We knew that Koh Tao was a diver’s paradise, but we didn’t expect to fall in love so much with its vibrant vibe. As soon as we stepped foot on Koh Tao, we sensed it was going to be an unforgettable weekend. The hustle and bustle at the port upon arrival was electrifying, with backpackers, taxi drivers, and pickup truck drivers all trying to find their way to the hotels. There’s a certain magic in the air that’s hard to describe.
Our resort arranged a driver for us—or as we like to call it, "a guy with his pick-up truck." We hopped into the back of the truck and off we went. A car seat for Mini? What’s that? Amazing how you adapt and just go with the flow in a different country, where everything is so different from home.
Choosing a diving resort was a big decision. Joe did extensive research because there are over 40 diving shops on Koh Tao, so finding the perfect fit was crucial. We chose Sairee Cottage Diving, renowned for its own boat, awesome reviews, and beachfront accommodations. What more could you ask for? We stayed in the poolside rooms, which had direct access to the pool and we were just steps away from the beach. The room was spacious and clean, with a Queen-size and a single bed, perfect for our family.
The resort's restaurant was a breakfast haven. Our favorites were avocado toast with poached eggs and banana & honey French toast. The smoothies were to die for, and the gelato shop? Let’s just say we had a daily rendezvous there.
While Joe was busy with his diving gig, Mini and I had a blast. We went on a snorkelling tour, spotting Dory and her friends—though, sadly, no Nemo. 🙃 The boat tour around Koh Tao showcased all the beautiful bays and beaches. It truly is a diving mecca with amazing marine life.
Mini spent hours playing in the sand and building sandcastles, while I sipped on smoothies and lattes at Café Culture.
As the day turned to dusk, Sairee Beach transformed into a colorful and vibrant hub. People gathered for drinks at beach bars or simply laid on towels to watch the breathtaking sunset. The energy was unreal. Joe and I couldn’t help but wish we had discovered this paradise in our glory years (late 20s to early 30s).
On Saturday night, we dined at Blue Light Wine Bar & Bistro. Joe enjoyed a fresh tuna salad while I had a plate of chicken BBQ cooked right beside me. We were lucky enough to witness a fire show. On our last night, we tasted some amazing Thai food with our feet in the sand at Whitening Restaurant. The fresh produce and delicious flavours make Thailand a foodie’s paradise.
After an amazing weekend, it was time to bid farewell to Koh Tao. We headed back to the port and took a high-speed catamaran to Koh Samui. The good news? We’re going back in a couple of weeks!
Some Tips About Our Trip:
Dive Shop: We used Sairee Cottage Diving. Prices for dives are listed on their website, and they offer PADI certifications.
Hotel: Sairee Cottage Resort. Booking dives or certifications here can significantly reduce room costs. It’s not a 5-star resort, but it’s clean and perfectly located. We paid 1,500 baht ($42 USD) per night.
Snorkelling: We booked a full-day tour with Koh Tao Diamond Tour for 550 baht ($15 USD) per person.
Favorite Coffee Shop: Culture Café
ATMs: Several ATMs are available in Sairee. Most restaurants accept only cash or charge between 3.5% to 5% for credit card use. ATMs in Thailand charge 220 baht per transaction in addition to your local bank's fees.
How to get to Koh Tao: We have a post about that here.
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