Koh Tao island in Thailand how to get there. What is the island of Koh Tao in Thailand? What to see in Koh Tao

© Koh Tao Island, or Turtle Island.

This a nice place with a sandy coast, coral reefs, hills and exotic coconut trees. More than 65% of the island's territory is occupied by rocks. The low-lying parts are covered with jungle, bushes, and granite boulders are often found.

The shape of the island resembles a turtle. There are few turtles left, apparently due to the influx of tourists. But there are two, frozen in stone. Their sculptures can be seen in Clock Town, one of the town's busy intersections, and on the beach, next to the port pier.

Island Koh Tao on the map of Thailand

Koh Tao is a small green island in the Gulf of Thailand. It is 69 km away from the peninsula, if you count from the borders. And from Koh Samui - 64 km. Bangkok is located 700 km north of Tao.

Map of Koh Tao Island

In the east, at approximately the same distance, is the beach coast of Cambodia. And in south direction from Koh Tao, at a distance of 35 km, lies the island of Phangan. The area of ​​Koh Tao island is about 22 square meters. km, ten kilometers long and four kilometers wide. Indigenous people– does not exceed 2000 people.

How to get to the island

There is no airport on Koh Tao. The closest of them are located in, Chumphon and. These cities are connected by airlines to Bangkok and Phuket. You can get to the island itself by ferry or catamaran. They all arrive at the port located in the bay Mae Haad Bay.

How to get there from Bangkok

Bus and ferry. The most popular is the bus. It goes to the city of Chumphon (6-9 hours), and then you take a ferry to the island.

Train and ferry. You can get there by train Bangkok-Chumphon (Bangkok-Chumphon). There are ferry operator agencies at the Chumphon Station train platform. You buy a ferry ticket, and the operator will organize a free transfer to the pier.

Airplane and ferry. You can use an airplane. It lands in Surat Thani or Koh Samui. There are also ferry operators' tents at Surat Thani Airport and they will take you to Don Sak Pier. In Bangkok you can also purchase a so-called combined ticket. Using it, you only have to make transfers; all schedules are taken into account and combined.

How to get there from Koh Samui

You can also get there from Koh Samui and the neighboring island of Koh Phangan by catamarans and ferries.

How to get there from Pattaya

From Pattaya you can get there by bus. It departs from North Station and arrives at Chumphon Bus Station. Take a taxi to the pier, and from there take the nearest boat to the island.

How to get there from Phuket

If you need to get to Koh Tao from Phuket, it is recommended to do this through Koh Samui, and from there by ferry.

There are always many taxi drivers in Koh Tao port ready to help you get to your destination. And hotels send their agents to the pier. If you have a hotel booked, call in advance and let us know your arrival time. They will meet you and organize a transfer, most often free of charge.

How to choose a hotel

You will not have any problems living on the island. There are hotels here for every taste and budget. There are more than a hundred of them. One has only to take into account that from the end of November to mid-March there is a high tourist season in Thailand. And, starting from Christmas, the kingdom has the largest influx of holidaymakers. Therefore, it is worth booking the hotel in advance.

Cheap hotels may be busy for several days before or after the full moon, due to the celebration of the Full Moon Party (a three-day full moon festival) on the neighboring island.

For fans of a comfortable holiday, Koh Tao provides luxurious luxury hotels. Luxury apartments are VIP-class apartments, expensive and respectable. The most famous of them: Luxury Villas, Sairee Sunset Luxury Villa, The Place Luxury, Boutique Villas. The villas are located in very picturesque places. Usually, there are several villas in a cozy estate. Guests can enjoy a swimming pool, sun terraces, etc. They offer views of the Gulf of Thailand, mountains, and tropical gardens. Everything is provided here for the convenience of guests.

Whole beaches can be created resort complexes. In them you will find almost everything you need for relaxation: fitness centers, swimming pools, spas, tennis courts, cafes, restaurants. Each beach has bungalows ranging from simple thatched bungalows to cozy wooden dwellings. You can rent a comfortable house located on a cliff overlooking the sea. Or you can do it on the first line, among the palm trees.

