Koh Tao Thailand

Koh Tao meaning Turtle Island, is a small island not far from the island of Koh Samui . This small tropical island one of the best areas of diving in Thailand. The beautiful beaches are lined with palm trees. Its name comes from the fact that the waters once teeming with sea turtles. With an area of just under 21 square kilometers, Koh Tao is located about 70 km east of the coastline between Suratthani and Chumphon , in the Gulf of Thailand. long uninhabited, the island was visited in 1899 by King Chulalongkorn (Rama V), who left his badge there on a rock in the bay Jor Por Ror near the beach Sairee . in 1933, the island was used as a political prison, because of its distance from the mainland land. In 1947, Prime Minister Khun A Paiwong pleaded and received the thanks of all prisoners on the island. It was abandoned again. But not for long: the same year, two twin brothers reached Koh Tao from the island Koh Phangan. At the time, sailing boat trip is long and dangerous. We had over 12 hours to get to Koh Phangan, which was just 45 km away. Other pioneers arrived, and settle on the beach Sairee . Families settled there and began to cultivate the fertile soil. This first generation lived a simple life coconut collecting, fishing, and planting vegetables. Despite the difficulties, the population increased. It was 20 years ago, the first visitors arriving from Koh Phangan. Rumors about the unspoiled beauty of the island spread, especially for its marine life and coral reefs. Since then, the number of tourists has increased gradually to 400 per day in 2006. Koh Tao has quickly become one of the major dive sites in Thailand, and local business has evolved to adapt to the needs of this new clientele. Today, the island remains undeveloped, with many trails, roads are often still under construction. Scooters are for rent as well as bicycles. There is no electricity grid, but private generators for hotels (220 volts AC and 50 cycles). There is a mobile phone network GSM 900 / 1800 for national and international calls. As for the withdrawal of money, there is no automatic removal machine, but Krung Thai bank provides banking services. Located in Mae Haad , it can sometimes during high season be running out of cash. There is also the Siam City Bank to Sairee beach. The snorkelling is still the main activity on Koh Tao, but you can also do water skiing, surfing, boating, the kayaking, banana boating, and even sailing. on land, you can go hiking. There are also places to play bocce. It's also a good idea to rent a small boat to go around the island, visit the surrounding islands, and dive into the many bays. Visit the small island Nanguyuan and triple beach Also worth. Then we can relax on Koh Tao with a traditional Thai massage and a bath steam plants.

How to get to Koh Tao

Travel to Koh Tao is done in at least two stages. The trip is pleasant enough as it allows to admire beautiful landscapes. The simplest is:


 Fly to Koh Samui or until Surathani province

 Then by boat to Koh Tao.

Bangkok Airways has numerous flights from Bangkok to Koh Samui and the Thai Airways to Suratthani.
On Koh Samui and in the province of Surathani, there are daily boat services going to Koh Tao, from the pier Na Thorn. it is also in the interests of economy travel by train or bus from Bangkok to Chumporn, and then take the boat. The journey is still long enough to Chumporn, over 6 hours away.


