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 Koh
Tao, just over 21km squared, is located around 70 miles east
from the Gulf of Thailand’s coastline, between Suratthani and
Chumphon.
Koh Tao means Turtle Island because
the area was once rich with sea turtles. The turtles have now moved
on to other breeding grounds.
The island was once used as a political prison but in 1947 Khun
A-Paiwong, prime minister at the time, pleaded and received a Royal
Pardon for all the prisoners and they left for the mainland leaving
the ‘Turtle’ uninhabited, but not for very long
In that same year, 2 brothers reached Koh
Tao by sailboat from the neighbouring, Koh Phangan, at the time
this was considered quite a long and dangerous journey.
Although the island was still under Royal Patronage, the brothers
managed to claim a piece of land for themselves on Sairee Beach,
they were the first settlers.
Once they had brought their families over they began to cultivate
and produce a harvest from the excellent soil.
Despite the difficulties in reaching the island, the population
grew steadily.
In the eighties the first backpackers arrived and discovered the
island paradise, the word quickly spread and Koh Tao became a widely
known destination. As a consequence, bigger, faster, safer boats
were introduced to allow easier access to the island.
Local businesses, like New Heaven, expanded immediately to meet
the needs of the new clientele.
Over the last ten years the reputation of Turtle Island’s
natural beauty, especially it’s marine life and colourful coral
reefs, spread and the number of paradise seekers grew.
Now Koh Tao is one of the major dive sites in Thailand attracting
both, beginners and professionals and catering for all tastes and
budgets.
The island remains an absolute paradise for non-divers too; with
the divers in the classroom or diving the beaches are often empty.
But, if you get bored of the beach, don’t despair, other activities
are available, such as, kayaking and sailing.
Alternatively, you could take a scenic boat trip around the island,
getting a glimpse of secluded bays. Or maybe you’d like to
go snorkelling in Aow Thian Bay (Rocky Bay) with the black tip reef
sharks (then get hooked and decide to go diving after all!)
Getting around
Getting around on Koh Tao couldn’t be easier, as on the mainland,
you can hire bicycles, motorbikes, dirt bikes and jeeps. Pickup
and motorbike taxis can also be found in all busy areas.
Buying essentials
There may be a few western luxuries missing, but all the essentials
can be found everywhere around the island. Supermarkets are open
from early morning to early evening.
Other shops sell a wide variety of goods, for example, dive equipment,
clothes, jewellery, souvenirs, postcards, shoes, books, hammocks
etc.
Medical Clinics
Koh Tao has numerous medical centres offering first aid, medical
care, medicine and good advice.
Electricity
Unlike ‘New Heaven’, which has 24 hour electricity, some
resorts run on a generator for part of the day and others have limited
electricity. Check when booking if this is a problem for you.
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