Koh Tao (Turtle Island)

Surathani province | Phangan Island (Koh Phangan) | Samui Island (Koh Samui)


History in Brief:
Koh Tao is located about 70 km east of the mainland, between Surat Thani and Chumporn, Koh Tao is a tiny and very green island measuring only 21kmฒ. Uninhabited for many years, except for a few passing fishermen, Koh Tao became a political prison in 1933. In 1947 all prisoners received a royal pardon and where returned to the mainland. Not long afterwards families from the neighbouring island Koh Phangan settled and began cultivating the land harvesting coconuts and growing vegetables in the virgin soil resulting in a steady growth of the islands population.

It was in the end of the eighties that Koh Tao was first discovered by backpackers and the news of this paradise island soon made it a popular destination though it was not so easy to get there. a quote from Thomas Cook travellers guide from 1993 says :

"Those in search of a greater isolation can also visit Koh Tao. The island where people spend weeks on end living in small bungalows, eating prawn and coconuts and playing at being a modern-day Robinson Crusoe"

These times are over for Koh Tao. In the past ten years the reputation of turtle islands natural beauty, its coral reefs and abundant marine life has spread worldwide making Koh Tao one of the main destinations for diving in South East Asia.

Koh Tao is attracting both newcomers and experienced divers alike. The prices for fun diving and dive courses of any kind are among the lowest in the world. All dive resorts on the island have the same prices, so the difference you are looking for is the servis on Koh Tao and the friendlyness of the people. There are several reasons why we say "diving with Big Bubble makes Koh Tao a bit different".


Getting Around Koh Tao
Getting around on the island is easy and inexpensive as the island is only about 21kmฒ. You can choose a pick-up or a motorbike taxi or even longtail taxi boats all of which are readily available. There are also many places near the diving schools where you can rent a motor bike.

The taxi boats also will take you for a trip around the island for only about 250 bath per person. You will have the chance to see Koh Tao from the sea side and go swimming or snorkeling or even diving from a longtail boat.


How to get to Koh Tao
From the Mainland to Koh Tao
If you're coming from northern Thailand i.e. Bangkok or Chiang Mai, the shortest route is to go to Chumporn (Chumpon).On the Koh Tao Cruiser or the Express Boat it will take about three hours. There are several other companies running boats as well here, including speedboats and also a night boat. For the timetables have a look at the page below.

If you come from the south of Thailand or Malaysia the best way will be to go to Surat Thani , a bit further down south along the coast. From there you can take the bus to the pier and then the boat to Koh Samui, Koh Phangnan, Koh Tao. Maybe you will have to change the boat in Koh Phangnan.

There is also a night boat to Koh Tao which leaves every night at 11.00 pm and goes directly to the paradise island.. You will arrive about 06.00 am. The night boats are not very comfortable but you gain a day.

Or depending on your bus- or train connection you can drive through to Chumporn, which is a lot less trouble and mostly you arrive at the same time in Koh Tao.

From Koh Samui to Koh Tao
There are daily boats living from Nathon Pier. Songserm Ferry's leave at 10.30 am. The catamaran leaves at 08.30 and 12.00 from Big Buddha and arrives in Koh Tao at 10.30 and 14.30.

There are also some speed boat companies if you're up for an adventure. 600 HP on three outboard engines is normal here. This really fast boats leave from Mae Hat Pier or Boh Put Pier, sometimes also from the Big Buddha beach at about 8.30 am. There are also speed boats going from Nathon at noon. The speed boats take about 1 1/2 hours to get to Koh Tao.

The ways to Chumporn
You can buy your tickets directly on Khao San Road in Bangkok at one of hundreds of travel offices. You can get a Join Ticket directly to Koh Tao by bus, minibus or train. I personally prefer the train. You can move around and sleep in a bed with air condition.
The other way is air conditioned busses or mini busses. They are very cheap but grab a seat early on and keep your valuables always with you on the bus, not in the luggage below.

When you arrive in Chumporn and you have a join ticket, everything will be prearranged for you just right to Koh Tao. No worries about bus tickets to the pier and ending up at the wrong pier..lol. Else you have to buy a ticket at the station where you arrive, but don't worry everybody will help you. You are in the land of the smile. It's easy and more or less comertable to get to Koh Tao.