Beaches and bays of Koh Tao


Beach Sairee
Facing the continental land that you will see on a clear day, the Sairee beach is long and beautiful curved beach, stretching 3.2 km. Palm trees and vegetation has grown wildly, creating a barrier between the beach and the island itself. It is an ideal place to dive, coral reefs just starting 100 meters from the beach. There are many restaurants and hotels in the Sairee beach, making it popular with tourists. Beach Mae Haad One of the best places to sunbathe, and where we find the most luxurious hotels in Koh Tao. You can see the sunset, and a view of the western part of Koh Tao. The beach is ideal for children, the water is shallow and without currents. It is also a good place to dive with lots of tropical fish, and the presence of a wooden wreck, which was once stranded on a reef. At one end of the beach, this is which the boats to Koh Phangan and Koh Samui, and where there is a wide selection of shops and restaurants offering seafood. At the other end of the beach you will find all the hotels. beach Baan Kao Chalok located at the southernmost end of Koh Tao, and facing the marine park Ang Thong, the beach was featured in the movie "the beach". This is one of the most popular beaches in Koh Tao, especially because it is one of the finest. Because of its location in the bay, Chalok Baan Kao is sheltered from the wind and waves most of the year. Being very shallow for several meters with a very gentle slope, the sea is ideal for children young. There are many restaurants nearby. Island Koh Nang Yuan Situated right next to the coast of Koh Tao, this is actually 3 islands connected by beaches during low tide. Each of the windows offers a diving environment. The water is shallow. It is possible to live in bungalows. Mango Bay Named because of the mango trees that have grown on its hill, the Mango Bay is one of the favorite spots of tourists from Koh Samui up for a boat ride one day. The bay is shaped like a crescent, with a small beach and reef just 20 meters off. Mango Bay is accessible only by boat. It's a beautiful place if you are traveling to Koh Tao. Bay Aow Lek Also known as the "Bay of the deep water," Aow Lek is a good place for diving. The bay is surrounded by hills and is only accessible by boat or by a small trail of Rocky Bay. The beach is long about 200 meters, with fine white sand. There is basic accommodation and a restaurant. Rocky Bay Known for its coral black shark fin, the Rocky Bay also has a nice little beach where you can spend the afternoon sunbathing. There is only one hotel, named Rocky Bay Resort, and offering bungalows of different sizes. It is a bay with one of the best places to dive on the island, with a fairly quiet beach, and a view of the sunset. Beach Haad Sai Daeng Part of the Rocky Bay, the beach Haad Sai Daeng a small cove at the southern tip of Koh Tao. Haad Sai Daeng is a good place to rest in peace, with a book on the beach, swimming or going to the "Shark Island". There are bungalows and a nice restaurant. Tanote Bay Travel To Tanote Bay is an interesting experience. The road will lead you to the top of Mount Koh Tao, offering a magnificent view of the island and its surroundings. Itself the bay offers good swimming, places for diving, and bungalows nearby, and restaurants. for a clear day you can see from Koh Samui and Koh Phangan Bay. Bay Hin Wong Similarly to Tanote bay, it is an adventure in itself to go to Hin Wong Bay ( " Stones of the Bay round "). Only accessible by 4x4, you will find once there a pretty bay surrounded by hills with steep slopes overgrown with jungle. This is a good place to dive with colorful marine life. Beach Laem Thian Known locally as divers "Swim to through the City "because of the many caves, tunnels and passages under the surface of the water. There is only one hotel in Laem Thian. beach Sai Tong This is a small secluded beach on the side South of Koh Tao. Only a few bungalows are scattered near the beach, making it the perfect place for those who want to isolate quiet.

Restaurants in Koh Tao

In recent years, there are many world cuisines to Koh Tao. Thai dishes, pizza, sushi, nachos, sausages, steaks, etc.
The local fresh markets offer all kinds of tropical fruits, and prepare on site mixes of your choice. There are even bakeries with fresh bread and cakes, and a home pizza delivery service. Restaurants selection: CAFE DEL SOL - Cocktail Bar, Grill & Restaurant - Mae Haad Many choice of breakfasts, sandwiches , coffees and wines. Of prime steaks and smoked salmon. FARANGO PIZZERIA - (1996) - Mae Haad The first pizzeria in Koh Tao. A Latin atmosphere, and Italian and Mediterranean specialties, pizza dough homemade. Route pier, opening 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. & 18h00 - 22h00h FAR OUT CAFE - (1989) Mae Haad The oldest restaurant on the rock . Sandwiches, burgers, fried chicken, sausages, cocktails. A colorful atmosphere with a garden. Opening 7:00 -23h00. SAFETY STOP PUB - (est. 1994) - Mae Haad To drink with friends, and with the locals. English-style pub, Indian food, imported beer, sports TV channels and happy hours with beautiful sunsets. Open 8:00 am to late. EL GRINGO - Sairee Village Restaurant and Bar, serving breakfast, wide selection of sandwiches, Mexican food and cocktails. Happy hours from 17:30 to 20:00, open daily from 7:30 to 23:00. Main Road Sairee. LITTLE MERMAID - Beach Sairee A delicious Mexican menu, Danish and Scandinavian, served with a smile. Located on the beach between the AC and Resort Ban's Diving Resort. Open noon till late. MANGO BAY - Steak House - Sairee Village Very popular with expats. Australian steaks and burgers, large portions for reasonable prices. SUTHEP RESTAURANT - Sairee Village A cozy place with a garden. Many Thai and Western dishes, great steaks, and the biggest offer of cocktails in the area. Between 19h and 23h. NEW HEAVEN RESTAURANT & BAKERY - Thian Og Bay A view of the sea with a fantastic terrace on the hill, easy access. Seafood and Thai delicious food, a barbecue area. Homemade bread, fresh coffee. Open from 9 am to 23h.

