Koh Tao
Also known as: Ko Tao
Island and sea views; beaches; giant granite boulder field
The climbing
What there is to climb at Koh Tao, and whether a mixed-ability group can split up here.
80+ bolted sport routes; 200+ boulders island-wide
James and the Giant Peach (V11, Secret Garden); Muay Thai Te Khao (6c); Titan (6c); Cyclops
Mek's Mountain, Golden View, Jansom Bay, Lang Khai (sport); Secret Garden (boulder); Tanote Bay multi-pitch
Island crags via scooter/short walks; good mix for varied groups
Rock & setting
Granite boulders and slabs; coastal stainless bolts suspect near sea
Granite slabs, friction, crimps; bouldering, sport, some trad, multi-pitch (Poseidon 8-pitch)
Varies; Golden View panoramic and exposed
Relaxed dive-and-party island; crags generally uncrowded
Season & conditions
Jan-Sep (Gulf); wettest Oct-Dec
Feb-Apr
Climb-and-dive combos; panoramic Golden View
NE monsoon Oct-Dec (Gulf of Thailand); heat and humidity year-round
Approach & gear
Some crags have sensitive access; contact Koh Tao Climbing Club before climbing. Confirm.
Permits and operators change - confirm before booking.
Short approaches from roads/beaches; varies by crag
Ferry from Chumphon, Surat Thani or Koh Samui; night boat option
Rope and draws for sport; bouldering pads; trad rack for lines; helmet; good island signal
Island resorts, hostels and bungalows
Climbing shops, small indoor bouldering wall, full island amenities
Bolting & safety
Thaitanium Project rebolting with titanium near coast; some old stainless suspect. Confirm.
Suspect coastal bolts, granite friction/heat, sea-cliff exposure
Not required; island shops offer lessons and rentals
Island clinics; mainland hospitals via ferry
This profile is desk research, compiled from public sources - not a first-hand crag report. Coordinates are approximate.