Koh Tao Island

Koh Tao is a very beautiful island. The first travelers came here in the early 80’s, and soon the diving enthusiasts found the island as well. The rates for diving are still comparatively low on Koh Tao, but the shopping facilities are not as extensive as in Samui and the prices are normally a little higher. The best shopping destination in Thailand is definitely Bangkok. If you are going to dive on the island, you will find many certified PADI schools in the diving section. It might be economically wise to compare prices before you join a course and we also recommend you to compare the services and skills of the schools and the instructors. Make sure that your instructor is certified by a diver training organization such as PADI, BSAC, NAUI, PDIC, SSI, SDI etc. We recommend you to buy or borrow the book “Thailand’s islands and beaches” by Lonely Planet. It provides inspiring reading and useful information. You’ll find it here.

When to go?

Sometimes it can be rather windy and rainy in October, November and December so the visibility is not always as good for diving then. The best time to travel here is normally from late January until September, if sunshine and good visibility in the water is important factors for you.

Beaches in Koh Tao:

Sairee Beach

The longest beach on Koh Tao by far the most popular. It is about three kilometers in length and located north of Mae Had, on the west coast of the island. Here you will find numerous diving centers and diving schools as well as 7-Eleven stores and many restaurants.

Chalok Beach

Chalok Baan Kao is a rather shallow and popular beach situated in a bay. It is located in the southern part of Koh Tao, about two kilometers south of Mae Had.

Tanote Bay

Located in the eastern part of the island. It might be a little hard to get here, but it is a beautiful bay and it is great place for snorkeling.

Other Beaches

Koh Tao has a few other interesting beaches and bays such as Aow Leuk, Sai Tong, Hin Wong and Rocky Bay. Koh Tao is a rather small island so we would like to recommend you to rent a bike and travel around the island. Be careful in the traffic and use a crash helmet.

Protecting Nature

Please keep Koh Tao clean. Throw bottles and other waste in a garbage can so it don’t hurt or kill any animals. Corals grows very slow, so please leave them in the sea where they belong. The tourist industry is growing fast here, so all of us have to be gentle with the environment so future generations can be able to experience the true beauty of the turtle island.