Our Guide to Reaching Koh Tao – Where to Go Snorkeling

If you love snorkeling or want to try it for the first time, perhaps you need to book a trip to Koh Tao! There are so many places you can visit that’ll allow you to explore the magnificent underwater world, filled with exotic fishes and vibrant coral reefs.

Here’s what you need to know about snorkeling at Koh Tao:

Getting to Koh Tao
If you’re planning a trip to Thailand, you’ll have to first land in Bangkok. Once you reach Bangkok, you’re given three options (do note that you’ll still need to take a ferry to reach Koh Tao):

1. Bus
If you are opting for a bus ride, you will have to travel by the overnight bus. The bus will take you from Bangkok to Chumphon. Once there, there’ll be a ferry available that’ll take you to Koh Tao. In most cases, the whole trip will cost you just over 1,000 baht. Fortunately, the bus ride is very comfortable, and you’re even provided a free blanket. Don’t forget your jacket, though, as it can get very cold inside the bus.

2. Train
Trains are also available in Bangkok that will bring you directly to Chumphon. There are two trains daily, one at 1:00 p.m. and the other at 7:00 a.m. Once you reach Chumphon, it’s the same process as the bus. You will need to grab a ferry to go to Koh Tao. The train trip will cost approximately 600 baht.

3. Plane
Being half an hour faster than the trains, traveling by plane from Bangkok to Koh Samui will take an hour. From there, you’ll grab the ferry heading to Koh Tao.

Koh Tao’s snorkeling locations
Now that you know how to get to Koh Tao, here are three places that you should go for a great snorkeling experience:

1. Tanote Bay
You will find Tanote Bay on the east coast of the Island. Along with the excellent snorkeling experience it offers, there are plenty of bars and restaurants for you to enjoy as well. It is also an excellent place for thrill-seekers, as there is a large boulder one can jump off into the crystal clear ocean.

2. Koh Nang Yuan
Although an entirely new island, Koh Nang Yuan is accessible by boat ride from Koh Tao. Offering a fantastic snorkeling experience, this island is the perfect place for adventurers. Also, Koh Nang Yuan provides a myriad of activities such as hiking, abseiling, rock climbing, and many more.

3. Laem Thien
On the east side, Laem Thien is accessible by a boat ride or even by kayak from Tanote Bay. However, where once there was a pristine beach and waters to explore the reefs now, it is decimated by all the trash tourists have left behind. The snorkeling area is still good, but if you plan to relax on the beach, you might want to consider another place.

There are many other places than the ones we’ve mentioned that offer fantastic snorkeling experiences, such as Ao Leuk, Thian Og Bay, and many more. Do note that some of the beaches may charge an entrance fee. Although this is illegal, it happens.

If you’re looking to book a fun-filled snorkeling adventure in Koh Tao, Samui, get in touch with Mamy Booking and book a room. After an exhausting day in the water, you’ll want a peaceful place to rest. We’re just what you need!