Let’s get this out of the way immediately… This island has more beautiful beaches than we can count! However, Freedom Beach Koh Tao is truly one that stuck out to us on our recent trip. The way the massive round boulders surround the light blue waters here is unlike anything else we’ve seen while traveling through Thailand. No wonder this unique landscape is often compared to tropical destinations like Seychelles and the Caribbean! Here are 6 tips to know before your visit to Freedom Beach, epic viewpoints, and why many consider this the best beach on Koh Tao.
How to Get to Freedom Beach Koh Tao
Freedom Beach on Koh Tao is just a quick 10-minute motorbike ride from the main area of Sairee Beach. We decided to rent a motorbike to explore the entire island which was a lot of fun. You can also ask your hotel to call you a taxi to take you here.
Don’t worry about getting a ride on the way back from this Koh Tao beach as it’s actually next to a hotel we talk about more below. You’ll be able to easily call a taxi or ask them to help you get one.
To find this island paradise put in “Koh Tao Relax Freedom Beach Resort” into your phone or offline map!
→ 12 Important Things to Know Before You Go to Koh Tao Thailand
6 Tips for Visiting Freedom Beach Koh Tao
1. See the 360° View First
Before you head to Freedom Beach there is an amazing viewpoint just before the hotel entrance. To get to 360° View pay the 50 Baht entry fee which includes a bottle of water. There is a bar as well but it wasn’t opened at the time of our visit.
Drinks or no drinks, it’s still worth the views! From above you can see the south end of Koh Tao, Chalok Baan Kao Bay, and the famous Shark Bay! Also, if you visit in the daytime you can save your ticket and return for sunset as it’s good for the whole day.
2. Bring Cash & Park at the Bottom of the Hill
After getting an eagle’s eye view of the area it’s time to actually visit the best beach on Koh Tao! One thing you might not know before you go is that it’s actually part of Koh Tao Relax Freedom Beach Resort. From the parking area of the 360 viewpoint, you can drive your bike down the small hill and park in front of the hotel gates.
There is a 50 Baht entry free here as well that gives you access to Freedom Beach Koh Tao, the bathrooms, and waterfront chairs. Just know that if you do want a chair you may want to get there before the afternoon crowds. Also, the price to enter Freedom Beach Koh Tao may fluctuate depending on the season and number of tourists.
3. Walk the Stone Bridges to Freedom Beach Koh Tao
When you first walk through the gates there is a sign guiding you to Freedom Beach Koh Tao on your left… But not so fast! If you’re up for a short adventure take a right down to Taatoh Beach first!
This Koh Tao beach is also beautiful, often overlooked, and less crowded. You can chill here for a bit or head straight around the corner towards Freedom Beach!
On your left, there is a cement walkway that is raised above the water. This unique walking path actually hugs the coast and eventually pops out at Freedom Beach! The pathway is thin and parts of are actually formed by large stone slabs that form a bridge.
The walkway to Freedom Beach on Koh Tao isn’t very wide so be careful when passing others. Also, it’s a good idea not to do this barefoot as it’s a little rocky towards the end.
4. Spend the Afternoon at the Best Beach in Koh Tao
When you first arrive at Freedom Beach Koh Tao (especially if you did the ocean path) you’ll instantly see why it’s one of the best on the island. The soft sands are surrounded by large boulders giving off a secluded feel.
As we walked down through the trees, we immediately saw the ocean sparkling under the afternoon sun. Jumping in the clear blue Koh Tao water was so magical!
If you couldn’t already tell, this is not a beach you want to see quickly and move on from! The snorkeling is great here and it’s also a fun place to relax and just take in the vibe.
There is a restaurant that overlooks the water if you get hungry or want a drink. To the left of Freedom Beach, there is a small sandy cove that a lot of people swim over to as well.
→ What’s Thai Food? 40 Delicious Dishes & Drinks You Must Try!
5. Hike to John-Suwan Viewpoint
Ready for another epic viewpoint?? Either before or after hitting this Koh Tao beach, there is a hike you can check out!
The climb up (literally) is short but super steep and will give you amazing views of the island. Proper shoes are recommended and it can be even more difficult if it’s recently rained.
→ When’s the Best Time to Visit Thailand For Perfect Weather?
6. Stay on Freedom Beach Koh Tao
Yes, you can actually stay at the best beach in Koh Tao! The area is beautiful and we were surprised by how large the hotel grounds were. We had already booked our accommodations otherwise we totally would have spent a couple days at Koh Tao Relax Freedom Beach Resort.
