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Secluded
from outside influences due to its natural barriers,
Koh Tao was barely populated when His Majesty
Rama V visited in 1899. He must have seen a breathtaking
paradise because he left his monogram on a huge
boulder, which still can be witnessed on the Islands
longest beach. Due to the remoteness of the Island,
it was used as a political prison from 1933 until
1947.
Since
then, people from neighboring Islands started
migrating to Koh Tao and lived a tranquil life
picking coconuts, harvesting crabs during the
crab season, and trading them the old fashioned
way.
In
the early eighties, the first hardcore backpackers
discovered the Island. They arrived hitch-hiking
aboard local fishing boats and via word-of-mouth,
soon became known as a tropical paradise. At first
Koh Tao did not have much else to offer other
than its pristine nature; both on land and underwater.
Since
the diving pioneers of the Island began introducing
the joy of diving to the travelers in the late
eighties, the reputation for quality diving education
has grown and it has become a major destination
for those who love the underwater world and strive
to explore what it has to offer.
The
shoreline of this small (21 sq km) Island consists
of white, sandy beaches with palm trees and impressive
granite cliffs. Inland, you can find mountains
covered by a tropical rain forest.
The
main villages of Mae Haad & Sairee offers
Thai and International restaurants, a post office,
a bank, several ATMs, internet services, medical
centers, travel agents and plenty of opportunities
for shopping. In the evening you can enjoy a tropical
cocktail at one of the beach bars while watching
the sunset.
The
nearest airport is on Koh Samui, from there several
speedboats and ferries connect the two Islands.
On the mainland the easiest access is from Chumphon,
by night boat or speed/express boat in the morning.
Best
time to travel
All year, except for the monsoon season with heavy
rains from November until mid- December. The climate
is tropical, the water temperature 27-32 degrees
Celsius.
Koh
Tao Beaches
If you like white sand, blue water and beach life
- then you have found heaven on earth. Koh Tao
and Koh Nang Yuan offers sun, sea and fun for
all travelers whether you prefer a bit of action
or a want something at a slightly slower pace.
Below
you fill find a short description of the most
accessible and beautiful beaches on Koh Tao and
Koh Nang Yuan.
Jansom
Bay
Also known as Paradise Bay, this small cove is
a treasure for anyone wanting a bit of solitude
and beautiful snorkeling. Jansom Bay is absolutely
magnificent with crystal clear water, crisp white
sand and lots of coconut palms. Protected most
of the year it also offers good swimming for kids
and adults alike.
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Sairee
Beach
Facing the mainland, which you can see on a clear
day, Sairee Beach is a long beautifully curved
beach, stretching roughly 2 miles. Palm trees
and vegetation grow wildly, creating a green border
between the beach and the island itself. There
is a wide variety of accommodation and dining
options on Sairee Beach, making it a popular spot
for travellers. It is also a perfect spot for
snorkelling enthusiasts and divers, since the
coral reef starts just 10 meters off of Coral
Grand Resort's beach. The Sunset on Sairee Beach
is truly stunning and is most certainly a superb
choice if you are after a bit of action and a
lovely sun tan.
Mae
Haad Beach
Mae Haad Beach is home to some of Koh Tao's nicest
sunbathing spots and to a couple of Koh Tao's
most luxurious resorts. Wherever you stay you
can sample the stunning sunset and a magnificent
view of Koh Tao's Western side. The beach is ideal
for kids (being very shallow) and no traffic means
even more safety. It's a good place to snorkel
and besides lots of tropical fish the world below
also offers a large wooden shipwreck, which once
upon a time became stranded on the reef. We can
warmly recommend Mae Haad Beach for a lazy afternoon
and is a great spot to for snorkeling and relaxation
due to its seclusion.
Mae
Haad Beach and Jansom Bay should certainly be
your choice if you are on honeymoon and are looking
for romance and solitude.
Koh
Nang Yuan Beaches
It's hard to imagine a more special place than
Koh Nang Yuan. Three Islands connected by tiny
stretches of sand and bordered by the immense
blueness of the Gulf of Thailand. This island
must be experienced.
Chalok
Baan Kao Bay
Chalok Baan Kao, seen in the above picture (upper
left) from bird's eye view is truly stunning.
Bordered by deep green hills, the beach fringed
by coconut palms and the emerald green water lazily
laps unto the white sand. The beach is protected
throughout most of the year and offers good swimming
and snorkeling opportunities for everybody. It
also offers a beautiful view of Ang Thong National
Marine Park. One of the major beaches and certainly
one of the most popular beaches on the Island,
Chalok Baan Kao Bay is home to a number of nice
resorts, mostly budget oriented.
Rocky
Bay (Aow Thian Ok)
Rocky Bay, also known as Shark Bay, for its excellent
shark snorkeling opportunities is perhaps one
of the most un-spoilt beaches on Koh Tao. The
beach itself is shaped like a crescent moon, around
200 meters long and 50 meters wide. Wild grass,
coconut palms and tropical vegetation creeps up
upon the beach and makes for an absolutely idyllic
scene. We highly recommend that you visit Rocky
Bay for a lovely afternoon of sunbathing and an
adrenaline rush with the resident reef sharks.
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Inclusive
of equipment & instruction 
