Koh Tao, little more than 21 square kms, is located about 70 km east of the coastline between Suratthani and Chumphon, in the Gulf of Thailand. Koh Tao translates as Turtle Island, because in the past the waters teemed with sea turtles.
A BRIEF HISTORY
In the beginning, only the occasional fisherman from neighbouring islands would come to lay over and rest or to seek shelter from storms. From 1933 the island was used as a political prison because of it's distance from the mainland. In 1947, Khun A -Paiwong, Prime Minister at that time, pleaded and received a royal pardon for all prisoners on the island and everybody was removed.
In the same year Khun Ueam and his twin brother Khun Oh reached Koh Tao from the neighbouring island Koh Phangan. At that time, crossing over with a traditional sailboat was long and dangerous. The first generation of today's community had settled! They lived a very simple and tough life harvesting coconuts, fishing and growing vegetables, which were traded with Koh Phangan. Despite the many difficulties in reaching the island, the population grew steadily.
About 15 years ago, the first backpackers arrived from Koh Phangan. Rumours spread quickly about the islands unspoiled beauty, especially it's marine life and coral reefs . At the present time, Koh Tao has evolved into a haven for divers, adventurers, travelers and holidaymakers from around the world. The island's unique blend of coral reefs, natural & unspoiled beauty, and relaxed life-style makes it a 'must-have-seen-it' place!
CLIMATE
Koh Tao is situated in a sub-tropical climate like the rest of Thailand. The island is effected both b NE- and SW- Monsoons. The NE- Monsoon dominates fom the middle of October to the beginning of December, where you can expect heavy rainfall. The SW- Monsoon is mild since Koh Tao is sheltered both by the mainland and the surrounding islets.
Koh Tao is unique since it offers a 10 month high season for travelers to visit and enjoy the beauty of the Island. Peak seasons are from February to April, and again from July to September.
GETTING THERE
Thailand is well known for it's ease of travel. Generally you can leave yourselves in the hands of tour guides who will organise every aspect of your travel needs.
By Air
Bangkok to Koh Samui: Bangkok Airways provides over 10 flights/day. Thai Airways International (02 628-2000) offers daily flight to Suratthani and Koh Samui. See boat transfers for getting to the island.
By Train
Bangkok to Chumphon:For travellers not in a hurry, the train is one of the more pleasant way to travel to Chumphon. Express #85 leaves Bangkok 19:15 daily and arrives in Chumphon between 3:30 and 5:00. 2nd class air conditioned and fan-cooled sleeping carriages and air-conditioned and fan-cooled ordinary carriages available. Ask the conductor to wake you up for Chumporn Station.
By Coach
Bangkok to Chumphon: From Southern Bus Terminal. Air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned coaches leave the Southern Bus Terminal for Chumphon from about 09:30 to 22:00 daily. The journey normally takes about seven hours.
Bangkok to Chumphon from Khao San Road: Daily bus & mini bus departures from 20:00-21.00 and arrives in Chumphon at approximately 04:00. Possibly the easiest and most hassle free option.
Boat Transfers
From Koh Samui: Songserm Travel provide a daily boat service which leaves from Na Thorn Pier at 10:30. You can catch a minibus from Koh Samui Airport to Na Thorn Pier. (If you catch the first Bangkok-Koh Samui flight, you should be able to catch this boat)
Lompraya high speed Catamaran provide a daily boat service which leaves from Wat Pra Lan pier at 08:00 and 12.30
From Surat Thani: Songserm Travel which departs from Tha Thong Pier 8:00 - 14:30, 455 baht/trip. Koh Tao-Surat Thani, 10:30 - 16:30
The Night boat which departs from Ban Don Pier.
From Chumphon: Songserm Travel provides a daily boat which leaves Ta Yang Pier at 7:00. They also provide regular buses from Chumphon Train Station to their office (about 1 km) and at 06:30, a bus from their office to the pier in time to catch the 07:00 boat. The journey takes 3 hours.
Lompraya high speed Catamaran provides daily service from Tung Ma Kam Noi Pier at 7:00 and 13:00. They also provide a bus service from Khao San Road to Chumporn leaving daily at 21:00. The journey takes 3 hours.