Ko Tao travel

July to September: The best time for diving in Ko Tao with warm weather and great visibility. The island during this time is busier so you’d better book accommodation in advance.

February to May: If you don’t mind the heat, February to May is also a good time to visit Ko Tao. The skies are clear, sunny all day. Whale Shark is common in this period.

Accommodation in Ko Tao tends to be higher than other parts of Thailand due to its small size and popularity with scuba divers. It is advised to reserve accommodation well in advance as if you show up without, you may wander the island for a long time with no place to sleep! Particularly, if visitors plan to take a scuba diving course on the island, then most of the centers here have their own resorts that offer discounts or are included in the package when you book ahead.

Experience traditional food with unique seafood twists in Ko Tao, most importantly, Kaeng Khiao Waan, a green curry made from coconut milk and a variety of herbs and vegetables. The green color comes from the use of fresh green chilies while fish is used as the main protein source.

Other curries to try include Massaman and Panang curry, slow-cooked Arabic-inspired dished with steamed mustard greens, pickles, sweet-sour chili sauce, raw garlic, fresh bird’s eye chilies, juicy chicken and boiled eggs, served with steamed rice.

Walking, bicycles, motorcycles, Songthaews, taxis, longtail boats.

Generally, getting around Koh Tao requires carefulness whether you are walking or driving because there are not many concrete roads. Walking and cycling are great ways to indulge in the beauty of this island, but also more challenging due to some certain hilly paths. Motorbike rental rates start at 5 USD/day for a manual, and 5 – 7 USD for an automatic. While Songthaews can be found anywhere during a day, taxis are only available in the main road that runs through the middle of the island. Otherwise, jumping on a traditional longtail boat to visit hidden bays is also an amazing experience, with the price is around 50 USD/day.

Air + ferry
There is no airport in Ko Tao, so if you are planning to fly, book a flight to Ko Samui or Surat Thani. Then catch a ferry to reach the island.

Bus/train + ferry
From Bangkok, catch a bus or train to Chumphon, then do a boat journey to Ko Tao. Daily ferries depart from nearby islands, Ko Samui and Ko Phangan, book the ticket at least one day in advance to secure your slot.