MapVivid
John-Suwan Viewpoint and around
A day in Koh Tao · 9:30–15:30 · 4 stops
Open it on your phone:
mapvivid.com/koh-tao/itineraries/john-suwan-viewpoint-and-aroundA walking day around Laem Thian Beach, John-Suwan Viewpoint and Ao Leuk, with a lunch break nearby and Freedom Beach to end the day.
Every stop on Google Maps: open the list
Morning
9:301Laem Thian Beach ↗30 min
Rocky headland and beach in the south, good for snorkelling at calm times
- Take care with currents
- Best in calm weather
↓ 20 min walk
10:152John-Suwan Viewpoint ↗1 hSunset
Classic island viewpoint over Chalok and the south coast
- Short but steep climb
- Sunset is popular
↓ 25 min walk
11:453Ao Leuk ↗1 h
Sheltered bay with calm water and easy snorkelling near the shore
- Great for beginners snorkelling
- Fish gather near the rocks
Lunch
12:45Lunch break nearby · Find restaurants nearby on Google Maps ↗
↓ 34 min walk
Afternoon
14:304Freedom Beach ↗1 hSunset
Small sheltered beach on the south-west coast with good snorkelling
- Hike or take a taxi boat
- Bring water
Good to know. Times are a guide for an unhurried pace. Check opening days before you go.
Koh Tao tips
Cultural
- Dress modestly away from the beach: cover up when walking around villages and shops.
- Respect the reefs: do not touch coral or stand on reefs while snorkelling or diving.
- Try Thai dishes: enjoy pad thai, green curry and fresh fruit shakes at local restaurants.
Local Hacks
- Hike to viewpoints: John-Suwan Viewpoint and others offer stunning island views.
- Visit Koh Nang Yuan: the nearby trio of islands joined by sandbars is a must-see.
- Explore quieter bays: head to bays like Tanote or Aow Leuk for quieter snorkelling.
Saving
- Learn to dive here: Koh Tao is known as one of the most affordable places in the world to get dive certified.
- Eat at local spots: Thai food at local restaurants is cheaper than at tourist venues.
- Snorkel from shore: many bays offer great snorkelling right from the beach, no boat needed.
Security
- Beware of scooter damage scams: photograph rental bikes before riding and never leave your passport as a deposit.
- Dive with reputable centres: choose dive schools with good safety records and reviews.
- Watch your drinks: be careful at beach parties and do not leave drinks unattended.
Transportation
- Walk or take taxis: the island is small, and shared pickup taxis serve the main areas; agree fares first.
- Rent a scooter carefully: steep, rough roads make scooters risky; only ride if experienced and wear a helmet.
- Take the ferry: ferries connect Koh Tao with Koh Phangan, Koh Samui and Chumphon on the mainland.
Weather/Clothing
- Pack light clothes: Koh Tao is hot year round, so bring swimwear, light clothes and reef-safe sunscreen.
- Prepare for the monsoon: October to December brings the heaviest rain on the Gulf side.
- Enjoy the dry months: the island is often sunny and calm from about February to September.
Planned with MapVivid. Opening hours change, so check each place before you go. This day, with the map: mapvivid.com/koh-tao/itineraries/john-suwan-viewpoint-and-around
Day 1 of 29:30–15:304 stops
John-Suwan Viewpoint and around
A walking day around Laem Thian Beach, John-Suwan Viewpoint and Ao Leuk, with a lunch break nearby and Freedom Beach to end the day.
Opens Google Maps with every stop of the day, ready to save to your own list.
Morning
109:30 · 30 minRocky headland and beach in the south, good for snorkelling at calm times
3 tips
- Take care with currents
- Best in calm weather
- Bring water
📷 Photos
20 min walk
210:15 · 1 hClassic island viewpoint over Chalok and the south coast
- Tip: Sunset
3 tips
- Short but steep climb
- Sunset is popular
- Rocky path, wear shoes
📷 Photos
25 min walk
311:45 · 1 hSheltered bay with calm water and easy snorkelling near the shore
3 tips
- Great for beginners snorkelling
- Fish gather near the rocks
- Small cafes nearby
📷 Photos
Lunch
Lunch break nearby · 12:45
Find restaurants nearby on Google Maps34 min walk
Afternoon
414:30 · 1 hSmall sheltered beach on the south-west coast with good snorkelling
- Tip: Sunset
3 tips
- Hike or take a taxi boat
- Bring water
- Good for sunset
📷 Photos
Take this day with you
Add the stops to your calendar
Times are local time in Koh Tao. Apple Calendar adds every stop at once (Outlook too). Google Calendar adds one event per link.
Times are a guide for an unhurried pace. Check opening days before you go.