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 Koh
Tao has one major concrete road which connects the north end
of Sairee with Chalok Baan Kao in the south, while passing the main
village Mae Haad in the middle. There is an increasing amount of
small concrete roads leading to the other beaches and bays. Everywhere
else you will find more or less accessible dirt tracks, most of
which will challenge even a skilled driver.
Steep trails, sharp curves, sand and grit, potholes, washed out
tracks and the occasional dropping coconut demand mindful driving
and fast reactions.
Vehicles in Thailand drive usually on the left, but traffic rules
are often freely interpreted, speed limits are not observed and
suicidal dogs prefer sleeping on the roads, which are often narrow.
You must always be prepared to make room for the occasional moving
or still obstacle.
Yet, it is not as bad as it seems, as long as you drive carefully
and remember that an accident will hurt body and budget as well.
Motorcycles can be rented from 150 B, Jeeps from 1000 B, the deposit
of a passport is required.
However there are many other options of getting around:
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 Pick-up
and Motorbike Taxis
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These can be found parked in busy areas, or can be stopped at
the roadside. They run from early morning until 11 p.m. Please be
aware that taxi prices are not fixed and fares tend to double after
darkness. To avoid mis-understandings always discuss the cost before
the ride.
Basic taxi prices:
from Mae Haad to Sairee Beach or Chalok Baan Kao: 1 pers. 30 B
to Tanote: 1-4 pers. 200 B / to Hin Wong: 1-2 pers. 100 B
to Ao Leuk or Thian Og: 1-2 pers. 80 B
from Sairee to Chalok Baan Kao: 60 B / to Ao Leuk: 1-2 pers. 120
B
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Boat
Taxis
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The colourful, traditional Long Tail Boats take you conveniently
and quickly to stunning remote beaches and secluded bays. You can
find them at all the main beaches, they can be chartered for a short
trip or a day tour. Prices are quite consistent and reasonable:
Trips from Mae Haad
to Chalok Baan Kao: 150 B per person
to Nang Yuan: 1-2 persons 100 B
to Tanote Bay: 1-3 persons 300 B
around the island: 1-4 persons 1000 B
Some advice that matters not only in Koh
Tao:
Please keep in mind that you are a visitor and treat the locals
and the environment with the necessary respect. Try to blend in
rather than to stick out, your customs are not the standards here.
For example: Thais are offended by nudity; decent clothing in religious
sites is required; losing your temper means losing your face and
gets you nowhere.
Imagine how many visitors have been here already and how many of
them might have misbehaved, naturally this reflects on the future
ones. So always being friendly, polite and calm, keep smiling even
when it seems difficult, will help a lot and open many doors.
If you have a complaint rather try to explain than to demand, your
needs are not necessarily understood.
When you feel wronged or cheated, consider if the cause is worth
the hassle and maybe just follow the true Thai tradition of "Mai
Pen Rai" meaning "Never mind" ...and always keep
smiling.
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