Even it's name, Koh Tao or Turtle (what it stands for), gives you a clue to the relationship anyone who stumbles across it will have with the island located near the eastern shore of the Gulf of Thailand.
Turtles are monogamous creatures and when you are in Koh Tao you feel as though you've found bliss, a potential life home. The thought of leaving it would be like the thought of cheating on it. I spoke with so many people who worked here (mostly dive instructors) and the majority have stayed on the island for a few years, have not really ventured to other parts of Thailand and intend to never leave.
Even the seductive call from nearby Koh Pha Ngan and it's crazy Full Moon parties is not enough to tear some away.
The Nightlife
The resorts and bars along the beach are enchanting with fairy lights glittering along the top of them. You can chill on the beach on big bean bags, have a chilled beer and watch fire dancers perform along the sea front. In land there are huts and restaurants. Rowdier places are Castle Club and Lotus Bar - which sometimes has a live band.
Diving
The very reason people flock here to get their Padi Diving Certificate. It's cheaper than elsewhere in the world and the sea has many great dive sites. Some hotels/ guest houses will do a package deal for accommodation if you do a Padi with them. I didn't do my Padi, but I did go diving in Mango Bay and then Twins. Here I swam into a school of Needle fish - which are about 30 cm long. I also spotted a Trigger fish, Clown fish, many different types of sea cucumber and a sting ray. Butterfly fish were my favourite (they would be). The grand prizes here are spotting whale sharks and turtles. However, the sea is not a zoo, with animals in cages, so it's pot luck to what you see.
Beaches
White fluffy sand, calm shallow sea at the main beach Hat Sairee. You could lie forever here.
Other beaches/ snorkelling spots - Light House, Koh Nangyang (which is a taxi boat ride away), Shark Bay and Mango Bay.
Fishing
We went on a fishing boat for a day and tried three different types of fishing. First we tried to catch bait (Mackerel) using a line that has hooks that look like flies. We then went to another spot and used these fish to catch bigger fish. Then after this we used pieces of fish to catch even bigger fish. I've never done this sport before so it was quite a learning curve. Lynsey had a fantastic time, she got stuck in the toilet, threw her flip flops over board, even managed to tangle up her rod. To be fair I was no better, but fluke/ luck (not skill) would have it I somehow caught a Starlee fish, which we later had for our dinner. I thoroughly enjoyed the day, it was frustrating at times, but also calming too and we had a good day basking in the sun on the sea.
Food
Koh Tao has such a variety of food houses. Mexican, Indian, Italian, BBQs on the beach... sea food here is a must. White and red Snappers, Tuna, prawns, mussels, lobster (not that we can afford this) - the full works.
Hidden Gems
The crazy golf and bowling alley a ten minute tuk tuk ride from Hat Sairee.
The view points dotted along the island with some extraordinary views.
Don't book expensive boat tours to go snorkelling - hire a taxi boat and they will provide you with the equipment and take you to some great spots for half the price.
All in all we had a great week in Koh Tao, I'd definitely go back (maybe to get my Padi - it's ridiculous how many dives I've done and I'm not even fully qualified!). The way of life here is just so chilled.
Who knows maybe I'll even become a dive instructor here one day?!
Maybe I'll never leave.. and enjoy the turtle pace of life.
No comments:
Post a Comment