If you are interested in an economical option, consider the offers of guesthouses.

Guesthouses are one or two-story houses with 20-30 rooms. Often the owner’s family also lives here, and there are few staff. But home cooking is provided to you. It should also be taken into account that budget housing is not subject to any classification, and sanitary standards may not be met here either. But there is Wi-Fi, there are no problems with the Internet on the island.

When choosing a hotel, consider its location. The fabulous cozy houses on the rocks, of course, offer a magical view. But you will have to regularly overcome steep climbs and climb numerous stairs. This will be difficult for older people, those with health problems, and young children.

Those wishing to relax quietly, as isolated as possible from the outside world, should prefer hotels located away from the port.

An even more economical option is possible - a tent. If you crave complete solitude and merging with nature, go to the beach Cape Thian to an abandoned hotel. No one will disturb you here. Be sure to make sure you have enough fresh water. You can get there on foot as the road is closed.

The administration of other beaches prohibits tourists from setting up tents on their territories.

Beaches

Tao is rich in cozy coves and beaches. Everyone will find a place to their liking here.

Tourists who prefer to organize their holidays independently (backpackers) choose beaches Mae Haad or Sairee. Families with children will enjoy the beach Chalok or Jansom Bay. Romantics should choose remote beaches - Ao Leuk or Mango Bay.

• Some beaches are private property. But they are also available to everyone.

• Sometimes the administration of private beaches establishes certain rules for entry and behavior on its territory during vacation.

• Koh Tao resorts have a small number of sunbeds; you will have to sunbathe on a blanket. This is due to the fact that 70% of vacationers are divers and most of them are at sea diving. In this regard, on some beaches you can feel how Robinson Crusoe lived.

• If you are planning noisy night entertainment, lively discos, choose beaches located closer to the port.

• If you decide to go diving, choose places where there is a diving center.

Infrastructure and prices

You arrive at the port of Mae Haat Bai Bay. Located next to the pier Sairee Beach And Mae Haad. These are the areas with the most developed infrastructure. Here you will find most of the diving schools and centers. There are many stores, including 7/11. Beachwear in retail outlets is presented in assortment, but prices are slightly higher than on mainland Thailand.

There are also ticket agencies, Internet cafes, restaurants, bars, and massage parlors. You can also use an ATM or exchanger. There are bank branches that offer better exchange rates.

Local kitchen will offer to satisfy your hunger with its delicacies. All products are imported from the mainland, which affects prices. Street kitchens (kitchens on wheels or mobile food stations) are also popular here, but there are very few of them. You can taste shakes there for 30-40 baht ($1), juices – 30-50 baht ($1.2), fruit salads – 50 baht ($1.4). Delicious padthai - noodles with vegetables and nuts - 50 baht ($1.4).

But the cost of meals in a cafe starts from 60 baht ($1.7). For coffee or tea you will pay 40 baht ($1.2). On the island drinking water in short supply. For 1.5 liters you will have to pay 25-30 baht ($0.85), and for a liter bottle – 15 baht ($0.4). Massage services here are also slightly more expensive: 250-300 baht ($7-7.5).

Transport on Koh Tao

There are pickup taxis on the island's piers, and on large beaches you can rent a water taxi that will take you anywhere in Koh Tao. But the main types of transport on the island are ATVs, motorbikes, mountain bikes, and scooters.

Without transport, it will be difficult to get to and explore the far corners of the island. Here you will find a huge fleet of motor vehicles for rent. But you should use them if you are confident in your driving skills. The roads on the island are dangerous both in terms of their quality, the steepness of the ascents, turns and descents, and the organization of traffic itself.

Many of them are not concreted. Even experienced bikers get adrenaline pumping.

• If you decide to use it, it would be useful to take into account some tips when registering a lease: Never leave a deposit for vehicle your international passport is your main document outside your homeland. Offer a photocopy of the document, driver's license, civil passport, you can bank card , preferably with a zero balance, or security deposit

• , approximately 3000 baht ($85)

• Fix everything, even minor scratches and damage. Make sure they are included in the lease agreement. Demonstratively photograph the damage in front of the landlord.

