Chalok Baan Kao Bay

Chalok Baan Kao is located on the southernmost point of Koh Tao and looks out towards the Ang Thong National Marine Park. Due to its beauty and shallow calm blue waters, it is the second most popular beach on the island.

Although it is smaller and quieter than Sairee, Chanlok Baan Kao still has all the amenities you need at hand – markets, dive shops, travel agents, ATMs, restaurants, and bars. As the area has developed and grown, the facilities and accommodation have been upgraded and there are now private luxury villas, beachside hotels, and family bungalows alongside the basic beach huts.

Chalok Baan Kao Bay Guide

How to Get to Chalok Baan Kao

Getting to Chalok Baan Kao from Mae Haad is very easy and the road is good. Taxis or pickup trucks will ferry you back and forth for 100 baht or so; you can even walk it in about 30 minutes. If you are looking for a laidback beach that is easily accessible to other bays and areas, then Chalok Kao Baan is a great choice.

As it is one of the island’s largest dive centers, there is a fair amount of boat traffic heading in and out of Chalok Ban Kao. Longtails offer taxi runs from here, while divers, snorkelers, and day-trippers make up the rest. It is therefore not the quietest stretch of sand on the island and sometimes the water can be a little murky because of this, particularly at the western end of the beach.

If you plan to spend some time splashing about on the beach here, head to the eastern end. However, at certain times of the year, the water can be very shallow, fine for sitting and cooling off but not really for serious swimming. There are other beaches that you can walk to from Chalok Baan Kao where the water is deeper, however, so it might be worth checking these out if that’s where your interest lies.

BEST KOH TAO TOURS

The bay is flanked by beaches, both to the east and the west, so you never have to trek for too long to find another piece of paradise. Just to the west as you head around the lip to Mae Haad is the Haad Saal Chao. Although the water here is sometimes a bit cloudy, the beach is pretty and quiet.

Separating Ao Thian Og from Chanlok Baan Kao in the other direction is Ao Taa Toh. Nestled on the eastern peninsula, this little beach is home to a single dive resort, so is a great spot if you don’t want much company. The sand and the water are also very clean here. Just a little farther on is the isolated Freedom Beach, which offers much of the same.

Things to Do at Chalok Baan Kao Area

Beaches

Chalok Baan Kao Bay is a beautiful and serene destination. With its powdery white sand, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and stunning coral reefs filled with vibrant marine life bursting with color, it is no wonder why this area has become a top tourist destination for travelers of all ages. From warm swimming spots to romantic picnic areas next to salty shorelines, the breathtaking views of the surrounding beaches are a must-visit.

Chalok Baan Kao Beach

This small, picturesque beach offers gorgeous views and plenty of places to relax. The waters are shallow here and the bay has some great spots for snorkeling when the tide isn’t low – sadly, swimming is impossible at low tide. If you walk along the beach, you’ll discover that the left side of the beach is much more scenic than the right, with plenty of beach bars in-between.

You can find warm days with low crowds as this part of the island isn’t overly populated. Plus, visitors will be able to sample delicious local Thai food, wood-fired pizza, and other delightful meals from a few restaurants scattered around the area.

Taa Toh Lagoon Beach

Taa Toh Lagoon Beach is one of the best beaches for those looking for a more private and peaceful experience. Make sure to bring snorkeling gear as the marine life here is some of the best on the island, with an abundance of colorful coral and sea cucumbers waiting to be explored! Be aware that there is a 50 baht fee to enter, but this only serves as a deterrent for overcrowding and truly allows visitors to relax without all the hustle and bustle of other popular beaches.

Take advantage of the walking road which connects Freedom Beach and Taa Toh Lagoon, giving you an amazing opportunity to explore two different places in paradise. You can also get access from Chalok Bay if you prefer not to take the walk. No matter which route you choose, do not miss out on this incredible beach!

Freedom Beach

The beach is partially covered with trees that create natural shade, making it an ideal spot to relax and unwind. The beach’s entrance fee costs 50 Baht, which includes parking, a visit to the viewpoint, showers, and a sunbed on Freedom Beach. Once you pay the fee, you’ll be able to soak up the sun or take a refreshing dip in the shallow waters. The beach is known for its cerulean blue waters, which are perfect for swimming or snorkeling, making it an ideal destination for water sports enthusiasts.

