Travel Guide Koh Tao
Deserted until 1933, Koh Tao welcomes 350,000 tourists per year. It's Turtle Island, two hours by boat from the mainland. You arrive through the small port of Mae Haad with its banks, restaurants, hotels and more or less luxurious bungalows. This peaceful and beautiful Thai island is located on the Gulf of Thailand side, north of the Chumphon Archipelago, 70 km off the Thai coast. Koh Tao guarantees you a dream stay. In this destination, everything is done for your happiness and leisure. You have friendly accommodation, diving centres, wellness areas, fitness clubs and everything you need to make the most of the paradisiacal beaches, clear waters and rich seabed. From snorkeling to paddle, you spend your day in the water. Nature alone is enough to make you happy. There are also shops where you can shop after the beach and nightclubs where you can party after sunset. Charming little restaurants delight you with Thai cuisine. Rent a scooter to enjoy the island in complete freedom and connect its most beautiful bays, all typical, more or less wild, more or less frequented. And don't forget your tour guide to enjoy all this. The island is small in size, the brave can even cross it on foot. You will enjoy the small peninsulas of Koh Nang Yuan, famous for snorkeling. Why Turtle Island? Some say it's because it has a turtle shape. Others because sea turtles came to lay their eggs there.
What to visit à Koh Tao?
When to go to à Koh Tao?
From October to February, it is the dry and cool season in Thailand and the best time to travel to the islands of the Gulf of Thailand. On the island of Koh Tao, the sun shines every day and temperatures fluctuate around 25°C. In March, a very hot inter-season (about 35°C) begins, which lasts until the end of May with alternating tropical rains. From June, it is the rainy season and the further south we go, so in Koh Tao in particular, the more it rains. This season lasts until October. September is to be avoided (heavy rainfall). If you go to Thailand in April, you will enjoy the water festival, or Songkran, which celebrates the Buddhist New Year, everyone drinks themselves in the streets, laughs guaranteed!
Weather at the moment
Thailand and its islands, including Koh Tao, enjoy a tropical climate with 3 seasons: summer (March to May); the intermediate season, characterized by alternating tropical rains and sunshine (June-September) and the so-called "cool" season (October-February), with a summer-like weather in Thailand by European standards. The average annual temperature is 28°C, with relatively small variations throughout the year.
This is one of the big advantages of Thailand, even if it is less the case in tourist islands like Koh Tao, the standard of living is much lower than in a European country like France, 60% on average. One can easily eat out and sleep in guesthouses for a modest sum and even in luxury hotels for an excellent quality-price ratio. The currency is the baht, you can easily exchange money and pay by credit card. Tipping is customary but not mandatory.
No visa is required for Thailand and to stay in Koh Tao if you stay less than 30 days. And a round trip to the border (Laos, Myanmar or Cambodia...) is enough to renew this 15-day residence permit, renewable only 4 times, after which you must take an additional plane for each "exit".
No mandatory vaccines for Thailand and to stay in Koh Tao but DT-Polio, typhoid, hepatitis A and B vaccines are recommended. An anti-malaria treatment is officially recommended, but a protection against insects is sufficient except if you go to the North which is more at risk. Water is not drinkable, it is recommended to drink bottled water and to avoid raw vegetables and seafood in the most popular shops.
Practical information
- When to travel?
- Weather forecast
- Budget
- Formalities
- Health
- How to travel by yourself?
- How to get organized?
- Getting around
Media
How to go to à Koh Tao? Our advice & tips
Thailand has become a mass tourism destination and is under attack by many tour operators but not all offers are equal. Take the time to choose the right tour according to your travel desires and do not hesitate to compare the services offered. Beware of low prices, they do not always include transfers, drinks and meals. Even if Thailand is a cheap destination, it can represent a significant amount of money on a long circuit.
You will usually travel to Bangkok, the capital of Thailand. Domestic and international flights are concentrated in Suvarnabhumi, located 35 km east of the city centre. No particular security risks for people travelling alone, the country is generally safe but care must be taken with personal belongings in tourist areas as theft can occur. Finally, don't have fun using drugs on the spot, it's a guaranteed prison for a minimum of 10 years.
Domestic flights are convenient and quite cheap. Ferries also shuttle between the islands and the mainland. In Thailand, the buses that connect cities offer a varied level of comfort and there is something for everyone. As for the rail network, it is rather good in Thailand but not really modern cars are not very comfortable. We go by boat to Koh Tao from the mainland.
