Imagine a small tropical island with incredible snorkelling and scuba diving, a rich jungle in the centre and surrounded by remarkably quiet, palm tree laced beaches. You're imagining Koh Tao, a small island off the southern coast of Thailand not far from the better known (but more crowded) Koh Samui.

SAIREE BEACH
   Sairee's white sandy beach stretches about 1.7km over most of the west coast, interrupted only by a few huge boulders. Mae Haad is only a 10 minute walk away.

   Being the most popular area on Tao, Sairee offers a wide range of accommodation, dive centers, restaurants, shops, beach bars, travel & email services, nurseries, etc.

   Here, you can have the best view on Koh Nang Yuan island. A cluster of rocks called Suan Hin Jor Por Ror highlights King Rama V's inscription that he made on his visit in 1899. You will also find the Fishery Museum, and on the way to Mae Haad the police station, the public school and the local Buddhist temple.

Mae Haad
   All boats arrive & depart here. Highly developed now, but still managed to keep some of it's old fishing village charm.

   Money exchange, post office, government office and health center are located in Mae Haad. Most dive centers have an office here.

   Expect to find lots of travel agents, email services, supermarkets (SevenEleven), bike rentals, good restaurants and party places. A few up-market resorts are located on it's southern end.

CHALOK BAAN KAO
   Third largest beach, located on the southern coast facing Koh Phangan and Koh Samui. This bay is smaller than Sairee, but offers a similar range of accommodation, eateries and nightlife.

   The Last Paradise, a helicopter pad, offers a spectacular view of the bay and the surrounding beaches. Partytime is on Sat's. Chalok Baan Kao is beautifully framed by Taa Toh Lagoon to the east and Saan Jao Beach to the west. It also connects to Thian Og Bay and Sai Daeng Beach. The rock formation at cape Taa Toh resembles a sitting Buddha, this is best to be seen from the viewpoint opposite (Buddha Rock).

Hin Wong Bay
   North-east coast; this bay is abundant with intact coral reefs. Four small hillside resorts and one diving school (Hin Wong Divers).