Koh Tao is the best diving island in Thailand! What is the island of Koh Tao in Thailand.

Most likely, since you have landed on this page, you are certainly interested in useful information on how to relax and get the most out of your stay on this paradise island. On the pages of the site site, we tried to collect as much as possible all useful information about this island, which we hope will help you plan your trip more efficiently and more diversified.

Some general background information

Ko Tao is one of those heavenly corners of our planet where beautiful landscapes will forever captivate the traveler's heart. Having once visited Koh Tao, you will have the opportunity to enjoy all the benefits of an exotic resort. In particular, it is an indispensable find for diving enthusiasts and professionals.

Koh Tao is the smallest island of the existing trinity, and Koh Tao. It is this island that differs from the rest by its uncomprehended civilization, small infrastructure, or rather its almost complete absence and nature of indescribable beauty. On Koh Tao, you can reunite with nature, succumb to peace and harmony, take a break from everyday hustle and bustle.

The beaches of Koh Tao.

In its small area, which, in general, is 21 square meters. kilometer, Koh Tao in its location has many beaches, including Chalok Beach and Shark Beach. These beaches differ from the rest by the complete absence of people, rich living creatures and a sense of complete harmony between man and nature. People who have always dreamed of visiting a deserted island can experience similar feelings on this Koh Tao beach.

Many tourists visiting the island of Koh Tao are very low prices for training in a professional diving school. Well, for example, a full five-day training, along with accommodation, costs only 800 baht, which is approximately $ 25. Agree, very attractive prices, which can please not every resort.
Also, tourists can use a mask and fins for snorkeling for only 200 baht, that is, for 6.2 dollars. For the same amount, you can take a water taxi and go on a short sightseeing trip around the island.

Koh Tao island on the map of Thailand

On this small Thai island, which is located 700 km from Bangkok on the north side and at the same distance from the east from the coast of Cambodia. Tourists come to Koh Tao to take a break from the outside world, and plunge into the magical land of diving and snorkeling. Depending on what type of holiday you are going to do, you can choose the appropriate places. For example, Sairee Beach, 1.7 km long, is located a few minutes from the village of Mae Haad, which, among others, is distinguished by many hotels, hotels and the presence of civilization. Many sandy and stone beaches, picturesque bays will not leave indifferent even the most real skeptics. If you dive with a mask, then your eyes will be presented with a magical underwater world with many inhabitants - wonderful little fish of various colors, tiny and exotic crabs and shells.

How to get to Koh Tao

There are several ways to get to the island of Koh Tao, the dotted line on the map shows the piers from which ferries depart regularly. If you are coming from Bangkok, then it will be useful for you to read about the method, because the whole way from Bangkok to Koh Tao almost one to one repeats the options described in the article, you only need to take a boat in Don Sak that does not sail to Koh Phangan, but on Koh Tao.

Housing on Koh Tao.

Going on a trip to Koh Tao, tourists will be pleased with the prices for accommodation. Despite such an exotic resort in Thailand, housing prices are very, very low, even for the average category of our population. A good bungalow for two can be rented for 300 baht, which is about 9.3 USD. If you have more money, then you can afford a luxury apartment for 600 baht for two, in dollars - this is about 18.5 USD.
Delicious food in small, modest restaurants and cafes will complement your enjoyment and give you a lot of pleasure that will be saddened in your memory for a lifetime. Undoubtedly, in your city you will never find real traditional dishes in any Thai restaurant.

Video from Koh Tao

Asia receives more than a million tourists every year, but few have heard of Tau, the island of Thailand. But here your vacation will become truly fabulous.

People come here to enjoy the exotic, splash in the warm sea and eat fresh fruit. The most popular destinations in Thailand are Phuket, Pattaya and Koh Tao is a new tourist destination.

Previously, there was a prison here, and criminals were exiled here, now no one needs to be exiled, people began to come here themselves for the best rest.

