Thailand

Ko Tao ( Tao Island)

 

Ko Tao is a tiny island (21 square km) in the shape of a turtle, Ko Toa literally means Turtle Island. About 1400 people are living on the island; they are working at fishing, coconuts and mainly tourism. Historically it was once the detention place for political prisoners and nowadays a well-known place for scuba diving and snorkeling. The island offers diving sites for all levels and supplies great atmosphere if you're thinking of taking your first diving training course. Ko Tao is less developed than neighboring islands Ko Samui and Ko Phangan but has become popular with young backpackers in search of inexpensive scuba diving certification. Ko Tao has about 150 resorts offering accommodation and approximately 50 bars and clubs. Over the last couple of years as more and more non divers have discovered the island and brought to an increasing number of attractions and activities available, such as: rock climbing, abseiling, bouldering, cliff jumping, paint-ball jungle games, water skiing, mini golf and bowling in Mae Haad, massage, yoga and cooking courses.    

Over 100,000 visitors per year damage the eco-system of the small island that has no garbage disposal facilities. So make sure to take with you anything that cannot be burned, avoid plastic bags with every purchase, don't dump waste on the open landscape and try not waste scarce water and expensive electricity.  

 

How to get there:

 

Ko Tao has no airport and no railroads or paved road leading to the island. The nearest airport is in Ko Samui for anyone wishing to fly in, and so the only way to reach the island is by sailing. 

·        A ferry from Ko Samui or Ko Phangan will take around 1-1.5 hour and cost 350-500 Baht.

·        You can also day trip on diving charters from Ko Samui, many have high speed boats that can make the trip to Ko Tao in about an hour.

 

What to do: 

 

In order to get around the island you can rent a bicycle or a motorcycle in several places on Sairee Beach, Mae Haad, and Chalok. Be careful with motorcycles as the dirt roads are in poor shape and can get dangerous. Make sure to note all scratches and dents before renting the bike as some rental shops are charging for non-existent scratches when returning. Another comfortable way of getting around is the long tail boats offering rides to and from certain beaches.

• Scuba Diving Sites– Diving is the biggest attraction of Ko Tao where it is easy, fun and beautiful. Many diving sites have nicknames in English describing their attraction:
• Hin Kaew or White Rock is a unique site located south-west to Ko Nang Yuan contains two large under water granite boulders with amazing coral garden and schools of butterfly fish and angelfish. This is also a popular night dive spot.  
• Ko Sai Daeng or Shark Island - On the southeast of Ko Tao, named after its resemblance to a shark's fin you will find a tiny granite island offering enriched array of marine life. The east side and the west side consist of different flora and fauna making it almost two sites at one.
• Hin Bai or Sail Rock - 10 km south to Ko Tao located one of the more famous diving sites of the archipelago. From the sandy sea floor rise 40 meters height limestone rocks, rising 15 meters above the surface. Suitable for all levels of divers and consist corals, varied fauna and occasional whale sharks. 

Many agencies in Ko Tao and Ko Samui arranging diving sailings to those sites and dozens of others on and around the island.

• Diving course – Ko Tao is the places to take your first diving course if you hadn't take one before. The price for PADI open water certification including PADI training manual, professional instruction, rental equipment and boat dives is around 10,000 Baht; insurance and basic accommodation may also be included. There are many dive operators on the island, shop around and look for experienced diving instructor. Find out maximum number of students in a group, and make sure you get an instructor who speaks your language if you are not 100% sure about your English.
• Sailing around the island – many long tail boats offer round trips around the island, day and sunset cruises. That should cost you 500-700 Baht, short trips will be around 100-200 Baht.
• Other non-diving activities – As more and more non divers has discovered the beautiful island there are other available activities as

1. Rock Climbing: Several agencies offer rock climbing instruction including equipment and guiding services.
2. Abseiling/ Rappelling: as mentioned above.
3. Hiking to one of the secluded bays, or a two hour walk through the jungle where you will hardly meet any people.
4. Thai Boxing Courses – the Thai boxing stadium in Sairee offers Muay Thai courses.

 

Where to Stay:

 

Usually there is no need to book in advance as you will find accommodation at the pier when you arrive. During peak periods (December to July and July-August) most resorts with dive outfits will not want you to stay unless you are diving every once in a while. A room for two with fan will cost around 400 Baht while fancy bungalows may go up to 1200 Baht.

Notice that not all resorts supply 24 hours electricity and check before booking.