What’s it like to move to and live in Koh Tao, a beautiful island in the Gulf of Thailand?
I visited Koh Tao recently and loved it, but I could also see the effects of tourism. So I’m very excited to do this interview with Doris, who lives on Koh Tao, to find out more about what it would be like to move here.
This interview is part of the Ask an Expat series. In this series I interview people living all over the world but outside of their country of birth. I try to help paint an honest picture of the ups and downs of living abroad, share tips for anyone thinking about moving abroad, and information about the place the expat now lives in.
Living in Koh Tao, Thailand
Name: Doris
Age: 34
Hometown: Salzburg, Austria
Her Story:
“I grew up in Austria, studied my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Salzburg, then worked a nine-to-five office job in research with a stable routine and planned my life well in advance.
In 2017, during a trip through Thailand, I ended up on Koh Tao because I wanted to scuba dive; it was the main reason I came here.
It wasn’t my first dive here that changed everything, but my first whale shark. Seeing it underwater was magical and incredible. That moment put everything into perspective and gave me a sense of calm I had never experienced before.
What was meant to be a three-day stop turned into a year-long stay.
Koh Tao did not just introduce me to great diving, it introduced me to a lifestyle that felt lighter, slower, and more aligned with what I actually wanted from life.”
Why Did You Move to Koh Tao?
“I originally came to Koh Tao for diving. It is one of the best places in the world to learn and dive regularly, and that was my main motivation from the start.
At the same time, Koh Tao felt very different from other places in Thailand, especially back in 2017. It was less developed and less touristy, and it had a special charm.
The diving lifestyle here is simple and repetitive in a good way. Dive, eat, rest, repeat.
Over time, the community became just as important. There is a strong mix of foreigners and Thai people who genuinely interact and support each other. That combination of diving, lifestyle, and community is what made me stay far longer than planned.
After my first year, I went back to Europe during COVID and returned to my old job and routine. When I came back the second time, the plan was to travel Asia, start in Koh Tao, stay for one season, and then move on. That was three years ago. Now Koh Tao is my home base. I live here and travel from here to other places, which feels like the perfect balance for me.”
What Do You Like About Living in Koh Tao?
“Koh Tao is a small tropical island, and it is incredibly beautiful.
You are surrounded by the ocean, with clear water, green jungle, and beaches all around. The weather is good most of the year, and diving and snorkeling are always close by. Being able to step into the water so easily is something I never take for granted.
The island is small, and that alone changes how you live. You can get anywhere within minutes. Life naturally slows down.
Power cuts happen, and nobody panics. Sometimes there is no electricity for hours, and that is normal here. It humbles you. Things feel far less urgent than they do in Europe or North America. Your schedule is not planned weeks in advance. You live more day by day.
You also don’t need much. The weather makes life simple. You do not need many clothes or many possessions. It is a relaxed way of living that quietly shifts your priorities and reminds you what actually matters.”
What Do You Dislike About Living in Koh Tao?
“The crowds are the hardest part for me.
Overtourism is very real, especially since COVID. At certain times of year, the island feels overwhelmed, and it loses some of its charm. Party tourism has increased a lot, and that can be difficult to watch.
Monsoon season is another big challenge. Some years are manageable, but bad years are very rough. There can be flooding, frequent power cuts, and sometimes no internet or phone signal for days. Ferries stop running, streets flood, and you can feel completely cut off from the outside world. Being stuck indoors with nonstop rain and no electricity can be mentally exhausting.
Healthcare is another downside of island life. Medical care on Koh Tao is very basic. For anything serious, you need to leave the island, which is not always possible during bad weather. It is something you have to accept and be prepared for when choosing to live here long-term.”
Also Read: Things to Consider Before Moving to Another Country
Is Koh Tao Safe as a Place to Live?
“Yes, Koh Tao is very safe overall. I have always felt safe living here.
The biggest risk is traffic. Many tourists rent motorbikes without knowing how to ride on Asian roads. Accidents are common.
Healthcare on the island is very basic, which makes this especially important to consider.”
Is Koh Tao Expensive as a Place to Live?
“That depends entirely on your income. On a Thai salary, Koh Tao is very expensive. On a Western salary, it is more manageable, but still not cheap compared to many other parts of Thailand.
Thai food is affordable, but imported products are expensive. Even cooking Western meals at home costs you more than eating out. Pasta with tomato sauce, my go-to budget meal as a student, feels like a real treat here because the ingredients are imported and pricey.
Rent has become a serious issue. In the last three years, rental prices have doubled. The rise of digital nomads living here on Western salaries has pushed prices up significantly.
Many locals struggle to afford living here now, and even some Westerners do. Living alone is difficult without a good income. Sharing accommodation makes it easier.”
What Is Your Favorite Thing to Do in Koh Tao?
“Diving, without question. That is the reason I came to Koh Tao in the first place and the reason I stayed. Being underwater clears my head and puts things into perspective in a way nothing else really does.
Outside of diving, I love snorkeling and spending time at the beach. On days when I am not diving, I am happiest in or near the water.
Sai Daeng Beach is one of my favorite spots because it feels calmer and more local. Aow Leuk is more touristy, but it is also an amazing place to snorkel. You can regularly see baby sharks there, which is always an incredible experience.”
Any Favorite Bars and Restaurants in Koh Tao?
For bars, my favorite is Fizz Beach Club. It has great drinks and incredible sunsets at Sairee Beach. I also really enjoy going to the pub quiz at Chopper’s Sports Bar. It is more local, less touristy, and a nice way to connect with people who actually live on the island.