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Location of Koh Tao on the map of Thailand

The name "Koh Tao" means "turtle" in Thai. In its shape, the territory also looks like a turtle, which is why the island is often called "turtle". Live turtles are rarely seen on Tau today, but they are still its symbol. Geographically, the island of Koh Tao in Thailand is located in the Gulf of Thailand, the nearest points to it are Koh Samui and Phangan, and 70 kilometers separate it from land. From the capital of Thailand - Bangkok, Koh Tao is separated by 700 kilometers.

The area of ​​Koh Tao is small, only about 21 square meters. km, the territory itself is beaches, rocks, dense forests, jungles. Animal world not diverse, but can be found in water different types marine life. It is the marine life that all the divers of the world come to see, because diving on Tau is the best in Thailand.

Koh Island Map

Tau is one of the most beautiful resorts not only in Thailand, but throughout the world. Only the Bahamas or the Maldives can compare with it. Koh Tao, although not big, is ready to accommodate many tourists. Mostly wealthy people who are interested in beach holidays come here. The population of Tau is also small - about 1,500 people, but there are several times more tourists here.

The Tau map looks like this:

The main occupation of tourists in this paradise is diving, so almost all maps indicate separately best places for diving.

Weather on Koh Tao

Tau is part of Thailand, and this state has such a thing as the "rainy season". It usually lasts from May to October-November, but its scope is always arbitrary. Peak tourist season falls on winter months- from December to February, when the temperature does not fall below 30 degrees.

The most heat usually happens in May-August - it is + 33-36 degrees. But precipitation in these months falls up to 130 mm. The peak of precipitation falls on autumn months- up to 500 mm, when it can rain 20 days a month. Night temperature throughout the year differs little from daytime, it is about 25-28 degrees.

The water temperature is high all year round. In the dry season, the water warms up to +27 degrees, and in the "rainy season" its temperature reaches +33 degrees. In the early morning it can be still a little cool, but by the afternoon the sea is warm.

It's important to know: vacation prices largely depend on the weather, because it is she who divides time into a "tourist" and "non-tourist" season. It is better to come here from December to April, but be prepared that prices will be higher during this period.

Hotels on Koh Tao

There are an unimaginable number of hotels here, some can be found on a special map:

In total, there are more than a hundred hotels here, you can choose for every taste. There are both budget and expensive options. It is better to book all hotels in advance, especially if you are traveling to tourist season.

The most expensive places to live are:

1. Jamahkiri Resort.
2. The Place Luxury.
3. luxury villas.
4. Phandara Luxury Pool Villas.
5. Over the Moon KT.

And many other hotels.

Here you can find hotels at reasonable prices, for example:

1. OK View Koh Tao;
2. Villa Yoyo;
3. Moov Inn Garden Hostel.

It is quite easy to find a nice and cozy hotel. Many of them have their own beaches, swimming pools, Spa centers, restaurants.

You can find luxurious bungalows on the beach, or you can rent an entire villa. The choice of where to spend your vacation is up to you!

The beaches of Koh Tao

Wild, crowded, hotel, city, paid, free - all this is about the beaches of the island of Tau. It is possible to find absolutely any beach.

But the best ones are:

1. Mango bay. Quiet and uncrowded beach. White sand, clear water. But getting to it is not so easy - there is no direct road to it, so you have to go through the mountains, and the beach itself is located in the north of the island.
2. Chalok Ban Kao. The beach is very popular with European tourists, it is located in the south. It is noisy and crowded, but there are restaurants and shops nearby.
3. Siree Beach. The most popular beach in the resort. Parties are often held here, there are bars and restaurants nearby, the place is ideal for young people.
4. Mae Haad. Conveniently located place. There are always a lot of people, but it is quiet and calm. Good infrastructure, low prices.
5. Leuk Bay. A quiet place for swimming, perfect for diving, because the water is crystal clear.

Many hotels have access to their private areas, so you'll be lucky if you choose one. Usually there is clean sand and clear water in the sea, full of cafes and entertainment.

Almost all bathing places are equipped with the appropriate infrastructure, there are sun loungers, paths to the sea, places for changing clothes, toilets.

Attractions Koh Tao - what to see for a tourist

There are few architectural or historical objects here, people do not come here for sightseeing tourism.

