John Suwan Viewpoint Koh Tao: Top Tips & Photo Spots

If you’re planning on heading to John Suwan viewpoint in Koh Tao, let me let you in on a few essential details first.

One of the most iconic Koh Tao viewpoints, John Suwan is a must-visit when staying on the island. I recommend planning it into your itinerary in the morning, as early as possible.

While the hike to get there is not long, there are definitely a few things to know before you go.

In this article, I’ll cover everything you need to know about visiting John Suwan viewpoint in Koh Tao, including how to get there, what to bring, what time to visit, and where to get the best photos.

Top Tips for Visiting John Suwan Viewpoint, Koh Tao

• Go early in the morning for the best photos
• Don’t forget to bring cash for the entrance fee (100THB per person)
• Wear shoes with some grip – flip flops would be a challenge!
• Apply mosquito repellent before you begin hiking
• Follow the guide below to find the best spots for photos
• Bring plenty of water, as there are no facilities along the way

How to Hike to John Suwan Viewpoint Koh Tao

Below is a Google Maps location of the car park and the start of the trail to John Suwan viewpoint. It’s about a 20-minute hike up a steep rocky trail to reach the viewpoint from here.

You can easily get to the car park if you’ve hired a scooter, and scooter parking is included in the price of the entrance fee.

If you haven’t hired a scooter, you could catch a taxi to the car park instead.

Taxis can be expensive on Koh Tao, and hiring a scooter is generally cheaper than the cost of a one-way taxi fare. However, if the scooter is not an option for you, you can ask your accommodation to arrange a taxi for you.

Alternatively, you could consider a private tour of the island, like this one, which also includes stops at some of the other famous viewpoints on the island. See prices and availability here.

Once you have parked your scooter or arrived at the car park, you’ll need to pay the entrance fee of 100 THB per person. Only cash is accepted, so ensure you bring enough.

If you arrive before 9 am, the attendants might not be there, meaning you don’t have to pay.

From the entrance, head left away from the hotel, following the signs to John Suwan Viewpoint.

You’ll walk up a short path, then down a small hill, before there’s a gate on your left. It looks like this:

Head through the gate and begin following the path up through the jungle.

It’s worth mentioning that the hike to John Suwan Viewpoint is not a long one, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy.

The path is steep and rocky in parts, and you’ll need good fitness and mobility to manage the climb.

In some parts, there are ropes to help you pull yourself up, but in others, you’ll need to use tree roots and rocks to scramble up.

After a few minutes, you’ll reach a small clearing on your left with two large boulders. Beyond it, palm trees and a stunning sapphire sea.

This is a fantastic photo opportunity, so take the chance to drink some water and snap some pictures here:

The path to the top from here is fairly straightforward, and it’s difficult to lose your way. If you’re not sure which way to go, look out for bits of rope up on the trail ahead. That’s a good indication you’re still heading in the right direction. 

At the top, you’ll squeeze between two large boulders to emerge at the viewpoint.

There’s not a huge amount of space, so just be mindful of where you’re standing and try to make way for other travellers.

What to Bring

• Closed-toe shoes/hiking sandals
• Lots of water
• Mosquito repellent
• Sunscreen
• Camera/smartphone
• Thai Baht in cash for the entrance fee

Good Restaurants Near John Suwan Viewpoint

If all that hiking worked up an appetite, there are some fantastic restaurants nearby. We had brunch at KoPPee Espresso Bar and Restaurant after visiting the viewpoint and it was 10/10!

I definitely recommend it if you’re in the market for breakfast, but it’s also a beach club, so you could easily grab lunch here too.

Opposite, Asia Mood is often recommended as one of the best restaurants on the island, so if you’re there around lunch or dinner time, definitely see if you can try and grab a table.

If you’re looking for a bar for a sunset cocktail, head straight to High Bar, which is minutes from the viewpoint. Be sure to get there well before sunset to secure a good seat!

Other Things to Do Near the Viewpoint

If you’re looking for stunning beaches to cool off at after your hike to the viewpoint, you’re in luck. Access to Freedom Beach is included in the price of your entrance, so it’s definitely worth checking out first.

Freedom Beach is very quiet, with just idyllic white sand and azure waters to keep you company.

Nearby Shark Bay has a little bit more going on and is an incredibly popular spot for snorkelling. It gets its name from the black tip reef sharks that like to hang out here, but don’t worry, they don’t bite!

On the Rock beach is also a tiny little cove next to Shark Bay with excellent snorkelling and a cool little beach bar, so maybe worth checking out too.

FAQs

How long does it take to climb John Suwan Viewpoint?

The hike up from the small car park at Freedom Beach to the John Suwan viewpoint takes about 20 minutes. It is a steep, rocky ascent, and you’ll need shoes with a decent grip – it’ll be tricky in flip-flops. It takes about the same amount of time to walk back down, and there are ropes along the way to help you navigate the steeper sections of the trail.

Can you drive to John Suwan viewpoint?

You cannot drive directly to John Suwan viewpoint, however, you can get to the car park and then hike the rest of the way on foot. It takes around 20 minutes to reach the top from here, and you’ll need a reasonable level of fitness to manage the climb. Try to go early in the day to avoid the intense heat and humidity levels of the late afternoon.

What is the best time to visit John Suwan viewpoint?

The best time to visit John Suwan viewpoint is early in the morning, ideally at sunrise or shortly afterwards. Although the hike is short, it is a steep uphill climb, which can be challenging in the midday heat and humidity. In terms of the best time of year to visit, you’ll want to try and head to Koh Tao in the dry season, which runs from December to April.

How do you hire a scooter in Koh Tao?

There are loads of scooter hire places in Sairee – the main beach resort on Koh Tao, although you will find most hotels and accommodation providers also offer the service. We hired a scooter from our hotel, Koh Tao Heritage Hideaway, and we were able to use our passport for insurance, as opposed to a large cash deposit.  

Where is the best place to stay in Koh Tao?

If you’re looking for a little nightlife and things to do in the evening, the best place to stay in Koh Tao is in or near Sairee Beach, which is the main town on the island. We stayed at Koh Tao Heritage Hideaway which is a short, 5-minute scooter ride from Sairee, and I can definitely recommend this hotel! It had a gorgeous infinity pool, spacious bedrooms with sea views and a dreamy jungle vibe.

How to get to Koh Tao

Koh Tao doesn’t have an airport, so you’ll most likely have to catch a ferry there from a neighbouring island like Koh Samui. Koh Samui has an international airport with connections to Bangkok and other major cities in the region.