SherryStay Destination Guide
Koh Tao
Turtle Island — the world's diving classroom, hammock bays and barefoot sunsets.
About Koh Tao
Koh Tao — Thailand's famous "Turtle Island" — is far more than an ordinary beach destination; it is a whole little world waiting for anyone after the perfect blend of complete calm and some of the best underwater adventure on earth. Shaped like a turtle, the island became a household name thanks to the astonishingly clear water that rings it, a natural playground for divers and snorkellers from all over the world. Life here runs at a slow, easy pace, with the sea at its centre — from learning to dive at first-rate schools that make the most of spectacular coral- and turtle-filled sites, to snorkelling in secluded coves like Tanote Bay, to breathtaking views over the island from its high rocky peaks. What do you mostly do here? Switch off your phone, pull on your fins and drop into a world of silence, colour and rich marine life, then give your evenings to rest in a bohemian beachfront mood, sipping a fresh cocktail before a sunset that looks painted just for you. Koh Tao is a destination you don't merely visit but are swallowed into — a deep blue where you find your inner quiet and leave all the noise of the world behind, for an experience that is nothing but connection to nature.
Koh Tao certifies more divers than anywhere on earth — Open Water courses run ~9,000–11,000 THB including basic lodging. Not diving? Base at Sairee for sunsets and nightlife, or Chalok Baan Kao for the quiet southern bay.
Best For
Where to Stay
Sairee Beach
Longest beach, sunset bars, dive schools, nightlife strip
Mae Haad
Pier town — ferries, shops, cafés, dive boats
Chalok Baan Kao
Quiet southern bay, family resorts, calm swimming
Tanote Bay (east)
Snorkeling from shore, secluded, jungle backdrop
Money-Saving Tips
- 1Dive packages bundle free/discounted lodging — ask the school BEFORE booking a hotel separately.
- 2Thai-side food stalls behind Sairee run 60–100 THB a dish; beachfront western menus are 300+.
- 3Longtail water-taxis are negotiable — share with other travelers heading to the same bay.
Getting Around
- 1Getting here: night train/flight to Chumphon + 1.5–2h Lomprayah catamaran, or ferry up from Koh Samui/Phangan (1–2h).
- 2Scooter rental is 200–300 THB/day but roads to the east bays are steep dirt — only rent if you actually ride. Never leave your passport as deposit.
- 3The island is small: Sairee ↔ Mae Haad is a 20-min walk along the beach path.
Most Common Mistake
Visiting in November — it's the wettest month on the Gulf side, boats get rough or cancelled and visibility drops. March–May is glassy water and peak visibility.
3–5 nights
- • Koh Phangan (1h ferry)
- • Koh Samui (2h ferry)
- • Koh Nang Yuan (10 min longtail)
Hotels Sherry Recommends
Useful Local Hotel Phrases
Thai- Helloสวัสดีsa-wat-DEE
- Thank youขอบคุณkop-KOON
- Pleaseกรุณาga-ru-NA
- Check-inเช็คอินchek-in
- Check-outเช็คเอาท์chek-owt
- Hotelโรงแรมrohng-raem
- Receptionแผนกต้อนรับpa-naek ton-rap
- Breakfastอาหารเช้าa-han-chao
- Wi-Fiไวไฟwai-fai
- Taxiแท็กซี่taek-see
- Airportสนามบินsa-nam-bin
- Boat / ferryเรือreua
- Helpช่วยด้วยchuay-duay
- How much?เท่าไหร่tao-rai
- Where is...?อยู่ที่ไหนyoo-tee-nai
