All You Need to Know to Discover Koh Tao

Discovering Thailand's islands is one of the many real pleasures of travel. Thailand is blessed with an abundance of beautiful islands, all with different charms. One jewel in the crown of Thailand's beauty spots is Koh Tao. Here's what you need to know about Koh Tao and the reasons why this Thai island is definitely worth a visit.

Koh Tao Background

Koh Tao means Turtle Island, and it is easy to see why this name has been bestowed on the place. Koh Tao is one of the most popular destinations for scuba diving in the country since it is home to many different species of underwater creatures, not least the turtle. Koh Tao is located to the north of the larger island of Koh Samui, and it has been a destination for tourists since the 1980s. Once, this sleepy island was home to just a few beach huts, but today you can find hotels, bars, restaurants, and resorts. There is practically everything here on this white sand paradise for a visitor to enjoy.

Koh Tao Thailand

Why Visit Koh Tao?

The most enduring attraction on Koh Tao has to be the white sand beaches. The beauty of the surroundings and the clear seas draw tourists to this location every year. The beaches are said to be among the best in Thailand. Some are easily accessible and therefore quite busy, while others are secluded and private. You can find your own stretch of sand quite easily on Koh Tao.

Beaches on Koh Tao

One of the best beaches on the island is Haad Tien. It is generally a clean beach with pristine waters and some small resorts along the shore. It is also known as Shark Bay since it attracts reef sharks. You can snorkel among these creatures and also see a lot of other underwater wildlife. Mae Haad beach forms the main resort town of the island, and this is the place where you can find all the bars, restaurants, and accommodation you need. It is one of the busiest places on Koh Tao. Sairee Beach is host to much of the island's nightlife, and it is also the longest stretch of sand on Koh Tao.

If you want to go a little further afield, check out the islets of Koh Nanyuan. These are a little offshore on the northwestern coast of Koh Tao. You can reach these tiny islets by boat, and the small beach that connects the islands is busy but charming.

Things to Do on Koh Tao

This location is one of the best in the country for scuba diving. It is home to a dramatic underwater landscape with coral and beautiful arrays of seaweed and fish. Several popular dive sites keep beginner and experienced divers happy, including the Ocean Utopia, the HTMS Sattakut wreck, and the Japanese Gardens.

Tahiland Koh Tao deep

Getting to Koh Tao

You can only get to Koh Tao by boat. There are regular ferries from koh phangan to koh tao, and from Surat Thani, Koh Samui, and Chumphon. The journey length varies from around an hour to six hours if you are going from Chumphon. Purchase tickets from the pier you are leaving from, and you do not need to book them in advance.