Koh Tao

This characterful small fishing town on the Gulf of Thailand is the main ferry departure point for nearby Samui Island, Koh Tao, Koh Phan Ngan, Koh Nangyuan and forms an interesting destination on the air, rail and road routes to the south of Thailand (Suratthani).

Koh Tao
“Tao” means turtle, and the island is named for its shape when seen from out in the waters of the Gulf. Smaller than Samui and Pha-ngan, Koh Tao lies about 40 km. northwest of Ko Pha-ngan, and is also easily accessible from Chumphon. The island is particularly popular among divers, and has a reputation for some of the most exciting underwater excursions in the entire Gulf. Several dive companies based at Mae Hat, the island’s only town, can arrange underwater excursions for beginners and experienced divers. There are many peaceful and idyllic beaches on the island such as Hat Sai Ri, the island’s longest beach on its west coast, Hat Chalok Ban Kao and Hat Sai Daeng on the south coast. There is also a unique geological phenomenon at Ko Nang Yuan, a tiny cluster of islets just off the northwest coast of Koh Tao, where stunning causeways of sand join the islands, offering visitors the choice of two seas to swim in.