How to Get to Koh Tao
The only way to get to Koh Tao is by boat. You can either take a ferry from the mainland or from the nearby islands of Koh Samui or Koh Phangan. Depending on your budget and time, you can choose from different options, such as:
Flying to Koh Samui and taking a ferry from there. This is the fastest and most expensive option, but also the most convenient. You can find flights from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and other major cities in Thailand. The flight takes about an hour, and the ferry takes another hour and a half. You can book your flight and ferry tickets online or through a travel agent1
Taking a bus or train and a ferry from Bangkok. This is the cheapest and most popular option, but also the longest and most tiring. You can take a bus or train from Bangkok to Chumphon or Surat Thani, and then catch a ferry to Koh Tao. The bus or train takes about 6 to 10 hours, and the ferry takes another 2 to 4 hours. You can buy a combined bus/train and ferry ticket from various companies, such as Lomprayah, Songserm, or Seatran2
Taking a ferry from Koh Samui or Koh Phangan. This is a good option if you are already visiting these islands or want to combine your trip with them. You can take a ferry from Koh Samui or Koh Phangan to Koh Tao, which takes about 1 to 2 hours. You can buy your ferry tickets online or at the pier3
What to Do in Koh Tao
Koh Tao is a paradise for nature lovers, water sports enthusiasts, and culture seekers. Here are some of the best things to do in Koh Tao:
Diving and snorkeling. Koh Tao is one of the best places in the world to learn diving or to improve your skills. There are over 50 dive sites around the island, suitable for all levels and preferences. You can see colorful corals, tropical fish, turtles, sharks, rays, and even whalesharks. You can also snorkel in the shallow waters and enjoy the underwater scenery. You can book your diving or snorkeling trips with one of the many dive centers on the island, such as Big Blue, Crystal, or Roctopus4
Hiking and biking. Koh Tao has a rugged and hilly terrain, offering many hiking and biking trails for the adventurous. You can explore the island’s natural beauty, such as waterfalls, viewpoints, jungles, and hidden beaches. You can also visit some of the island’s landmarks, such as the John Suwan Viewpoint, the Tanote Bay Rock, or the Koh Nang Yuan Island. You can rent a bike or a scooter from one of the many shops on the island, or join a guided tour with a local expert5
Relaxing and enjoying. Koh Tao has a laid-back and friendly atmosphere, perfect for relaxing and enjoying the island life. You can chill on one of the many beaches, such as Sairee, Mae Haad, or Chalok Baan Kao. You can also pamper yourself with a massage, a yoga class, or a spa treatment. You can also enjoy the nightlife, with a variety of bars, restaurants, and parties to choose from. You can find live music, fire shows, pub quizzes, and more6
What to Eat in Koh Tao
Koh Tao has a diverse and delicious cuisine, influenced by Thai, Chinese, Indian, and Western cultures. You can find a range of dishes, from spicy curries, to fresh seafood, to vegan options. Here are some of the best places to eat in Koh Tao:
Barracuda Restaurant and Bar. This is a popular and upscale restaurant, serving fusion and international dishes, with a focus on seafood. You can try their signature barracuda steak, their lobster thermidor, or their sushi platter. You can also enjoy their cocktails, wines, and desserts. The restaurant has a cozy and elegant ambiance, with a view of the sea7
Su Chilli. This is a local and authentic restaurant, serving Thai and Isaan dishes, with a spicy and flavorful twist. You can try their som tam (papaya salad), their tom yum (hot and sour soup), or their pad thai (stir-fried noodles). You can also order their set menu, which includes a variety of dishes for a reasonable price. The restaurant has a simple and cozy atmosphere, with friendly staff8
Vegetabowl. This is a vegetarian and vegan restaurant, serving healthy and tasty dishes, with a creative and colorful presentation. You can try their buddha bowls, their wraps, or their smoothies. You can also customize your own bowl, choosing from different ingredients and sauces. The restaurant has a bright and cheerful atmosphere, with a garden setting9
Where to Stay in Koh Tao
Koh Tao has a wide range of accommodation options, from budget hostels, to mid-range hotels, to luxury resorts. You can find a place that suits your style, comfort, and budget. Here are some of the best places to stay in Koh Tao:
The Place. This is a luxury and boutique resort, offering spacious and stylish villas, with private pools, terraces, and sea views. You can enjoy their amenities, such as their restaurant, their spa, or their library. You can also book their activities, such as their cooking class, their yoga class, or their diving course. The resort has a secluded and tranquil location, on a hill overlooking the Sairee Beach10
Koh Tao Cabana. This is a mid-range and eco-friendly resort, offering cozy and rustic bungalows, with wooden furniture, outdoor showers, and garden views. You can enjoy their facilities, such as their pool, their restaurant, or their massage service. You can also join their events, such as their movie night, their live music, or their fire show. The resort has a convenient and lively location, on the Sairee Beach11
Good Dream Hostel. This is a budget and social hostel, offering clean and comfortable dorms, with air conditioning, lockers, and curtains. You can enjoy their services, such as their free breakfast, their free wifi, or their laundry service. You can also meet other travelers, in their common area, their rooftop, or their bar. The hostel has a central and accessible location, near the Mae Haad Pier.
How to Stay Connected in Koh Tao
Staying connected in Koh Tao is important, especially if you want to share your travel experiences, check your emails, or use online maps. However, finding reliable and affordable internet access in Koh Tao can be challenging, as the island has limited and expensive options. Here are some tips and solutions on how to stay connected in Koh Tao:
Buying a local SIM card. This is a common and cheap option, as you can get a prepaid SIM card from one of the three main providers in Thailand: AIS, DTAC, or TrueMove. You can buy a SIM card at the airport, at a convenience store, or at a mobile shop. You can choose from different plans, depending on your data and call needs. However, this option has some drawbacks, such as:
You need to have an unlocked phone that is compatible with the Thai network.
You need to register your SIM card with your passport and a local address.
You need to top up your credit regularly, as it expires after a certain period.
You may experience slow or unstable internet speed, especially in remote areas or during peak hours.
Renting a pocket wifi. This is a convenient and reliable option, as you can get a portable device that provides you with unlimited and high-speed internet access wherever you are. You can rent a pocket wifi from Phuket Pocket WiFi, a trusted and professional service that delivers and collects the device to and from your location. You can benefit from this option, such as:
You can connect up to 10 devices at the same time, such as your phone, tablet, or laptop.
You can avoid expensive data roaming charges or buying multiple SIM cards.
You can enjoy fast and secure internet connection, even in areas with poor network coverage.
You can save time and hassle, as you do not need to register, top up, or return the device yourself.
Comentários