Koh Tao Island

Koh Tao Island

Koh Tao is an island in Thailand and is part of the west coast of Chumphon Archipelago in the Gulf of Thailand . It covers an area of ​​approximately 21 km ² . Administratively form tambon within the district ( Amphoe ) Ko Pha Ngan Surat Thani Province . As of 2006 the official population is 1,382 . Completion is Ban Mae Hat primary .

The island is famous for its scuba diving and snorkeling , as well as hiking , rock climbing and bouldering . The most popular place for tourists is Sairee on the West coast , which has a white sandy beach of 1.7 km interrupted only by large boulders and a few scattering medium budget resorts and restaurants . Chalok Baan Khao , to the south of the island is becoming increasingly popular as an alternative for those who want to avoid the crowds . A lot of granite rocks beautiful , good nesting in the woods and on the beach Ko Tao , attract a growing number of climbers .
Ko Tao is less developed than Ko Samui and Ko Pha Ngan , but has become increasingly popular especially with the mid- 20's backpacker crowd looking for a relatively inexpensive scuba diving certification . Over the past two years the island has seen an increase in the demographic age with many visitors who first visited the island more than ten years ago are now back with their families .
In December 2005 , Ko Tao had about 150 resorts offering accommodation and approximately 50 bars / clubs . Most of the resorts are still bungalow-style , not hotel / resort style . In 2007 there was a tendency for an upscale resort that does not concentrate on a single dive . Free WiFi is provided in increasing numbers and even the first sailing charter company on Ko Tao has opened .
Ko Tao is increasingly becoming a mecca for game fishermen on a budget . Species targeted include marlin , sailfish , king mackerel , cobia , baracuda , trevally and snapper .
Diving conditions have improved dramatically in recent years with continuing education of locals by the dive community . El Nino weather pattern warming the water in 1997 that resulted in the loss of many shallow reef near the island . Since then , the recovery has been swift and dramatic . Ko Tao now offers some of the best scuba diving in the Gulf of Thailand . And with the help of island conservation groups are strong prospects for the island environment .
Chumphon Pinnacle , a dive site in the west of the island has a reputation for divers to search for both whale sharks and bull sharks . However , due to warm water temperatures during the past year a large number of bull sharks migrate to cooler waters .