How To Travel To Koh Tao For A Picture Perfect Place
Once, I googled the name Koh Tao and the first picture that popped up on my screen was a postcard view of Koh Nang Yuan. At that time, I was in the process to finalize my next destination then one of my friends advised me to add Koh Tao. So, my research to select the next destination reached a conclusive end. So, I marked the place and started my packing to reach there. Honestly speaking, I went to Thailand for this postcard picture of Koh Nang Yuan which is a synonym of Koh Tao in google search. This Picture Perfect Place is a small group of islets with hilltop views that must be a paradise for nature lovers.
Where is Koh Tao in Thailand
It is located near the west shore of the Gulf of Thailand and called Turtle Island too. In other words, a small turtle that has an approximate area of 21 square kilometers with white sandy beaches and considered the best scuba dive destination. It is one of the three most picturesque islands of this region. The other two are Koh Samui and Koh Phangan famous for Full Moon Party.
How to get to Koh Tao?
Koh Tao is considered a gateway to Koh Nang Yuan. Firstly, we have to reach there and then cross this gateway to capture the beauty of this Postcard destination through our eyes. After that, we can reach Koh Tao, From
- Surat Thani, 5-6 hours by Ferry Boat and it is a most convenient way
- Koh Samui 2-2.5 hours by ferry boat
- Koh Phangan 1.5-2 hours by ferry boat
- Chumphon, Not a common route and less operational
Most travelers start their journey to Thailand from Bangkok and then reach Surat Thani, Koh Samui, or Chumphon by following means of transport by
- Air
- Train
- Car
- Bus
We used the ferry route from Koh Samui to Koh Tao by 12Go and one side fare was 600BHT. We started from Bangrak Seatran Pier in Koh Samui and it took 2 hours to reach Mae Haad Pier in Koh Tao.
Koh Tao to Koh Nang Yuan
The most convenient way is to get a long tail boat from Mae Haad pier. However, you can book your boat from many shops on the way from Mae haad to Sai Ree beach. They charge from 200-400Bhat per person. We booked our boat for a return tour with 400Bhat and It took about 15 minutes to reach there.
Best Time to visit Koh Tao
If you like the warmth of sunshine then you have to plan your tour from December to February which is considered as a peak season too. However, we visited it in April and the weather was a bit hot then. Although, the Horticultural look of the town makes it possible to bear this heat in April too
Places to stay at Koh Tao
You can find plenty of options from luxury resorts to most budgeted ones. If you want to stay at Koh Nang Yuan, then you only have one option in your pocket. You can book Nang Yuan Island Dive Resort which offers many huts at different locations. In that case, you can spend the night with pure tranquility.
However, most of the travelers stay at Koh Tao and visit Nang Yuan as a day-tripper. We stayed at Oasis Hotel-Pods near Mae Haad Beach It offers fantastic views and the staff was also very cooperative. Although, It is a small hostel it offers an outdoor swimming pool facility to a nearby place.
Entry protocol to paradise of Nang Yuan
As Koh Nang Yuan is a private island so it has some entry protocols too. For day-trippers, its timing is from 9:45 to 17:00 with an entrance fee of 100Bhat. We were among those who reached there before opening time. You can expect long queues there when opens. You can’t take a plastic bottle into the Island. Unless you have booked a stay inside, it is better to go there in the early morning before the crowd rush or make it near sunset time when most of the visitors left the place after their day trips.
Koh Tao to Koh Nang yuan, activities on the way
Due to its small area, we can walk around there. Reaching Koh Nang Yuan is real fun when we approach it via a long-tail boat from Koh Tao town. Its perspective is everlasting while getting nearer and nearer to it. However, the activities specifically related to Koh Nang Yuan are
Hike to Nang yuan view point to capture the post card image
On average, it takes around 10-15 minutes to reach the viewpoint from where you can take your postcard image. However, the trail to the viewpoint is well marked and established. So, you can take the wooden trek which will direct you towards trekking steps and consequently to the viewpoint. Near the viewpoint, you have to climb a few bouldering steps too but it is not a big job. At times, you have to wait for your turn due to rush and this state of waiting can prolong to half an hour. However, this hike and waiting time justified by the beauty of the view and your postcard image. We were lucky enough to get our turn within 5 minutes and we spent the saved time spent swimming there.
Swimming and snorkeling at Koh Nang Yuan
Snorkeling and swimming are the other must-do things there. The aqua green and crystal clear water invite you to come and play with its beauty. Koh Tao is also known for its tropical coral reefs.
Diving at the Cheapest place to get PADI
Koh Tao is a popular place for diving. You can choose to take a driving course from many diving centers there at cheap rates. Near Sai Ree beach you can spot many shops and can choose one suits your needs.
Kayaking in Paradise
To take a circle around Koh Nang yuan is a great idea and a two-person kayaking boat is best for this purpose. In this way, you can get a different perspective from every side of the island from the water. Prices start from 100BHT per hour. If you want a discounted rate, then you have to book the boat for a longer span of time.
Koh Tao a place of Relaxing, Sunbathing, and “Sunsetting”
You can relax at the beach by taking a sunbath. For this purpose, you can get a beach Umbrella and chair for a nominal fee. If you make a lodging at Koh Nang Yuan, then you can get one for free. Koh Tao offers one of the best Sunset to view in the region.
Help to preserve the eco system of Koh Nang Yuan
- No plastic is allowed into the island. So, you can bring your water into a glass bottle.
- SOS, SAVE OUR SAND. Last but not least, you are not allowed to put your towel on the ground as it catches the sand particles and sand is very important to remain there to preserve the beauty of this white sandy beach.
Koh Tao, Yes or No
Conclusively, it is highly recommended to stay a couple of days there. If you have a time issue, then a day trip from Koh Samui/Koh Phangan can also be a good option. Furthermore, you can add all three islands to your itinerary to do justice to the beauty of the whole Koh Samui area. Likewise, you can Add Koh Phangan which is famous for its Full Moon Party, and Koh Samui from where you can visit Ang Thong Marine National park as a day tour.
