If you’re looking for a hike that will give you panoramic views of Koh Tao’s east and west coasts, West Coast Viewpoint and Tanote Peak are the perfect combination.
Located in the center of the island, these two epic Koh Tao viewpoints are just a five-minute walk away, offering completely different views.
On one side, Tanote Peak offers sweeping views of the east coast and Tanote Bay and Aow Leuk Beach below, while on the other, West Coast Viewpoint opens up the west side of Koh Tao for sunset views of Sairee and Mae On the Haad.
Most of the way is accessible by motorbike, up to Two View Restaurant.After walking the two viewpoints, here is my guide to complete two of my favorite Koh Tao hiking trails.
Overview and what you need to know
The two viewpoints are very easy to walk and are accessible within about five minutes of each other via a well-maintained private trail maintained by the Two View restaurant.From the restaurant, I recommend taking the route to Tanote Peak first (perfect for golden hour on the east coast) followed by West Coast Lookout for Sunset on the western horizon.
- The distance2 km (1.2 mi) round trip with two viewpoints
- Duration:40 minute walk back
- Height increase. Total profit less than 100m
- Difficulty: Easy
- Entrance fee100 THB (pay at Two View Restaurant, includes a free drink) Private trail and views are required even if you don’t stop at the restaurant.
- Best time to visitSunset (West Coast Lookout), Sunrise (Tanote Peak)
- Amenities:Restaurant, bar, toilets and observation deck at Two View
- Access:Motorcycle access up to two views on a mostly sealed concrete road with a manageable unsealed section at the end
How to get to the Trailhead in two looks
There are two ways to get there trailhead at Two View Restaurant:
- A longer routeDrive up the steep mountain road next to the Monsoon Muay Thai gym in Sairi, then walk a little over 1km up the unsealed road to the restaurant.
- Suggested routeDrive to Two View via the Love Koh Tao access road from Tanote Bay Road.
For an easier, faster route.
- From Sairee, head towards Koh Tao Animal Clinic (same road as Blacktip Cowork and Ice Bath/Sauna). Continue on this road for 2.4 km until you see a left turn with a sign for “Love Koh Tao”.
- This concrete road is steep but manageable, not as intense as the routes to Top Point or Grape View hikes.
- Follow the winding concrete road to a large reservoir next to the Love Koh Tao Viewpoint, which offers a great view of Tanote Bay.
Continue around the reservoir to the right to reach two views.The road here becomes loose and sandy, so be careful especially after rain. Follow this bumpy road up a hill about 500 meters to reach two viewpoints.
The West Coast Viewpoint and Tanote Peak trails are to the right of the restaurant, but be sure to pay 100 THB entry fee at the restaurant (includes a complimentary drink, excluding beer).
My experience hiking to Tanote Peak and West Coast Viewpoint
The trail here is easy to follow and the owner of Two View Restaurant was incredibly friendly and gave us directions and tips for each viewpoint.
We set off on a wide trail that climbs slightly before flattening out all around 300 meters. Here we spotted two large boulders marking the West Shore lookout.Since it was late afternoon, we wanted to catch the golden hour light on the east shore, so we continued up the fork to the right towards Tanote Peak.
The trail to Tanote Peak is a bit steep but easily manageable and we reached the top just after that 500 metersor about five minutes of steady walking.
Along the way we noticed piles of rocks left by previous hikers. this is Tanote Peak.
Views from Tanote Peak
Tanote Peak offers a spectacular view to the south with sweeping views of Koh Tao’s east and southeast coasts.
This would be the place perfect for sunrise With panoramic views of Tanote Bay and Aow Leuk Beach below.
On a clear day we could even make out Koh Phangan and Koh Samui in the distance.According to my Garmin, the peak is about 350 meters above sea level, making it one of the highest viewpoints on the island.
After about 40 minutes of soaking, and as the sun dipped below the horizon, we headed back to watch the sunset over the West Coast Viewpoint.
Continuing to the West Bank Lookout
After soaking in the views of Tanote Peak, we doubled back down the same path for about five minutes until we reached a short trail that led to a gap between two huge boulders.
These rocks lean against each other, with a third, smaller boulder hanging in between, creating a natural “doorway” to the view as you cross the gap.
The West Shore Lookout turned out to be one of my favorite vantage points on Koh Tao.The platform is a large, flat rock that can comfortably fit dozens of people, although there were only a few other travelers there when we arrived.
The sunset view here is incredible. you can see a panoramic view of Koh Nan Yuan, Sairee Beach, Mae Haad and most of the West Coast as the sun dips below the horizon.
We spent the last hour of daylight here watching the sun slip behind the clouds before heading back to Two View for our complimentary drink.
I hope you enjoyed this Koh Tao hiking guide to two of my favorite aspects of the island.
Check out my guide to the best things to do on Koh Tao for unique adventures and hidden gems you won’t want to miss.