King Rama V Boulder & Statue

Ko Tao


Long before Ko Tao was inhabited by people, in 1899, King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) visited the island, and as seems to have been a habit of his, he carved his monogram on a huge boulder near Hat Sairee – he did the same at Hat Than Sadet on Ko Pha-Ngan. There is a now a statue of the former Thai monarch near the inscribed boulder, which is venerated by locals and lit up at night.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Ko Tao attractions

1. Ko Tao Temple

0.24 MILES

Next to Ko Tao school, this is the finest Buddhist temple on the island. It is a haven of peace and solitude and boasts a stunning white central building…

2. Mae Hat Bay

0.66 MILES

Mae Hat Bay does not have a great beach, but it's fun clambering over the rocks and boulders at the southern end looking for crabs in all the rock pools…

3. Gallery

0.68 MILES

The only gallery on Ko Tao displays the photography of long term resident Chris Clarke who specialises in capturing the island's stunning night sky,…

4. West Coast Viewpoint

0.86 MILES

This superb viewpoint in the middle of the island affords gloriously sprawling views of the west and northwest of the island from near two large boulders…

5. Chalok Viewpoint

1.36 MILES

Looking out over Ao Chalok Ban Kao, this viewpoint is on the road to Tao Thong Villa that runs west off the road between Mae Hat and Chalok Ban Kao.

6. Ao Tanot

1.49 MILES

With crystal-clear waters and superb snorkelling, pretty Ao Tanot on the east coast also affords excellent rock-jumping opportunities from the huge…

7. Ao Leuk

1.51 MILES

This lovely little sheltered bay with coral reefs on the east coast is a charmer and the snorkelling is excellent for exploring its sandy depths and…

8. Nang Yuan Terrace

1.61 MILES

Come sunset, this terrace across from Ko Nang Yuan in the northwest of the island offers pleasant views over the islands as they are bathed in the crimson…