Ko Tao

Ko Tao (เกาะเต่า), meaning "Turtle Island," is a small island of approximately 21 km² on the Central Gulf Coast of southern Thailand. Once a detention place for political prisoners, it has transformed into one of Thailand's premier scuba diving destinations, alongside the nearby islands of Ko Samui and Ko Pha-ngan. The island receives over 100,000 visitors per year and is geared more towards divers than budget backpackers.

The island has three main settlements: Mae Haad (the main pier and dive centre), Sairee (the longest beach with nightlife and restaurants), and Chalok Ban Kao (quieter, beachfront budget accommodation). A single main road runs north-south connecting them, with smaller roads branching into the hilly interior. Peak seasons are December to March and July to August. The island has basic sanitation infrastructure — visitors are urged to minimise plastic waste and conserve water and electricity.

By Plane

The nearest airports are Chumphon (CJM IATA), Ko Samui (USM IATA), and Surat Thani (URT IATA). Nok Air sells a combined flight and ferry ticket from Bangkok-Don Mueang to Chumphon, then a Lomprayah catamaran to Ko Tao. From Ko Samui, ferries depart from Bang Rak (Big Buddha) Pier and Mae Nam Pier. From Surat Thani, Lomprayah and Seatran Discovery catamarans take around 3 hours.

The main road connects Mae Haad, Sairee, and Chalok Ban Kao. Motorbike rental is widely available (150-250 baht/day) but scams are common — photograph every scratch before renting. Walking is pleasant along Sairee's "Brick Road" pedestrian path. Taxis (pick-up trucks) charge a minimum of 300 baht. Longtail boats serve isolated beaches. ATVs are banned on the island.

• Ko Nang Yuan — A trio of tiny islands connected by sandbars, a 15-min boat ride from Mae Haad. Stunning viewpoint hike. 250 baht entry. Snorkelling is excellent.

• John Suwan Viewpoint — A steep hike to a clifftop lookout with panoramic views of the island's southern coast.

• Freedom Beach — A secluded white-sand beach accessible by longtail boat or a hiking trail from the main road.

• Shark Bay — A popular snorkelling spot where black-tip reef sharks are commonly seen (harmless to humans).

• Sairee Beach — The longest beach on the island, lined with restaurants, bars, and dive shops. Sunset views.

• Mango Bay — A scenic bay on the northern coast, good for snorkelling, accessible by longtail boat or rough road.

• Scuba diving — The biggest attraction. Over 50 dive shops offer PADI and SSI courses from beginner to instructor level. Top dive sites include Chumphon Pinnacle (bull sharks, whale sharks), Sail Rock (one of the Gulf's best dive sites), and Shark Island. A typical fun dive costs 1,000-1,400 baht; an Open Water course costs around 11,000-13,000 baht.

• Freediving — Apnea Total, Blue Immersion Freediving, and Alvaro Diving offer AIDA and SSI freediving courses.

• Snorkelling — Excellent from Ko Nang Yuan, Shark Bay, Hin Wong Bay, and Laem Thian. Gear rental is cheap and widely available.

• Rock climbing — Limestone cliffs near Chalok Ban Kao offer bolted routes for climbers of all levels.

• Hiking — Trails to viewpoints (John Suwan, Fraggle Rock) and remote beaches.

• Sairee Cottage — Popular restaurant on Sairee Beach with Thai and Western dishes, 150-300 baht.
• Dolphin Bar & Restaurant (Sairee) — Beachfront dining with pizza, pasta, and Thai food, 200-350 baht.
• Barracuda Restaurant (Mae Haad) — Western fine dining, seafood, and cocktails, 300-500 baht.
• 995 Roasted Duck (Mae Haad) — Famous for Thai-style roast duck over rice, from 60 baht.
• Vegetarian/vegan — Many dive-shop cafes serve smoothie bowls and veggie options; Sairee has a vegan-friendly restaurant.

Sairee Beach becomes a lively drinking strip after dark. Lotus Bar, the original, hosts fire shows nightly. Beach bars at Chalok Ban Kao are more relaxed. Beer Chang, Singha, and bottled cocktails are standard. Avoid drinking tap water — all bars serve bottled drinks.

• Budget: Sairee Beach Bungalows (mid-Sairee) — fan bungalows from 400 baht. Good Dream Hostel (Mae Haad) — dorm beds from 250 baht.
• Mid-range: Ban's Diving Resort (Sairee) — air-conditioned rooms from 1,000 baht, with pool and dive centre. Posiedon Bungalows (Chalok Ban Kao) — simple but well-kept bungalows from 800 baht.
• Upscale: Jamahkiri Resort & Spa (Chalok Ban Kao) — clifftop resort with sea views from 4,000 baht. Haadtien Beach Resort (Haad Thien) — wellness-oriented resort with yoga, from 3,500 baht.

Mae Haad and Sairee have dive shops selling equipment, rash guards, and souvenirs. Sairee has a small night market with clothing and jewellery. Most goods are imported, so prices are higher than on the mainland. ATMs charge fees; bring enough cash.

• Ko Pha-ngan — 1-2 hr by catamaran, Full Moon Party and quieter northern beaches.
• Ko Samui — 2 hr by ferry, larger island with shopping, dining, and nightlife.
• Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park — Accessible via liveaboard tours from Ko Tao.
• Chumphon — 1.5 hr by catamaran, gateway to mainland train and bus connections to Bangkok.
• Surat Thani — 3 hr by catamaran, provincial capital with transport links to Khao Sok and beyond.