Koh Tao: Thailand's Paradise For Divers

Koh Tao is a small island located in the southern coast of Thailand. A place that offers tourists a taste of paradise coupled with colorful coral reefs in clear warm waters, shining bright palm-fringed beaches and relaxing resorts, Koh Tao is considered as a “paradise” for divers. Koh Tao is well-known and famous for its scuba diving and snorkeling, and it also offers some hiking for visitors as well.

Among the exotic beaches that Koh Tao offers to divers are the following:

• Sairee Beach - a white, sandy beach that stretches 1.7 kilometers over the majority of the west coast, only broken by few huge boulders in the area. As it is considered as the most popular place in Koh Tao, it offers tourists good accommodation, diving centers, beach bars, restaurants, and many more.

• Chalok Baan Kao - a beach located in the southern coast, it is smaller compared to Sairee, yet it still offers visitors a wide variety of accommodation, restaurants and also nightlife. It is beautifully shaped by the Taa Toh Lagoon located in the east and Saan Jao Beach in the west.

• Hin Wong Bay - a bay located in the north-east coast, it is rich with intact coral reefs. In here, visitors will find 4 small hillside resorts and also the Hin Wong Divers, a diving school.

• Mae Haad Beach - a beach that's home to some nice sun bathing spots and resorts. It has very shallow waters, ideal for kids. It is a good place for snorkeling where you can see lots of tropical fishes. This is where government office, post offices, money exchange, health centers and dive centers are located.

Dive sites in Koh Tao include the Red Rock (Shark Island), Mango Bay, White Rock, Nang Yuan Pinnacle, Green Rock, Chumphon Pinnacle and Sail Rock.