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KOH TAO,
slightly bigger than 21 sq. kilometres is
one of the smallest inhabited islands
in the archipelago,
translated as Turtle island because of its similar shape to
the aquatic reptile.
Located 70 km east of the Suratthani
coast line and about 50km north east from Koh Phangan, the island was used as a political prison
for Barworndej rebels in 1933, and
participants of the coup in
1938. The deep rough sea was
the strong natural barrier
dividing the two worlds.
October, 20,
1944, Khun A-Paiwong, prime minister at the time pleaded for royal pardon for
all prisoners on the island. Three years later everybody was released and
taken to the Suratthani
shore. The "Turtle" was abandoned but was not left alone for
long.
In 1947 the
first generation of todays community arrived
on Koh Tao. Even though the island
was still under royal patronage, it didn't stop the first pioneers, the two brothers
Grandfather Ueam & Oh, who
started to claim their land on the western side,
geographically laying flat at the foot of the mountain, well sheltered from storms and monsoon.
They had a very
simple and tough life harvesting
coconuts, fishing and growing
vegetables. The excess
produce was sold to Koh Phangan.
If you look closely, you can see that from Sairee, at the north,
through Mae Haad to Chalok Baan Kao, the coconut trees are
fairly tall, their shadows covering the shore. This is where the
inhabitants in the early era started planting.
The population
then grew slowly but steadily. Reaching
the island was still a rather long
and difficult, sometimes even
dangerous journey, using small fishing boats.
In the eighties the first
back-packers discovered the Island and their special
info-network quickly made it a
popular destination. Soon enough bigger, faster and safer transportation was provided.
In the middle
nineties the reputation Koh Tao had earned for its serenity and beauty,
especially its marine life and
coral reefs, spread widely
and caused an explosion of visitors from around the
world.
The businesses
expanded rapidly to serve the needs of the new clientele and the island
today, yet remaining an
absolute paradise, has to offer a wide range of facilities
especialy regarding scuba diving.
GETTING AROUND
KOH TAO is only 21 square kilometres of golden beaches,
jungle and sunlight dappled coconut groves, edged with crystal
sea. It has one major concrete road which runs
from the pier at Mae Haad Town to the north, as far as the
end of Sairee beach, and in the other direction from the
pierto Chalok Baan Kao.
There are a few minor concrete roads,
which you can explore. The
remaining roads are dirt tracks, mainly in poor condition and can be quite
hazardous (even for a very skilled driver), especially when the
potholes are flooded.
There are no
obvious signs on any of the roads, and very little highway
code is practised. Vehicles in Thailand drive on the left-hand side, and the roads
and tracks are very narrow,
so drivers must always be prepared to move over for something
coming from the opposite direction, maybe
even into the jungle!
Jeeps and
motorcycles, of all sizes, can be hired by the day, prices start at 150 B to 1000 B
upwards, but unless your are
very confident of driving in rough terrain it is best to
take one of the taxis. Always
expect the unexpected when
on a motor bike, falls are
frequent because of the road conditions and sudden obstacles,
even the dirt tracks can be hard as concrete when
they are baked by the sun! There are several ways of getting around:
Taxis and Motorbike Taxis
These
can be found at Mae Haad Pier area or can be stopped on
the roadside. They run from early morning until 11 p.m. Please
be aware that taxi prices are not fixed and tend to double after
darkness, to avoid misunderstandings always discuss
the fare before the ride. General
guideline to taxi prices per person:
LONG TAIL BOAT TAXIS
You can
reach the most beautiful beaches, otherwise hard to get to, in a
traditional Long Tail Boat. These can be found at each side of
the pier at Mae Haad. They will take you anywhere you want
to go, and operators will suggest places you may like to
visit. You can decide on the length of the trip, either half day or
all day, but agree on the price before departure and don't
offend by bargaining too hard. The prices are quite consistent and reasonable. Below are a few
price guides for boat trips: to Chalok Baan
Kao -150 B per person to Nang Yuan
- 50 B, min 2 persons, single 100 B to Tanote Bay -100 B, min 3
persons, single 300 B around the island - 3 persons 800
B, 4 persons 1000 B
For good walkers there are
quite a few tracks to explore
all around the island. Not only will it be healthy and
save you some money, but this
way you will discover the real beauty of Koh Tao. i
Savour the variety of the
mangroves, enjoy the spectacular panorama from the mountain top or dip into
the warm water of a lonely
little bay. Please
bring enough mineral
water to avoid
dehydration, sunblock and a good hat to prevent
sun burn or heat stroke, and
naturally, don't forget your camera.
WHERE TO STAY
THERE are many bungalow
resorts with varied prices starting at 100 Baht upwards.
