Living There
Koh Tao is one of the world’s most famous places for diving. And the best way to travel to Koh Tao is via the exotic and unbeatable Thailand experience of a ferry.
There are frequent and affordable ferry services from Koh Tao to Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Surat Thani so getting around the region is incredibly easy. Ferries leave regularly and travel between destinations according to a convenient schedule.
Traveling by ferry offers the best opportunity to truly appreciate the natural beauty of this part of Thailand. Traveling by air may be faster and more efficient, but it also is more costly and doesn’t allow the traveler to genuinely experience beautiful ocean views, elaborate jungle ecosystems, and the colorful culture of the Thai people.
The ferries that travel throughout this region are also extremely comfortable, so you can make your trip in luxurious comfort. Whether you choose to absorb the warm sunshine while sitting out on the deck or easing back in the ferry’s comfortable interior seats, you can enjoy the awesome scenery of the Gulf of Thailand in comfort and style.
Ferries also offer an authentic Thai experience while ensuring travelers’ safety and comfort. Each ferry can accommodate about 180 to 300 passengers, most of whom are tourists who share in the excitement of reaching their next exotic destination.
Arriving at Koh Tao
At the mouth of the harbor, make sure to keep your eyes open for the beautiful natural collection of colorful rocks that are set against the island’s swaying palms and mountainous jungle. You also may notice the area peppered with small wooden chalets that dot the hillside, as well as tiny traditional boats that scuttle to and fro between sleepy coves and hidden bays. Koh Tao has been compared to parts of the Caribbean, and nowhere is this more evident than as the ferry makes its way toward Mae HaadPier.
Keep your camera ready because you never know when you will encounter some of the islands’ colorful wildlife. The adventure begins from the moment you arrive at Koh Tao. Ferries dock at Mae Haad Pier, located on the island’s southwest corner. Mae Haad Pier also is home to many of the most popular diving tours, so as the ferry enters the harbor it passes by a colorful array of boats which are lined up as if to greet arriving passengers.
From the moment you step off the ferry, you will be overwhelmed by the sights, smells and flavors of the island. Delicious aromas of traditional foods being prepared by street vendors are intertwined with a cacophony of traditional music and voices that are the genuine heartbeat of Koh Tao.
Diving at Koh Tao
If you are into diving, you will find plenty of opportunities for adventure at Koh Tao. Known as one of the world’s premier diving destinations, you will find dive shops and tour guides available at every turn at Mae Haad Pier. Shop around until you find the best deal because given the natural beauty and underwater aquatic life to be seen at Koh Tao, you can’t go wrong.
Whether you are an experienced diver or an absolute beginner, there’s a world class diver experience just waiting for you in the crystal clear waters surrounding Koh Tao. In fact, more dive certificates are issued to new divers in Koh Tao than anywhere else in the world, which is one of the reasons the island has earned its reputation as the world’s top dive spot.
While you are at Mae Haad, make sure you stock up on supplies and adventure gear before you strike out on any of the islands many miles of scenic trails. As Koh Tao’s primary marketplace, Mae Haad is the perfect location to load up on food and drinks, as well as other necessities such as sun block or hiking gear.
Things to See
There so much to see and do at Koh Tao that you may have trouble deciding where to begin. The island itself covers about 21 square kilometers, all of which are filled with exotic scenery, mountainous island terrain, and hidden beaches just waiting for you to discover them.
Koh Tao features two main beaches: Sairee Beach and Chalok Bay, both of which offer incredible views and a fun and exciting adventure in the tropical sunshine.
Sairee Bay is the closest to the ferry arrival site, located just adjacent to Mae Haad Pier. The rich, golden sand is surrounded by shops that offer everything imaginable, from gourmet meals to traditional Thai street food. But Sairee Bay really comes to life at night, when its many clubs and bars are in full swing.
For a more relaxed experience, travel just a short distance south of the ferry pier to Chalok Baan Koa Beach. Here you will find all of the island’s natural magnificence without the crowds.
Whether you are looking for a world class diving experience that you will never forget or a taste of undisturbed traditional Thai culture or some of the most gorgeous beaches and exciting nightlife available anywhere, Koh Tao has something to offer every visitor.
Author Bio – This article is a work of John Johnson from FerrySamui. If you’re on the lookout for a ferry service from Koh Tao to Koh Samui, don’t forget to check out ferrysamui.com today.
