Hotel & Tours Group

Koh Tao - Turtle Island - is a small island in the Gulf of Thailand. Once home to a detention center for political prisoners, Koh Tao is now one of Thailand's best spots for diving, thanks to its clear calm waters and abundant sea life.

Most of the island's tourism is centered on diving, though its idyllic beach conditions make it a popular destination for all types of vacationers and during the Thai holidays it gets very busy with domestic tourists. Many travelers opt to stay in a hotel near Sairee Beach or Mango Bay.

Koh Tao has no airport and travelers must arrive via boat. Speedboats and high-speed catamarans depart from Chumphon, Surat Thanni and Koh Samui, all of which have airports. Once on the island, most get around by moped, something that must be done with caution given the island's winding dirt roads.

For snorkeling and diving, Koh Tao's waters are hard to better. Sea life includes rays, turtles, puffer fish and sharks, with colorful coral reefs and shipwrecks also off the coastline. Chumporn Pinnicle, The Japanese Gardens, Hin Wong Pinnacle, and Sail Rock are just a few of the dive sites around Koh Tao. For inexperienced divers wanting to learn, there are dive instructors at every major beach.

Aside from diving, Koh Tao offers a range of activities for the adventure-seeker. Rock climbing is a popular pastime on the island, as are hiking, sailing and kayaking. Muay Thai gyms and camps are also dotted around the island.