• First of all, carefully check the functionality of the brake system and lighting devices.

• The use of a motorcycle helmet, taking into account the condition of the roads, is vital.

• Be prepared to walk some ups and downs; transport may not be able to handle them.
• Remember that even slight intoxication will lead to refusal to recognize the case as insured. And such cases on local roads, even when sober, are not uncommon.

Approximate rental prices for transport: for a scooter or motorbike you will pay from 200 to 300 baht per day ($7-8); for an ATV - from 600 to 700 baht ($9-10).

What to do on the island

Diving is what most tourists go to Koh Tao for. More than 50 diving schools with attractive prices, varied programs and courses await you here. Teachers teach both the basics of immersion and improve the skills of vacationers.

Teaching is conducted on English language, but there are also Russian-speaking instructors. Training groups are small, only 3-4 people. The necessary equipment is provided by the school, and sometimes it also provides accommodation for clients. Upon completion of training, certificates are issued different levels. They are valid in all countries of the world.

Nature itself took care of the conditions for diving: there is no strong current, clear water, excellent visibility, fabulous coral reefs, diversity of marine fauna and flora.

It should be taken into account that not far from the shore the bottom becomes rocky and overgrown with corals. Therefore, it is better to swim along the shore.

1. The island's beaches are also attractive for lovers.
2. You can also go freediving (scuba diving while holding your breath).
3. Bouldering (rock climbing) is popular - a series of short but extremely difficult routes.
4. Schools.
5. Schools and salons.
6. Cafes and restaurants offer live music, fire shows, etc.
7. Discotheques are held regularly and are popular among dance lovers.
8. You will also have a pleasant rest with children: the beaches are clean, the atmosphere of the island is calm.
9. And you can quench your thirst for adventure by discovering uninhabited coves.
10. And also.
11. And, of course, swimming and getting a Thai tan.

If you want to take a break from the bustle of the city, plunge into wildlife, you - to the island of Koh Tao.

Koh Tao Island is located in the Gulf of Thailand, 69 km from mainland Thailand (Surat Thani province), and 64 km from Koh Samui. It has total area about 22 sq. km, number local population- about 2,000 people.

Koh Tao (or simply Koh Tao, as Koh means "island") is one of the most popular diving and snorkeling spots in Thailand. Unlike the Similan and Surin archipelagos, which are also popular for this, it is easier and cheaper to get here. The infrastructure on the island is much better developed and here you can not only dive, but also relax in comfort. There are all conditions for this - hotels, restaurants, massage parlors, bars on the coast, some types water activities.

Ko Tao is translated from the local dialect as “Turtle Island”; it received this name for two reasons. Firstly, its shape resembles a turtle, and secondly, they lay their eggs here (or rather, they laid them in the past, now this phenomenon is rarely seen).

Koh Tao Island is a combination high mountains and lowlands covered with bush, granite boulders and dense jungle. Moreover, mountains occupy more than 65 percent of the total area and form the basis of the landscape. According to archaeological data, in the past there was no vegetation on the island, only rocks, but over time the landscape has changed and today it is a very beautiful place, located in pristine purity, since there are no large buildings, etc.

Koh Tao on the map of Thailand

Story

For many millennia, the island of Koh Tao was deserted; there was not a single person here. This is due to the fact that it is located far from the mainland and other islands and is relatively small in size. Certainly, local residents knew about its existence, because it was they who gave it its name, but no one wanted to move here because of its remoteness. From time to time, ships and pirate schooners stopped on the island to rest before further travel or simply wait out the storm. For the same purposes, fishermen landed here in their small kayaks, which could easily capsize in inclement weather and drown all the fish caught during the day. But when the sea calmed down, they boarded their boats and returned to where they came from.

In mid-1899, the then king of Thailand, Rama V, sailing with his retinue on a ship past Ko Tao, decided to inspect it and landed at Jor Porror Bay, not far from the modern Sairee beach. This historical moment is evidenced by the inscription on a large stone left by His Majesty. Since the king is highly revered in Thailand, an altar was built near this place, to which flowers and fruits are offered daily as a sign of respect and devotion. Since then, the island has been under royal patronage.