But, nevertheless, on Koh Tao you can find interesting sights:

1. First of all, you need to see the Turtle Sculptures, which are the symbol of the city. There are only two of them, they are located on Clock Town and near the port pier.
2. Then you should see the Monument to King Rama the Fifth in the square.
3. You can also visit the Diamond Caves and the Fisheries Museum.

This is where the cultural beauties of the area end. But you don't have to go here for that.

Definitely go to the mountains, go rock climbing or diving, enjoy the local scenery. Precisely for beautiful nature tourists come here.

How to get to Koh Tao

Tau does not own an airport, the nearest one is on Koh Samui, so the main flow of tourists arrives by boat or ferry. The best way to get there is from Bangkok, Koh Samui, Phuket or Pattaya. In Thailand, even excursions to the island for several days are popular; you need to purchase such vouchers in advance from tour operators. Many cruise ships also call at the ports of Koh Tao, so that tourists can enjoy the crystal clear waters off the coast.

How to get to Koh Tao from Bangkok

It is not difficult to fly from Russia to Bangkok; regular and charter flights often fly there. Tickets should be bought in advance, especially during the tourist season. But then you should transfer to the bus that goes to the ferry, it will take about 8 hours to go. This distance can also be covered by train, but then, in any case, you need to transfer to the ferry.

Since the distance is large - 70 kilometers, you can also consider this option: fly from the capital by plane to Koh Samui, and from there by ferry, it will take a little more money but less time.

How to get from Koh Samui

The distance between these islands is only 70 kilometers. You can get there by ferry, which runs frequently, and the ticket is inexpensive.

How to get from Phuket

For starters, it is better to get to Koh Samui or to Bangkok, and only then by ferry. The distance is not small, so it will take a lot of time.

How to get from Pattaya

Buses run from here to Chumphon. Arriving there, you need to take a ride or a taxi to the pier, from where boats leave for Koh Tao.

Getting to the place is a little problematic, but tourism is developing, so perhaps in the future there will be an airport and places for helicopters. Movement on the island itself is developed, although roads are not laid everywhere. Some beaches can only be reached on foot. Mountains and hilly terrain will make it difficult to travel on bicycles and motorcycles, although in Thailand itself this method of transportation is well developed. But usually tourists are not particularly interested in moving around the territory, because they come here for the sake of beach holiday in luxury hotels.

Exotic Koh Tao

Exotics on the island - more than enough! Look at the photo of Koh Tao and see for yourself! Here you can try such active entertainment as diving, which will help you enjoy the underwater world, see turtles, sharks and small colorful fish.

You can also try snorkeling here - swimming with a snorkel and a mask, it's not as extreme as diving, but still very interesting. You can also try other entertainment: water skiing, catamarans, parasailing.

Nightlife is booming on the island. As in the whole country, transvestite shows are popular here, which can be seen on the main streets or in clubs.

You can also taste exotic food here.

In any restaurant and institution of the island you can order traditional Thai cuisine:

• Soup Tom Kha from coconut milk;
• Tom Yam - the famous Thai sweet and sour soup;
• Padtai - noodles with additions of eggs, curry, peanuts;
• Rotti - local spring rolls;
• Massaman curry is a spicy dish that everyone will like.

The island has a lot of fresh seafood, but meat dishes are rare, or they will be much more expensive than the freshest shrimp.

The exoticism of the island does not end there. In addition to food and entertainment, here nature itself is very unusual for us. It is worth traveling around the whole island, looking at all its parts. Admire the sea, take pictures of coconut palms, climb a rock, go into the jungle - everything should be done on Koh Tau to be sure that the maximum impressions are received from the rest.

(or simply Tau) is considered the most beautiful place with sandy beaches, coral reefs, hills and exotic forests. However, more than half of the territory of the island of Tau is occupied by rocks. The lowlands are covered with jungle, thickets of bushes. Here, too, one can often find granite boulders.

If you look at the map of Thailand, then the shape of the island of Tai is very reminiscent of a turtle. But unfortunately, the turtles themselves there is very little left in this place due to the large influx of tourists. Here you can see two turtles that are frozen in stone. Their sculptures are located on Clock Town - a busy crossroads of the city, as well as on the beach near the port pier.

