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Koh Tao Map and Gulf of Thailand orientationBy Simple Life Diving Koh Tao
Map of Koh Tao Thailand | 
| Located over 70Km out into the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Tao otherwise known as 'Turtle Island' (Thai meaning) is a small island with a big reputation! As shown on this Koh Tao map, most development on has occurred on the island's western shore, which is usually more sheltered. Koh Tao Map: Mae Haad The main port is in Mae Haad Village, which is where most of the shops and banks are located. There are a couple of resorts, but the main focus of Mae Haad is as a port town and shopping area. Koh Tao Map: Sairee Beach Thailand Further north, Sairee Beach Thailand has become the most popular area for accommodation, with many resorts, bars and restaurants. This is the longest beach on the island, with everything you need within close walking distance. There's a massive range of accommodation from economical huts right through to luxury air conditioned hotels. Simple Life Diving Koh Tao is located next to Sairee Village - our accommodation is peaceful, with everything you need close by, and direct access to the beach. Koh Tao Map: Chalok Ban Kao To the South, the third largest settlement is Chalok Baan Kao, which again consists mostly resort accommodation, bars and restaurants. Chalok Ban Kao is a little quieter than Sairee Beach. |
The East Coast of Koh Tao
Aow Leuk Bay, Tanote Bay, Mao Bay and Hin Wong Bay line the east coast of the island. These bays are very spectacular - largely undeveloped with beautiful beaches and great snorkeling. The bad news is, the roads to reach the east coast are pretty bad. You have to drive up over the mountain, which is very steep in places, plus large parts of the roads are sand, which is dusty and slippy when its dry, and get washed away when it rains. Even so, the east coast is well worth a visit - if you're not confident riding a motorbike, probably best to use a four wheel drive taxi or longatail taxi boat. Mango BayThe most northerly bay, Mango bay is also spectacular. This is a large bay with a small beach. Mango bay has a couple of small, upmarket and isolated resorts [Aow Muang Resort owned by the family of Simple Life Diving Koh Tao, plus Mango Bay Grand], plus a small beach. Scuba Diving and snorkeling is stunning in Mango Bay.
Latest Koh Tao news
Image: PADI Instructor Sarah briefs Jo and Laurie on safe diving practicesAfter the mixed weather last week, diving conditions in the Gulf of Thailand are back to their best. For the last few days we've been enjoying soaring temperatures, pond-like flat seas and crystal clear water, typical of Koh Tao diving conditions during September.  Taking advantage of the great diving, Jo and Laurie on holiday from the UK joined Simple Life Divers for an afternoon 'Discover Scuba Diving' session under the guidance of PADI dive instructor Sarah.
For the first dive we visited the Mango Bay dive site, on the northern coast of Koh Tao island. Visibility was excellent, with bright sunshine radiating through the turquoise water. Following a thorough briefing, the posse practiced a few scuba diving skills in shallow water, before taking an underwater tour of the staghorn corals and scattered boulders in Mango Bay. After a surface interval enjoying the sunshine, we motored across to Koh Tao's neighboring Nang-yuan Island, making a drop off dive from Red Rock (aka the Nang-Yuan Pinnacle), proceeding on a one way dive into the scenic Japanese Gardens. Visibility was so good that the top of the Nang-Yuan Pinnacle was easily visible from above the surface. The one way dive offers the chance to peer inside a cavernous swim-through, formed by the enormous scattered granite boulders - a spectacular feature of this Koh Tao diving site. If you're in Thailand are are either a seasoned diver or are interested in trying scuba diving, get yourself to Koh Tao asap - the conditions don't get better than this! 
Image: Perfect Koh Tao diving conditions
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Other useful links: Diving Koh Tao Diving Koh Tao with diving-thailand.org. Ko Tao diving information, dive operators, tours and trips. Hotel bookings. Dive site maps. Diving Koh Tao Diving Koh Tao with divingasiapacific.com. Ko Tao diving information, dive operators, tours and trips. Hotel bookings. Dive site maps.
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