Koh Tao Today : Koh Tao - Koh Nangyuan - Koh Phangan - Koh Samui: n the beginning. KOH TAO, little more than 21 Km2, is located about 70 km. east of the coastline between Suratthani and Chumphon, in the Gulf of Thailand. Koh Tao means Turtle Island, because in the past the waters in the area were rich with sea turtles, nowadays they have mostly moved on to other breeding grounds. Intially the island was not inhabited, there was only the occasional fisherman from the neighboring islands, looking for shelter in a storm or just taking a break before continuing his tiresome journey. . On June 18, 1899, His Majesty the King Chulalongkorn (Rama V 1868-1910) visited Koh Tao and left as evidence his monogram on a huge boulder at Jor Por Ror Bay next to Sairee Beach. This place is worshipped even today and should be treated with respect. From 1933 on the island was used as a political prison. In 1947, Khun A-Paiwong, prime minister at the time, pleaded and received a royal pardon for all prisoners on the island. Everybody was taken to the Suratthani shore and the "Turtle" was abandoned again. But not for long… In the same year Khun Ueam and his twin brother khun Oh reached Koh Tao from the neighboring Koh Phangan by trying out their traditional sail boat, for that time a quite long and dangerous journey. Even though the island was still under royal patronage, it didn't stop these pioneers claiming themselves a good part of the land on today's Sairee Beach. Having brought their families over, they began to cultivate and harvest the excellent soil. 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 also traded with Koh Phangan. Despite the difficulties in reaching the island, the population then grew steadily. In the eighties the first travelers discovered the island paradise and their special "backpacker-network" quickly made it widely known and a popular destination. As a consequence, bigger, faster and safer boats were used to allow easier access to Koh Tao. During the past ten years the reputation of Turtle Island's natural beauty, especially its marine life and coral reefs, has spread the world over and the number of paradise seekers increased rapidly. It soon became one of the major dive sites in Thailand, attracting beginners and professionals alike. The local businesses expanded immediately to catch up with the needs of the new clientele. The island today, though still remaining an absolute paradise, caters for all tastes and budgets. Getting around. Koh Tao has one major concrete road which connects the north end of Sairee with Chalok Baan Kao in the south, while passing the main village Mae Haad in the middle. There is an increasing amount of small concrete roads leading to the other beaches and bays. Ever where else you will find more or less accessible dirt tracks, most of which will challenge even a skilled driver. Steep trails, sharp curves, sand and grit, potholes, washed out tracks and the occasional dropping coconut demand mindful driving and fast reactions. Vehicles in Thailand drive usually on the left, but traffic rules are often freely interpreted, speed limits are not observed and suicidal dogs prefer sleeping on the roads, which are often narrow. You must always be prepared to make room for the occasional moving or still obstacle. Yet, it is not as bad as it seems, as long as you drive carefully and remember that an accident will hurt body and budget as well. Motorcycles can be rented from 150 B, Jeeps from 1000 B, the deposit of a passport is required. However there are many other options of getting around: Pick-up and Motorbike Taxis These can be found parked in busy areas, or can be stopped at the roadside. They run from early morning until 11 p.m. Please be aware that taxi fares can vary and even double after darkness. Always discuss the cost before the ride, not after. Basically the fares start with a minimum fee for one or more persons and then increase per additional customer. Guideline From Mae Haad to Sairee or Chalok Baan Kao: 1-2 pers. 60B/ +30B pers. Tanote or Hin Wong: 1-4 pers 200B/ +50B pers. Ao Leuk or Thian Og: 1-2 pers. 100B/ +50B pers. From Sairee to: Chalok Baan Kao: 1-2 pers. 100B/ +50B pers. Ao Leuk: 1-2 pers. 160B/ +80B pers. Boat Taxis The colorful, traditional Long Tail Boats take you conveniently and quickly to stunning remote beaches and secluded bays. You can find them at all the main beaches, they can be chartered for a short trip or a day tour. Prices are quite consistent and reasonable: trips from Mae Haad To Chalok Baan Kao: 150B per person To Nang Yuan: 1-2 persons 100 B To Tanote Nay: 1-3 persons 300B Around the island: 1-4 pers. 1000B Biking and Trekking There are mountain bikes for rent around the island, which are not only cheaper than motorbikes, but will also help to protect the environment. However, to discover the real beauty of Koh Tao, travel on foot. If you are not afraid of exercise and enjoy a bit of excitement, you will be rewarded with the experience of the rich variety of the jungle, a cool swim in a lonely bay, a fantastic view over cliffs in the surf or a spectacular panorama from a mountain top. An excursion like this can be very demanding and tiresome, so leave prepared: drinking water, sun block, mosquito repellent, tight shoes and a hat are essential and please don't go alone, like in diving, a buddy can be a life saver and besides, it's more fun. Places to stay. There is a huge variety of accommodation for every budget in Koh Tao. Most of the resorts are located on the main beaches Sairee, Mae Haad & Chalok Baan Kao. Room rates start from 150 Baht for simple huts (public toilet and no electricity) and reach up to several thousand Baht for real luxury villas with all western amenities. The average bungalow with a fan and shower/toilet inside will be around 400 Baht, double that for air-con rooms.