Koh Tao

Koh Tao remains Thailand’s most affordable diver’s paradise, with Open Water certification averaging 9,800 THB—35% cheaper than the average course on Koh Lipe. The island boasts 28 official dive sites around its granite outcrops, hosting over 200 species of coral and colorful schools of barracuda. Visibility often exceeds 25 meters from March to October, rivaling the clarity of #3 Koh Lipe Sunrise Beach’s snorkeling spots. Beyond diving, the island’s laid-back villages, like Mae Haad, offer street food for under 60 THB. With 600,000 annual visitors, it balances popularity with conservation initiatives, including a reef restoration project that has planted 10,000 coral fragments since 2023.