Tanote Bay is one of the more popular beaches in Koh Tao, surrounded by rolling hills and large boulders. There is also a rock formation at this beach that is well known as being the best rock jumping spot on Koh Tao Island.
I have put together this complete guide to Tanote Bay including how to get there and what to expect when you arrive.
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Table of Contents
WHERE IS TANOTE BAY?
Tanote Bay Koh Tao is located on the eastern coastline of the island. It’s a short 15-minute drive from Sairee Beach, the main tourist hub on the island.
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.
There is decent road access to Tanote Beach and when I visited there were no parking or entrance fees. It’s a short 2-minute walk to the beach from the jump-off point.
Must Read → 15 Things To Do In Koh Tao
Arriving at the beach
Rocky point
BEST TOURS IN KOH TAO
WHAT TO EXPECT
Tanote Bay Koh Tao is the best place to watch the sunrise on the island as this bay faces east over the Gulf Of Thailand.
I visited the bay around 10 am to explore the beach and the rocky points before going for a swim, and of course, some rock jumping.
The weather on Koh Tao was unfortunately very overcast on the day that I visited but I still had an amazing time exploring this coastline.
RELATED ARTICLE → 3 WEEK THAILAND ITINERARY
There are a couple of beachside restaurants and resorts along the beach which make for the perfect spot to get something to eat and drink without having to leave the oceanside.
Also, I highly recommend snorkeling here as it is said to be one of the best Koh Tao snorkeling spots on the island, with a variety of colorful corals and reasonably large fish just a few steps into the water.
Beachside restaurant
White sand beach
ROCK JUMPING AT TANOTE BEACH
If you are game to do some rock jumping at Tanote Beach, you can easily swim or walk out to the large boulder in the bay. There is a metal chain on the front side of the rock to help you climb to the top and then from here, there is only one way down!
After you have spent some time at the beach, be sure not to miss the Love Koh Tao Viewpoint, only a 5-minute drive back up the hill. It is one of the best Koh Tao viewpoints with scenic panoramic views overlooking the bay.
The jumping rock
Large boulders on the beach
Love Koh Tao viewpoint
OTHER POINTS OF INTEREST
Be sure to check out the nearby Taa Toh Bay, John Suwan Viewpoint, and of course, Freedom Beach, which are three more epic spots worth checking out on Koh Tao!
Taatoh Bay Koh Tao
John Suwan Viewpoint
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. 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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MY SHOP
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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
If you have any questions at all about this epic beach on Koh Tao, please drop me a line below this post and I will get back to you as soon as I can.
Happy adventuring!