Koh Tao travel information

INTRODUCTION

   Imagine a small tropical island with incredible snorkelling and scuba diving, a rich jungle in the centre and surrounded by remarkably quiet, palm tree laced beaches. You're imagining Koh Tao, a small island off the southern coast of Thailand not far from the better known (but more crowded) Koh Samui.

Koh Tao, little more than 21 km, is located about 70 km east of the coastline between Suratthani and Chumphon, in the Gulf of Thailand. Koh Tao translates as Turtle Island, because in the past the waters teemed with sea turtles. Nowadays they have moved on to new breeding grounds since travelers and tourists enjoy Koh Tao's beaches instead.

In the beginning, the island was uninhabited, and only the occasional fisherman from the neighbouring islands came by to seek shelter from a storm. On June 18, 1899, His Majesty the King Chulalongkorn (Rama V , 1868-1910) visited Koh Tao and left as evidence his monogram on a huge boulder at Jor Por Ror Bay next to Sairee Beach. This place is still worshipped today and should be treated with respect.

From 1933 on the island was used as a political prison because of it's far distance from the mainland. In 1947, Khun A -Paiwong, Prime Minister at that time, pleaded and received a royal pardon for all prisoners on the island. Everybody was taken back to the mainland and the "Turtle" was abandoned once again. Not for long.

In the same year Khun Ueam and his twin brother Khun Oh reached Koh Tao from the neighbouring island Koh Phangan, At that time, crossing over with a traditional sailboat was long and dangerous.

It took more than 12 hours crossing over from Koh Phangan, which is just 45km away. Even though the island was still under royal patronage, it didn't keep these pioneers from claiming a good piece of land on today's Sairee Beach for them. Together with them came their families, and they began to cultivate and harvest the fertile soil.

The first generation of today's community had settled! They lived a very simple and tough life harvesting coconuts, fishing and growing vegetables, which were traded with Koh Phangan. Despite the many difficulties in reaching the island, the population grew steadily.

About 15 years ago, the first backpackers arrived from Koh Phangan. Rumours spread quickly about the islands unspoiled beauty, especially it's marine life and coral reefs . Since then, the number of visitors has increased rapidly, from fewer than 50 a day a decade ago to more than 200 a day (2002). It soon became one of the major dive sites in Thailand and SE-Asia, attracting beginners and professionals alike. The local businesses expanded immediately in order to catch up with the needs of the new clientele. The island today, though still remaining an absolute paradise, caters to all tastes and budgets.

At the present time, Koh Tao evolved into a haven for divers, adventurers, travelers and holidaymakers from around the world. The island's unique blend of coral reefs, natural & unspoiled beauty, and relaxed life-style makes it a 'must-have-seen-it' place!

MAP

ATTRACTION

Sairee Beach
Sairee's white sandy beach stretches about 1.7km over most of the west coast, interrupted only by a few huge boulders. Mae Haad is only a 10 minute walk away.
Being the most popular area on Tao, Sairee offers a wide range of accommodation, dive centers, restaurants, shops, beach bars, travel & email services, nurseries, etc.
Here, you can have the best view on Koh Nang Yuan island. A cluster of rocks called Suan Hin Jor Por Ror highlights King Rama V's inscription that he made on his visit in 1899. You will also find the Fishery Museum, and on the way to Mae Haad the police station, the public school and the local Buddhist temple.

Mae Haad
All boats arrive & depart here. Highly developed now, but still managed to keep some of it's old fishing village charm.
Money exchange, post office, government office and health center are located in Mae Haad. Most dive centers have an office here.
Expect to find lots of travel agents, email services, supermarkets (SevenEleven), bike rentals, good restaurants and party places. A few up-market resorts are located on it's southern end.

Chalok Baan Kao
Third largest beach, located on the southern coast facing Koh Phangan and Koh Samui. This bay is smaller than Sairee, but offers a similar range of accommodation, eateries and nightlife.
The Last Paradise, a helicopter pad, offers a spectacular view of the bay and the surrounding beaches. Partytime is on Sat's. Chalok Baan Kao is beautifully framed by Taa Toh Lagoon to the east and Saan Jao Beach to the west. It also connects to Thian Og Bay and Sai Daeng Beach. The rock formation at cape Taa Toh resembles a sitting Buddha, this is best to be seen from the viewpoint opposite (Buddha Rock).

Hin Wong Bay
North-east coast; this bay is abundant with intact coral reefs. Four small hillside resorts and one diving school (Hin Wong Divers).