Koh Tao on the map of Thailand

Koh Tao is a small green island located in the Gulf of Thailand. The distance from the island to the peninsula is 69 km, if you count from the Surat Thani border. The distance from Koh Samui to Koh Tao is 64 km. The distance from Koh Tao to Bangkok is 700 km.

In the eastern part, the beaches of Cambodia are approximately the same distance. Koh Phangan is located 35 km south of the island. Tau area is 22 square meters. km. The island is 10 km long and 4 km wide. The population of Tau is 2 thousand people.

How to get to the island?

There is no airport on Koh Tao. The closest ones are on:

• Koh Samui;
• Chumphon;
• Suratthani.

The above cities are connected by airlines with Bangkok and. Ferry and catamarans deliver tourists to the island. They can be boarded at the port, which is located in Maya Had Bay.

How to get to Koh Tao from Bangkok?

The easiest way to get from Bangkok to the island is by bus, which goes to the city of Chumphon. But, then you have to sail on the ferry, which will take you to the end point.

Also, from Bangkok to Chumphon can be reached by train. At Chumphon Station, there are ferry operator agencies where you can buy a ferry ticket, and the operator will take you to the pier for free.

From Bangkok, you can fly to Surat Thani or Samui. In the first case, at the airport you can buy ferry ticket from the same operators that will take you to the Don Sak pier. In the capital, you can also buy a combined ticket, according to which you will only have to make transfers, taking into account all schedules.

How to get to Koh Tao from Koh Samui?

From the island of Koh Samui, as well as from the neighboring island of Koh Phangan, you can get to Koh Tao by using a ferry or a catamaran.

How to get to Koh Tao from Pattaya?

From Pattaya you will have to take a bus to Chumphon. The bus leaves from the North Station. Next, you need to take a taxi to the pier, from where you can then swim to the end point by the nearest boat.

How to get to Koh Tao from Phuket?

From Phuket, you must first get to Koh Samui, and from there by ferry to Koh Tao.

Always worth it in Koh Tao Port a large number of taxi drivers who are ready to give you a ride to the place. from hotels, usually, on the pier are their agents. If you have booked a hotel, you must call the property in advance to let them know your arrival time. The hotel staff should meet you and organize a transfer, which is most often free.

Koh Tao Hotels

As a rule, tourists do not have problems with living on Tau. There are hotels here for every taste and budget. Here they are there are more than one hundred. However, it is worth paying attention to the fact that the highest tourist season in Thailand falls on November-March. And the largest influx of tourists occurs during the Christmas holidays. That is why the choice of hotel should be decided in advance.

Those who prefer to relax in comfort can pay attention to luxurious luxury hotels - hotels that are apartments high level. The most popular of them are:

• luxury villas;
• Sairee Sunset Luxury;
• The Place Luxury;
• Boutique Villas.

These villas are located in very picturesque places. Of course, the hotel has a swimming pool, sunny terraces, restaurants and much more. All of these hotels offer stunning views of the Gulf of Thailand, mountain ranges and tropical gardens. It has everything for the comfort of guests.

For those who prefer a budget option, they can consider the offers of guest houses, which are two-story houses with 20-30 rooms. Most often, the host lives in the same guest house with his family, as well as the staff. Gests good because here you can have lunch and dinner with homemade dishes. But it is worth considering that such housing options do not always meet sanitary standards. Wi-Fi is most often in guest houses. There are no problems with the Internet on the island.

When choosing a hotel or guesthouse, you should consider its location. Of course, from a beautiful villa on a rock, a chic bay view, but you will have to overcome steep descents and ascents daily, climb and descend steep stairs. This will be especially problematic for the elderly and young children.

The beaches of Koh Tao

Tau is rich in cozy bays and beaches. Any tourist can find a place to their liking here. Tourists who travel on their own, most often choose the beaches of Mae Haad and Sairee for relaxation. For those traveling with young children, Chalok Beach or Jansom Bay are suitable. Couples in love should definitely visit remote beaches: Ao Leuk or Mango Bay.