Until the 30s of the last century, political figures disliked by the authorities were exiled to Koh Tao and lived in makeshift thatched huts. At the beginning of 1947, they were all amnestied by order of the king and returned to their homes to their families. The island became deserted again, but this lasted only a few months.

The date of the first permanent settlement on Koh Tao can be considered mid-1947, when two twin brothers from the island of Koh Phangan sailed here on a new boat. They liked this quiet and serene place so much, with beautiful hills, coconut palms and a sandy coast, that they soon returned to the island with their families and built the first houses on the shore of the same Sairee beach. So for many years they lived by selling the collected nuts, vegetables and fruits, as well as the fish they caught, to neighboring islands. Over time, more and more people moved here, and several villages were formed.

In the early 80s of the last century, with the development of tourism in Thailand, travelers began to explore new places where Westerners had never set foot. One of these paradises turned out to be the island of Koh Tao. Every year it became more and more popular; many tourists really liked the idea of ​​getting away from civilization to take a break from the hustle and bustle of cities.

Demand creates supply, so the Thai authorities decided to turn Koh Tao into a real resort. The first hotels, shops and souvenir shops, restaurants and bars appeared, in a word, everything that makes a comfortable stay among the tropical jungles and mountains.

Today, thanks to its beautiful coral reefs, the island is a place of pilgrimage for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts who come here from all over the world to swim among the abundance of strange marine life.

The proximity of large hotels and small bungalows, as well as the fact that the beaches are public, make affordable vacation both for wealthy people and budget tourists.

How to get to Koh Tao

There is no airport on the island; the closest ones are in Chumpon, Surat Thani and Koh Samui. You can fly directly from Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan and other countries only to Bangkok or Phuket, where you need to make a transfer.

Cheap flights to Bangkok

You can buy air tickets to Thailand as profitably as possible using special search engines that collect data from all airlines.

One of the most popular ways to get to Koh Tao is to buy a package ticket from Bangkok, which can include a flight or bus and transfer to your destination. .

Well organized ferry service with neighboring islands, Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, as well as the mainland, piers in Surat Thani and Chumpon.

Transport

Since Koh Tao is mountainous and paved roads are only connected to the main beaches, this imposes some restrictions on movement. The mountains are really high, so it’s better to forget about riding bicycles, and there are practically no bike rentals. Only experienced drivers can ride a motorcycle to remote beaches and viewing platforms, since the road there is dirt mixed with sand, plus steep descents and ascents, plus holes left by rainwater. And the real bummer is that at first you start driving on the asphalt, and about a kilometer before the desired place it breaks off, and extreme sports begin. In our opinion, this is the worst island in Thailand in terms of roads. Even the much-maligned Koh Phangan or Samet are much safer. The latter, by the way, is a bit similar in size and quality of roads.

On the other hand, moving around the island is not that important for those who just want to swim and sunbathe. Since it is small, you can move between the main beaches on foot. For example, from Mae Haad, where all the piers are located, Sairee Beach is easily accessible in just 10-15 minutes. The walk to the village of Chalok and its beach takes longer - about half an hour. These are the three most important settlements on Koh Tao, with the longest beaches and the most complete infrastructure.

If you decide to rent a motorbike, the easiest way to do this is right upon arrival, in the village of Mae Haad. Rental cost is 200 baht per day and 4000-4500 per month. Almost all mopeds are equipped with special tires designed for off-road driving. To refill your tank, there are several gas stations in the Mae Haad and Sairee area. The cost of one liter of gasoline in Koh Tao is 45 baht. They take a passport as collateral and upon return of the moped they carefully check it for scratches (which are quite possible to get on sharp turns and off-road climbs).

There are taxis on Koh Tao that can take you to any part of the island for a negotiable fee. Not only pickup trucks, like those in Pattaya, but also ordinary cars are used as taxis.

