Island in Surat Thani, Thailand
Koh Tao for solo travelers
Is Koh Tao good for solo travel?
Tiny Gulf island where most people come to learn to dive cheaply. Friendly and social, with warm water and easy routines; limited nightlife, hills and few other draws.
Solo travel at a glance
| Solo travel | 4/5 · Very good for solo travel |
|---|---|
| Locals | Friendly |
| English | Widely spoken |
| Safety | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Solo women | Generally comfortable for solo women, with many solo travelers. Avoid dark trails and isolated bays at night, and use taxis for late rides. |
How to meet people in Koh Tao
Dive courses with group dorms, social dive-shop hostels, free-diving classes, beach bar quiz nights and sunset hikes in Sairee.
Good things to do alone
- Take an Open Water dive course
- Snorkel at Shark Bay
- Hike to John-Suwan Viewpoint
- Try freediving or yoga
- Sunset drinks at Sairee Beach
Where to stay in Koh Tao
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Sairee Beach | Dive schools, restaurants and the main social scene |
| Chalok Baan Kao | Quieter bay with diving and long-stay bungalows |
| Mae Haad | Pier, shops, ATM and ferry connections |
Solo travel across Thailand
| Place | Solo | English |
|---|---|---|
| Bangkok | 5/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Chiang Mai | 5/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Phuket | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Krabi | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Koh Phangan | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Pai | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Koh Tao | 4/5 | Widely spoken |
| Chiang Rai | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Railay | 4/5 | Widely spoken |
| Kanchanaburi | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Koh Chang | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Khao Lak | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Khao Sok | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Sukhothai | 4/5 | Limited |
| Kata Beach | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Rawai | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Koh Samui | 3/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Koh Phi Phi | 3/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Pattaya | 3/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Patong | 3/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Hua Hin | 3/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Ayutthaya | 3/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Koh Lanta | 3/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Koh Samet | 3/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Koh Lipe | 3/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Khao Yai | 3/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Hat Yai | 3/5 | Limited |
| Jomtien | 3/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Udon Thani | 3/5 | Limited |
| Koh Kood | 3/5 | Common in tourist areas |
Quick answers
Is Koh Tao good for solo travelers?
Very good for solo travel (4/5). Tiny Gulf island where most people come to learn to dive cheaply.
How do you meet people in Koh Tao?
Dive courses with group dorms, social dive-shop hostels, free-diving classes, beach bar quiz nights and sunset hikes in Sairee. On SoloSquare you can also join small plans with other travelers who are there now.
Do people speak English in Koh Tao?
Widely spoken.
Is Koh Tao safe for solo female travelers?
Generally comfortable for solo women, with many solo travelers. Avoid dark trails and isolated bays at night, and use taxis for late rides.
More about Koh Tao
Going to Koh Tao solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Koh Tao meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
Ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.