WHAT TO DO

Maybe you are thinking by now Koh Tao is only for divers with nothing else to do. Well, you are mistaken. The good thing about divers is, that they spent most of their time in the water. So you could start the day with the obvious and relax on a quiet, empty beach.
It is recommended to rent a longtail boat and explore the many hidden bays of Koh Tao. This is a fun way to get in-touch with the spectacular underwater world by lazily snorkeling around. And don't worry! In case you get hooked up with the fishies, just learn diving! Don't miss amazing Koh Nang Yuan Island, unique in the world for it's three connecting coral beaches! Deep sea and night fishing are offered by local fisherman. Catch your dinner for tonight!
Those who are fascinated by the beautiful rock formations, go and see James at Gecko Climbing to take you on a climb! In several places Thai cooking courses are offered. Aroi! (thai. delicious!)
For those who start their day with physical exercise, why not rent a kayak or a mountain bike?! Explore the turtle's back by hiking up to Two-View. The breathtaking views make it absolutely worth the effort.
The Monsoon Gym (Mae Haad) is pretty cool to meet other people and to stay in good shape, even on your vacation !
The afternoon heat is the time to relax. Thai culture has a long history of the different types of relaxation, such as a traditional Thai massage, herbal sauna, facial & feet massage, refreshing drinks. Or just get into one of the numerous hammocks along the beaches and let yourself be lulled to sleep by the gentle seabreeze!
Why not heal body, mind and spirit on your stay on Koh Tao? Holistic healing approaches are accessible with techniques like Reiki, Foot Reflexology, Tai Chi, Chi Gong, Meditation and Yoga. You have the choice for one-day sessions or 3-4 day courses. Check it out! You see, the turtle has a lot to offer besides diving, right?!

POINTS OF IN INTEREST

Sairee Beach: at its southern end you will find Jor Por Ror, a massive rock formation, which bears the engraved monogram of King Rama V. The King visited Koh Tao on June 18, 1899. Opposite is the Fishery Museum & the Fishery Conservation Unit, where marine life is observed and cultivated (Giant Clam Garden).
Next stop could be at Sairee View, a beautiful hilltop resort at the north end. The resort owner purchased a huge whale skeleton from villagers years ago. The place where the whale's bone is kept is also a spectacular viewpoint, especially during sunset. Close by you can visit the mysterious diamond caves.
Another great panorama you'll experience at Two View, the second-highest peak of Koh Tao (313m). You can get there both from Sairee Beach and Tanote Bay.
Chalok Baan Kao: On the east end you will find stunning viewpoints in every direction. To the east you see Thian Og Bay, to the north you view Chalok and to the south you see both bays together. All routes involve steep walking, but it's definitely worth it!

Next proceed on the beach to the west side of Chalok, cross the concrete bridge leading to Saan Jao. Take a break at the Viewpoint Restaurant with the best angle of the Buddha Rock. Then climb the stairs behind uphill and follow a shady path down to the next bay, June Juea Beach. This is where real trekking starts, thus only the sportive and energetic ones should proceed beyond that point. The pathway goes very steep uphill and enters thick forest. After a while you reach Cape Jeda Gang. Time for another refreshment. Check out the view and the huts on the cape. From there uphill again, stay on the coast side path until you reach the next bay, Sai Nuan. Up again, pass the "Lost Hippie's Totem" and finally arrive in Jansom Bay. From there it is only a 10 minute walk to reach Mae Haad. This trip takes roughly three hours without breaks from Saan Jao Beach,- so don't start too late.

The John-Suwan Viewpoint - is named after two friends, Mr John and Mr Suwan, who went up hill in search of a good place to build a home but instead found a viewpoint overlooking two beaches curving into each other just like the famous view at Phi Phi Don island. The viewpoint is located on a mountain ridge, at Chalok Baan Kao beach to the south of the island. It takes about 15 minutes of moderate trek over a distance of about 400 meters to reach the viewpoint. - Chalok Baan Kao Viewpoint - is located at the back of Koh Tao Cottage on Chalok Ban Kao bay. The concrete-paved, steep path leads to the top of the hill. There, visitors can find a wood walkway and small pavilion where refreshing drinks are available. The spot offers a sweeping view of the bay. If the weather is clear, you may catch a glimpse of Pha-ngan or Samui Island as well as the Ang Thong archipelago further away.

NEARBY ISLANDS

Koh Nang Yuan
Koh Nang Yuan island is but a short distance from Koh Tao (15 minutes by long-tail boat). Nang Yuan features three small islets joined together by a narrow strip of sparkling white beach. One of the must-see spots on Nang Yuan Island is the viewpoint, which gives you an excellent view over the beach that joins the three islets together.
Visitors must pay 20 baht fees to get to the viewpoint on top of the hill. You can enjoy snorkeling right by one of the three beaches. The water is shallow and clear. Another recommended activity is to take a trip around the island with a long-tail boat.

Koh Phangan
Famed for its wild, all-night-long Full Moon Party at Haad Rin. The island is 45 km away from Koh Tao. There is a regular boat service everyday. The trip takes about one hour.

Koh Samui
The biggest island in the archipelago, Ko Samui nowadays hosts over 250 hotels and bungalow resorts. Tourist infrastructure is well developed. It is a destination for island and beach lovers before setting over to one of the smaller islands.

Ang Thong National Park
The archipelago is a group of 40 islands mostly uninhabited. Ang Thong is usually a choice for a one-day and a half-day outing from Samui. After getting around the island, travelers usually go out to the archipelago for a swim, snorkelling and enjoying an amazing view.