• There are beaches on the island that are private property, but they are available to anyone;
• In some cases, the administration of private beaches sets its own rules for entry and behavior on the territory;
• As a rule, there are few sun loungers in the resorts of Koh Tao, so you will have to sunbathe on the mat;
• Fans of noisy parties, discos should pay attention to the beaches that are located closer to the port;
• Those who are diving or planning to try their hand at this business should choose places with diving centers.

Weather on Koh Tao

The weather on Koh Tao can be called very unique. The tourist season here lasts almost 10 months. That's why on the island you can vacation at any time of the year. It is worth paying attention to the fact that in November-December there is a monsoon period here, but this lasts only a few weeks.

As in the whole of Thailand, the island is hot and sunny weather throughout the year. Let's look at each month separately:

And now you can read the reviews of tourists who have already visited Koh Tao.

The island is located in the eastern part of the Gulf of Thailand, north of the more famous tourist spots - Koh Samui and Koh Pan Jang. Koh Tao has one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Snow-white soft sand, clear azure sky, warm sea attract tourists from all over the world.

Koh Tao means "turtle island". In the past, the waters were rich in these animals. This is where the name came from. Many tourists know the island as Turtle. These animals are becoming less and less every year. Therefore Royal Thai Navy organized a breeding program for green sea turtles. Over the past five years, the number of animals has doubled. Yet researchers offer a different point of view. The island was named Koh Tao because of its geographic outline. They look like a turtle.

Island history.

For a long time, Ko Tao remained uninhabited. Only fishermen seeking shelter from the storm stayed there overnight. royalty stopped on the island. For example, the monogram of His Majesty King Chalalongkorn has been preserved. She is worshiped even today and treated with great respect. The monogram is considered a relic of the island, is of great value.

Since about 1933, the island has been used as a prison. But soon the new Prime Minister of Thailand announced an amnesty and Ko Tao again became deserted. The first settlement appeared on the island only 20 years later. One fisherman decided to test his new sailboat. With a friend, they swam a distance of several hundred kilometers, came across a beautiful island. They liked it so much that they moved their families there. This is how the first settlement of Koh Tao was formed. People on the island led a calm, measured life. They fished, harvested coconuts, and grew vegetables to sell. Already in the eighties, travelers discovered a wonderful island. They decided to create a tourist network there, which quickly grew and turned Ko Tao into a popular destination. Thanks to its rich, diverse underwater world, this place has gained popularity in the world of divers. In the mid-90s, a young British writer Alex Garland, traveling through Southeast Asia, was fascinated by the beauty of the island. Impressed, he wrote his first novel, The Beach, which was a resounding success.

Attractions of the island

The visiting card of the island is a statue sea ​​turtle. It is located right next to the main port and attracts tourists with its grace and magnificence. Attractions in the literal sense given word there is no. You will not meet museums, palaces, fortresses. People from all over the world come here to experience the exotic world of wildlife. By and large, tourists are actively involved in sports here: diving, mountain climbing, paintball, water skiing, mini golf. Many people want to take yoga and massage courses to get an international certificate.

The island's nightlife is varied. These are nightclubs, cafes, restaurants. The menu pleases with its variety, and the prices are affordable.

The most popular beach on the island is Sairee Beach. It offers a variety of entertainment. It is along its coast, for almost two kilometers, hotels, cafes, shops, bars are located. Here tourists can lie quietly on the beach or actively spend their day.

The road to Koh Tao is not easy. There is no airport on the island. You have to long road by boat from nearby Koh Samui and Koh Phangan. The trip will take 2-2.5 hours. The most active seasons on Koh Tao are from December to March and from July to August. This place is quite popular among Thais, so on Thai holidays there may be no empty seats at all. Inexpensive service makes Koh Tao more and more popular among tourists.

Top 5! What to do on the island?

Diving and snorkeling island. Enjoy the beauty underwater world!
Rent a jet ski, mask and fins and go snorkeling on your own!
Just take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city!
Enjoy the traditional Thai cuisine in cozy cafes!
Be sure to go to the night disco! Here they are great!

