Exploring Other Sides of Paradise

An idyllically green, hilly island ringed by perfect white sand beaches, Koh Tao – Turtle Island  - lies 55 km almost due north of Koh Phangan, off the Gulf of Thailand’s eastern seaboard.

At only 21 sq. km in land area amid the sparkling blue ocean, what Koh Tao lacks in space is more than made up for with an appealing diversity of natural attractions that cry out to be explored and experienced.

The island gained international renown as a magnet for young travellers sampling the region’s Full Moon beach party scene, and for many years much of its tourism came from this prolific source.

Nowadays, with its broadening allure, Koh Tao appeals to a more mature clientele focused on venturing off the beaten track away from beach parties, with accommodation in upmarket hotels rather than beach huts.

Befitting its aquatic name, Koh Tao is now just as famous as Thailand’s top scuba diving destinations as it was for brash beach parties.

Divers come from far and wide to peruse the vibrant coral reef landscapes just offshore, home to a vast range of colourful sea creatures, naturally including turtles but also reef sharks, stingrays, barracuda and even the large, docile whale shark.

There’s a string of fancifully-sounding dive sites around the island’s waters – Ocean Utopia, Lighthouse Bay, Japanese Gardens, Chumphon Pinnacles;  as well as the wreck of HTMS Sattakut,  all waiting to welcome divers. They’re catered for by dozens of dive shops selling certification courses and daily dive trips, especially in the Mae Haad area.

Those who’d rather see it all at rather less than close-up can choose to snorkel - practically all of Koh Toa’s coastline is ideal for snorkelling and also canoeing, for a genuine thrill of being in these pristine, gin-clear waters.

But Koh Tao’s main attraction is its unspoilt beaches and hilly landscapes, away from party central on Sairee Beach north of Mae Haad, the island’s main town, where beach bars prolificate.

Apart from Sairee, the other beaches retain traditional, laid-back characters with white sands, sparkling blue seas and palm trees nodding in the sea breezes.

Most are easily accessible along the rudimentary road network, for unforgettably blissful days of stress-free natural relaxation.

Alternatively, hiring a local long-tail boat is a delightful seaborne way to skip from beach to beach, wading ashore through the gentle surf. 

Haad Tien is more commonly known as Rocky Bay and is furthest beach from Mae Haad with arguably the cleanest water and sands, even on this paradise island.

It’s the chosen site of a small number of exclusive resorts and is also known as Shark Bay,  for the black-tip reef sharks that make it their home.

Even bustling Sairee Beach, the longest beach on the island, has an element of class – Jor Por Ror at its southern end is a large rock formation that bears the initials of King Rama V, who visited Koh Tao in 1899. 

Koh Nangyuang, a group of three islets off Koh Tao’s north-west coast accessible by cheap local Longtail ferries, features a picturesque beach that links all three.

Right at the southern tip of the island is John-Suwan Viewpoint with spectacular views to the north taking in Chalok Baan Khao Bay and the Haad Tien beaches as well as the hilly interior landscape. The unusual name is said to come from two friends who discovered the view while searching for a site to build a house.

Back in the north, visitors to Mango Viewpoint face a long, challenging walk up the hill from Sairee, or a hair-raising motorbike ride up the steep, makeshift road, but the result is well worth the effort with breath-taking views of Sairee and Mae Haad.

But probably the most daunting viewpoint for hikers to get to is Two Views, on the island’s highest peak.

It’s part of a circular route starting from Sairee, with its namesake view across Sairee Beach to the west and Tanote Bay to the east. On clear days Koh Phangan, Ang Thon Marine National Park and even Koh Samui are visible.

Like all Thai islands Koh Tao’s restaurants specialise in seafood, but its international tourist clientele means that there’s also a growing variety of cuisine readily available.

Luxury accommodation on the island is also plentiful now, with leading hotels including Haad Tien Beach Resort, The Tana Align Resort, Jamakhiri Resort & Spa, Monkey Flower Villas and Koh Tao Royal Resort.

Adding to the getaway appeal is the fact that travel to this scenic idyll is is only possible by ferry to Mae Haad Pier, with ferries available from Chumphon, Surat Thani, Koh Phangan and Koh Samui.

Source: tourismthailand.org