John-Suwan, sometimes written Jon-Suwan, is the finest viewpoint on Koh Tao, and arguably one of the best in the Gulf. A short but genuinely steep scramble up a rocky trail at the island's southern end brings you to a bare granite outcrop with views in two directions: on one side the twin bays of Chalok Baan Kao and Thian Og curl below you, and on the other the open sea stretches away. The rock can be slick, so wear proper shoes and take care near the edges, especially with children. A small access fee is usually collected at the trailhead. It is a quick climb, twenty minutes or so each way, which makes it easy to fit around a beach afternoon. Go for sunrise or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat on the exposed rock, and carry water. The view over the two horseshoe bays is the shot that ends up on everyone's camera roll.
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