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Privacy policyChampagne city guide
Ko Tao is a small island in the Gulf of Thailand best known for its clear waters, coral reefs and relaxed island atmosphere. It has a much more laid-back feel than Bangkok or Thailand’s larger resort destinations, but Champagne still fits naturally into the island experience – particularly at sunset, with fresh seafood or after a day spent in the water.
The food scene is a mix of Thai favourites, fresh seafood and international dishes aimed at travellers from around the world. Try tom yum, pad Thai, green curry, som tam, grilled prawns, fresh fish and seafood, as well as tropical fruit and coconut-based dishes. Champagne works especially well with seafood, fried appetisers and dishes with lime, herbs and chilli. A chilled glass alongside a plate of freshly grilled seafood is one of the easiest ways to enjoy Champagne on the island.
Diving and snorkelling are at the heart of Ko Tao. The waters around the island are known for coral reefs and diverse marine life, making it one of Thailand’s best-known destinations for learning to dive. Shark Bay, Tanote Bay and Nang Yuan are among the places worth exploring for swimming and snorkelling, while boat trips provide access to quieter spots around the island.
On land, Ko Tao is all about small beaches, viewpoints and jungle-covered hills. Walk between the bays, hike to a viewpoint for a sunset panorama or spend a slow afternoon on the beach. Sairee Beach is the island’s main social centre, with restaurants, casual bars and a lively atmosphere after dark, while other parts of the island offer a quieter escape.
Ko Tao is not a destination for a large Champagne scene, but that is part of its appeal. Here Champagne is more about the moment – a sunset, a seafood dinner, a special occasion or simply a chilled bottle after a day in the sea.
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Add a spotFebruary to April is generally one of the driest periods on Ko Tao, while July and August can also offer good conditions for island travel. The Gulf of Thailand has its own weather pattern, with the wetter period generally arriving later in the year. Conditions can vary, so it is worth checking the seasonal weather before planning diving or boat trips.
Go snorkelling or diving, take a boat trip around the island and visit Nang Yuan. Spend time exploring the smaller beaches and viewpoints, then watch the sunset from the coast. Finish the day with fresh seafood and, if the mood calls for it, Champagne.
Try tom yum, green curry, som tam, pad Thai and plenty of fresh seafood. Grilled prawns, fish, squid and other seafood are particularly well suited to Champagne, especially when served with lime, herbs or a little chilli.
Ko Tao’s drinking scene is predominantly casual and beach-oriented, with Champagne more likely to appear in resort hotels, upscale accommodation and special-occasion settings than in a dedicated Champagne scene. Sairee Beach has the largest concentration of restaurants and bars, while quieter beaches are better suited to a relaxed drink with a view.
Thai iced tea, fresh coconut water and tropical fruit shakes are ideal for hot island days. Local beer is popular with casual meals, while Thai rum and cocktails are also part of the island nightlife.
The setting rather than the size of the Champagne scene. Ko Tao offers clear tropical water, beaches, seafood and spectacular sunsets – all the ingredients for enjoying Champagne in a completely different environment from a European wine destination. A bottle shared after a day of diving or snorkelling can become part of the travel experience itself.