One of the highlights of Freedom Beach is the viewpoint, which provides an excellent panoramic view of the beautiful beach. The viewpoint is perfect for those who love photography or just want to take a leisurely stroll and explore the area. You can take stunning pictures from this spot and capture the beautiful panoramic scenery that Freedom Beach has to offer.

If you’re feeling hungry or thirsty, be sure to visit the beachside bar, which offers an array of mouthwatering foods, and refreshing beverages. Sip on freshly cut coconuts while sunbathing on the beach or indulge in a tasty Thai meal while admiring the tranquil surroundings. The bar also provides an ideal spot to grab a drink or snack while enjoying the incredible view of the sea.

John-Suwan Viewpoint

The John-Suwan Viewpoint in Chalok Baan Kao Bay offers breathtaking vistas of the Andaman Sea that are sure to take your breath away—if the steep climb to reach the summit doesn’t do so first. After a vigorous 15-20 minute hike up a rope-assisted path, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Freedom Beach’s white sand and swaying palms below.

The entry is 50 baht, which also includes access to Freedom beach, which is an okay deal.

The stunning sights are worth the entrance fee and precarious trek, but this lookout is not for the faint of heart or small of leg—comfortable shoes and hydration are must-haves for this lofty locale. Children will likely prefer building sandcastles to scaling cliffs, so leave them at the beach and embark on this scenic adventure sans the little ones.

Snorkeling

The pristine waters of Chalok Baan Kao Bay beckon you for an underwater adventure. With shallow depths and colorful fish darting between the corals, snorkeling here is good only for kids and beginners. Whether you’re a pro or still getting used to breathing through a snorkel, the bay’s calm conditions are not perfect. After your snorkeling escapades, relax on the white sand with a fresh coconut in hand, feeling blissfully detached from the world on this slice of Thai paradise.

Diving

Chalok Baan Kao Bay has many dive shops which organize a PADI open water diving certification course, or where you can just book a diving trip.

We recommend visiting one of these:

• Nava Scuba Diving PADI 5 Star Diving Center
• Big Bubble Dive Resort
• New Heaven Dive School
• Ocean Sound Dive + Yoga

Restaurants and Bars

The Happy Monk Bar & Restaurant

Opening hours: daily 11 AM–12 AM

If you’re looking for a great sea view, delicious food, and a perfect atmosphere, look no further than this place. House specials include white snapper, papaya salad, and a long-cooked massaman chicken.

Owned by a super friendly Dutch Thai couple, the restaurant has a very thoroughly selected menu, which many will enjoy. To get here, you have to pass a small footbridge over the water, and the tables are located right on the stilts.

Big Fish Beach Restaurant

Opening hours: daily 7 AM–9:30 PM

If you’re looking for a place to dine with a view, try Big Fish Beach Restaurant Chalok Baan Kao Bay located by the Big Fish Beach Resort! Not only will you get the best seat in town – just steps away from the beautiful beach – but you’ll also be treated to some great Thai cuisine. Tom yam, fried basil with chicken – these are just a few of the delicious offerings that can be enjoyed in front of endless ocean views. So don’t waste any time – grab some friends and feast your way to unforgettable memories!

KoPPee Espresso Bar & Restaurant

Opening hours: daily 9 AM–9 PM

Calling all beach fans! If you’re looking for a paradise on the beach, then KoPPee Espresso Bar & Restaurant has got you covered. Not only do they serve the best cocktails on the island (starting from just 120 baht!), but they also have an array of food from Western to Mexican cuisines. So if you’re in the mood for some Japanese-style beef tacos or Spicy Papaya Salad, KoPpee is definitely up for it.

And if that weren’t enough, there’s also a cute swimming pool and beautiful view to take advantage of, as well as Happy Hour between 5-7 every day! But no matter when you visit make sure not to miss out on their signature Larb Tofu – a perfect crispy tofu topping with a yummy sweet and sour chili sauce – which makes it perfect with any of its accompanying cocktails. All this plus a great atmosphere and attentive staff.

Final Thoughts

From picturesque beaches dotted with crystal clear waters to sumptuous cuisine, there’s something for everyone. Here, visitors can truly get away from it all and relax in nature – think of powdery white sand coves, spectacular limestone cliffs, and crystal clear waters that are begging to be swam in. Plus, there is plenty of things to do: go swimming, snorkeling, or book a diving tour! After a long day at the beach, treat yourself to a nice dinner at one of the beachfront restaurants!