk around, and use either motorbikes or taxis if you need to get somewhere quickly, or further away. The roads on the island are 80% concrete and 20% dirt, and there are points of interest that are only accessible by foot.
It is advisable to walk carefully, as there are no pedestrian lanes or sidewalks, but walking is generally considered safe on Koh Tao. If you are going in the heat of the summer or want to try and see as much of the island as possible in a short space of time, you might be looking at renting a car, or wondering what alternatives you have to explore the island on wheels. We’ll dive into the options you have to make discovering this little paradise a dream.
Is it feasible to walk around Koh Tao without a car?
Renting a car in Koh Tao is not commonplace, and actually quite difficult to come by. None of the major car rental companies are represented in Koh Tao. There may be some small local businesses that rent cars, but it is not a service that is easily available on the island. If you have rented a car in other parts of Thailand, there are currently no car carrying ferries from either of the ports on the mainland from which you access Koh Tao, which would mean leaving your rental in Chumphon or Surat Thani, or on one of the other islands that you may get the ferry from (such as Koh Samui).
The roads on Koh Tao are generally in a poor condition. There is one main concrete road going from the north to the south of the island, through the center. The majority of the roads are paved with concrete, though may not have any markings on them, and do not have any shoulders for pulling off onto. The roads can be narrow and somewhat chaotic in the towns and villages that you drive through, with lots of haphazard overtaking and pulling over, and inconsistent use of indicators.
International driving licenses are accepted but not required. A valid driver’s license with a photograph in English is acceptable from countries that have a treaty with Thailand. The US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the UK are included in this and therefore do not need an international permit to drive in Thailand. Note though, that Thai drive on the left-hand side of the road, the opposite to the US, and the cars have their steering wheel and some other controls on the opposite side to those in the US, so it is important to familiarize yourself with this if you do choose to drive.
Some of the high-end hotels have private parking facilities, but many of the hotels on the island do not accommodate for this. It is possible to find street parking, and some of the beaches and tourist attractions have parking facilities.
What alternatives are there to travelling by car on Koh Tao?
You may be wondering what alternatives you have – what if you’re too tired or have difficulty walking? Can you still visit Koh Tao and enjoy the magical scenery the island has to offer? Absolutely! You have no need to worry, as there are still wheels that can take you from point A to B if you do not want, or are not able, to walk.
The first option you have is a taxi. Taxi’s in Koh Tao are mostly converted pickup trucks with long benches down either side of the back, with any luggage usually placed in the middle. They can be organized in advance, or just hailed from the side of the road, where it is relatively easy to pick one up. It is common to wait for more passengers if the taxi is not already full.
Taxi fares are not constant, and can vary according to the season, time of day, condition of the roads to your destination, the price of gas or just the driver’s mood! Always agree on a price before taking the ride, and try to be friendly in your negotiation. Water taxis are another option, running between many of the main beaches fairly regularly.
A very popular choice is renting a scooter. If you are there for slightly longer and plan to go to harder-to-reach places, this may be a good option for avoiding foot fatigue! Motorcycles are popular on the island amongst locals and tourists alike and can easily be hired – remember to thoroughly check your scooter for scratches and marks before taking it out on the road to avoid disagreements. Also note that it is not uncommon for rental shops to ask for a passport as a deposit.
The final option is renting a bicycle, which includes mountain bikes. This is both a cheaper and more environmentally friendlier option, not to mention great for your fitness. As with scooters, wearing a helmet is advisable. There are no dedicated bike lanes, so you will be riding on the main roads with the rest of the traffic.
Given that driving on Koh Tao can be somewhat chaotic, with dogs wandering across the road, rules being freely interpreted, speed limits not being adhered to and often sharp turns or washed-out tracks on mountain roads, it is advisable to always wear a helmet, for even the most experienced drivers!
Is it safe to walk around?
In general, it is safe to walk around the island. There are a couple of factors to beware of though, so bear these pointers in mind if you’re planning to walk around the island during your stay.
- It is always better to walk with someone or in groups, particularly at night
- While you may be tempted to walk along the main roads, there are usually alternative footpaths that are safer – both due to the volume of traffic and lack of dedicated pedestrian lanes on the main roads
- If you are walking on the roads after dark, try to make yourself visible to drivers
Given the size of the island, there are many locals and tourists walking around – this is a popular mode of transport in Koh Tao!
How far will I have to walk?
Walking around Koh Tao will give you the most flexibility, and also allow you to access some areas of interest that are only accessible by footpath, for example some of the mountain sites, like John Suwan Viewpoint. The main settlement of Ban Mae Haad is where a lot of the accommodation is situated. From here, it is easy to reach Sairee beach on foot. Below are some of the main attractions and the distances to them, with an estimated walking time, measured from Sairee beach, where most of the bars, restaurants and dive centers are located, and just a short 1km walk from Ban Mae Haad.
Mango Bay Viewpoint – 3.3km or 50 mins
John-Suwan Viewpoint – 4.2km or 50 mins
Koh Tao Leisure Park – 1.8km or 20 mins
Distances between the settlements and the beaches on Koh Tao are not far, and it is easy to hop from one bay to another on foot. It is also a great way to take paths that are off the main road and get into the peaceful nature and lush tropical vegetation that covers much of this small island.
Conclusion
Koh Tao is small enough not to need a car to get around with. Cars are not easy to rent on the island, and either taxis or scooters are popular options to get to places you may not want to walk to. With a number of options for alternatives to cars on the island, we’d suggest trying a different mode of transport to cars for exploring this tiny paradise.
