Tourism
The island is well known for scuba diving and snorkeling, and also offers some hiking. The most popular place for tourists is Sairee on the West coast, which has a white sandy beach of 1.7 km interrupted only by a few huge boulders. Resorts are scattered with varying density, however, along the many small bays of the island.
Ko Tao is less developed than Ko Samui and Ko Pha Ngan, but has become increasingly popular especially with the mid-20's backpacker crowd in search of relatively inexpensive scuba diving certification.
As of December 2005, Ko Tao had about 150 resorts offering accommodation and approximately 50 bars/clubs. Most of the resorts are still bungalow-style, not hotel/resort style. Accommodation prices are lower than nearby Ko Samui. Most dive shops offer scuba diving PADI certification classes as well as hostel/bungalow accommodation. Accommodation rates are generally significantly reduced upon registering for scuba classes. PADI open water certification classes typically cost around 9000-9800 Baht and last 3-4 days.
Diving conditions vary from excellent to fair depending on the time of year and weather conditions, but March and April are usually excellent with weekly Whale shark sightings.
As of 2007 there is a trend to more upmarket resorts which do not concentrate singularly on diving. Free WIFI is provided in increasing numbers and even the first sailing charter company on Ko Tao has opened.
Koh Tao is increasingly becoming a mecca for game fishermen on a budget. Marlin/sailfish season is from December until March though a few stick around all year. Prices for boat fishing start at 1,400 baht. As well as billfish, other species are targeted. These include king mackerel, cobia, baracuda, trevally and snapper.
Ko Tao is less developed than Ko Samui and Ko Pha Ngan, but has become increasingly popular especially with the mid-20's backpacker crowd in search of relatively inexpensive scuba diving certification.
As of December 2005, Ko Tao had about 150 resorts offering accommodation and approximately 50 bars/clubs. Most of the resorts are still bungalow-style, not hotel/resort style. Accommodation prices are lower than nearby Ko Samui. Most dive shops offer scuba diving PADI certification classes as well as hostel/bungalow accommodation. Accommodation rates are generally significantly reduced upon registering for scuba classes. PADI open water certification classes typically cost around 9000-9800 Baht and last 3-4 days.
Diving conditions vary from excellent to fair depending on the time of year and weather conditions, but March and April are usually excellent with weekly Whale shark sightings.
As of 2007 there is a trend to more upmarket resorts which do not concentrate singularly on diving. Free WIFI is provided in increasing numbers and even the first sailing charter company on Ko Tao has opened.
Koh Tao is increasingly becoming a mecca for game fishermen on a budget. Marlin/sailfish season is from December until March though a few stick around all year. Prices for boat fishing start at 1,400 baht. As well as billfish, other species are targeted. These include king mackerel, cobia, baracuda, trevally and snapper.
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