John Suwan Viewpoint is low-key the best viewpoint on Koh Tao Island and an adventure not to be missed. It’s an easy 20-minute hike to reach the top of the viewpoint for sunrise and you’ll be rewarded with a stunning panoramic view of the island at the top.
I have put together this ultimate guide to John Suwan Viewpoint Koh Tao which includes all the information you need to know before you go.
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Table of Contents
WHERE IS JOHN SUWAN VIEWPOINT?
John Suwan Viewpoint is a 15-minute drive from Sairee Beach, the main tourist hub of Koh Tao.
Click here to see the location on Google maps.
HOW TO GET HERE
The best way to get around Koh Tao is to rent a scooter for 150 Baht per day to explore all four corners of the island. There are dozens of scooter rental stores in and around town and most accommodations offer scooter rentals too.
John Suwan Viewpoint has decent road access and when I visited this spot for sunrise, there were no parking or entrance fees.
However, some other travelers mentioned to me that when they visited during the day, they had to pay a 50 Baht entrance fee, so just keep that in mind.
BEST TOURS IN KOH TAO
ARRIVING AT JOHN SUWAN VIEWPOINT KOH TAO
When you arrive in the parking lot at the jump-off point you’ll see a sign with ‘viewpoint’ written on it and an arrow pointing the way.
Along the trailhead, you’ll come to an intersection with three different roads branching off. Be sure to take the middle road which is the correct trail to take to reach the viewpoint.
The trail is rocky with some make-shift stairs and you’ll also come across a few spots where there are ropes anchored in place to help you scale some bigger boulders, which was my favorite part of the adventure!
The hike is not that strenuous and it takes approximately 20-minutes for the average person from bottom to top.
Must Read → 15 Things To Do In Koh Tao
Taking a selfie at the top
Scrambling up to the top
Enjoying the view
Unfortunately, when I visited the weather was very overcast and there was not much of a sunrise that I was hoping for.
However, the stunning panoramic views at the top compensated for the shitty weather.
At the summit, you can see two beaches on either side of the palm tree covered ridge, one is Chalok Baan Kao Bay and the other is Shark Bay Koh Tao.
There are a few other viewpoints that can be found at John Suwan Koh Tao, so don’t rush back down to the bottom, spend some time exploring the area and you’ll be sure to come across more epic views of the island and its coastlines.
An overcast sunrise
Exploring the summit
Taking in the views
OTHER POINTS OF INTEREST
After hiking to the John Suwan, be sure to check out the nearby Freedom Beach and Taa Toh Bay, which are two of my favorite Koh Tao beaches.
To get to Freedom Beach, walk down the stairs near the parking lot which will lead you right down to the beach. After visiting Freedom Beach, follow the beach boardwalk for 2-minutes around the boulders to the magnificent Taa Toh Bay.
Freedom Beach
WHERE TO STAY IN KOH TAO
Koh Tao has hundreds of accommodations to choose from, so I have narrowed it down to a few of the best places to stay to suit the needs of budget backpackers, luxury travelers, and everyone in between.
See the list of accommodations below that I personally recommend:
Luxury: Sai Daeng Resort Koh Tao
I personally stayed at Sai Daeng Resort and can’t recommend this place enough! This 4-star accommodation is located right on the beachfront and features an outdoor swimming pool, a bar, and restaurant on the beach, water sports activities, a shared lounge, free wifi, and shuttle service. The rooms are modern and spacious, fitted with air conditioning, flat-screen tv, a fridge and kettle, work desk, private bathroom, and balcony with ocean views. Buffet breakfast is also included for all guests. Perfect place to stay for couples, families, and friends.
Mid Range: Wind Beach Resort
Wind Beach Resort is the best value-pick accommodation located in the main tourist hub, Sairee Beach. Featuring a beachfront bar and restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool, Thai massage services, and free wifi. The rooms are fitted with beautiful wooden furniture and decor, air conditioning, flat-screen tv, minibar, ensuite bathroom, and ocean views. Great place to stay in Koh Tao for couples, friends, and families.
Budget: Koh Tao Central Hostel
Koh Tao Central Hostel is rated one of the best budget accommodations for solo travelers, friends, and couples. Centrally located in Mae Hadd and within walking distance to the beach. There are dormitory-style rooms with air conditioning, free wifi, power sockets, lockers, and privacy curtains on all beds. Also at this hostel is a shared outdoor deck with cushions and a common area for guests to enjoy during their stay.
FOR ALL OTHER PLACES TO STAY IN KOH TAO, SEARCH ON AGODA OR SEARCH ON BOOKING.COM
AIRBNB KOH TAO
Another option for accommodation is to stay at an Airbnb, which generally has some great deals on the island.
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MORE THAILAND TRAVEL GUIDES
Thailand Travel Guide: 3 Week Thailand Itinerary
Bangkok Travel Guide: 5 Things To Do In Bangkok
Koh Tao Travel Guide: 15 Things To Do In Koh Tao
Chiang Mai Travel Guide: 10 Things To Do In Chiang Mai
Pai Travel Guide: 10 Things To Do In Pai
Krabi Travel Guide: 5 Best Beaches in Krabi
LONELY PLANET THAILAND
One of the best books to take on your trip is the Lonely Planet Thailand Guide!
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JOIN MY FACEBOOK COMMUNITY
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MY SHOP
Before you go, don’t forget to check out My Online Shop!
I’ve got a wide range of digital products for sale and I’m sure you’ll find something that will come in handy during your travels!
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FINAL THOUGHTS
I hope you found this guide useful and if you have any questions, please drop me a comment below this post and I will get back to you as soon as I can.
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