Koh Tao เกาะเต่า
Small tropical island Koh Tao “turtle island” is a top destination for scuba divers though even non divers are easily drawn in by the island’s beauty and its inhabitants charm. Just 45 km north of Koh Phangan,But it is hard to believe that prior to 1943, Koh Tao was uninhabited. The only people who visited here were fishing boats and turtles were abundant around the island, hence the name ‘Turtle Island’. The island boasts crystal clear water, stunning coral reefs, chilled out beach bars, cliff jumps, diving and a serene jungle setting. Today it is considered a paradise island but it has a darker history.
History of Koh Tao
In 1943 the first use for Koh Tao was actually as a political prison for prisoners of the Borwondesh Uprising (กบฏบวรเดช) who were transfered from Koh Tarutao. The prison was located at Mae Haad Bay and had fifty four political prisoners, fifty other prisoners and fifteen wardens. According to the prisoners records, the island was a living hell. They had to contest with shark and had high chances of catching Malaria. One of the prisoners wrote:
“The only joy each day is watching the sun set to sea. It is a spectacular scene. The waves are light purple with an indigo sky”.
The prisoner were released in 1944 and everyone returned to the mainland leaving Koh Tao uninhabited again. It wasn’t until 1947 when two brothers Ta Eaum and Ta Oh came to the island from Koh Samui that the island had its first official inhabitants. They sailed in traditional boats made from woven palm leaves and cloth. They used the demolished prison materials to build temporary shelter on the north end of Sairee beach. They brought their families over once they had cleared some land and made huts. They lived off the land simply by cultivating coconut plantations, rice paddies and orchards. Fishing also provided a valuable source of food. The brothers and their families were joined by people coming from Koh Phanang who left to start a new life on Koh Tao.
Now! the island is one of the top scuba diving destinations in Thailand, if not the world. In fact, only Cairns, Australia issues more PADI certifications than Koh Tao. While some globetrotting SCUBA snobs may express disappointment, the shallow, crystal clear waters of Koh Tao feature abundant marine life and considerable coral that are certain to please both beginners and experienced divers, particularly as the island itself is so spectacular and the atmosphere on Koh Tao is so relaxing. What’s more, the island, which is the site of important breeding grounds for Hawksbill and Green turtles, is now a center for environmentally friendly diving practices, including the reintroduction of hundreds of juvenile turtles to the island's ecosystem and efforts to preserve and grow coral reefs.Non-divers can appreciate the beauty of Koh Tao, which seems relatively devoid of inhabitants while the majority of visitors are spending their days underwater, by taking a boat trip around the island to visit Koh Tao’s many gorgeous beaches and bays, hiking to the summit of the island, studying yoga, or simply relaxing in a hammock and enjoying the view of nearby Koh Nang Yuan, a spectacular attraction in its own right.
Over the past decade Koh Tao has transformed from a sleepy, yet popular place to get a scuba certification to the second most popular place in the world to do so. Once a destination almost exclusively for scuba divers and those looking to get away from it all, Koh Tao is now also a destination for wild 20-somethings to warm up before or unwind after neighboring Koh Phangan’s Full Moon Party. Fortunately, despite its quite small size, most of the beaches around Koh Tao have retained a charming, laid back atmosphere and bungalows ranging from ultra-basic thatch roof to chic and boutique are available for those on any budget to enjoy the beauty of one of Thailand’s most spectacular islands.
Key Tips
While there are numerous clinics on Koh Tao at Sairee Beach and Mae Haad, the closest hospitals are on Koh Samui and mainland Chumphon.
Electricity, supplied by generators, is very expensive: switch off the lights, fans, and air conditioning when leaving your room.
Don't throw paper or other things into the toilets: the pipes are easily clogged and very difficult to clear.
Exercise extreme caution when driving motorbikes on Koh Tao.
Avoid drinking the night before scuba diving.
Wear mosquito repellant with DEET, particularly around dawn and dusk.
Koh Tao is a fragile ecosystem hosting over 100,000 visitors a year: please DO NOT LITTER: even cigarette butts and plastic wrappers from water bottles take a heavy toll over time
While diving or snorkeling, look, don't touch; this includes turtles, coral, and any other marine life!
Don't throw anything at all into the sea!
Water is scarce: don't leave it running, especially during showers.
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