Koh Tao Island
 Koh Tao Facts
 Koh is "island" in Thai language. Tao means "turtle"
Island size: About 21 km²
Location: Gulf of Thailand, north of Koh Samui
Province: Changwat Suratthani
Distance from Bangkok: About 700 km
Population: About 1,500 (officially)
Koh Tao is a former political prison island!
Important Numbers
Police emergency: 191
Tourist Police - Emergency: 1155
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Info about Koh Tao in Thai language is found here
A printer friendly text version is found here
Book your hotel or bungalow on Koh Tao from here
CHILLIN' ON THE BEACH - Photo by Jens W - Kohsamui.org
Getting There
From Bangkok
Koh Tao is situated about 700 kilometers south of the capital city. There are several options to get to Koh Tao from Bangkok. The cheapest one is by bus or train to Chumpon and then ferry to Koh Tao. The most convenient and fastest way is a flight to Koh Samui, and then a ferry from there to Koh Tao. (See the Samui section for further information).
From Koh Samui
There are several transportation alternatives from the piers on northern Samui. You might take an express boat or a catamaran from there. Tickets can be bought at the pier or in any travel agency on the island. You'll arrive in Mae Haad, which nowadays has grown into a small town.
RELAXING ON THE CLIFF - Photo by Jens W - Kohsamui.org
What to do?
Diving, snorkeling and swimming! Or maybe just relax with a good book in a hammock. You can also rent a canoe or a kayak for a day trip around the island or go for a day or two to the beautiful island of Koh Nang Yuan.
If you are not interested in diving, snorkeling or other water sports, our suggestion would probably be to go to either Koh Samui or Koh Pha Ngan instead.
Map
You will find a overview map of Koh Tao here including diving sites here
Background and Tips
Koh Tao is a very beautiful island. The first travelers came here in the early 80's, and soon the diving enthusiasts found the island as well. The rates for diving are still comparatively low on Koh Tao, but the shopping facilities are not as extensive as in Samui and the prices are normally a little higher. The best shopping destination in Thailand is definitely Bangkok.
If you are going to dive on the island, you will find many certified PADI schools in the diving section. It might be economically wise to compare prices before you join a course and we also recommend you to compare the services and skills of the schools and the instructors. Make sure that your instructor is certified by a diver training organization such as PADI, BSAC, NAUI, PDIC, SSI, SDI etc.
We recommend you to buy or borrow the book "Thailand's islands and beaches" by Lonely Planet. It provides inspiring reading and useful information. You'll find it here.
When to go?
Sometimes it can be rather windy and rainy in October, November and December so the visibility is not always as good for diving then. The best time to travel here is normally from late January until September, if sunshine and good visibility in the water is important factors for you.
Koh Tao Photos
Please, send us your best Koh Tao photos here
Take a look at various photos sent to us here
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Beaches
Sairee Beach
The longest beach on Koh Tao by far the most popular. It is about three kilometers in length and located north of Mae Had, on the west coast of the island. Here you will find numerous diving centers and diving schools as well as 7-Eleven stores and many restaurants.
COLORFUL BOAT - Photo by Jens W - Kohsamui.org
Chalok Beach
Chalok Baan Kao is a rather shallow and popular beach situated in a bay. It is located in the southern part of Koh Tao, about two kilometers south of Mae Had.
Tanote Bay
Located in the eastern part of the island. It might be a little hard to get here, but it is a beautiful bay and it is great place for snorkeling.
Other Beaches
Koh Tao has a few other interesting beaches and bays such as Aow Leuk, Sai Tong, Hin Wong and Rocky Bay. Koh Tao is a rather small island so we would like to recommend you to rent a bike and travel around the island. Be careful in the traffic and use a crash helmet.
BOYS ENJOYING THE SEA - Photo by Jens W - Kohsamui.org
Protecting Nature
Please keep Koh Tao clean. Throw bottles and other waste in a garbage can so it don't hurt or kill any animals. Corals grows very slow, so please leave them in the sea where they belong. The tourist industry is growing fast here, so all of us have to be gentle with the environment so future generations can be able to experience the true beauty of the turtle island.
Please keep Koh Tao clean. Let the island live and be a home for the future generations of humans and animals.
Further diving information is found here
Koh Tao accommodation is found here
Koh Nang Yuan information is found here
A CURIOUS DOG AND A COCONUT - Photo by Jens W - Kohsamui.org
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Tip of the top » If you spend your holiday on Koh Tao make sure to visit Koh Nang Yuan at least once. It is a beauty
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