Information
Landmark: Ao Leuk BayCity: Koh Tao
Country: Thailand
Continent: Asia
Ao Leuk Bay, Koh Tao, Thailand, Asia
Overview
Tucked away on Koh Tao, Ao Leuk Bay offers soft white sand, clear water you can see straight through, and some of the island’s best snorkeling.While Sairee Beach buzzes with crowds, Ao Leuk stays calm and unhurried, its clear water revealing bright coral and darting fish only a few steps from the sand.This spot sits on Koh Tao’s southeast coast, where turquoise waves brush gently against the sand.It’s just a 10‑minute drive from Mae Haad Pier, close enough to hear the boats coming in.It’s just a 15‑minute drive from Sairee Beach, close enough to still smell the salt in the air.We’re open all day, though the quietest and most inviting time to drop by is between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM.Entry is free, but a few resorts ask 100 THB per person, which covers things like a quick rinse in the showers and a spot on a sunbed.So, why make the trip to Ao Leuk Bay?On Koh Tao, you’ll find one of the best snorkeling spots-a stretch of shallow reef where flashes of yellow and blue fish dart between coral branches.Soft white sand warms your toes, while turquoise water shimmers-perfect for a swim or stretching out in the sun.Quiet and tucked away, this spot sees far fewer people than the busy sands elsewhere on Koh Tao.Perfect for beginners-the gentle, glassy water lets first-time snorkelers ease in without a splash.Top Activities to Try at Ao Leuk Bay-like swimming in crystal-clear water.One of the best places to snorkel on Koh Tao is where the water’s so clear you can count the stripes on a passing fish.You’ll often spot parrotfish nibbling on coral, bright butterflyfish darting past, graceful angelfish gliding by, and the flash of a blue-spotted stingray on the sandy seabed.Now and then, you might spot a reef shark gliding past or a sea turtle drifting lazily through the clear blue water.The best snorkeling’s along the bay’s rocky edges, especially on the right, where the water shimmers over dark stones.Number two.The beach’s gentle slope and crystal-clear water make it perfect for a swim, whether you’re gliding through the shallows or just floating under the warm sun.The white sand feels soft underfoot and looks spotless, perfect for stretching out under the warm sun.Three.Some resorts rent kayaks and paddleboards, letting you glide along the coastline and hear the water slap gently against the hull.Grab a kayak and paddle over to Shark Bay, a nearby snorkeling spot where the water shimmers clear and blue.Number four.At Ao Leuk Grand Hill Resort Restaurant, you can savor fresh Thai and seafood dishes while gazing out at the glittering blue sea.Five.With its calm, deep waters that shimmer like glass, Ao Leuk offers an ideal spot for diving and freediving practice.A few diving schools use it to train beginners, sometimes starting in a warm, shallow pool.The best time to go is in the morning, between 8 and 11, when the beach is quiet and the water’s so clear you can see fish gliding over the coral.Late afternoon, between 4 and 6, brings cooler air and a calm hush, like the quiet just before dinner.Looking for a place near Ao Leuk Bay?The Haadtien Beach Resort, a five‑star escape on Shark Bay’s white sand, is just around the corner.Jamahkiri Resort & Spa offers ocean-view villas where you can wake to the sound of waves, plus secluded spots for snorkeling in clear, blue water.Mid-Range Ao Leuk Grand Hill Resort offers affordable stays and sweeping views of the turquoise sea.Budget Assava Dive Resort offers cozy, affordable bungalows just steps from the water, with diving courses ready to launch from the nearby pier.Ao Leuk Bay’s just a 10‑minute ride from Mae Haad Pier-take a motorbike or taxi along the steep, paved road that winds past palm trees.It’s a 30‑minute walk from Chalok Baan Kao Bay, along a trail shaded by palms and sea breeze.Boat Tour – Most snorkeling trips swing by Ao Leuk Bay, where the water’s so clear you can spot fish darting over the coral.If you love nature, snorkeling, or just want a quiet spot to unwind, Ao Leuk Bay is the place-think clear turquoise water lapping gently at the shore.Its crystal-clear water, darting schools of fish, and jaw-dropping views make it one of Koh Tao’s best-kept secrets.
