Scuba Diver Ocean Planet Issue 06/2016 | Page 23

PRACTICALITIES
WHEN
It can be raining and pretty windy
with lowered visibility from
October to December with the
onset of the monsoon. The best
time is normally from late January
to September.
HOW
There are multiple flight options
from Bangkok to Phuket, Koh
Samui or Surat Thani; then a
bus and boat to the island.
Alternatively, you can travel all the
way to the ports by bus, or train
and bus.

03

02 A whale shark
passing around
Sail Rock
© Shutterstock/
Rich Carey
03 Vibrant corals

housing a world
of critters
© Shutterstock/optionm
04 The sun sets on

North Sairee Beach
© Oliver Jarvis

05

popular, and covered in white
sand and fringed with palm
trees and crystal clear water.
It is almost three kilometres
long and located north of Mae
Had, on the west coast of the
island. Or, try some Muay Thai
or yoga; there is something for

05 The relaxed vibe
of one of Koh Tao’s
Top Restaurants, Blue
Water © Andy Satcau

everybody here. A developing
road system and easy scooter
rental make getting around
easy. Within reach are fantastic
hidden beaches and hiking trails
that lead to high lookout points,
along with extreme sports and
traditional practices. SDOP

STAY/DIVE
Stay
From budget bunk beds to kingsized rooms, Koh Tao offers
great variety. Those after simple
accommodation can bunk in
shared rooms that feature on the
beachfront, whilst those looking
for privacy have the option to sleep
like kings in air-conditioned rooms.
• Budget – Big Blue Diving Resort
(www.bigbluediving.com)
• Budget mid–range –
Thalassa Hotel, Koh Tao
(www.thalassakohtao.com)
• Luxury – Jamahkiri Resort
and Spa
(www.jamahkiri.com)
Dive
• Big Blue Diving,
North Sairee Beach
(www.bigbluediving.com)
TOPSIDE
Traditional festivals run side-byside with Western bars, and yoga
alongside mini golf; the non-diving
activities are a perfect example
of cultural symbiosis. There is
abseiling, hiking, cliff-jumping
and trapezing, and in the
evening, island visitors can enjoy
the newly-opened Blue Water
restaurant, which offers you the
chance to have quality food whilst
overlooking gorgeous sunsets.
ENTRY
A valid passport for a minimum
period of six months from the
date of entry into Thailand. Most
nationals can enter Thailand for
30 days without a visa.