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Koh
Tao :
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Koh
Tao or 'Turtle Island' as it is
referred to locally, sits in
the Gulf of Thailand, and is the northernmost and smallest
in the chain of the three ‘inhabited' islands. The vast
majority of the islands flora consists of coconut, mango
and cashew nut trees. The south and west coastlines are
dotted with white sandy beaches, the north and east coasts
have a couple of small sandy bays but predominantly feature
large granite boulders stacked high above the water and
rising to fringe the island’s forests.
The islands main and only town, Mae Haad, borders the
island’s vast expanse of coconuts plantations. This so
called 'town' is divided into two areas, firstly the southern
end of the town is divided by a narrow dirt track, with
cheek by jowl amenities such as general stores, restaurants
and dive centres. The towns northern apex boasts a number
of more modern day facilities.
The theme of this ‘new look’ Mae Haad is scuba diving,
with a selection of retail outlets and service centres.
There’s also some great places to eat and a healthy range
of rooms for rent.
Other areas with a high concentration of Scuba diving
and snorkelling services are found along the beaches listed.
The amenities are first class, with the majority being
in the form of fully self-contained resort complexes.
Diver education right up to and including professional
ratings along with day trips are big issues everywhere
on Koh Tao.
Dive all day, or party all night! Koh Tao’s exuberant
atmosphere is tailor made for the young at heart. Spectacular
views and a friendly island atmosphere add to a great
diving experience.
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How
to get there
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Via
Chumphon, Koh Samui and Surat Thani airports.
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Bangkok.
Hua Lamphong Station via Chumphon. |
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Bangkok.
Air-conditioned bus from Southern Bus Terminal via
Chumphon and Surat Thani. Also from Khao Lak, Krabi,
Phuket. |
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Daily
boats from Chumphon,
Koh Phangan and Koh Samui. |
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Air
Andaman
Tel: (02) 229 9555 (077) 591266
Bangkok Airways
Tel: (02) 229 3434, (077) 425011, (038) 412382
Thai International
Tel: (02) 280 0060, (075) 620070
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Dive
Center
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Chalok
Ban Kao Beach
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| Big
Bubble |
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| Big
Fish |
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| Buddha
View |
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| Carabao |
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| Koh
Tao Cottages |
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| Sunshine
Divers |
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| Laem
Taa Toh Beach |
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| Taa
Toh Lagoon |
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| Mae
Haad Beach |
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| Asia
divers |
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| Beach
Club |
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| Big
Blue |
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| Crystal
Dive Resort |
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| Dive
Point |
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| Easy
Divers |
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| Master
Divers |
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| Planet
Scuba |
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| Samui
Sports Divers |
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| Scuba
Junction |
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| Sai
Ree Beach |
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| Ban’s
Diving Resort |
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| Big
Blue |
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| Coral
Grand |
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| Koh
Tao Divers |
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| New
Way Diving |
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| Planet
Scuba |
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| Scuba
Junction |
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| Nang
Yuan Island |
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| Nang
Yuan Dive Resort |
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Koh
Phangan
With
a subtler ambience than Koh Samui, Koh Phangan offers solitude
on its many deserted beaches. On full moon nights however,
party goers descend from all over the world to dance from
sunset to sunrise on selected beaches to Techno music. As
is always the case beware of accepting drugs, particularly
from strangers, not only can it be dangerous to your health
but it is also an offence to take drugs in Thailand.
Visitors shouldn’t miss the four exhilarating waterfalls on
the island. There are mountain bikes at Thong Sala port and
Had Rin for rent, a great way to tour the island. There are
a few dive centres there, and a few dive sites to visit nearby
the island. Trips to and from Koh Samui, Koh Tao and the Ang
Thong Marine National Park are easily arranged.
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| Hotel |
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| Chalok
Ban Kao Beach |
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| Big
Bubble |
$
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| Big
Fish |
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| Buddha
View |
$
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| Carabao |
$
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| Koh
Tao Cottages |
$$
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| Laem
Taa Toh Beach |
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| Taa
Toh Lagoon |
$
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Mae
Haad
Crystal Dive Resort |
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| Planet
Scuba |
$$
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| Sai
Ree Beach |
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| Bans
Diving Resort |
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| Big
Blue |
$
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| Coral
Grand |
$$
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| Koh
Tao Divers |
$$
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| Scuba
Junction |
$
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| Nang
Yuan |
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| Nang
Yuan Dive Resort |
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Nang
Yuan
Off
the northwest coast of Koh Tao are three forest covered
islets interconnected by sand bars. There is a dive resort
on the centre islet, offering luxurious accommodation
and the full range of diving services.
Several of Koh Tao’s top diving and snorkelling sites
are found fringing these islets including the Japanese
Gardens and Green Rock.
Although a popular tourist destination Nang Yuan is kept
clean by upholding a strict no littering policy, any offenders
are immediately deported back to Koh Tao!
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