Visit John-Suwan Viewpoint (Koh Tao)

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.