NIGHT LIFE

Food & Dining
Only a few years ago the culinary scene in Koh Tao was rather basic. Classic Thai dishes together with little western additions like American breakfast, pancakes, sandwiches and French fries have been on the daily menu.

Nowadays caterers and cooks from all nations have settled on the island and added drastically to the food variety. Lots of excellent restaurants are offering culinary delights from all over the world.

You can get pizza, homemade pasta, smoked salmon, sushi, nachos, enchiladas, Wiener sausages, imported steaks, bangers with mash, pies and so on.

Same goes for the liquid delights, draught and imported beers, wine, spirits, fabulous cocktails,- nothing is missing.

Fresh markets offer all sorts of tropical fruit and also prepare them on the spot to a shake of your choice. Bakeries sell fresh bread and pastries, and there is even pizza delivery service!

Koh Tao can have a pretty wild nightlife. The bars are generally a little more chilled, and a lot less crowded than the huge full moon parties on the nearby island of Koh Phangan, but with a bucket of Thai whiskey being passed around the dance floor you can quickly find yourself lost in a party that will continue through to the early morning.

Professional DJ's from all over the world spin theit very best. Fire jugglers frequently perform on the beaches. Each night of the week will find a different party. Look out for flyers at shops and taxis. Most of the bigger clubs have dance floors on the beach, a couple up in the mountains.

There are also plenty of more relaxed, chilled little bars along the beaches in which to warm up for the parties or just unwind and get into the music.

Some places show live sports, some have pool tables and now & then places with daily changing movie programs invite you to come in and enjoy. Thai boxing is performed at irregular times,- check for flyers on the street. Don't miss it!

Recommended Night Spots:

AC - BAR - Sairee Beach
Koh Tao's original party place, huge dance floor at the beach front, happy hours until midnight, fireworks, BBQ, open daily, party every Tue, Thu, Sun from 20.00h - 3.00h

BARACUDA - Restaurant & Bar - Mae Haad
The most diverse venue on the rock. Fantastic Indian & Western menu. BBQ's, MTV, films & sports & wicked tunes. End of pier road, towards Chalok, party on Mon & Sat.

COSTES LOUNGE - Open Air Terrace Bar -Mae Haad
Chilled out, very friendly atmosphere. Perfect for daytime relaxing & nighttime socializing. Ambient & funky tunes - cool drinks & comfortable surroundings. Noon - late

THE IVY BEACH BAR - Bar & Restaurant - Mae Haad
Relaxed, cozy ambience with large natural garden at the beach front, magnificent seascape views. BBQ's, delicious cocktails, 70's soul, disco, funk, latin & reggae. Game fishing

SEAMONKEY - Lounge Bar - Mae Haad
Upstairs atmospheric venue with the best vibe, pool table, healthy juices, choice cocktails, original snacks. Open daily from 15.00h - 2.00h. Sundays closed.

THE WHITENING - Bar & Restaurant - Mae Haad
It's stylish restaurant has a diverse selection of fine Thai & Western cuisine. Cool sounds from the bar lead to a relaxed atmosphere for drinking & dining. Friday night is party night!

BABALOO BAR - Chalok Baan Kao - Saan Jao Beach
One of the most secluded party spots, dancing on a private beach, chill out area, psychedelic decor, cool people, fire jugglers, int'l. DJ's, moon phase parties.

CLIMATE

Koh Tao is situated in a sub-tropical climate like the rest of Thailand. The island is effected both by NE- and SW- Monsoons. The NE- Monsoon dominates fom the middle of October to the beginning of December, where you can expect heavy rainfall. The SW- Monsoon is mild since Koh Tao is sheltered both by the mainland and the surrounding islets.

Koh Tao is unique since it offers a 10 month high season for travelers to visit and enjoy the beauty of the Island. Peak seasons are from February to April, and again from July to September.

GETTING TO KOH TAO

There are three different boat services from Chumphon to Koh Tao: the Numhasin speed boat (departs daily in fine weather only at 7.30am; 1hr 45min; Bht.400); the Songserm express boat (departs daily from January through October at 7.30am; 2hr 30 min; Bht.400); and the slow boat (departs daily in all but the very worst weather at midnight; 6hr; Bht.200) Tickets for all boat can be bought in Chumphon at any guesthouse or travel agent, all of whome provide transport to the port and some of whome also offer free showering facilities and video shows between connections.

Three kinds of vessel run between Thong Sala on Koh Phangan and Koh Tao: at least two speed boats a day (50min; Bht.350) two express boats a day (1hr 30min; Bht.225) and one slow boat (3hr; Bht.150). The speed boat originate at Bo Phut, Maenam and Nathon on Koh Samui (total journey time to Koh Tao 1hr 30min; Bht.450-550). There’s also a night boat from Surath Thani, departing at 11pm (9hr; Bht.400).

The services fluctuate according to demand and so on, and in high season extra boats may appear. All voyages to and from Koh Tao are also at the mercy of the weather, especially between June and November; plenty of travellers have missed onward connections through being stranded on the island, and so it’s best not to plan to visit at the end of your holiday.