Koh Tao Thailand | Introduction by Simple Life Divers.
The most northerly of three main islands on the Gulf of Thailand's western coastline, Koh Tao or 'Turtle Island' is much smaller than neighboring Koh Phangan and Koh Samui.
Just a few kilometres long, and situated more than 70Km off the Thai mainland, Koh Tao's isolated location has allowed it to remain as one of Thailand's most beautiful and untouched destinations.
With an interesting past serving as both a Thai prison then coconut plantation, tourism reached Koh Tao relatively recently during the 1980s. Koh Tao Thailand's spectacular coral reefs and incredible tropical marine species meant it quickly gained popularity as a diving resort.
Over the years we've seen a steady increase in the number of visitors, accompanied by a gradual improvement in the on island infrastructure.
It's now very easy to get here, with high speed ferries to Koh Tao from both Samui and Phangan, and from Chumphon on the mainland.
There are many resorts, restaurants, bars, shops and banks on the island, so we're well setup for western travelers, but most importantly, the conservation minded approach of the island's resorts and PADI dive schools means development has been controlled so the the island still remains an tropical paradise.
Koh Tao Thailand is now a popular diving destination, with many people coming to learn to dive [PADI Open Water course] or to enjoy daily Koh Tao diving tours. For sure scuba diving is the dominant activity, but that's not all that goes on across Turtle Island.
The main focal point is Sairee Beach on the west coast of Koh Tao, which is the most popular area for accommodation and nightlife, but there's plenty to explore elsewhere.
For detailed information about Koh Tao Thailand check out the menu on the right hand side of this page.
