Ko Tao is a great island for diving in Thailand!

Not all of Thailand’s resort towns and islands are equally bustling and crowded. There are these sanctuaries where you can indulge in recreation as such – laze on Thai beaches, scuba dive, taste the pleasure of communicating with tropical nature. One of them is Koh Tao Island. It is 83 kilometers southeast of Chumphon town and is part of the Samui Island archipelago, its northernmost point. The island is tiny, just 22 square kilometers, and it has a permanent population of 2,000 people. In high season, there are more tourists. Read more about excursions to the islands of Ko Tao and Nang Yuan.

Ko Tao Island in Thailand

Diver’s paradise on Ko Tao Island

.

Ko Tao Island in Thailand is a somewhat peculiar place. Most of the beaches on it do not meet the high aesthetic requirements – there are stones and rocks in the water. But this is really the best island for divers. The water is clean, clear, and the flora and fauna under the surface of the sea is even richer than on shore. Read more about diving in Thailand.

Diving in Koh Tao

Diving in Ko Tao Island

Ko Tao Island Diving

Ko Tao Island Diving

Everyone, even those who have never tried scuba diving, can learn it at one of the diving schools that are available in every corner of the island. You can even get an official deep-sea diver’s certificate. At the same service diving centers on the island, one of the cheapest in the country (read more about Russian diving school on Koh Tao). The young and crazy appreciate it, so Ko Tao is one of the youth resorts of Thailand. Sort of like the islands of Phi Phi Phi or Pangan… the latter hosts a beach party once a month called Full Moon Party.

Dive sites on Koh Tao

Dive sites (best places to dive)

Which coastline to choose

Ko Tao Island

The west coast of Koh Tao is the most settled. The two main beaches there are Mae Haad and Sairi. Around them, almost all the tourist infrastructure, there is the main party life. But the beaches themselves are far from ideal – the stones, rocks. Small sandy beaches on the island of Ko Tao are located to the east and south. Going to the east coast, you get the desired peace and quiet. There are only two hotels and a restaurant on their premises. Mango Beach is the northernmost and most beautiful beach on Ko Tao, which is not easy to reach since there are no roads along the beach, but you must go through the deepest part of the island.

Sairi Beach on Ko Tao

Sairi Beach

Mae Haad Beach on Koh Tao

Mae Haad Beach

Mango Beach on Ko Tao Island

Mango Beach

Jansom Beach on Ko Tao Island

Jansom Beach

There’s a standard set of paid entertainment on every beach. But the greatest number of restaurants, massage parlors, bike rentals and stores are on the west side.

Ko Tao Island program

.

There are no historical landmarks on this piece of land in the middle of the Gulf of Thailand. But there is plenty to do on Koh Tao. First of all, to admire the tropical nature. Both on the shore and under the water. Beautiful waterfalls, viewing platforms. One of the most famous viewpoints is on the small island of Nang Yuan, which is private territory. If you are not staying in a hotel on it, you have to pay 100 baht to visit.

What to do on Koh Tao

At every beach you can rent a jet ski, kayak, water ski. The shopping on Ko Tao is not too exciting. There are a few mini-markets of the “Seven Eleven” format, shops where they sell fruit. Shoes, souvenirs, national clothing are sold in the shops, concentrated around the beaches. When shopping, it’s important to know how to properly haggle at Thai markets.

The only hangout place to hang out in the dark is the bars and discos on Sairi Beach.

The only hangout place to hang out in the dark is the bars and discos on Sairi Beach.

Island hotels

.

Hotels on the island of Ko Tao are all kinds. For the romantic, the practical, the comfortable, and the willing to sleep under a palm leaf on the sand, just for the cheapest price. Houses are not only along the coast, but also on the rocks among the palm trees. On the island of Nang Yuan is a private resort with its own beach. Even if you stay in a hut like the one in which Mr. Robinson stayed, for sure it will be free Wi-Fi. Read more about how to find and book a hotel at Hotellook.ru and RoomGuru.ru.

Selects the cheapest hotels on Ko Tao

Transportation

.

There may be an islander conspiracy, but to rent any transportation on Ko Tao costs between 150 and 200 baht (read more about bike rental in Thailand). Regardless of the type – a full day bike or a boat that takes you to Nang Yuan Island. The island is small, so if you are in good shape, you can walk. But if you take a bike, the most powerful and with good brakes – the descents and climbs are quite steep.

Rent a bike in Koh Tao

How to get to the island of Ko Tao

.

Another feature of Ko Tao Island in Thailand is the lack of an airport on the island (the nearest airport is on Samui). Therefore, if you are wondering “how to get to Koh Tao“, then get ready to make a rather long boat trip. Although it increases the attractiveness of the trip. Ferries run from the towns of Chumphon, Surat Thani Province and Samui Island. There are airports at these points, but they do not take any direct flights from Russia. You will need to make a connection in Bangkok or in Phuket. The most popular route is from the capital’s Suvarnabhumi Airport. There you can buy a comprehensive ticket (or through the 12 Go Asia website) that includes not only airfare, but also transfer by bus and steam. A little later we will write a more detailed article on how to get to Koh Tao Island in Thailand.

How to get to Ko Tao Island

Ko Tao Island map with hotels

Read More: