Before 1943,
Koh Tao was uninhabited. The island was just a jungle with an abundance of turtles.
Only fishing boats visited the local waters in search of fish. Between 1943 and 1944, it was also used as a prison for prisoners transferred from Koh Tarutao.
However, these prisoners were then released, leaving the island deserted once again.
Later in 1977, the first travellers came to
Koh Tao to explore its pristine underwaters.
Soon after that, the first resort, Niyom Bungalows, was built here, and since then Koh Tao is gaining popularity as a tourist destination.
- Koh Tao Travel Essentials
- Koh Tao Tourism
- Must Know Before You Travel to Koh Tao
- Nightlife in Koh Tao
- Shopping in Koh Tao
- Daily Budget & Money Exchange
1. Koh Tao Travel Essentials
Weather: 26 - 27°C
Ideal duration: 2-3 days
Best Time: December - September
Language : Thai is the spoken language in Koh Tao. As with any foreign country, learning a few basic communication terms in the local language would be an advantage. The resort and restaurant staff will know English, but the local market vendors might not, so carrying an English to Thai dictionary could come handy at times.
Religion: 95% of the population follows Buddhism, and a majority of the remaining follow Islam.
2. Koh Tao Tourism
Koh Tao is an island in the Chumphon Archipelago group of islands in the southeastern part of Thailand. It is largely popular for scuba diving and snorkelling as it has some of the best and cheapest diving spots in the world.
The island is also known for its pristine white sand beaches, lantern-lit restaurants, delicious food, and of course, the abundant sea turtles residing on its shores, as suggested by its name.
On the one hand, it has a proud and vibrant local culture, and on the other, it has a relaxing atmosphere and an exciting nightlife.
Koh Tao, being synonymous with diving, requires four days if one wants to do a PADI or ISSI diving course. Most travellers come here for diving education.
However, if you're here only to relax, a two-day trip works just fine.
Snorkelling is also available for those who might not want to dive but still explore the corals and marine life, with many beautiful spots that even beginners can enjoy.
Koh Tao is known to be the laid back and less developed neighbour of Koh Samui and Koh Pha Ngan. With small shacks, many bungalows and thatched hostels, and small cafes and eateries, the island attracts those looking for a relaxing and quiet seaside vacation.
Besides scuba-diving, swimming, and snorkelling, visitors can also indulge in hiking and rock-climbing on the island's eastern side.
3. Must Know Before You Travel to Koh Tao
- Ferry: Donsak Pier in Surat Thani is the main pier for ferries and boats to Koh Tao.
- Day Trips: Koh Tao can be visited from Koh Samui and Koh Phangan. While day trips from either island are possible, a multi-island tour for a holistic vacation is recommended.
- Where to Stay: The most popular area to stay on the island is along Sairee Beach. Unfortunately, accomodation is almost quickly booked out here, so booking your stay well in advance is recommended.
- Getting Around: Renting a motorbike is the best way to travel around Koh Tao.
- Scuba Diving: You need a whole day to do scuba diving; ideally, you should not take a flight the next day. Plan your days accordingly.
- Full Moon Party: The famous Full Moon Party happens in Koh Phangan, a neighboring island to Koh Tao. So, you can plan a fun trip to scuba in Koh Tao and Full Moon Party in Koh Phangan.
4. Nightlife in Koh Tao
Koh Tao boasts a vibrant nightlife scene. With pubs offering delicious Thai grub, cabaret shows, nightclubs presenting international DJs, pool parties, bars screening movies, and ocean-view dining lounges, Koh Tao sparkles till dawn.
Every place is has an exotic collection of fantastic cuisines, imported wines, beer, and cocktails. You can also enjoy shopping for handicrafts at colourful night markets.
Here are some of the best places to enjoy the nightlife in Koh Tao -
- Reef Sports Bar and Restaurant
- AC Bar Beach Club
- Queen’s Cabaret
- Leo Beach Bar
- Maya Beach Club
- BND Beach Bar
5. Shopping in Koh Tao
- Koh Tao has plenty of shops selling clothes made by local as well as international designers at all the three top beaches - Sairee, Mae Haad, and Chalok Ban Kao.
- Swimsuits, hats, and other beach accessories are available here too.
- Souvenirs like coconut necklaces and printed t-shirts are also easy to find.
- The fresh markets of Koh Tao offer local foods and ingredients for foreigners interested in trying local cuisine.
6. Daily Budget & Money Exchange
Koh Tao is known for its cheap accommodation and water activities. If you're looking for a relaxing trip by the beach and eating local, you will be done in THB 1000. Whereas if you want to visit bars and parties, then alcohol will have to raise your budget a little, and in such cases, you would require THB 1500 - 2000 approximately.
- One can exchange currency at Koh Tao, but a better option would be exchanging it at Bangkok at better rates.
- While carrying credit cards, one should inform their particular bank that they're travelling to Thailand as the banks sometimes block the cards.
- ATMs are avaialble all over Koh Tao, so withdrawing isn't a problem.
- Koh Tao is a small island and the bars and local vendors prefer accepting cash most of the times