How to Plan a 5-day Island-Hopping Trip in Koh Tao, Thailand?

Ever thought one small island could fill five whole days with non-stop adventure? That’s exactly what Koh Tao does. You don’t come here just to sit still; you come here to explore everything around it.

Koh Tao is packed with huge charm: soft beaches, laid-back cafés, beautiful views, and some of the best snorkelling and diving sites in Asia. Whether you are coming solo, with friends, or as a couple, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Koh Tao that will keep you hooked.

So, here’s a simple 5-day island-hopping itinerary to help you soak up every bit of Koh Tao’s charm.

Day 1: Arrive and Explore Koh Tao

Take the ferry ride from Koh Samui or Koh Phangan. Then, check into your hotel near Sairee Beach.
Have a light breakfast by the shore and enjoy your first sunrise on the island.
Spend your afternoon swimming, sunbathing, or just relaxing on the soft sand. For lunch, grab some fresh Thai food or seafood by the beach.
Head to John Suwan Viewpoint or Love Koh Tao for your first taste of adventure.
In the evening, take a stroll to explore the local markets. You can pick up souvenirs and enjoy a coconut drink.
For dinner, try a beachfront restaurant and watch the sky turn golden at sunset.

Day 2: Dive Into Koh Tao’s Underwater World

One of the first things to do in Koh Tao, Thailand, is to go for an amazing dive. Koh Tao is one of the best islands in Thailand for scuba diving, making it great for beginners.
If you’re already certified, check out sites like Mango Bay or Japanese Gardens for colourful coral and lively marine life.
After your dive, enjoy a healthy breakfast and spend some time relaxing on the beach. Let the sun recharge you.
If you’re not diving again, snorkel around Shark Bay or Aow Leuk. You might see turtles or even a reef shark if you’re fortunate.
By the evening, go to the beach to watch the sky change to gold and pink.
End your adventurous day with a quiet evening walk along the shore or a casual drink under the stars.

Day 3: Hop Over to Koh Nang Yuan

Kick off the third day with a short longtail boat ride to Koh Nang Yuan. This tiny trio of islands linked by a white sandbar is a must-visit for anyone staying in Koh Tao.
Take a slow walk along the famous sandbar, where crystal-clear water laps gently on both sides.
Dive into crystal-clear waters to see colourful corals, tropical fish, and maybe even a sea turtle.
Settle down for lunch! Try a local café or enjoy a packed lunch on the beach.
You can hike up to the Koh Nang Yuan viewpoint for that iconic postcard shot.
Head back by late afternoon, take a rest, and by night, you can catch fire shows on Sairee Beach or drop by a local beach bar for cocktails and music.

Day 4: Day Trip to Koh Phangan

Hop on an early ferry from Koh Tao to Koh Phangan. The ride takes about an hour and gives you a breathtaking view of the Gulf of Thailand.
After arriving, spend time exploring beaches like Haad Yuan or Haad Rin. Those who love late-night fun shouldn’t miss Haad Rin Beach, home to Thailand’s iconic Full Moon Party.
You can even rent a scooter or take a local taxi to explore inland. For a quick hike, visit the Phaeng Waterfall National Park.
Craving a little thrill? Try stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking along the coast.
Koh Phangan has plenty of beachside spots serving fresh Thai food. Enjoy the leisurely lunch while you relax!
Before catching your return ferry, head to Secret Beach or Zen Beach to catch the sunset.
After returning from Koh Phangan, wind down with a light dinner or a quiet beach walk. After a full day of exploring, you’ll sleep like a baby.

Day 5: Chill, Shop, and Catch the Sunset

Ah, the last day! Sleep in a little more, and enjoy a lazy breakfast by the beach.
Go shopping at local markets for traditional Thai jewellery, handcrafted wooden items, Thai tea, spices, snacks, beachwear, and more!
Before you pack up, treat yourself to a relaxing Thai massage or spa session.
End your Koh Tao adventure with one final sunset: the best way to say goodbye to the island

Wrapping It Up

We hope this 5-day itinerary has pretty much summed up what to do in Koh Tao. Five days might sound short, but the island has a way of making every moment count. From sunrise swims and underwater adventures to island-hopping and peaceful sunsets, there’s never a dull second here. Whether you came for the diving, the views, or just to unwind, Koh Tao leaves you with that perfect mix of salt in your hair and calm in your heart: the kind of feeling you’ll want to come back for.