KOH TAO - ARE YOU TIRED OF BANGKOK AND YOU WANT SOMEWHERE TO RELAX? KOH TAO (KO TAO) IS THE PERFECT DESTINATION! - 7 SIGHTS OF KHO TAO

You can look at the wonderful sea and at the traditional boats, but please concentrate on the sand of the beach and tell me if you don't want to be in Koh Tao right now!

Why to visit Koh Tao?

Bangkok is a wonderful city, but it is also so noisy and tiring than after a few days you will have enough of it. Thailand offers you many alternatives.

You may decide to take the train North. In 2 hours you will be admiring the beautiful temples of Ayutthaya with the worldwide famous Buddha in the Tree or you may head much more North and reach Chiang Mai with its beautiful pagoda temples.

Ayutthaya and Chang Mai are two great destinations I can only recommend them, but not if what you want is some relax, beautiful beaches and above all: the sea!

In that case Kho Tao (or if you prefer Ko Tao) is the righ place for you.

How to travel to Koh Tao?

Buy a combined ticket train + bus from Bangkok to Koh Tao at Bangkok Train Station and sleep in a comfy airconditioned train wagon during your night travel.

In the morning a reliable and cheap minivan will collect you at Chumphon train station and transport you at the harbour, where an incredibly modern and fast ferry is waiting for transporting you to your destination. The ferry goes to Koh Samui and stops at Koh Phang An and Koh Tao. It takes only an hour from Chumphon to Koh Tao.

Alternatively at Khao San Road in Bangkok you can book a combined bus and boat ticket direct to Koh Tao. This will be an overnight bus ride to Chumphon, then boat the rest of the way and should cost less than 1000 baht all in.

One of the many spectacular sunsets of the West Coast in Koh Tao

Great views on the way to Koh Tao at Kho Nang Yuan.

What is to do & see in Koh Tao?

I am tempted to say: look to the photos and tell me if they don't give a reason good enough to go there.

I made below a list of ten good reasons about "Visiting Koh Tao" although I think you can find many more good reasons when you are there.

The sea is spectacular. The water is so clean that you will litterally swim with thousands of colourful fishes.
Sunsets are amazing. Never seen something like this in my life!
No traffic on the island apart few cars and scooters. No pollution!
Great sea food and cheap accommodation litterally on the beach
So near to Koh Samui that would take little more than an hour if you want to experience the famous Full Moon Party (or Half Moon party...)
Fantastic place for diving with many reliable diving schools!
Great for walkers as there is a path siding the coast on the West and many paths in the thick jungle with spectacular views. See panoramas below!
The island is amazingly safe and you are away from the vulgarity and the noise of Pattaya, Phuket and so on...
It has great bars on the beach!
The sandy beaches are great! Some are lively if this is what you want and some are quiet as if you are in the desert particularly on the East Coast!

Quiet beaches and huts to sleep litteraly on the sea.

Well... more beaches, obviously!

How long to stay in Koh Tao?

I would say at least 5 nights and I am sure you will be sorry to leave.

What to do before to travel to Koh Tao?

If you haven't read yet read the famous book of Alex Garland "The Beach", I think reading the book will put you in the right frame of mind for visiting the island. Don't watch Leo Di Caprio's movie that has little to do with the book (by the way the location of the movie is in Ko Phi Phi Lee in case you are interested!).

What to do in Kho Tao?

If you always wanted to learn diving this is time you make your dream come true. if you are not as adventurous do try snorkelling (at least!).

Take an aperitive at Sunset on the West Coast, it will be unforgivable!

Explore the beaches and ask locals for paths in the jungle (take care because is very easy to get
disorienteted in the thick sub tropical vegetation!)

Explore, explore and explore!

After a long clim the views are absolutely stunning! From the highest point of the island you command both sides and the jungle (ask to locals directions before to enter in the jungle!)

It is true!

What else you should not miss in Thailand?

Here some posts ready for you:

PHANG NGA BAY: "James Bond Island. One of the most iconic places in Thailand".
Visit one of the most beautiful National Parks in Thailand, much more to see than just James Bond's island!

KHO TAO - "A wonderful island in the Andaman Sea" Photos and some useful tips to visit one of the most unspoiled islands in Thailand, away from the noise, relatively unspoiled and just an hour away from Thailand's famous Full Moon Parties.

SUKHOTHAI: "Want to visit the best archaeological site in Thailand?"
A visit in Sukhothai, the most impressive and best kept archaeological park in Thailand, many great photos, two maps and lots of practical info to visit Sukhothai.

AYUTTHAYA - AN AMAZING INSPIRATIONAL PLACE JUST 2 HRS FROM BANGKOK Just 2 hrs away from Bangkok Ayutthaya is a perfect destination for a day trip to explore the famous Thai temples. It is also the first stop for a visit to the North, read the post and watch some great photos!

CHIANG MAI - THE HOLY CITY

The Holy City of Chiang Mai is where to go to admire the famous "pagoda temples". In the post you will explore one of the most famous destinations in Thailand. Photos & practical info.