Good to know
Everything you need before arriving on Koh Tao — getting here, the villas, what to bring, and what to expect. Still have a question? Just message us.
Getting here
Most guests fly from Bangkok to Chumphon or Koh Samui and then take the ferry across — the Chumphon route is the shortest crossing and the gentlest if you're prone to seasickness. Tell us where you're travelling from and we'll book the flights, ferries, and transfers for you, then meet you at the pier.
We arrange pick-up and drop-off at the Koh Tao pier, so your transfers are taken care of. Just send us your ferry details when you book and we'll be there.
No. LUM looks after your airport, ferry, and island transfers, and we're glad to arrange a taxi or longtail boat whenever you'd like to explore. If you'd prefer your own wheels, we'll deliver a scooter to the villa — just ask.
The island
LUM is on the Sai Nuan hillside on the secluded west coast of Koh Tao, Thailand — about three minutes from the nearest beach and around ten minutes from the main pier, facing the sunset over the sea.
January to April is the driest and sunniest. May to September is warm with the odd short shower. October to December is the rainier monsoon window. The sunsets are lovely year-round — share your dates and we'll be honest about what to expect.
Bring some cash. Many of the smaller restaurants and shops on Koh Tao are cash-only, and island ATMs charge around 220 baht per withdrawal. We're happy to point you to the best places to withdraw before you arrive.
Yes. Koh Tao is a relaxed, friendly island and most guests feel completely at ease. As anywhere, a little common sense goes a long way — and we're only a message away the whole time you're here.
Most guests find three to five days about right — enough for a couple of dives or snorkel trips, a viewpoint or two, a slow beach day, and a few of those famous sunsets. Give it longer if you're learning to dive, or simply want to switch off properly.
Absolutely. Beyond the diving there's snorkelling straight off the boat, hidden beaches and viewpoints, hiking, kayaking and paddleboarding, Muay Thai, and some of the best sunset spots in Thailand — all of which we're happy to arrange around your stay.
Not at all — Koh Tao is where more people learn to dive than anywhere on earth. An SSI Open Water course runs about 2.5–3 days; you just need to be comfortable in the water (no need to be a strong swimmer), and you can start from age 10. Contact-lens wearers are fine too. Our partner Dive Onda keeps groups tiny and films every session for feedback.
The villas
Each villa has a private pool, an open terrace facing the sunset, and a calm air-conditioned bedroom with warm natural materials. They all share the same layout and the same view over the sea.
Yes — each villa has reliable wifi, so you can log in for work, stream, or video-call home in between swims and sunsets.
Each villa has an in-villa minibar — fine wine, sparkling, refreshments and mixers. There's no kitchen, but we can arrange a breakfast basket to your villa, a sunset drinks set-up, and the best places to eat nearby.
You may spot small geckos and lizards around the villa — they're completely harmless, shy, and a lovely part of the island's scenery (they also help keep the insects away).
Your stay
Yes — LUM is designed for privacy. The villas are set into the hillside and spaced apart, which makes it well suited to couples, honeymoons, and anniversaries.
Absolutely. Many guests come on their own for some me-time — the privacy, the pool, and the sunset make it an easy place to switch off.
Each villa has a single king-size bed, so it's designed for two guests — a couple or a solo traveller. Families are very welcome to book neighbouring villas side by side (they sit close together), so older children can share a villa next to their parents'. However, our villas aren't set up for babies or young children — there are open pools and terraces, and no cots or child bedding. If you're travelling with little ones, message us and we'll happily point you to family-friendly stays on Koh Tao.
Yes — with 20 years on Koh Tao, we can arrange diving, snorkelling, paddleboarding, restaurant bookings for special occasions, scooter hire delivered to your villa, and ferry or bus tickets. Just tell us what you'd like.
LUM is booked directly with us. Message us on WhatsApp or email [email protected] with your dates and we'll take care of the rest.
We reply within minutes on WhatsApp. Or drop us an email and we'll get back to you the same day.