Information & Facts
Activities
Koh Tao is known as a holiday paradise for scuba divers, with 25
dive sites in close proximity, stunning and unusual rock and coral
formations teeming with the resident turtles, whale sharks and
gorgeous reef fish. It is not only divers who have plenty to do on
the island though. A variety of watersports are available from
water-skiing and kayaking to sailing lessons. On land, play the
local sports like pétanque or croquet, go hiking, rock-climbing or
mountain-biking. A variety of boat excursions are available, a
favourite being to explore the next-door islet of Nangyuan with its
remarkable triple beach. Many visitors sign up for classes in Thai
Chi, Yoga or Thai boxing, or limber up at the local open air gym,
finishing off with a herbal steam bath, traditional Thai massage,
or relaxing reflexology.
Language
Thai is the official language, although English is widely
spoken in tourist areas.
Money
The unit of currency is the Baht (THB), which is divided
into 100 satang. Currency can be exchanged at the airport, banks,
hotels and bureaux de change. Banks are open Monday to Friday. ATMs
are available in most cities and tourist resorts. Most large hotels
and shops accept travellers cheques, but a better rate will be
given at banks. Most major credit cards are accepted at hotels and
larger businesses.
Negatives
Check the tides as often as possible - during a full moon the
tide can be so low that getting past the reef to snorkel can be a
problem.
Nightlife
For a relaxed, idyllic island Koh Tao has a surprisingly buzzing
nightlife. When the sun sets the parties start, usually at bars and
clubs right on the beach. Most of the action takes place at the
main centres of Mae Had and Sairee, but there are many impromptu
theme parties happening, usually advertised in shop windows or via
word of mouth. Sand sculptures, crazy games, fried chicken, bucket
cocktails and fire-jugglers are usually all part of the party
scene. Those who prefer a more sedate evening can retire to a pub
for a game of pool or darts, or sip cocktails in a laid-back lounge
to the tune of some modern classics.
Restaurants
Not too many years ago, no-one in Koh Tao would have heard of
pizza or pancakes; now, however, international cuisine has taken
over the island and it is possible to find anything you fancy, from
Tex-Mex to French baguettes or good old English steak and kidney
pie. This has not been at the expense of local authentic Thai food,
however, which is still available everywhere from simple street
stalls to beachfront terraces.
There are dozens of restaurants, new ones opening all the time,
many offering open-air barbecues and grills. Some current
favourites are the Café del Sol grill house, with a French chef
serving up delectable steaks and homemade Italian dishes; the
Greasy Spoon, delighting Brits with full-on English breakfasts and
hefty portions of fish and chips, bangers and mash, and the like;
and the open-air Thipwimarn Restaurant on a hill top at Sairee,
offering Thai cuisine with a view.
Shopping
No-one could describe Koh Tao as a shopping destination, but
most of the essentials required on holiday are available including
basic medicines, sun screen, swim suits, sarongs, snorkelling
equipment and so on. Most of the little stalls and stores lining
beachfronts and main roads carry craft souvenirs made of shells or
bamboo, and there is plenty of local jewellery available. There are
a few supermarkets and market stalls with a good range of
foodstuffs.
Time
GMT +7.