When it comes to food, Coconut Monkey is my favorite breakfast spot and my go-to place on a day off. It is relaxed, consistent, and feels like a proper island morning.
For Thai food, I always come back to Chuchu and YinYang. The food is consistently good, uncomplicated, and feels like authentic Thai food rather than something made for tourists.
For Western food, Barracuda Rooftop is my top choice. It’s more of a special occasion place for me. The setting is beautiful, the food feels elevated, and it is where I go when I want a proper sit-down dinner and something a bit more refined.”
What Is the Expat or International Community Like in Koh Tao?
“The international community here is strong and welcoming.
Because diving is such a big part of life on the island and most Thai locals don’t dive, there is a large community of international dive professionals.
At the same time, only a few people stay long-term. Many come for a season or a year and then move on. That means frequent goodbyes and constant change. Over time, you learn to value and hold on to the people who stay.”
Is Koh Tao Home to You?
“Yes, Koh Tao is home, and it always will be. At the same time, I have traveled enough to realize that home is no longer just one place for me. I have a few places around the world that feel like home in different ways.
On Koh Tao, I do have a small core group of people who stayed, and that matters a lot. In a place where so many people come and go, having a few constant friendships gives you stability and helps you feel grounded.”
Any Tips for Moving To or Living in Koh Tao?
“Be clear about why you are coming and what you expect from life here. Koh Tao can be an incredible place, but it’s not an easy one, especially if you plan to work in diving.
Life as a dive professional is often financially challenging, and many people struggle to cover their basic costs, particularly in low season.
Healthcare is something you really need to think about before moving here. Medical care on the island is basic, and good health insurance is expensive but essential. Without it, treatment can quickly become unaffordable.
Tip: For extended travels or living abroad both SafetyWing and WorldNomads are popular, offering reliable travel and health insurance.
The visa situation is also complicated. Even when you want to do everything legally, work permits and business visas in the diving industry are costly and not always straightforward.
Living in Thailand also requires a certain level of flexibility. Things do not always work the way you expect them to, and having some financial buffer makes a big difference. Extra costs come up, plans change, and patience is important.
My honest advice is to come for a season first and see how it feels. Give yourself time to understand the rhythm of the island. If you decide to stay long-term, having a solid financial plan outside of diving makes life here much easier and far less stressful.”
Any Useful Resources for Moving to and Building a Life in Koh Tao?
“Koh Tao works a little differently when it comes to finding information.
Facebook is still the main way people communicate here, and it is where most things happen on the island. Instead of Google, people usually search on Facebook or ask directly in groups.
Facebook Messenger and Facebook groups are essential tools for daily life. Groups for accommodation, buying and selling stuff, and general island news are where you’ll find most information.
The Koh Tao Community Board group is especially useful. Joining these groups early and using the search function can save you a lot of time and confusion.”
Is There Something You Just Have to See or Do When You Are in Koh Tao?
“You have to scuba dive. Koh Tao is the diving island of Thailand, and being underwater here is what makes the place so special.
You should also go snorkeling with baby sharks at Aow Leuk. It is one of those experiences that you will never forget.
And you absolutely have to get a proper coconut oil massage on the beach. It is super relaxing and feels like the best island treat after a long dive day.”
About Doris
Doris is a scuba diving instructor and travel blogger from Salzburg, Austria, based on Koh Tao.
She first came to the island in 2017 to dive and has since built her life around the ocean. Alongside working as a dive instructor, she is also part of the team at the hyperbaric chamber on Koh Tao.
On dorisgonediving.com, Doris shares travel and dive guides for diving destinations, with a focus on experiencing places both underwater and on land. Her guides bring together detailed dive information with realistic logistics, accommodation tips, food spots, and the things worth making time for beyond the water.
About Koh Tao, Thailand
Koh Tao is a small island in the Gulf of Thailand, best known for its laid-back lifestyle and world-class diving. With a permanent population of only around 1,500–2,000 people (plus a steady flow of visitors), it feels intimate and community-driven, especially compared to Thailand’s larger islands.
Life on Koh Tao revolves around the ocean. Many expats move here for diving, or simply to slow down and live closer to nature.
The island is compact enough to get around by scooter, and most daily essentials (cafés, gyms, dive shops, cowork-friendly cafés, and accommodation) are clustered around areas like Sairee Beach, Mae Haad, and Chalok.
Koh Tao doesn’t have an airport, which is part of its appeal, but also something to consider before moving. Most people reach the island by ferry from Koh Samui or Koh Pha Ngan, with Koh Samui being the main transport hub thanks to its airport, international hospitals, and larger supermarkets.
Many expats living on Koh Tao travel to Koh Samui or Koh Pha Ngan for visa runs, medical appointments, shopping, or simply a change of scenery, making all three islands closely connected.
Also Read: Koh Tao vs Koh Samui – Which Island is Best for You?
While Koh Tao is more limited when it comes to infrastructure and healthcare compared to its neighboring islands or the mainland, it makes up for it with a strong expat network, stunning beaches, and a relaxed, outdoors-focused lifestyle.
Koh Tao is especially well-suited for people who value simplicity, community, and island living over convenience and big-city comforts.
Also Read:
- Living in Bangkok – Interview With an Expat
- Living in Chiang Mai – Interview With an Expat
- Is Thailand Safe? 9 Things You Should Know
- Diving the Similan Islands, Thailand – highly recommended!
- Staying at a Resort in Trat, Thailand – My Review
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