Koh Tao

Central location, Sairee Beach within walking distance, along with restaurants and bars, yet still pleasantly quiet. From €50, very good value for money. Beautiful sea view, palm trees and dreamy sunsets, calm and relaxed atmosphere, a very friendly and warm host, good access to the beach, restaurants and bars.

A bit outside the town center, you'll need a scooter or shared taxis, though conveniently the taxi could be booked easily via WhatsApp. €252 for 3 nights, a bit pricey for Thai standards. Eco-conscious approach and sustainable concept, quiet, secluded location, friendly and committed staff. Downside: dependence on scooters or shared taxis with extra costs.

The island's longest and most famous beach, on the west coast, the heart of Ko Tao. Soft, white sand, turquoise water, a lively atmosphere, spectacular sunsets that draw crowds every evening. Ideal for relaxed days in the sun, but also for stand-up paddling or beach volleyball, with countless restaurants, bars and shops along the promenade. For us, though, definitely not the island's most beautiful beach.

Also known as Thian Og Bay, the perfect beach for adventure seekers and snorkeling fans. Crystal-clear water, with a bit of luck you can spot blacktip reef sharks, a unique experience. Soft sand, calm water, also ideal for a relaxed day at the beach. Entry via the resort reception, 500 baht per person including a beach chair plus food and drinks, an extended package is available for 800 baht.

At the southern tip of the island, off the main paths. Access via an entrance with a 50 baht fee per person, including access to the nearby John Suwan Viewpoint with a breathtaking coastal view. Enough parking for scooters. The beach is lined with densely planted trees, personally not entirely convincing for us, the sand a bit coarser, but the clear water scores points for snorkeling.

Located in the south, the third-largest beach after Sairee Beach. Calm atmosphere, relaxed vibe, less crowded, soft sand, calm water. Small restaurants and cafés around the beach. What we especially liked was how peaceful and untouristy it is compared to other beaches.

A small, family-run restaurant that won us over instantly, so much so that we ate there twice during our stay. Traditional, authentic dishes, fantastic flavors. Especially charming: the atmosphere, you basically sit in the family's living room, it feels like eating at friends' place. Open daily 10:30am to 9pm.

Authentic Thai food and fresh, homemade pizza. Open daily 10:30am to 10:30pm.

Authentic Thai food, fresh pizza and other international dishes. Open daily 8am to 10pm.

Breakfast, sticky rice and shake varieties. Open daily 7am to 10pm.

Specialty coffee with high-quality beans, gelato and sorbets (vegan options too), small sweet snacks, relaxed café atmosphere. A fairly low-key but really good spot for anyone who cares about quality coffee, the combination of specialty coffee and creamy gelato makes it a special stop.

Small street stands with freshly made roti, a classic of Thai street food culture, fried crispy on a hot griddle. On Ko Tao, roti was practically part of every evening for us, sweet with banana and chocolate or savory with cheese and egg, always the perfect way to end the day.

At the southern tip of the island, a breathtaking panoramic view. The climb is fairly demanding, after about 20 minutes of scrambling over rocks and through dense jungle we were rewarded with a spectacular view of Chalok Baan Kao and Thian Og bays. Access via Freedom Beach, €1.50 per person, including admission to the viewpoint and beach.

Also in the south, not far from the John-Suwan Viewpoint, but a noticeably easier climb. At the top a 360-degree platform awaits with views of Shark Bay, Freedom Beach and Taa Toh Beach. Admission €1.50 per person.

A small group of islands a few kilometers northwest of Ko Tao. Longtail boat from Sairee Beach, about 15 minutes, roughly €8 per person. Known for the breathtaking sandbank connecting three small islands, crystal-clear water and a diverse underwater world, perfect for snorkeling. Highlight: the climb to the viewpoint, steep and sturdy shoes are needed, but the view from the top is overwhelming. Admission €1.50 per person.

World-famous for first-class dive spots and countless dive schools. After thorough research we chose Ban's Diving Resort, an award-winning school with good value for money, courses also offered in German, a big plus for us. We took the Open Water Diver beginner course with theory and practice, the instructors were professional and patient, the dives took us to impressive coral reefs and a diverse underwater world.