Map of Ko Tao, Thailand

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Legend
Accommodation 1: Ao Leuk 2 2: Ao Leuk Bungalows 3: Ao Muong Resort 4: Black Tip Dive Resort 5: Bamboo Huts Bungalows 6: Coral View Resort 7: Diamond Resort 8: Family Tanote Bay Resort 9: Hin Wong Bungalows 10: Jamahkiri Resort and Spa 11: Laem Thian Bungalows 12: Mango Bay Grand Resort 13: Mountain Reef Resort 14: Nang Yuan Island Dive Resort 15: New Heaven Hut 16: Pahnun View 17: Poseidon 18: Rocky Resort 19: Shark Bay Bungalow 20: Tanote View 21: View Rock Resort	Eat and Meet No entries	Attractions and Activities No entries
Transport No entries	Vital Information No entries	Other No entries

Travelfish on Ko Tao

Cashew shaped Ko Tao, or Turtle Island, is one of Thailand's top diving locations, with plenty of amazing dive sites within easy reach of the Gulf of Thailand destination. Whale sharks are seasonal visitors and this is probably one of the few places in the world where you can see these gentle giants while scuba diving. But Ko Tao also has plenty to offer non-divers, with an array of non-water based activities such as hiking, yoga, paintball, bowling, mini golf and opening in 2009, a cinema and trapeze school. Those willing to escape from the congested diver hotspots are rewarded with gorgeous beaches, great viewpoints and hospitable locals.

But it hasn't always been snorkels and sunscreen here. In the past, Ko Tao has been a pirate's hideout, a layover for fishermen, a prison and a badly-kept hardcore backpacker secret. While some say the island took its name from its turtle shape, others say it was named for the turtles that used to breed plentifully in its waters. Today, the turtles largely go elsewhere and instead thousands of recreational divers and other tourists flock here annually. The island is ranked number two worldwide for the issuing of PADI certificates. (Top spot is held by Cairns, Australia.) ... read more about Ko Tao on Travelfish