Koh Tao little more than 21 km?, 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 had been rich with sea turtles, nowadays they have mostly moved on to other breeding grounds.
Initially the island was not inhabited, there was only the occasional fisherman from the neighbouring 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

journey.Even though the island was still under royal patronage, it didn’t stop these pioneers claiming themselves a good piece of 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, 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.
If you are interested in more historical details and stories about the Turtle, go to visit Khun Orawan at Seashell Resort, Sairee. She is the great-grand daughter of Khun Ueam and will be more than glad to give you further information. ClickHow To Get There

      Mae Haad
      All boats arrive here. Naturally highly developed, but still managed to keep some of its old fishing village charm. Money exchange, post office, government office & health center are in Mae Haad. Most dive centers have an office here, lots of travel agents, email services, supermarkets, bike rentals, good restaurants and party venues. A few up-market resorts are located on the southern end .

      Sairee Beach
      Sairee's white sandy beach stretches about 1.7km over most of the west coast, interrupted only by a few huge boulders. Mae Haad is only a 10 min walk away. Being the most popular area on Tao, Sairee offers a huge range of accommodation, dive centers, restaurants, shops, beach bars, travel & email services, nurseries, etc. You also find here the Fishery Museum, the Rama V rock and on the way to Mae Haad the police station, the public school and the temple.

      June Juea Beach
      South-west coast, best reached by foot or longtail, two simple, small resorts, a real getaway.

      Cape Jeda Gang
      South-west coast, taxi boat recommended, one resort, simple huts & solid bungalows. Can't get it more private.

      Tanote Bay
      Best reached by taxi or boat, this is one of the more remote bays, only a few small resorts and excellent snorkeling. German dive school and a watersport center with kayaks.

      Hin Wong Bay
      North-east coast, abundant coral reefs in a natural pool, four small hillside resorts and one diving school.

      Ao Leuk
      On the way to Tanote bay, you can experience real solitude and serenity. You can swim or just sit in crystal clear water surrounded by fish. Three small, simple resorts in a breathtaking surrounding. No luxury.

      Sai Daeng Beach
      With only two resorts nestled into an idyllic landscape & a sandy beach, it's not only famous for its beauty similar to Ao Leuk, but also for being closest to one of Tao's prime dive & snorkel sites: Shark Island.

      Thian Og Bay
      Next to Chalok Baan Kao. Huge private bay with one resort, a hillside spa, a dive school and a mountain top restaurant/bakery. Lots of Black Tip Reef Sharks.

      Chalok Baan Kao
      Third largest beach, located on the southern coast facing Phangan and Samui. This bay is smaller than Sairee, but offers a similar range of accommodation, eateries and nightlife. It is beautifully framed by Taa Toh lagoon to the east and Saan Jao beach to the west. It also connects with Thian Og bay and Sai Daeng beach. The rock formation at cape Taa Toh resembles a sitting Buddha, this is best to be seen from the viewpoint opposite.