Who should go to Koh Tao

Koh Tao is a specific resort that you may or may not like. Its main advantage is the purest water and rich underwater flora and fauna. If you add to this some of the cheapest prices for obtaining diving certificates, you can understand why Koh Tao is one of the most youthful resorts in Thailand, along with Phangan and Phi Phi.

If you have visited Egypt and then enjoyed the underwater life in other parts of the world and in Thailand itself, then at least you will not be disappointed here. On the island a large number of certified diving schools, where you can take courses from beginner to seasoned deep-sea diver and receive certificates of any level.

For lovers beach holiday the main thing is to choose the right hotel, since the coast of Sairee and Mae Haad, where all the infrastructure is concentrated, are not so pleasant for tourists. But nevertheless, there are excellent beaches on Koh Tao, you can find out about them in separate articles.

As a result, if you are a fan of deep-sea diving or great snorkeling, you simply need to come here.

What to do and what to visit

1. Attractions.

There are no special attractions on Koh Tao. Anything that may be of interest is related to natural beauties around: beaches, observation decks, waterfalls. Well, the most famous place is, perhaps, Observation deck and the beach at .

If you are not planning a trip only to Koh Tao, then we offer you.

2. Entertainment.

During the day, Koh Tao offers a good selection of water activities, such as water skiing, motorcycles and kayaks, and diving. You can rent a motorcycle or a boat and travel independently by land or water. Also very popular hiking, in this case, you will have access to those places that cannot be reached by car or motorcycle.

3. Nightlife.

There is also nightlife, but it is concentrated only in its busiest part - on Sairee Beach, and even then only in some of its sections. There's even one of our own. If you are not a fan of noisy parties, then you can easily find a quiet place in the evening, for example, on many beaches, which become empty when the sun sets. Here you can sit quietly at the water's edge, enjoying the sea breeze, the sound of the surf and the night beauty of a tropical paradise. This perfect place for a romantic walk with your loved one.

4. Shops.

Shops on Koh Tao are mainly represented by 7/11 mini-markets, small shops with vegetables and fruits, departments of manufactured goods (where you can buy fans, tiles, etc.). No hypermarkets or shopping centers no, not even a mini Tesco Lotus. The only large supermarket (which is called Supermarket) is located on the main road between Mae Haad and Sairee. Near the main beaches there are shopping arcades with clothes, shoes and souvenirs. That's all shopping.

Beaches

The most populated place is the west of the island, here are the two main beaches of Sairee and Mae Haad - the most populated and popular, where there are quite a lot of people and there is “action”. But not the best for amateurs beautiful sea and sand. People looking for quiet and uncrowded holiday destinations on Koh Tao should look to the east and south coasts. There are deserted beaches, both sandy and rocky.

