 
Tao
Island (Ko Tao)
 Tao
Island is composed of 21 kms of rocks and coconut trees, surrounded
by shallow beaches. It is located 45 kms north of Samui and
40 kms east of Chumphon. On the west coast Mae Nam, the main
town, is the residence of most of the local population. The
busiest beach is Sairee Beach north of Mae Haad where you
can have the widest choice of accommodation. The second most
famous beach is Ao Chalok Ban Kao south of Mae Hadd. Other
small bays and beaches are difficult to access by road.
 Ko
Tao, meaning turtle island, is named after the topography
of its central mountain which resembles a turtle's back. The
small tropical island amid the deep blue sea is encircled
by miles of coral reefs and pinnacles where you can find some
large, deep-water fishes such as mantas and whale sharks.
Most
tourists come here for diving as its diving industry is reaching
a higher and higher peak. Yet, Tao Island still has other
charms of a tropical island; beautiful and quiet coves, wide
stretches of sand, transparent seas, cheap accommodation,
and a peaceful atmosphere. However, the beaches are not nice
and  the
sea is too shallow for swimming.
Although
there are a variety of choices of accommodation to choose
from, the facilities on the island are simple and basic, but
are improving. Electricity on the island comes from the generator
which is shut down at 7 pm. However, most bungalows and resorts
provide 24 hour electricity service and some have air-con
rooms.
How to get there
 From
Samui: There are speedboats leaving Bophut and
Maenam piers at 8.30 am for the price of 450 baht. Speedboats
leave Nathon at 12.00 am and it takes a half hour to get to
Ko Tao. Or else you can take Songserm Express boats from Nathon
leaving at 12.00 to Mae Haad via Phangan for the cost of 450
baht. For cheaper transport, there are slow boats running
from Maenam - departure at 9.30 am to Mae Haad via Thongsala
for 100 baht.
From
Phangan:
Speedboats run from Thongsala to Mae Haad leaving 8.30 and
12.30 am for a fare of 250 baht.
From
Chumphon:
There are speedboats leaving Chumphon pier at 7.00 and 8.00
taking almost 2 hours to Mae Haad with a fare of 500 baht.
Another alternative is Songserm Express boats leaving at 7.30
am for the cost of 400 baht.
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