Compared to its neighbor islands like Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, Koh Tao is smaller and less popular. But somehow, this Thai island has managed to attract its own group of loyal travelers. Koh Tao, which literally means Turtle Island can be described a 'moderate' island; it has sections that are almost as busy as Samui, but for the most part, it has remained laidback like Phangan.
Koh Tao is first and foremost a diving destination with its waters blessed with various corals and colorful marine creatures. Take a diving trip here and you will soon be in the company of sharks, rays and turtles, among others. Many adventurists come from all over to get their diving certificates on Koh Tao due to its cheap rates and frequency of diving excursions. But if you would rather Koh management pte ltd than dive, check out Shark Bay. The name of this bay may make you think twice about going into the water, but it's actually home to small and harmless black-tip reef sharks. Other notable bays you should consider visiting include Tanote Bay, Hin Wong Bat, Freedom Beach and Mango Bay.
Diving is not the only thing that you can do while visiting in Koh Tao. Hike to its jungle-clad areas and you will soon forget the modern civilization even if just for a few hours. Nightlife has increasingly become pulsating on the island. Here, you can always find restaurants serving up favorite Thai and western dishes. Numerous bars are lit up and playing lively music coupled with that carefree atmosphere that Thai tourist hotspots are known for.
Because it is a Thai southern gulf island, Koh Tao is also gifted with beautiful sandy stretches and clear water. The most developed among the beaches is Mae Haad. Here, you can find everything a visitor needs like restaurants, bars, shops, internet cafes and banks. This beach town is also the main port on the island. Another popular sandy stretch is the Sairee, which also has its fair share of nightspots and dining places. Both Mae Haad and Sairee are located on the western side on the island, thus, offering spectacular sunsets.
If you want to get away from the crowd for a while, make your way to the southern end of the island, and you will come across Chalok Ban Khao. This gorgeous beach that boasts golden sand is known for its tranquility and isolation. While here, you can also hire a longtail boat to tour you around the island.
A number tourists rent and drive a scooter as a means of exploring the island. But you will also notice that a lot of young people get into accidents while doing so. That is why it is important to know your skills and limits and exercise prudence when driving.
To get marvelous panorama of Koh Tao and the Andaman Sea, plan a trip to the different viewpoints such as the John Suwan Mountain Viewpoint in the south, Fraggle Rock in the north. And Two View, situated in the middle of the island. To reach Koh Tao, you can first fly to the nearest airports, which are in Koh Samui or Chumpon on the mainland. From both areas, you may take a ferry to Koh Tao that runs a couple of times everyday. The busiest period on the island is between November and April.
