"Koh Tao" Ko Tao by phil_uk_net

Ko Tao Travel Guide: 218 reviews and 524 photos

I had heard a lot about Koh Tao being a good dive location. Upon arriving it looked like an idyllic tropical island. However, I was not impressed after getting there. There are a lot of backpackers and it seemed that the majority of them have a bad attitude. Many of them look identical with the same bandanas, tattoos and piercings. They seem to think they are a 'cooler' than anyone else on the planet and just stare. They have no conversation skills and their evening entertainment consists of watching videos. There is also a large farang population on Koh Tao working in dive shops. Some of these folks were friendly but a lot were arrogant and could only talk about how little weight or how little air they use.
I spent 3 nights there and couldn't wait to leave. One highlight was going for a swim in Rocky Bay which is really nice.

Hat Sai Ri beach

Hat Sai Ri beach.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Cheap diving
Cons:Overcrowded dive sites, unfriendly, mosquito infested
In a nutshell:I didn't like it at all

Last visit to Ko Tao: Dec 2002
Intro Updated Mar 9, 2003
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Reviews (11)

Cheap accommodation Hotels (2)

Koh Tao has lots of budget, backpacker-type accommodation. Many bungalows are tied to dive shops. What you may find is... more travel advice

Motorbike Transportation (2)

Koh Tao is very small and there are many dirt track roads. I walked or took taxis to get around. If you want your own... more travel advice

Women at work Favorites (2)

Women work hard in Asia. At construction sites it is not unusual to see several women toiling away beside the men... more travel advice

Koh Nang Yuan Things to Do (3)

The small island of Nang Yuan (actually 3 islands) lies just off the north-west coast of Koh Tao. It is possible to take... more travel advice

Warnings and Dangers (1)
Insect bites and dengue fever

Restaurants (1)
Mr J's

Travelogues (1)

Written Jan 18, 2003

8 photos

The underwater world around Koh Tao

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Comments (14)

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herzog63 Jan 5, 2004 at 11:45 AM

Sounds like you had a great stay in the area!! That Dengue doesn't sound too fun though!
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keeweechic Nov 21, 2003 at 9:45 PM

Gosh sounds like a real disappointment for you. Good advice for divers. I love Tom Yum. Good info on the accomm. An honest opinion on visiting.
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bugalugs Oct 1, 2003 at 1:08 PM

Women work hard everywhere Phil!!!! Seriously though,looks so nice, shame you were glad to leave.
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jide08 Oct 1, 2003 at 2:07 AM

Very enjoyable page. A shame about those tourists.
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Ivan_Jimenez May 30, 2003 at 2:40 PM

As you know I have serious issues about backpackers. There is nothing more stupid and cultural insensitive than a pirate-looking backpacker with tribal tatoos, bandana and fisherman pants. Puaj!!
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Canadienne May 3, 2003 at 5:42 AM

Love the underwater world. . .too bad the above ground one wasn't as nice. :-p Good, honest review.
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xaver Apr 22, 2003 at 10:19 PM

this is another reason why I should go back to Thailand again
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Bonobo2005 Apr 16, 2003 at 1:16 AM

I feel sorry you don't have such good memories. But your opinion is very helpful and there's some nice pics as well! However, I came for the cheap course only but stayed 2 weeks on the Eastside and I loved it ;-))
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R.Dettmann Apr 12, 2003 at 12:55 PM

I heard about the diving. I guess I wouldn't wanna want to go there either. Just to many divers ...
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syllybabe Mar 12, 2003 at 3:53 AM

I always love all your honest impressions. Yaaawwnnnn!!!! hehehe