Visit John-Suwan Viewpoint (Koh Tao)
Presentation John-Suwan Viewpoint
Located in the South of the island, near Freedom Beach, it takes its name from its discoverers Mr. Suwan and his friend Mr. John. Climbing to the top of John-Suwan Viewpoint on Koh Tao cannot be done by car or scooter. There is a path from the Freedom Beach car park. The ascent is not very difficult despite its slightly rougher passages where ropes are arranged to help you climb. Actually, as for me, it is more during the descent that you are most at risk of falling. It must also be a bit slippery in rainy weather. Count around 15-20 minutes to walk from the car park to the summit.
At the top, there is a fairly wide view, only partly blocked by trees. On the right, there is the sunrise on Shark Bay (Tian Og Bay). The sunset can also be watched from there but it is on the less practical part to enjoy the view. John Suwan Viewpoint is surprisingly still not that known to tourists and relatively uncrowded. When I went up there at dawn, yet in peak season, there was just another couple. It seems to be more crowded during the day. 11am, being the rush hour apparently.
Although the John-Suwan Viewpoint climb is quite short, take water with you! And avoid flip flops. Wear real shoes.
Practical information about John-Suwan Viewpoint
Entry to the Freedom Beach and John Suwan Viewpoint area costs THB 50. There is a small counter to collect the entrance fee on the car park. But if you go up to the top of the John Suwan Viewpoint for sunrise, like I did, it will be way too early for anyone to ask you to pay it. It seems, according to my information, that before 9am, there is no one to collect the 50 THB but if you are asked for them, don't be surprised! This price also allows you to enjoy Freedom Beach.
How to get to John-Suwan Viewpoint ?
Coming by scooter or car to John Suwan Viewpoint from Sairee Beach takes about 15 minutes. It is actually the time to get to Freedom Beach because the rest of the way to the viewpoint has to be done on foot. You can ask pickups, which are Koh Tao taxis, to drop you off there, wait for you, while you climb the viewpoint and bring you back. The price will depend on your negotiating skills. I can't tell you the exact price as I negotiated a whole 4-hour tour for 1,000 THB (there were 4 of us).
Find John-Suwan Viewpoint on GoogleMap
