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.

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