Nightlife in Koh Tao

The bars are much less frequented than the island Koh Phangan located not far, but the atmosphere can be very nice and celebrations can last until morning.
The professional DJs from different countries often perform in Koh Tao, and fire jugglers are the attraction on the beach.
Keep an eye on flyers in shops and taxis, some clubs have their dancefloor on the beach, others in the hill. We often find pool tables and darts in bars.
Some night spots in Koh Tao:
AC - bAR - beach Sairee A large dance floor facing the beach, happy hours till midnight, fireworks, barbecue, open daily. iN TOUCH - beach bar - beach Sairee a spacious place with a cocktail bar, and relaxation areas. energetic evenings with DJs every Wednesday and Saturday. tHE DECK - beach bar - north Sairee a bar facing the beach, with theme nights. Music from the 60's to modern classics. Opening 17h until late. DRY BAR - Cocktail Tree Bar & Sunset Lounge - Beach Sairee Watch the sunsets and have fun at parties this unique bar located inside a tree. Relaxing and groovy sounds. Open from 16h to 1am. MAYAN BAR - Beach Sairee Comfortable, a cocktail lounge with melodious music, a DJ at night, and parties on Monday and Friday. PURE - Beach Lounge - South Beach Sairee the wooden bar surrounded by large rocks, and it is a good place for sunsets. Theme nights. BARACUDA - Restaurant & Bar - Mae Haad An Indian and European menu. A barbecue, a sports channel, MTV, movies. Located at the end of the road from the pier. COSTES LOUNGE - Bar Terrace - Mae Haad A friendly atmosphere. Perfect for relaxation during the day and socialize. Ambient sound and funky, and soft drinks. Open from noon until late. THE IVY BEACH BAR - Bar & Restaurant - Mae Haad Atmosphere relaxed and comfortable, with a garden and a view of the beautiful sea. Barbecue, delicious cocktails, music, 70's, disco, funk, Latin, and reggae. SEAMONKEY - Lounge Bar - Mae Haad Good atmosphere with billiards, fresh juices, cocktails and snacks. Open from 15h to 2h. THE WHITENING - Bar & Restaurant - Mae Haad This restaurant has a selection of Thai and European dishes. An atmosphere relaxed with a party on Friday night. Babaloo BAR - Chalok Baan Kao - Beach Saan Jao Atmosphere full-moon party with dancing on a private beach, a chill-out area, a psychedelic decorations, fire jugglers, international DJs. BUDDHA oN tHE BEACH - Beach Bar - Chalok Baan Kao a relaxed atmosphere with live music. . Evening Hip Hop, Disco and Indie Open from 18h until late. CASPER SPORTS PUB - Mae Haad Square A spacious bar upstairs with a large balcony. Sports on TV, billiards and backgammon competition every week. TATTOO BAR & GRILL - Mae Haad Nice view, pool, BBQ and beers. Colossal burgers, meat pies and sausages. Open day and night.