Koh Tao (Tao Island) is a small bean-shaped island with an area of 21 square kilometers, located 45 km north of Phangan Island in the Gulf of Thailand. The island is famous among backpackers and divers from all over the world. World. In 2015 Trip advisor ranked Koh Tao as one of the top 10 islands in the Traveler’s Choice Islands survey. In addition, the Lonely Planet survey awards Koh Tao the “Best Place for Scuba Training” title.
Koh Tao has more than 20 snorkeling and diving sites, making it an ideal spot for snorkeling, scuba diving, and free diving.
Traveling to Koh Tao
Since Koh Tao has no airport, train station, or bridge with the mainland, the only way to reach the island is by boat, which can depart from Chumphon and Suratthani provinces. There is the Lomprayah Ferry Bus + Boat package for a direct trip from Bangkok.
Sairee Beach
Sairee Beach is 2 kilometers long and has many hotels and restaurants along the way. You can sit back and relax on the beach with family, friends, and loved ones. Sairee Beach is a beautiful place to watch the sunset on Koh Tao.
Shark Bay
Shark Bay is a well-known spot among snorkelers and snorkelers. It’s a good spot for snorkeling as you may have a chance to see non-aggressive blacktip reef sharks. Due to the 1998 El Niño, the coral reefs in this area were severely damaged. So, it might not be one of the prettiest snorkeling spots on the coral reef, but it is a spot where you can see sharks and sea turtles.
Mae Haad Bay
Mae Haad Bay is another shoreline on Koh Tao where you can relax and snorkel. Not far from the bay is a shipwreck that sank in 1962. It has become a habitat for marine life such as fusilier fish, blue spotted stingrays, hard-lipped barbel, etc.
Snorkeling and Scuba Diving around Koh Tao
This is a must-see on Koh Tao. You don’t have to be a certified diver to enjoy the beauty of the underwater world around Koh Tao. You only need a snorkel mask and a life jacket, that’s it! Mount Bay, Tanote Bay, and Hinwong Bay are the best must-see snorkeling spots. Several fish species, coral, sea turtles, and sharks will be seen. The most convenient way to visit all places is to travel with a good tour operator.
For those who want more excitement and want to get deeper into the water, Koh Tao is the best place to learn how to become a professional diver. You can take a 4-day course to learn to scuba dive with a professional PADI-certified instructor. The first two days are lessons, and the last two days are diving at 12 and 18 meters (for the Open Water Diver course). There are five dive sites around the island: White Rock, Red Rock, Green Rock, Japanese Gardens and Twin Peaks. There is a chance to see whale sharks swimming in this area. You will also see beautiful coral reefs and schools of fish.
Freedom Beach
Another beautiful beach for tourists to relax and chill! There is a viewpoint called ‘Tha Toh Klang Rock.’ Walking up the hill and seeing what’s down there,e is the best thing to do! Apart from the view, you can also snorkel here.
Free diving
Free diving is deep-water diving without an oxygen tank. Activity that requires training to enable the diver to hold their breath and swim underwater longer. Koh Tao is a popular place to learn freediving and explore the beautiful underwater world. Those interested in free diving can take a 2-3-day introductory course where they learn to dive 16-20 meters underwater.
Nangyuan Island
Nangyuan Island is the closest nearby island located next to Koh Tao. This is also a paradise for divers, snorkelers, and ordinary tourists! It has beautiful dive sites like White Rock, Red Rock, Green Rock, Japanese Gardens and Twin Peaks. This area’s most famous sea creatures are the whale shark, schools of fish, turtles, baby sharks, vivid corals, reef sharks, colorful reef fish, unicorn fish, batfish, etc. Once you arrive at Nangyauan Island, don’t miss climbing the hill and enjoying a panoramic view of the beach, known as “Ta Lay Walk” by the locals.
Cooking and yoga class
Even on the island, you can enjoy other activities besides the beaches and the sea, such as B. the Thai cooking class and the yoga class. A professional teacher will teach you step-by-step how to cook delicious Thai food. Also, a yoga class is suitable for relaxing both physically and mentally. Popular with foreigners who want to learn about Thai culture.
