For one of the best views of Koh Nan Yuan and the north coast of Koh Tao, Grape Viewpoint is worth the walk.
Located on the northwest corner of Koh Tao, this spot was once just a stone lookout, but is now a small restaurant and bar with fantastic panoramic views of Koh Nan Yuan. The owner is currently building an access road, although it is unfinished, so I recommend walking up: experience to the fullest.Here’s everything you need to know if you want to hike this trail on Koh Tao instead of riding.
Grape lookout hike. overview
There are three main routes to Grape Viewpoint, but below I will describe the route I took from North Sairee near Dusit Buncha Resort, which passes by Top Point and Grandfather Rock Lagoon combines a steep paved road with a beautiful jungle trail. Here’s a quick overview:
Basic route options:
- Direct road route (The route I took). Follow the road from the Dusit Buncha turnoff, then turn right at the junction, follow for about 2km to the viewpoint.
- Jim’s Bar/Mango Viewpoint RouteStarts near Jim’s Bar and joins the Jungle Trail (approx. 5km in total).
- Green Lookout Jungle RouteSteep path to Green Viewpoint, then turn right into jungle to join Jim’s Bar track.
My route (option 1 above).
- The distance4 km one way
- Height increase400 m
- DifficultyHard (short but very sharp)
- The time1.5-2 hours one way
- Entrance fee. 100 THB per person (with free drink)
- Amenities: Bar, basic Thai food, toilets
On this route, expect the first half of the trail to be steep but paved. The second half follows a jungle trail with some overgrowth and sandy/muddy jungle trails. It’s a steep, rewarding climb and the view at the top makes it all worth it :
How to get to the Vine View Trail on Koh Tao
To start the trek to Grape Viewpoint, head towards the northern end of Sairee. From the main area of Sairee, follow the road north past the 7-11 until the road ends at Dusit Buncha Resort.
However, as you approach the resort, look for an unmarked road that branches off to the right about 100 meters before the Dusit Buncha motorbike parking lot. This is the trailhead that eventually leads to Grape Viewpoint, passing Top Point, another rock lookout in Koh On the Tao.
My Experience Hike to the Grape Viewpoint
The road starts out gently but bends quickly as it curves in. We were tempted to lift the bike up but we knew it was going to be steep and since we were trekking in the monsoon season we didn’t want to get stuck trying to ride the bike up a very steep, slippery road. :
So we set off on foot. The hike to Grape View began along the same route as the route to Top Point and Grandfather Rock Lagoon, the first kilometer or so on a winding concrete road.
The incline went right in and although it wasn’t very intense at first, it quickly turned into a very steep climb.After about 20 minutes we reached Top View and stopped for a drink and enjoyed the view.
Continuing from Top View, we walked along the concrete path for about 200 meters until we came to a fork. Here there was an overgrown signpost indicating the path to the left to Grandfather Rock, then we doubled back to this fork to the Vine Lookout.
Detouring onto the overgrown jungle trail it opened up almost immediately, the first section is flat but then there are some muddy steep sections to climb, nothing too difficult.
The trail continues to climb for a few hundred meters until it reaches the fork.You have to take a left at this fork and you will eventually reach the Summit Viewpoint and the road to Mango Bay.
This last section then turns back into a road which was easily managed and actually descends quite a bit until we reach Grape Viewpoint.
What to expect at Grape Viewpoint?
Grape Viewpoint is an amazing find at the top of a challenging hike.
Like many sights in Koh Tao, the locals have built a nice bar with a spacious deck, comfortable cushions and even a small restaurant run by a friendly owner , it’s worth it for the incredible setting and views.
The main view here is straight across to Koh Nan Yuan with an uninterrupted view perfect for watching the sunset behind the island.
The deck offers panoramic views, not only of Koh Nan Yuan, but also of northern Koh Tao, where lush jungle drops steeply to the deep blue ocean, lined with boulders below.
After enjoying a drink and taking in one of the best views on Koh Tao, you have the option to double back the way you came or take a long detour to the Mango Bay access road, passing some more great view bars.
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.