Koh Lanta

Koh Tao, my spirit island, is my favorite place in all of Thailand. Koh Tao is an oasis in a country that has been mauled by tourists. Known for its pristine and amazing dive sights, Koh Tao has much more to offer the traveler than diving.

Where To Stay
All visitors to Koh Tao arrive via Mae Haad port area. It is a great area to chill while remaining central, yet away from the noisier town. Sairee Beach is the beach resort area of the island. It has the most hotels, bars, restaurants and shops. Ao Leuk is a lovely bay area that is remote, and it is perfect for the quiet and relaxing holiday.

Things To Do

• Rent a 4-Wheeler
  Normally, I would recommend renting a scooter to explore the island, but here you can drive a quad on the streets with no questions asked. The benefit to a 4-Wheeler on this island is that many of the “roads” are dirty and uneven, which can be difficult for a scooter to navigate. I went everywhere on this island completely stress free with the 4-Wheeler I rented (for an entire week!). I recommend using Big Mon Bikes located near the port. Always ask for a deal if renting numerous 4-Wheelers and scooters, especially if you are using one for more than one day!
• Viewpoints
  Koh Tao has viewpoints galore. Each viewpoint has a different, yet breathtaking view of the surroundings. I highly advise checking out each and every one of them!
• Koh Nang Yuan
  To the northwest of Koh Tao is a set of islands that are connected to each other by a sand bar. They are absolutely beautiful, and the snorkeling here is great. The reefs are close to the beach, the water is clear, and the fish are curious, so it is easy to see them from the surface without any snorkeling gear. Hike to the viewpoint on the south island for a great view of the islands from above, and to see the sandbar connecting them. There is a small landing fee to these islands, but it is worth it.

• Rent a Kayak
  Wildlife and nature surround Koh Tao. Renting a Kayak is a great way to see the beauty. Grab a snorkel, and go!

• New Heaven Reef Conservation Program
  This program and these people are incredible! When I was visiting Koh Tao, they were nursing baby sea turtles and preparing them for release back into the ocean. Every day at 16:30 the turtles are fed, and the public is allowed to observe these beautiful creatures in person. Don’t forget to leave a donation – they can’t continue their conservation efforts without funding.

• Learn to Dive
  Koh Tao is a diver’s heaven. There are many options to diving here, and many professionals to help you learn if you are a beginner. Experienced divers love this place too, and many frequently travel here. I recommend New Heaven Dive School, as they teach you how to dive without harming the beautiful marine environment. I always like to support people and programs that put their money back into the environment.