Looking for one of Koh Tao’s best hidden viewpoints?Grandfather Rock Lagoon is spot on.
Above the North Shore, this abandoned view offers epic views over Koh Nan Yuan and, best of all, it’s almost always crowd-free.The steep bamboo deck hike up the giant rock is totally worth it for the peace and panoramic views, no entrance fee, no crowds, just pure Koh Tao views. :
Here’s what you need to know to reach one of Koh Tao’s most secluded hiking lookouts.
Viewpoint: Grandfather Rock Lagoon Viewpoint
There is a road that leads up to the cliff but it is very steep and not recommended for motorbikes unless you are a highly experienced rider.I would suggest hiking instead.This viewpoint is accessible via the same route as the more famous Top Point and Grape View , a little higher.
The views are just as impressive and worth the effort, here’s an overview of the hike to Grandfather Rock Lagoon:
- Walking distance1.8 km (1.1 mi)
- Duration:About 40 minutes
- DifficultyShort but demanding
- Height increase250 m
- Access:Motorcycle (very steep) or hiking (short, concrete path, but steep)
- Best time to visitEarly morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures
How to get to the Grandfather Rock Lagoon Trailhead
Grandfather Rock Lagoon trailhead is the same access road as Top Point, just a little further up the steep road near Dusit Buncha Resort. From Sairee, head north past 7-11 and continue for about 5 minutes (1.1 mile) via Sairee Road.The road is on the right before Dusit Buncha Resort.
The concrete road is easy to miss. look for an unmarked road on the right about 100 meters before the Dusit Buncha Resort motorbike parking lot. If you reach the steep section leading to the resort entrance, you’ve gone too far.
The road starts out pretty flat but gets steep quickly. You’ll see some conflicting signs, some advising you not to ride a motorbike, while others allow it. If you’re on a motorbike, be careful as the incline towards the end is very steep Instead, if you must drive, drive a little further, but park on one of the flat sections before it gets too steep.
My experience hiking to Grandfather Rocks Bay
The first part of the hike to Grandfather Rock Lagoon follows the same winding, steep path as Top Point Viewpoint. It’s a concrete trail to the top, but the incline gets steeper and a bit bumpy as you climb. I wouldn’t want to here after the rain ride a moped. it would be a disaster waiting to happen.
After about 25 minutes of hiking, we reached the Top Point and stopped to drink, enjoy the view and catch our breath. When we were ready, we continued.
- Continue straight past Top Point rock.
- The road soon begins a short descent.
- After a while you’ll pass a fork with an overgrown trail to the right; this leads to Grape View, another great view of Koh Tao if you’re up for it.
- Bear left at the fork where you will see an old sign pointing to Grandfather Rock.
- After about 700 meters (0.4 miles), you’ll come across an abandoned site with a large rock, a wooden ladder next to it, and a decaying bamboo deck above; This is a view of Grandfather Rock Lagoon.
Although there was a tree blocking the ladder, climbing to the top of the rock was easy. However, we noticed that it was quite unstable; remember, this is an abandoned view, visit at your own risk and be careful.
View from Grandfather Rock Lagoon
At the top, a bamboo deck and an old chair on the rock provide a decent perch, although they are a little wobbly, so be careful.From the rock, we got a direct view of Koh Nan Yuan, surrounded by a few trees, though not as direct as Top Point. , or Grape View, it’s still spectacular and there’s no one around.
Plus, the surrounding trees provide some shade, making it a nice place to relax and enjoy the solitude.There’s no entrance fee, no crowds, and no amenities, so be sure to bring your own water and snacks.
We spent about half an hour here taking in the view and flying my drone over to Koh Nan Yuan.
Note: Interestingly, despite the name “Grandfather Rock Lagoon”, there is no real lagoon. maybe an old bar?
The road continues down from the cliff. Although we didn’t go all the way down, it seems to lead all the way to the shore to the rocky, unnamed cove on the NW side of Koh Tao.Let me know if you follow the path and what you find.
Instead, we opted to double back and take the loop trail to Grape View, another great view of Koh Tao.
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.