The island of Koh Tao is located 700 kilometers from Bangkok, north of Koh Samui in the Gulf of Thailand. The distance from the mainland is seventy-one kilometers. Previously, the island was not inhabited; there were only a couple of huts of fishermen who lived on neighboring islands, they served as a refuge for them in a storm, or as a place for travelers and sailors to spend a short rest. This island was described in their notes and was well known by cartographers living in the twelfth century. On European maps of that time, "Koh Tao" was designated as "Pulo Bardia". King Chulalongkorn visited Koh Tao on June 18, 1899, and as proof, he left his monogram in Jor Por Ror Bay on a huge boulder located at Sairee Beach. Moreover this place is still considered sacred by Thais. Since 1933, the island began to be used as a colony-settlement. They built a prison and transferred political prisoners from west coast. In 1947, Prime Minister Khuang Abhaiwongse received a royal pardon, which allowed the release of all prisoners. Thus the island was abandoned once again. Having learned that the island was liberated by two brothers Khun Oh and Khun Uaem, who were originally from Ko Phangan, they made a rather dangerous and long journey to it by boat. At that time, the fact that the island was still under royal patronage did not stop these guys from staking out a large piece of land on Sairee Beach. They began to cultivate and cultivate excellent soils, and the first generation of modern inhabitants of the island was formed here. The population grew even despite the difficulties in developing the island. The first tourists discovered the island only in the 1980s, making it popular and widely famous place for relax. The money that tourists spent here quickly improved the infrastructure and life of the island, and already in the 1990s the island became famous as a diving center. And yet the island is considered a relatively new diving resort in Thailand, but no less popular for that. Ko Tao is certainly less developed compared to Ko Phangan and Samui, and yet Ko Tao is rightfully considered the pearl of diving. Tourists are attracted to the place because of the crystal clear water, the huge variety of colors of the underwater world, and the relatively inexpensive diving certification. The main settlements on the island can be considered its main beaches - Mae Haad (Ban Mae Haad); Sairee (Haad Sairee); Chalok Ban Kao. The most popular place Sairee Beach is considered to be on the island; most of the dive centers, hotels, shops, restaurants, Internet cafes, pharmacies and other establishments are concentrated here. The beach is located on the northern part of Koh Tao and covers 1.7 kilometers in length coastline west coast. Several stone boulders divide the white sandy beach and attract climbers from all over the world. Among the establishments here, it is worth noting the Lotus bar, which hosts incendiary parties, as well as the good King Crab restaurant, where you can order a barbecue made from freshly caught fish, squid or shrimp. On Sairee beach there is a diving resort called Bans, it is located some distance from many bars, at night it is quiet and cozy, which cannot be said about other resorts, especially if they are located near the coastline. Darkly with Sairee opens beautiful view to the satellite island of Koh Nang Yuan. Basic transport node The island is located on the Mae Haad belt, with rare exceptions, all ships from the nearby islands of Koh Phangan and Samui and from all over the mainland arrive here. In terms of its location, it is located exactly between the beaches of Sairee and Chalok. It is always possible to get there in just twenty minutes on foot. There are a large number of restaurants aimed at lovers of Thai and European cuisine. It is worth visiting the Dolce Vita pizzeria here, it is run by two brothers from Italy, one of whom is the chef. Located near the Russian dive center Crystal Dive Resort restaurant Pranees Kitchen is ready to offer inexpensive, but no less high-quality Thai cuisine. The only specially equipped billiard room is Nemos Pool. Most office dive centers and resorts are located in MaeHaad, and it is also possible to rent inexpensive accommodation in guesthouses. It is here that the famous stone turtle is located, which is essentially the symbol of the island of Koh Tao. On the southern outskirts is Chalok Beach, which is notable for its silence and isolation. Nevertheless, all the infrastructure necessary for life is available here. Since the beach is remote from the main beaches, the cost of living here is not high, but in order to get to the beaches “Sairee” and “Mae Haad” you will have to pay for a taxi from one hundred baht per person, depending on which beach you are going to.

Koh Tao is beautiful and picturesque island in the Gulf of Thailand. Its name is translated from Thai as “ Turtle Island" There used to be a large number of turtles living here, but after Koh Tao became popular tourist resort, there are very few turtles. Apparently they found more quiet place. But there are still sculptures of turtles on the island. Koh Tao has many beautiful sandy beaches, coral reefs and greenery. Let's take a closer look at this island.

Koh Tao Island is quite small in size, its area is approximately 21 km². It is 67 km away from the nearest point of the mainland (Surathani province). Koh Samui is 64 km away and Koh Phangan is 35 km away. Koh Tao - inhabited island, the infrastructure is well developed here; if you wish, you can stay overnight. There are quite a few shops on the island, including 7-eleven, shopping arcades with clothes, cafes, restaurants, pharmacies, ATMs, exchangers, hotels and even houses for rent. That is, you can live quite comfortably here. But prices are higher than on the mainland.

There are very few attractions on the island, mainly tourists come here for beautiful beaches, tropical views, diving and snorkeling. The most popular attraction in Koh Tao is the Two View observation deck, which offers stunning views of the entire island. It is well equipped and almost every tourist strives to get here.

One more tourist place is the square where the monument to King Rama V stands. The king came to the island and left his signature on the rock; later his monument was erected here. This attraction is located in the southern part of Sairee Beach.

There is also a fishing museum and a nature conservation center on the island. And, of course, diamond caves. Favorite place many tourists.

