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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.
Time
Table From Chumporn to Koh Tao
-
KOH TAO CRUISER
-
SONGSERM FERRIES
-
EKAWIN SPEED FERRIES
-
LOHMLAHK SPEED BOAT
-
KO JAOREN CAR FERRY Mo/We/Fr
-
NIGHT BOAT
Cha Am
|
Hotels
A district in Phetchaburi, Cha-am
Beach is beautiful as neighboring
Hua Hin Beach. Located approx. 163km
from BangKohk.
Koh Chang |Hotels A tropical marine national park. Its hinterland consists of over 70% virgin rainforest and is the best preserved tourist holiday destination in Thailand.
Chiang Mai | Hotels Thailand's second city, but in terms of quality of living, tourist attractions and development potential, it's second to none in Southeast-Asia.
Hua Hin
|
Hotels
A district in Prachuap Khiri Khan
Province located 295 kilometers
south of BangKohk and 90 kilometers
from the provincial capital.
Mae Hong Son | Hotels The city is famous for friendly people, hilltribe, beautiful women, cool climate, handicrafts, and stunning mountain scenery.
Pattaya | Hotels Most famous resort, with at least a touch of extra spice for its rather wild nightlife. enjoy accommodation, food and the facilities of a truly international resort.
Phuket | Hotels Thailand's largest island (360 sq mi/930 sq km about the size of Singapore) is the jewel of the Andaman Sea. Enjoy blue sky and crystal sea here.
Samui Island
|
Hotels
Thailand's third largest island, is
496 km south of
BangKohk
Part of the province of Surathani,
it has developed in recent years
into one of the most sought after
holiday destinations in South East
Asia.