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John Suwan Viewpoint In Koh Tao – A Complete Guide

John Suwan Viewpoint Koh Tao is by far the best viewpoint on the island. So with tourists flocking to capture an iconic photo, here’s all you need to know.

How To Get To John Suwan Viewpoint

John Suwan Viewpoint Koh Tao is accessible from the same car park as Freedom Beach and Taa Toh Bay, on the southern most point of the island.

If you’re looking for transport to and from Koh Tao, it’s best to pre-book all of your Lomprayah transfers.

To reach John Suwan Viewpoint it’s a mediocre walk up to the top, and takes around 20 minutes in total.

We stayed at the Northern end of Sairee Beach, the tourist hub of Koh Tao, and rented scooters for 150 Baht per day.

The drive from Sairee Beach to John Suwan Viewpoint Koh Tao took roughly 15 minutes.

For those short on time, or that prefer everything to be organised for them, there are some awesome tours on Get Your Guide available to book in advance.

John Suwan Viewpoint Entrance Fee

Entrance: 50 Baht per person.

John Suwan Viewpoint Opening Times

Monday – Sunday: 9am to 7pm.

Best Time To Visit John Suwan Viewpoint

The best time to visit Koh Tao is between the months of December and April, when the weather is most settled and perfect for visiting the all the popular destinations.

The hottest month of the year is June, with temperatures reaching 33°c.

Climbing up to the John Suwan viewpoint is probably better early or late in the day. This is due to the fact that the heat and humidity will be lower at these times.

Although it can get quite busy at the top, as it’s becoming more and more popular amongst tourists, it’s undeniably worth the visit!

What To Pack

Photography Camera

Tripod

Day Bag

Power Bank

Reusable Water Bottle

Sunscreen

Lightweight Rain Jacket

Quick Dry Towel

GoPro

Lifeproof Phone Case

Dry Bag

John Suwan Viewpoint Koh Tao Viewpoints
This way to the John Suwan Viewpoint!

What To Expect At John Suwan Viewpoint

John Suwan Viewpoint is easily the most well known Koh Tao Viewpoint available to the public as well as one of the best things to do in Koh Tao.

The viewpoint is said to get its name from the local landowners who first discovered it – Mr Suwan and his friend John.

It’s a small hike to the summit, taking around 15-20 minutes in total and the trek is of fairly mediocre level. However, the real battle though, is against the heat and humidity! 

When you arrive at the car park to John Suwan Viewpoint, which is also the car park for Freedom Beach and Taa Toh Bay, there are no real directions.

So, if you head towards the Freedom Beach sign, you’ll see a fork in the road and you simply bear left.

There will be a couple of ladies about 200m up waiting to collect your 50 Baht and point you in the right direction.

When you eventually reach the peak of John Suwan Viewpoint Koh Tao we guarantee you won’t be disappointed.

Overlooking both Chalok Baan Kao Bay and Shark Bay, the view goes on for miles and is one of the best viewpoints in the South Thai islands.

In addition, if you are a keen photographer, this really is a photographers paradise with some spectacular colours and scenery waiting to be captured.

So just pull up a pew and take it all in!

John Suwan Viewpoint Koh Tao Viewpoints
Lauren getting stuck into the rocks on the way up
John Suwan Viewpoint Koh Tao Viewpoints
And we made it…the views from the top of John Suwan Viewpoint Koh Tao
John Suwan Viewpoint Koh Tao Viewpoints
Jira snapping away at the top of the Koh Tao Viewpoint
John Suwan Viewpoint Koh Tao Viewpoints
A moment to cherish at the peak of John Suwan Viewpoint

Where To Stay In Koh Tao

Luxury

The Place Luxury Boutique Villas

The Place Luxury Boutique Villas offers one-bedroom villas in Ko Tao, 2.6 miles from Mango Bay.

Guests have access to free WiFi in all areas. Private parking is available for those who drive and is free of charge. 

Featuring a dining area at its spacious terrace, the villa boasts a fully-equipped kitchen where guests can find a wide-range of cooking equipment.

The air-conditioned bedroom offers a direct access to the outdoor infinity pool where guests can indulge in while enjoying the mountain and beach views.

Premium shower amenities are provided for guests’ comfort. The living room includes a flat screen TV and a DVD player for entertainment. Free use of bicycles is available for guests to explore the city.

Mid-Budget

Simple Life Cliff View Resort

Located in Ko Tao, less than 0.6 miles from Mae Haad Pier, Simple Life Cliff View Resort provides accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, a seasonal outdoor swimming pool and a bar.

With free WiFi, this 3-star resort offers a private beach area and room service. The resort has a garden and offers a terrace. 

A continental breakfast is available daily at the resort.

Budget

Tommy Resort Koh Tao

Tommy Resort Koh Tao is located between Mae Had Bay and Sai Ree Bay, 100 yards away from a beach.

Offering clean and comfortable bungalow, the resort has a tour desk and motorbike rental services.

Free Wi-Fi is available in the lobby area and on-site parking is provided. 

The property is a 5-minute walk to a local market, restaurants and a spa centre. It is 10 minutes from Nangyuan Island by a speedboat and 1.5 hr from Ko Phangan by a ferry.

For more places to stay in Koh Tao, you can click here for the latest on Booking.com.

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