Weather

The dry season on Koh Tao lasts from late December to April. This period is best time for a holiday on the island. From May the amount of precipitation increases, but it is not critical. Therefore, it is also quite good to vacation on Koh Tao from May to September. The most unfavorable months for traveling to this island are October, November and the first half of December. At this time, a large amount of precipitation falls, the sea rises big waves.

Beaches

Koh Tao has a large selection of beaches. Everyone will find a suitable place for themselves. There are crowded beaches and calm, secluded coves.

Sairee Beach is the noisiest and most crowded on the island. There are many bars, cafes, restaurants, hotels and shops, and in the evening there is a fire show on this beach. However, this is not the best place for swimming. The sea is shallow, and at low tide the water goes quite far. Sairee Beach is suitable for those who prefer fun and nightlife.

Mae Haad Beach be next to the pier. It is quite noisy and crowded here due to the constantly arriving boats. There are also many cafes, restaurants and shops on this beach. However, prices are lower than on the beach described above. Here you can find a budget hotel or guesthouse. The beach is suitable for those who want to find cheap accommodation and do not want to spend a long time getting to their hotel from the pier.

located in the north of Koh Tao. It is a picturesque and secluded bay. The beach is great for snorkeling. But getting to it is not easy, since there is no road along the coast to the beach, you have to go through the center of the island, and the path goes through the mountains.

Chalok Ban Kao Beach located in the very south of Koh Tao. It ranks second in popularity among European holidaymakers. Therefore, there are always a large number of tourists here. The Chalok Ban Kao beach has an excellent infrastructure: shops, bars, cafes, restaurants, nightclubs, etc. The sea is shallow, it is not very convenient to swim in it, but it is what children need. The beach is notable for the fact that there are large and unusual cobblestones that create a special charm for this place.

is a small secluded bay. It is located on the private property of the hotel, but anyone can visit it. The beach is clean and well-groomed, there is a lot of greenery and flowers. While swimming in the sea, you can see schools of colorful fish. This beach is very popular among snorkelers.

— beautiful place for swimming and snorkeling. There is crystal clear water here, a smooth sandy descent into the sea. The beach is quite calm, there are no noisy establishments here. There are several cafes on the shore where you can have a snack. Leuk Bay beach will appeal to those who love a calm and secluded holiday. This beach is located on east coast islands.

Diving and snorkeling

Most tourists come to Koh Tao to enjoy the beauty of its underwater world. And there really is something to see here. In the coastal waters of Koh Tao Island you can see turtles, stingrays, reef and whale sharks, and barracuda. There are several dozen diving schools on the island, where they will teach you everything you need.

Koh Tao mostly employs English-speaking instructors, but you can find a school that teaches in Russian. All necessary equipment is provided by the school. At the end of the lesson you will receive a diver certificate.

You can also rent a mask and snorkel on the island and go snorkeling. Koh Tao has many beaches that are ideal for snorkeling. For example, the beaches of Leuk Bay, Jansom Bay, Mango Bay, Freedom Beach.

Video review of Koh Tao

In the video you can see what Koh Tao Island is like.

Hotels

Koh Tao has a large selection of hotels, guesthouses and villas. Here you can choose accommodation according to your taste, budget and on the beach you like. One of the most luxurious hotels on the island is The Place Luxury Boutique Villas. There are several excellent hotels near the port: Sensi Paradise Beach Resort and Koh Tao Royal Resort. From more budget options I can recommend Montalay Beach Resort, Nadapa Resort and JP Resort Koh Tao.

It is better to book the hotel in advance, since Koh Tao is very popular among tourists and there may not be any vacancies. This is especially important before the New Year. Peak season best options They're selling like hot cakes.

I recommend booking a hotel on the Hotelluk website, as thanks to it you can find options at the most favorable price. I also leave you a map of the island with hotels, it will help you choose the hotel on the beach that you liked best.

