Ko Tao is a small island in Thailand, part of the Gulf of Thailand in Southeast Asia. It is best known as the country's premier diving destination, and for many visitors the reason to come is simple: to spend their days in the water.
Why divers come
The island's waters are clear, and the surrounding sea holds abundant marine life, including whale sharks. Divers who arrive with no experience can take up one of the island's PADI certification courses, and the island is known for offering some of the more affordable courses of their kind in the world. Those who already hold a certification can use Ko Tao as a base for regular dives around the island.
The feel of the island
Ko Tao has a relaxed, backpacker atmosphere. Much of daily life revolves around the dive schools, the sea and the evening meal shared with other travellers. It suits visitors who want a slower pace and a community of people who came for the same reason, rather than a large resort with many activities away from the water.
Planning a visit
- Come for diving, whether you are learning for the first time or building on existing experience.
- Allow time for a course, since certification takes several days of water and classroom work.
- Expect a laid-back setting, with social life centred on the beaches and the dive community.
For anyone drawn to the underwater world, Ko Tao offers a focused and unhurried way to spend time in the Gulf of Thailand.
