Aow Leuk Beach

The basics

Aow Leuk Beach offers crystal clear waters along with peace and serenity for a relaxing visit. The bay is shallow, surrounded by the island’s fine white sand and big boulders. Due to the low depths it’s a protected site and a great place for snorkeling and training dives to see luminous butterflyfish, blue angelfish, and parrot fish among the coral. There are a few small, family-run bungalows and a restaurant so you won’t have to worry about getting hold of food, drinks, or snorkel rentals. Some guided snorkeling tours also include a stop at Aow Leuk Beach.

Things to know before you go

• Baby blacktip reef sharks can be seen in the shallows of Aow Leuk twice a year.
• Paddle a kayak out to Shark Island, which is less than a mile (1.3 kilometers) from the beach.
• No outside drinks or food are allowed, and there is a small fee to access the beach.
• Once known for its cleanliness, Aow Leuk Beach has more recently experienced an increase in trash and debris in the water and along the sand, some travelers report.

How to get there

Aow Leuk Beach is only about 3 miles (5 kilometers) from the main town of Mae Haad but the pickup taxis still take about half an hour to get there. If you don’t plan on staying the night, arrange a pickup time with the driver beforehand to get back into town. Bikes, which are available for rent, are also becoming a more popular mode of transport as the roads improve around Koh Tao.

When to get there

Since the waters are typically clear and calm most of the year, snorkeling is generally good anytime. Overall, expect the biggest crowds on Koh Tao during Thailand's busy season, from December through April. The months of October, November, and December bring the most rain, and the weather is hot and humid year round.

Koh Nang Yuan

Located off the coast of Koh Tao, Koh Nang Yuan is a tropical island that’s a very popular spot for snorkeling, scuba diving, and sightseeing, thanks to the stunning views from its viewpoint (the climb up can be a bit steep and difficult). A dive site called Japanese Garden, located just off the island, serves as a go-to site for diving lessons because the calm water and lack of current make it suitable for beginners.