Most of the accommodation is located on Sairee, the largest beach on the island, near Mae Haad, the main village,
and at Chalok Baan Kao which is about 2 kilometres by road south
east of Mae Haad.
During peak seasons,
December to March and July to August, you may encounter
some difficulties in finding a place on your own due to the great demand. Take advice from the representatives at
Mae Haad pier or try booking prior to arrival (see
directory).
It is very important
to know the difference between a dive resort and a holiday resort.
A dive resort will offer packages including accommodation
to divers, but is often unable to
accommodate non-divers.
Cheap rooms - bamboo
hut, shared showers and toilets can be found at 100 B. From
200 B you can expect to have your own fan, shower and toilet.
Air-conditioned rooms start at 500 B, and then prices
rise with the amenities offered.
The
electricity on the Island is still provided by local resort
generators and is sometimes off during the night or daytime. If
constant electricity is a necessity for you, please check with
the resort before booking.
SAIREE BEACH
Sairee beach was the first
inhabited part of the island due to its flat and long stretched coconut groves and protected area for
fishing & farming. It remains for the tourist the most convenient place to stay.
Offering about 50% of the islands
accomodation, this bay of 1.7 kilometres is a real paradise for sunset lovers and late risers. Not to forget
party animals. Here you may find many kinds of bungalows,
restaurants, clubs, bars, shops, email services, dive resorts
and centers. Sunset side.
MAE HAAD
This is where you arrive. The
main village has a lot to offer, great shopping, some of the best restaurants, and an expanding
night life.
Money
exchange, post office, tour operators and travel agents, dive
shops and resorts. Great sunsets as well.
CHALOK BAAN KAO
Located on the south-east coast of the island, this bay is
the
third most popular area. Much smaller than Sairee, but with a great
view to the Buddha rock and a few neighboring little beaches
like Tatooh and Saan Jao that give it its very own charm.
Also quite a few great party spots around.
TANOTE BAY
If you are
looking for the real thing, a peaceful holiday in a natural
ambience and if being remote does not scare you, this is the one for you. With only 6
bungalow resorts, and about 80
rooms available. It offers some of the best snorkeling and many kinds of
watersport.
AO LEUK,
ROCKY BAY, AO HINWONG
One step beyond Tanote, you can experience real solitude and
serenity. Three little bays, best reached by boat, with no more
than two resorts each. Don't expect any luxury.
SAI DAENG
BEACH
Next to Rocky
Bay, with only two resorts nestled into an idyllic
landscape and a sandy beach, needs a special
recommendation, not only for its beauty but also because it
is
right in front of one of Tao's prime dive & snorkel sites :
DIVE SHOPS
KOH TAO is one of the
major divesites in Thailand.
Therefore it has a huge variety of fully equipped dive centers and dive resorts to offer. Following the
international regulations of PADI & SSI all dive courses
from beginner to professional are available.
Experienced divers can have daily tours to one of the many dive
sites. Snorkellers are welcome and can join in on some of
the scuba dive excursions for small fees.
The dive
resorts offer full holiday packages including accommodation
and scuba equipment for all budgets. Dive instructors and materials are
available in English, Japanese, German, French, Swedish and many
other European languages. The atmosphere in most diving schools
is family-like, relaxed and easy-going, yet still
professional and secure.
Needless to
say that equipment and facilities are of the highest
standard. Retail shops offer a surprising array of high quality
brand name equipment for bargain prices.
Most of the
centers and resorts have their own webpage,
where you can get more information and also book
directly.
DIVE SITES
As
unique as it gets, the Turtle offers 25 dive sites easy to
reach
with an average depth of 14-18m, and deeper offshore
spots at 30m+. Their proximity combined with their depth allows
Dive Centers to offer up to 5 safe dives a day. Check it
out...
CHUMPORN
PINNACLE
Located
approximately 11km northwest, this site is widely regarded as
one of the best in the region. One main huge granite
pinnacle and a series of smaller ones rising from the bottom at 36m to within 14m of the
surface, covered with anemones and their attendant Pink Clown Fishes. Large shoals of Great and
Cheveron Baracuda, schools of Trevally, Batfish and large
Groupers are commonly spotted. Less common but still
available to see are Spanish Mackerel and Scorpion Fish. This great site also plays host to seasonal visits by Whale
sharks and Manta Rays.
SOUTH WEST
PINNACLE
Situated 13km
southwest, depth ranging from 30m upward, a series of
seven pinnacles form an underwater mountain
range, with
the largest peaks rising at 5m below the surface,
covered with
sea anemones. Along the lower edges of the site are an abundance of whip coral
and gardens of large sea
fans. Impressive Baracudas over a meter long can be seen, as well as massive groupers, school of black spotted
Snappers, Emperors, Sweetlips and Batfish. Not to forget
that Manta Rays and Whale Sharks as well as Leopard sharks may also pass by.
