Ao Hin Wong Bay: The Iconic Hippie Beach In Koh Tao Thailand
Ao Hin Wong is whimsical, ethereal and enchanting. The beach is secluded and rocky with large boulders extending into the sea protecting the bay. This Koh Tao Beach, which is Mike’s favourite on the island, is known for crystal clear water, vibrant coral reefs and a relaxed hippie-ish vibe.
Unlike other tourist beaches Ao Hin Bay is slightly off the beaten path on the east side of the island, meaning you can escape the crowds of some more well known places. However Ao Hin Bay is small meaning we advise you arrive early to have this place all to yourself.
Read on to discover our complete guide on Ao Hin Wong Koh Tao which includes how to get there and what to expect when you arrive.
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Where Is Ao Hin Wong
Ao Hin Wong Bay is on the east coast of Koh Tao island in Thailand. From the main town and tourist hub of Sairee Beach, it is only a 10-minute drive making this beach easy to get to.
How To Get To Ao Hin Wong Koh Tao
The easiest way to get around Koh Tao is to rent a scooter, not only will this take you to Ao Hin Wong Bay but it will allow you to explore all the other nooks and crannies the small island has to offer.
You can hire a scooter for 200 THB per day, we hired ours from Island Travel Scooters however there are lots of other places plus most accommodations can sort rentals as well.
From Sairee Beach the scooter ride takes 10-minutes, you will follow the main road across the island and down to the parking area for the bay. We left our scooter at the top of the hill then walked down to the beach which took less than a minute. When we visited there were no parking or entrance fees. We did however see a booth with a 20THB sign that no one was in during our time at the bay.
If you don’t want to walk then you could hire a taxi or the walk from Sairee Beach would take just under an hour.
What To Expect At Ao Hin Wong Bay
As you walk down to Ao Hin Wong Bay you will be greeted by Hin Wong Restaurant, one of two quirky restaurants on the beach. These are decorated with all things imaginable, old fishing buoys, feathers, nets, rope and scattered throughout the walkway down to the small crescent of sand are handmade goods for sale including rings, painted driftwood and leather creations.
When we got down to the little bay we saw only a handful of other travellers soaking up the sun, a nice contrast to the busier west coast. From here you can head straight out into the water and explore some of the best snorkelling Koh Tao had to offer!
You can also explore the boulders to the right of Hin Wong Restaurant. Here it’s quiet and scheduled with a beautiful view over the ocean. We explored here first, watching the local fisherman before heading through the restaurant and down to Ao Hin Wong beach.
What To Do At Ao Hin Wong
Snorkelling & Swimming
Ao Hin Wong has some of the best snorkelling on the island. As you enter the water colour fish will surround you but we recommend you carry on out and to the right (south) to see the best of the coral reefs.
The marine life here is abundant, with plenty of colourful fish, parrotfish, and even the occasional blacktip reef shark or stingray.
The water at Hin Wong Bay is deep and ideal for swimming. However, if you want to admire the anemones, colourful fish, and schools of sardines without swimming as far as we did, you can always rent a kayak.
Kayaking
From the beachfront restaurants you can hire a kayak to explore the bay and take you to the best snorkelling spots.
If you’ve already explored the southern end of the bay head north to another incredible snorkelling spot.
Sunbathing
The strip of sand or rather coral on Ao Hin Wong bay is small and can be a little crowded if you arrive at midday, however if you beat the crowds you can soak up the sun in one of the most picturesque little bays all by yourself.
As the bay faces east, Ao Hin Wong is a great place to watch the Koh Tao sunrise and the morning is the best time to sunbathe and enjoy the warmth the sun brings. As the sun starts to dip we recommend heading back to Sairee Beach for the best view of the sunset.
Exploring
Snorkelling isn’t the only exploration that can be done here. Ao Hin Wong beach is full of things to look at, explore and discover. We followed one of the many signs leading to a viewpoint, which took us up an old staircase inside a rustic wooden hut. At the top, we found a cosy outlook post with bean bags, perfect for relaxing and taking in the view.
Fishing
The massive boulders lining the shore provide an excellent natural fishing platform, making this a great spot for anglers. We watched the local fishermen cast their lines here, although we didn’t see anyone make a catch. If you’re keen to give it a go, bring your own gear, as there aren’t any rental options nearby.
Shopping
If you’re a beachbum and a shopaholic you may well never leave. The boardwalk down to the front is lined with loads of handmade goodies. Our favourite items were the decorated driftwood with painted fish but they also had rings, necklaces and leather bags for sale.
Restaurants
You can find two restaurants at Ao Hin Wong Beach, Freedom Bar and Hin Wong Restaurant. Freedom Bar offers cocktails, fresh coconuts as well as traditional Thai food, whereas Hin Wong Restaurant is known for delicious coffee.
Best Places To Stay Near Ao Hin Wong
Hin Wong Apartments Dive & Snorkel Resort is just a stone's throw away from Ao Hin Wong Bay and the abundance of marine life. The resort offers private rooms as well as dormitories for solo travellers of people on a budget. You can also hire snorkelling gear or boat plus they have an onsite restaurant.
Best Tours In Koh Tao
Final Thoughts on Ao Hin Wong
This hippie haven is not to be missed on your visit to Koh Tao Island. One of our favourite beaches in Thailand, we loved its unique vibe, decorations, and rich marine life. At the moment, Hin Wong Beach still feels like a hidden gem, with few visitors making the journey. However, we can see this changing, so we recommend visiting while it still retains its rustic, quiet, and mystical charm.
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