Discover Koh Tao – why LGBTQ+ travellers are heading to this far-flung Thai island
You’ve probably been there – eight tabs open, a dozen TikToks saved, and yet somehow your Thailand itinerary is still undecided. Bangkok is on the list, of course. Maybe Chiang Mai. The islands are where it gets tricky, though. Phuket feels too big, Koh Phangan maybe a little too ‘Yoga and organic yoghurt’. But one name keeps popping up again and again: Koh Tao. Could this be your answer?
Located in the Gulf of Thailand, just north of the bigger and better-known Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, Koh Tao is smaller, quieter, and harder to reach, and that’s exactly its charm. Long popular with divers and backpackers, the island has quietly built a reputation among all types of globetrotters looking for a different kind of Thai escape: less about big parties or rainbow-branded resorts, and more about community, connection, and space to just… be.
So what’s bringing more LGBTQ+ travellers to this far-flung island? Let’s dive in (no pun intended).
A sense of belonging
Koh Tao is the kind of island that starts to feel familiar within days, but in the best way possible – especially if you’re staying near Sairee Beach, the island’s main hub of cafés, dive shops, and beach bars. There’s a natural flow to life here, and with so many spots clustered in one walkable stretch, you’ll quickly find yourself recognising faces and falling into casual conversations without even trying.
Many travellers come to Koh Tao on their own, often as part of a longer trip or a personal reset. That solo travel energy gives the island a certain openness. People are around for more than just a quick stop, and there’s an unspoken understanding that everyone’s here for something, even if they’re not quite sure what yet. It’s easy to meet people while waiting for your food at a beach café or gearing up for your first scuba dive, especially with how social the dive schools tend to be.
One of the best places to get PADI certified
Koh Tao has become one of the most popular places in the world to get PADI certified, and it’s easy to see why. PADI, which stands for the Professional Association of Diving Instructors, is the most widely recognised scuba diving certification globally. Once you’re certified, you can dive pretty much anywhere, from coral reefs in the Philippines to shipwrecks in the Mediterranean.
What makes Koh Tao such a hotspot for learning is the combination of calm, shallow waters, thriving marine life, experienced instructors, and affordability. The Open Water Diver course – the most common starting point – usually takes three to four days and includes classroom sessions, shallow dives, and deeper ocean dives to build confidence. Compared to many other destinations, prices here are considerably lower, but the standards are just as high!
Hard to reach (but harder to leave)
The journey to paradise isn’t easy, but sometimes that’s a good thing. Unlike more connected spots like Phuket or Koh Samui, this one takes a bit more effort, which naturally filters out the crowds just looking for the quickest beach fix. What you’re left with is a destination that feels a little more like an enclave, more secluded, and all the more rewarding because of it.
Most travellers reach Koh Tao via ferry, with Lomprayah being one of the most popular and efficient operators. You’ve got two main options: fly to Koh Samui and hop on a ferry from there (roughly 1.5 hours), or take a coach or train from Bangkok to Chumphon, followed by a ferry across the Gulf. The second option is cheaper and can be booked as a combined ticket, but it takes longer – around 8 to 10 hours (yeah, it’s a killer), depending on your route. Remember to pack anti-nausea meds if you’re prone to seasickness. Thank us later.
Laid-back with just enough buzz
Life on Koh Tao moves at a slower pace. The island is small, so you’re never in a rush – whether you’re hopping on a rented scooter to visit one of the scenic viewpoints, discovering a tucked-away beach like Mango Bay or Freedom Beach, trying your hand at Muay Thai, or simply indulging in the sweet art of doing absolutely nothing.
Mornings are best spent with an iced coffee and a Buddha bowl at a beachfront café, while afternoons stretch out with long snorkelling sessions, sunset massages, or just watching the world go by from a hammock. It’s the kind of easy living that feels like self-care in its purest form.
That said, when the sun sets, Koh Tao doesn’t go to sleep. Think beachside cocktails, fire shows, and dancing barefoot in the sand till the early hours. The Koh Tao Pub Crawl also runs several nights a week and is a great way to meet people, though the crowd leans studenty. If your visit lines up right, you might catch one of the island’s jungle parties, held a few times a month, which transform a jungle clearing into a one-of-a-kind dance experience.