The origin of the name - earlier, many sea turtles lived off the coast of Tau, and it was on its coast that they bred offspring. But for recent times turtles are almost gone. This is explained by the fact that newborn turtles tend to the most illuminated place (at night), which previously allowed them to find their way to the sea, now the beaches are occupied by restaurants, hotels and diving centers, which disorientates newborn turtles. Another version is that the outline of the island resembles a turtle. The statue of a sea turtle can be seen on the coast near the main port of the island (Mae Haad).

The main difference from neighboring islands is the sea environment, convenient for diving and snorkeling, and therefore diving centers are located on each convenient beach. In addition to the main occupation on Koh Tao, diving, the island also has freediving rock climbing (bouldering), Thai boxing, Thai massage. One of the islands to explore while on Koh Samui is the small island of Koh Tao. The main visitors to the island are divers, as coastal waters here provide excellent opportunities for this exciting activity. The island is famous for its very picturesque underwater landscapes, as well as the wealth of diverse marine life, among which there are sharks, manta rays, groupers, dogfish. In the waters of the island there is a place called "Shark Cape" - it is believed that there you can always meet these formidable inhabitants of the sea. Diving can be organized both from Koh Samui and being directly on Koh Tao.

For snorkelling, Tahote Bay is the best choice, where you can see coral reefs and great amount bright tropical fish. However, in addition to diving, there is something to do on the island. One of the exciting trips you can make here on a kayak is The best way get to know the coastline of the island.

Ko Tao - perfect place for lovers of long walks and hiking. Along the island there are many hiking trails that lead to its most beautiful places. The highest point of the island is called "Two Views", which offers a breathtaking view of the surroundings.

You can take a look at the panorama of the island from one more point - John-Suwan Viewpoint, located on the southern tip of the island. The name was given to her by two friends who went looking for a place to build a house, but instead found a place that overlooks two beaches at once.

Another natural attraction is a rock formation called Jor Por Ror, on which the royal monogram is carved as a sign that the king visited this island. Koh Tao - expanse for lovers mountain bike, while doing sports can be combined with exploring the surroundings and enjoying the beautiful scenery. You can also go rock climbing on the island.

© Koh Tao Island, or Turtle Island.

it beautiful place with sandy coastline, coral reefs, rolling 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, thickets of bushes, granite boulders are often found.

The shape of the island resembles a turtle. The turtles themselves, apparently due to the influx of tourists, are few. But there are two, frozen in stone. Their sculptures can be seen on Clock Town, one of the busy crossroads of the town, 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 the island of Koh Samui - 64 km. Bangkok is located 700 km north of Koh Tao.

Map of Koh Tao island

To the east, at about the same distance, is the beach coast of Cambodia. And in southbound from Koh Tao, at a distance of 35 km, is the island of Koh Phangan. The area of ​​the island of Koh Tao 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 nearest of them are located in, Chumphon and. These cities are connected by airlines to Bangkok and Phuket. The island itself can be reached by ferry, catamaran. They all arrive at the port located in the bay Mae Had Bay.

How to get from Bangkok

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

Train and ferry. Can be reached by train Bangkok-Chumphon (Bangkok-Chumphon). There are ferry operator agencies on the train platform of Chumphon Station. You buy a ticket for the ferry, and the operator organizes a free transfer to the pier.

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

How to get from Koh Samui

From Koh Samui and the neighboring island of Koh Phangan, you can also get on catamarans and ferries.

How to get from Pattaya

Travel from Pattaya 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 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 a lot of taxi drivers in the port of Koh Tao ready to help you get to the place. And the hotels send their agents to the pier. If you have a hotel booked, call ahead and let us know your arrival time. You will be met and organized a transfer, most often free of charge.

How to choose a hotel

You will not have problems with living on the island. 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 the middle of March is the high tourist season in Thailand. And, starting from Christmas, the kingdom has the largest influx of tourists. Therefore, the hotel should be booked in advance.

