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 Island?s 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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