Koh Tao, nowadays is a scuba diving mecca, producing more student divers than possibly anywhere else on the entire planet. Potential divers come from all over the globe to learn the initial dive course, right here on this little heavenly island in the Gulf of Thailand.
Koh Tao is merely 21 km² and is part of the Chumphon Archipelago. It is located 70 km east of the coast, between Suratthani and Chumphon. Koh Tao means Turtle Island, due to its shape and coincidentally being a major breeding ground of Sea Turtles; namely of the Hawks Bill and Green varieties.
Koh Tao has not always been the tourist mecca it is today. Once upon a time, His Majesty the King Chulalongkorn (Rama V 1868-1910) came to the island and actual evidence of this can be seen at Jor Por Bor, where he left his monogram on a huge boulder, which is close to the beach at Sairee. Even today, locals still come to pay their respect to one of Thailand greatest ever kings.
Back in the early thirties, Koh Tao was used as a penal colony for political prisoners. It was considered at the time, being an island, to be an ideal area for such a place. However, the then prime minister, in late 1940’s, decided to give all prisoners a pardon and subsequently, closed the prison down.
The island again deserted, was soon to be reborn. Two brothers, both who were fishermen, and from the neighbouring island of Phangan, came to see to if they could live here. Even though the island was still under royal patronage, the two brothers, along with their families, found a beautiful little corner of the island, and cultivated it.
Eventually word spread of the fertile soils on Kho Tao as well as the excellent local fishing, which then brought more and more people from neighbouring islands to come and settle here.
Moving quickly on to the ate 80’s, the first real backpackers came to discover Tao, and as the world of the backpacker is a small one, word spread very quickly of this beautiful, yet tiny island in Thailand.
And the rest as they say is history. Koh Tao has since become one of the most popular islands in the country, and with a safe network of boats and ferries from the mainland, it has never been easier to get here. More and more people coming every year, the island has grown into a serious holiday destination.
The island itself, still retains much of its natural beauty and charm; catering for all kinds of budgets, from backpacker dorms to beach side bungalows, to five star resorts it all here for everyone to enjoy. The beaches are what dreams are made of; the seas surrounding the island are a mixture of turquoise blues and emerald greens.
The island does rely heavily on tourism, and in particular the dive industry. Thousands of visitors each year come here to take up scuba diving, some maybe never dive again, and satisfied with their bravery at completing the open water course, others go on to become instructors themselves. Maybe even finding work on the island too.
It’s not only about scuba diving here, there are many places to explore, kayaking, snorkelling, hill climbing, sunbathing and parting to name a few. Normally travellers tend to visit the other two main islands in the archipelago Koh Samui and Koh Tao, both islands only a short boat journey away.
The busiest times of year are Christmas and New Year of course, but also just before and after the full moon party that takes place on Koh Phangan. it is recommended to book somewhere to stay before arriving, as looking for accommodation once you are here can become very tiring very quickly in the heat.
Some other things to do on Koh Tao you can charter a sailing yacht for a great little cruise; maybe rent a long tail boat to go snorkeling, of one of the many beaches and coves here. You could pay Nang Yaun a little visit and check out its very special beaches.
What about treating yourself to a traditional Thai massage. Or you could have an oil massage or just a foot massage taking the strain away. You can even try a Sauna or a herbal steam or pay a visit to the Japanese bath all their to make your stay on the island as delightful as possible. You can even try Tai Chi Palates or Yoga not develop your inner strength and heal body, mind and spirit? There is Tai Chi, Chi Gong and Yoga, Reiki and Foot Reflexology courses as well as cookery course to be taken.
Whale shark sightings possibly occur more here than any other place in Thailand. So if you have a dream to see one of these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, then a trip here might just be worth it. Koh Tao is a definite must on any travellers schedule when traversing through Thailand.
Some other things to do on Koh Tao you can charter a sailing yacht for a great little cruise; maybe rent a long tail boat to go snorkeling, of one of the many beaches and coves here. You could pay NangYaun a little visit and check out its very special beaches.
What about treating yourself to a traditional Thai massage. Or you could have an oil massage or just a foot massage taking the strain away. You can even try a Sauna or a herbal steam or pay a visit to the Japanese bath all their to make your stay on the island as delightful as possible. You can even try Tai Chi Palates or Yoga not develop your inner strength and heal body, mind and spirit? There is Tai Chi, Chi Gong and Yoga, Reiki and Foot Reflexology courses as well as cookery course to be taken.
Contact Easy Day Samui Tours
Useful Links for Koh Tao
- More about Scuba Diving
- Activities
- Easy day package for Koh Tao Hill Side Resort
- How to get from Phuket to Koh Tao