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

For admirers of a comfortable stay, Koh Tao provides luxurious luxury hotels. Luxury is a VIP-class apartment, expensive, solid. The most famous of them: Luxury Villas, Sairee Sunset Luxury Villa, The Place Luxury, Boutique Villas. Villas are located in very picturesque places. Usually, there are several villas in a cozy estate. To services of visitors: the pool, solar terraces and other. They offer a view of the Gulf of Thailand, mountains, a tropical garden. Everything is provided here for the convenience of guests.

Entire resort complexes can be created on the territory of the beaches. In them you will find almost everything you need for recreation: fitness centers, swimming pools, spas, tennis courts, cafes, restaurants. There are bungalows on every beach, ranging from simple thatched ones to cozy wooden dwellings. You can rent a comfortable house, located on a cliff overlooking the sea. And you can also on the first line, among the palm trees.

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

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

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

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

An even more economical option is possible - a tent. If you crave complete solitude and merge with nature, go to the beach Cape Thian to an abandoned hotel. Nobody will disturb you here. Make sure you have enough fresh water. It will be possible to get there on foot, since the road is closed.

The administration of other beaches prohibits tourists from setting up tents in 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 on their own (backpackers) choose beaches Mae Haad or Siree. Families with children will do well on 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 entering and behavior on its territory during the holidays.

• The resorts of Koh Tao have a small number of sun loungers, you will have to sunbathe on a bedspread. The effect is that 70% of vacationers are divers and for the most part are in the sea on a dive. In this regard, on some beaches you can feel how Robinson Crusoe lived.

• If you are planning noisy nightlife, incendiary discos, choose beaches located closer to the port.

• Decided to go diving, choose places where there is a diving center.

Infrastructure and prices

You will arrive at the port of Mae Khaat Bai. Situated next to the pier Siree Beach and Mae Haad. These are areas with the most developed infrastructure. Here you will find most of the diving schools and centers. Lots of shops, including 7/11. Beachwear in retail outlets is presented in an assortment, but the prices are slightly higher than on the mainland of Thailand.

There are also ticket agencies, Internet cafes, restaurants, bars, massage parlors. You can also use an ATM or money changer. There are branches of banks that offer better exchange rates.

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

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

Transport on Koh Tao

Pick-up taxis are on duty at the piers of the island, and on the large beaches you can rent a water taxi, which will take you anywhere in Koh Tao. But the main types of transport on the island are ATVs, motorbikes, mountain bikes, scooters.

Without transport, it will be difficult to get 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 their quality, the steepness of the ascents, turns and descents, and in the very organization of traffic. Many of them are not concreted. Adrenaline rises even among experienced bikers.

If you decide to use it, it would be useful to take into account some tips when making a lease:

• Never leave a deposit for vehicle your passport, this is your main document outside your homeland. Submit a photocopy of the document driver license, a civil passport, you can use a bank card, preferably with a zero balance, or a security deposit, approximately 3,000 baht ($ 85)

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

• You don’t have to present an International Driving License (IDP) for Koh Tao, but you need to have one. It will be needed to recognize the insured event that occurred during the operation of the vehicle.

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

• The use of a motorcycle helmet, given the condition of the roads, is vital.

• Be prepared to walk some ascents and descents, vehicles may not be able to handle them.
• Remember that even slight intoxication will lead to a refusal to recognize the event 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).

Things to do on the island

Diving is what most tourists go to Koh Tao for. Here you will find more than 50 diving schools with attractive prices, a variety of programs and courses. Teachers teach both the basics of diving and improve the skills of vacationers.

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

Nature itself has taken care of the conditions for diving: no strong currents, clear water, excellent visibility, fabulous coral reefs, variety marine fauna and flora.

It should be borne in mind that near the shore the bottom becomes rocky and overgrown with corals. Therefore, it is better to swim along the coast.

1. The beaches of the island are also attractive for lovers.
2. You can also do freediving (snorkeling with breath holding).
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 and more.
7. Discos are regularly held, popular among lovers of dancing.
8. With children, you will also have a pleasant rest: the beaches are clean, the atmosphere of the island is calm.
9. And the thirst for adventure can be quenched by discovering uninhabited coves.
10. And also.
11. And, of course, swimming and acquiring a Thai tan.

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