Within walking distance, you’ll have several more incredible Koh Tao beaches. This includes the stunning Chalok Baan Bao Bay which you can see from the 360 viewpoint.
→ Book the Koh Tao Relax Freedom Beach Resort
More Places to Stay on Koh Tao Thailand
Apartment Stay – The Plantation Koh Tao – Set on the far side of Sairee Beach, these apartments are great for travelers looking for a little more space. Ranging from studio to three bedrooms, the Plantation is also a great pick if you are traveling in a group!
Sairee Beach – Blue Tao Beach Hotel – Conveniently located on the main Koh Tao walking street and beach, this hotel is close to all the action. You’ll be surrounded by great restaurants, cafes, bars, and dive centers.
Shark Bay – Jamahkiri Resort – At this resort up in the cliffs overlooking the gorgeous Shark Bay, you’ll be just a quick walk away from some of the most beautiful beaches on the island. Jamahkiri has amazing views, spacious rooms, and you can even splurge for one with a private infinity pool!
Chalok Baan Kao Beach – View Point Resort – This area is great if you want a quiet stay, but to still be a quick motorbike or taxi away from town. There are a handful of beach bars here and you’ll be close to Freedom Beach on Koh Tao!
Budget-Friendly – Budchui Village 2 – If you’re traveling on a budget this is a nice family-run place to stay in Koh Tao. The rooms are very basic, but also large with balconies facing the mountains. It is a few minutes away from the beach. However, you’ll be closer to many delicious local restaurants.
Hostel Life – The Dearly Koh Tao Hostel – Hands down one of the most popular hostels on the island! This spot is inland but just a few minutes by motorbike taxi away from all the best beaches. There is a pool and common area with both dorms and private rooms available.
For more places to stay in Koh Tao you can explore the latest prices here!
Have any questions about Freedom Beach Koh Tao or more of your favorite beaches on the island? Leave us a comment below!
Safe Travels,
Brigitte & Jake
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Thailand Travel Planning
Packing Lists: Find all the inspiration you need with our Amazon packing lists. Including our electronics and camera gear, must-have medical items, and long flight essentials!
Transportation: While traveling through Thailand 12Go is where we find all our ferries, trains, buses, and transfers! You can find everything from island hopping speed boats to the night train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.
Tours: Check out Get Your Guide to find activities all over Phuket! You can find everything from a James Bond island luxury sunset cruise, to Phuket Old Town 15-taster food adventure, and 5-hour island tour!
Flights: We always find our cheap flight deals using Skyscanner and Kayak. That’s how we found flights from Bangkok to Phuket for $12 USD, and Thailand to Vietnam for less than $50!
Accommodation: Compare multiple sites to get to the best deal such as Booking.com and Agoda! Also, Hostelworld should be your go-to source if you’re traveling on a budget.
Travel Insurance: Never travel abroad without protection. We’ve been using SafetyWing for the last few years on the road and they are there when we need them.
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Helpful Thailand Articles
Phuket: 22 Things to Do – Old Town Food Guide – 6 Sunset Spots – Rawai – Elephant Sanctuary – Promthep Cape Sunset – Sunday Night Market – Phuket Old Town – Big Buddha – Renting a Motorbike
Phuket Beaches: 15 Best Beaches – Nai Harn & Yanui – Kata Beach – Kata Noi – Nui Beach
Koh Phi Phi: Ferry from Phuket – 25 Things to Know – Maya Bay Private Tour – 3 Viewpoint Hike – Monkey Beach – Phi Phi Don Boat Tour
Koh Lanta: 10 Things to Do – 8 Best Beaches – One Day Motorbike
Railey Beach: 12 Things to Do – 3 Epic Beaches – Krabi to Koh Phangan
Gulf of Thailand: Koh Phangan 10 Things to Know – Bottle Beach Koh Phangan – Koh Tao 12 Things to Know – Koh Samui
More: Planning Thailand Trip – Koh Lipe – Chiang Mai
We’re Brigitte and Jake! American travel bloggers currently based in Spain. If you can believe it, we started Nothing Familiar way back in 2015 on an Ipad in the Ecuadorian jungle. Ever since, we haven’t stopped traveling! We’ve now been to over 60 countries around the world, with our expertise being Europe and Southeast Asia. We love outdoor adventures, tasting local specialties, and island hopping through tropical destinations. Hopefully, our guides and authentic experiences will inspire you on your own travels!