Transport

You can get around Koh Tao Island by taxi. You can also use taxi boats; it is convenient to sail from one beach to another. But it is much more convenient to rent a vehicle on Koh Tao. To the most popular types transport includes motorbikes and ATVs. If you plan to explore the entire island, then it is better to take a quad bike, as most of the roads on Koh Tao have steep descents and ascents, and standard motorbikes do not always have enough power to drive uphill.

The cost of renting a motorbike is 150-200 baht, a quad bike - 800 baht.

However, you should rent a vehicle if you are completely confident in your driving skills. And be sure to check that the brakes work well, in mountainous area this is especially important.

How to get there?

Getting to Koh Tao is quite difficult. There is no airport on the island and can only be reached by ferry or boat.

If you are flying from Russia or any other country, you will have to change planes in Bangkok or Phuket. Next, you can fly to Surathani province or Koh Samui, and then take a ferry to Koh Tao. There are also buses from Bangkok and Phuket to Surathani province, from where ferries depart to Koh Tao. On the website you can buy a comprehensive ticket to Koh Tao.

The easiest way to get to Koh Tao is from Koh Samui and Koh Phangan. Ferries run daily from these islands to Koh Tao. You can also book an excursion on Koh Samui to Koh Tao. In this case, you will be picked up from your hotel and taken back, provided with snorkeling equipment, and the tour package also includes lunch and guide services. You can book a tour at.

See the map for the exact location of Koh Tao Island.

Choose your beach

Beaches of Koh Tao island

Koh Tao is a tiny island, its territory covers a little more than 20 sq. km. The main life of the island takes place in the western and south coast— here are the most popular and developed beaches and settlements islands. The eastern and northern beaches, bays and coves, many of which are a combination of sandy beaches with large stone boulders, are remote and isolated from the “main crowd”, which is why it is more calm and relaxing here (at least in the evenings).

Sairee Beach

Sairee Beach is the most famous, longest, widest and most popular beach on the island, located in the center of the west coast. This is where most hotels and beach bungalows, dive shops, restaurants and bars are located. It is crowded here during the day and evening. Beach barbecues and stunning sunsets at Sairee are a must on Koh Tao.

Sairee Beach. Photo: Nick Abbott, Flickr

Sunset on Sairee Beach. Photo: Mr & Mrs Backpacker, Flickr

Mei Haad Beach

Mae Haad is adjacent to Sairee and is the infrastructure center of the island. Ferries arrive here and most of the shops and tourist offices. Mei Haad is less interesting from a beach point of view, but will be of interest to those who plan to actively spend time on Koh Tao; there are a lot of different accommodations here, incl. good budget apartments and guest houses.

Mei Haad Beach. Photo: Christian Sorand, Flickr

Jansom Bay

Tiny Jansom Bay is located in the southwest of the island. Private beach Charm Churee Village Resort is isolated and well maintained. There are several small budget hotels in the surrounding hills. Beautiful views and the wonderful underwater world are the undoubted advantages of this place.

Jansom Bay. Photo: Nathan Grant, Flickr

Chalok Baan Kao

Chalok Baan Kao is a nice, well-developed and fairly large beach in the southern part of the island, a quieter alternative to Sairee Beach. Shark Bay and Ao Leuk, which are considered the best snorkeling on the island, are located nearby and can be reached by a traditional Thai boat, of which there are a huge number on the beach.

Chalok Baan Khao Beach. Photo: Leina Sevele, Flickr

Thian Og Bay

Thiang Og Bay, better known on the island as Shark Bay, is considered one of the best places on the island for snorkeling. Here you can quite likely see small reef sharks. There are also several dive spots near the bay. The beach in the bay is absolutely idyllic and romantic, and there are several hotels nearby.

Thian Og Bay. Photo: Alasdair Milne, Flickr

Saideng Beach. Photo: Aysegul Demir Jakubowski, Flickr

Ao Leuk Bay

Ao Leuk is located in the eastern part of Koh Tao. There is a beautiful little beach here with turquoise water and just fantastic underwater world. The remoteness and the presence of a very limited number of restaurants and hotels - bungalows located on the hills make this place especially attractive for a romantic vacation.

Ao Leuk Bay. Photo: Henry and Tersia Claasen, Flickr