SHARK ISLAND
One of the most varied site in
terms of marine life. Located about 300m southeast of Leuk Bay,
this small, unhinabited granite peak rises of the water from a sandy bottom at 20-24m.
Enjoy a huge varriety of hard, encrusted & soft corals, sea whips and gorgonian sea
fans covering the multiple pinnacles. Some of the most usual marine life include Blue spotted Sting Rays,
Scribbled Filefish, Harlequin Sweetlips, Starry
Pufferfish, various Groupers and Titan Triggerfish
that sometime like nibbling
the fins of divers getting too
close to their nesting site.
Although Shark
Island is suitable for divers of all levels,
strong
currents may be encountered, especially during full moon,
allowing the possibility of exciting drift dives.
WHITE ROCK
A very
popular dive site located 1 km off Sairee. White Rock boasts a large coral garden situated between two distinct granite pinnacles to the north and
south side and vast an array of bottom day time and noctural
inhabitants. With a depth
range of 26m to 5m, it is suitable for everybody's
experience levels. White eyed Morray and Blue Spotted Sting Ray
are commonly sighted, as well as "Trevor" the
Trigger Fish, legendary
resident for several years. Several species of Barracudas
routinely visit the site, it is particulary impressive to see them hunting on night dives, following divers
torch beams to spot their dinner. Night diving also
unveils many differrent kinds of feather stars, hunting Cone Shell, feeding Sting Rays,
Black Spotted Porcupine fish, in addition to sleeping
Parrot fish and Rabbit fish. You may
also be lucky enough to spot
a Hawksbill Turtle.
KOH NANG YUAN
RAY 3 (TWINS)
Twins
consist of two main pinnacles and a smaller deeper "little
brother". A perfect site for both training activities and fun dives with a depth range of 18m
to 5m surrounded by soft
white sand dotted with the unusual symbiotic relationships of Goby fishes
and their blind Shrimp house mates. Twins offers the
chance to spot large Groupers, Blue ringed Angelfish, yellow
Raccoon Butterfly fish, Parrots and Wrasses of many kind.
Not to forget "Mork and Mindy", a friendly pair of the uncommon Saddleback Clown fish, and enjoy your safety stop
surrounded by hundreds of yellow tail Barracudas.
KOH TAO’S EAST SIDE
The sparsely
populated east side of the island offers a range of unusual sites. Light House,
a favorite place for Turtle spotting, Hin Wong Pinnacle
with it's stunning blue soft
corals at 26m, Laem Thian for exploring a series of
connected swimthroughs & canyons, and Ao Leuk Point
with cornfield like areas of whip Corals. These sites also
offer the chance of
encountering banded Sea Snakes, Unicorn Surgeon fish and the
occasional passing Black tip reef Shark. From this side of
the island, the lush, steep jungle slopes make a
magnificient back drop. On a clear day, divers on the surface
can enjoy viewing Koh Samui and Koh Phangan.
NANGYUAN
NANGYUAN,
the small private island right
next to Koh Tao is a vision of paradise. Its beauty takes,
your breath away.
Its atmosphere is so extraordinary
it makes you want her to
remain a well-kept'
secret only for you and your closest friends. The snorkelling
around the island is unbelievable beautiful. The resort's staff
reminds you why Thailand is called the Land of Smiles. The
comfortable bungalows make you want to stay forever.
Its three
connecting beaches, formed by the ocean's currents
interacting with the three peaks of the island, made this place
unique to the world. The resort's architects studied the
island carefully, left the beach untouched and built a resort
harmonious with the natural rock formations.
Established in 1986, the quality of the
accommodation and
facilities has
steadily improved to meet the demands of today's
travelers. Bungalows range
from standard to
deluxe.
From the first
day, the owners have made it a point to preserve the environment of the island
and surrounding sea.
Therefore, during your stay you will be asked to respect some basic ideas on
environmental protection. Please avoid bringing plastic
bottles or cans to the island, and do not take any corals or
shells from the beach or sea. Finally, do not feed the marine or
bird life around the island.
Nangyuan can be
easily accessed from Koh Tao by longtail boat, one of the plenty
tour boats or even directly from Samui by a
high speed catamaran.
AWARENESS
KOH TAO, a tropical
paradise, how could we keep it that way? There are more than 100 000 people visiting the Turtle, which obviously
has a high impact on the eco-system. Being a small remote island, Koh Tao
has unfortunately not
the facilities to dispose of garbage as on
the mainland.
Actually most of the litter has
to be brought away. Also there are no dustmen or streetsweepers
employed. Therefore it is everybody1 s
responsibility to help keeping this problem as small as possible.
Here is
what you could do or
care about to make a difference.
