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Koh Tao is a small island located in the Gulf of Thailand, one hour north of Koh Samui and Koh Phangan. It is easily accessible from any of Thailand’s major airports as well as from Malaysia. Whilst primarily becoming popular as a diving Mecca for travelers looking to do their diving training, Koh Tao has blossomed into a full backpacker haven with many activities available day to day, as well as the opportunity to relax and soak up the sun on one of the islands many tropical, secluded beaches. Originally used as a Thai prison as early as 1933, the island became a local farming community when two brothers sailed from Koh Phangan and claimed a good part of what is now called Sairee Beach. In the last 20 years the popularity of the island has sky rocketed mainly due to its sheer natural beauty and abundance of coral and marine life. The clear blue waters and number of fish has ensured that Koh Tao became very popular with snorkelers and Scuba divers. When local business began to catch up with the demand, Koh Tao as we know it today was born. A thriving Thai island, Koh Tao’s reputation in the diving community is only enhanced by the sheer number of people who gain their open water certification here, taking advantage of the calm, still waters and perfect conditions for entry level training. Koh Tao also boasts some more impressive advanced dive sites with marine life ranging from groups of marauding grey reef sharks to the magnificent Whale Shark, regularly seen around Koh Tao, a rarity in world diving. Whilst diving is still the major draw for most visitors to Koh Tao, other activities have become popular with the tourists. The extensive hills and jungle make trekking popular with adventurous types, as well as the option for cliff jumping, rock climbing, abseiling and rappelling for those who don’t mind the heights. People more comfortable on the ground can find entertainment in the many water sports available. Windsurfing, wakeboarding, wake skating, kite surfing, kayaking and jet skiing are just some of the available past times for water babies other than diving, and for those who just want to keep their feet on the ground, mountain biking, motorbikes and ATV’s are available to rent pretty much everywhere for reasonable prices. So whatever your pleasure, there is something for everyone on Koh Tao, with an unusually long high season for a tropical island, (10 months), Koh Tao remains Thailand’s number one tourist destination for those who have discovered her. |