There are a few special
containers around for bottles and cans, which should
be used whenever possible.
Trash cans,
sometimes even difficult to
find and often full
are still
a better option than the open landscape.
Try to avoid
using the plastic bags that will be given out for any little
item you purchase, bring your own bag instead.
Cigarette
butts need ages to decompose & the ashes spoil the beach, so look out
for ashtrays or use empty cans or such.
Water & electricity are very
expensive and scarce, so use
both economical. Don't throw paper or other things into the toilets, they are easily
clogged, but very difficult to clear.
The sea
is
naturally at higher risk because pollution is not as instantly
visible as it is on the land. Imagine that yearly cleaning
events organized by the dive schools retrieve tons of garbage from
the bottom of the sea.
First rule:
Don't throw anything at all into the water.
Second rule:
Look don't touch! Marine life is very sensitive & easily harmed,
some is poisonous and some will just... bite!
Corals are
very slow growing, but fragile and easily destroyed, often by
accidental contact with the scuba gear.
Dead corals
and shells are very important for the bio-cycle, so every time
you wanna pick up a souvenir, consider the impact of thousands
of tourists doing the same must have. Besides most
underwater beauty fades away quickly when taken out of
its natural habitat, a photo or video is always the better and
longer lasting choice.
All in all, the basic rule for all visitors should be to simply
leave this fantastic place same as they like to find it :
PORTRAIT
KHUN
ORAWAN was born on Koh Samui in
1973. What makes this
young lady so special is not
only her striking
friendliness and enthusiasm towards Koh Tao, but that she is also the grand-grand
daughter of the man who settled first on the Turtle
about 65
years ago, Khun Ueam.
At this time, Khun Ueam and his
twin brother Khun Oh reached Tao by trying out
their
traditional sail boat, build for fishing and exploring the
Gulf of Siam.The
wilderness and
stunning beauty of the island completely
bewitched them, as
well as the fact that the fishing grounds were
excellent.
They claimed some land for
themselves, started to plant coconut trees, vegetables
like
chili and fruits, while kept on traveling back and forth to
Samui, some times
bringing their
families and friends to share the magic and the
adventure.
In 1933, the Thai
government started to
use the island as a political prison and had
everybody else leave. For several years, Khun
Orawan's familly
remained on Samui
and concentrated on their rice plantation.After
the general amnesty
in 1947, Koh Tao became a free land
again.
In the mean time, trees
and
plants had grown well and except for a few abandoned
buildings, the memory was untouched. Orawan's family came
back, together with other relatives, and this time
stayed
for good.
After finishing her studies
on the
main land, Khun
Orawan finally also decided to settle here.
She is now living on
Sairee beach, running the family business. If
you are keen on
historical facts and stories about the
turtle, go see her at Seashell Resort, she
will be delighted to help you, and always with a charming
smile.
NO DIVING
KOH
TAO
Diver's Paradise! The first thing you will see is a dive
center, the last will be a dive resort. In every corner some
scuba equipment and people discussing sightings
offish with strange names all over the place. Is there a
life without a dive???
Yes.
there are definitely many other
ways to have a wonderful
time on the "Turtle", especially for
nature lovers.
First of all
you could spend a quiet, lazy
day on an empty beach. Empty
beaches? Sure, everybody else is diving. On several
beaches you can rent a
kayaks hourly or dayly,
mountain bikes are also available.
Snorkelling is an easy and cheap
solution for the curious but
inexperienced to get a first look at the
underwater world. Recommended areas are Tanote, Ao Leuk
or Rocky Bay, where Black Tip Reef Sharks are
often spotted.
Why not make
a day trip around the island by long tail boat or with
one of the local tour operators, who also offer deep sea and
night fishing. Prices are reasonable and you can stop
wherever you like to take a dip in the sea.
Check out
amazing Koh Nang Yuan? and climb up to the view point to
enjoy the stunning panorama. Best time to go is after 2pm
to avoid the many daily visitors from Samui.
If you like to
walk through gorgeous nature and maybe are even interested in yoga and
meditation, you should head
for Tao's highest peak,Two View, located right in the middle between Sairee and Tanote. According to your fitness it should take you
around 2 hours before you finally reach Tanote Bay and if you
don't feel like walking back, just catch a taxi or longtail boat
to Mae Haad.
For the adventurous there are courses in rock climbing and Thai
cooking classes for the culinary interested.
Feeling a bit
sore and tired, muscle pain, headaches? A traditional Thai
massage is something not to be missed, it will make you feel so
good you'll come back for more. There are a few
places around that offer Thai massage, foot massage, Reiki
or even courses in Tai Chi and Yoga
The timetable on the next page gives an overview of the current
situation, but times and boats might change.
All Hotels in Koh Tao
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