Koh Tao, Thailand: where it is, when to go and what to see

Koh Tao, in the Thai language, means'turtle island' and is so called because of the hundreds of turtles that used to lay their eggs on its beautiful beaches. Today, unfortunately, these wonderful specimens of reptiles are fewer and fewer, and although they continue to nest here, Koh Tao has more tourists than turtles. In recent years, in fact, the small island has been discovered by international tourism and around 200,000 visitors a year come here, attracted by one of the most beautiful tropical seabeds in the world and beautiful bays with crystal-clear water. The courtesy of the locals, the good food and the relaxed climate complete a fantastic setting, making it one of the most popular destinations in Thailand. With few parties, few nightclubs and zero confusion, this small island is a haven of tranquillity and relaxation. Here's where it is, when to go and what to see

Informed travel: useful info

• Inhabitants: 1,382

• Capital: Mueang Surat Thani district

• Languages: Thai

• Local currency: baht (€1.00=Thb 35,883.00)

• Climate: tropical-monsoonal, hot all year round and with a long rainy season

• Vaccinations: vaccination against yellow fever is compulsory for all travellers over one year of age coming from countries where there is a risk of transmission (Central Africa and South America), and for all travellers who have even only passed through the airport of a country where yellow fever is at risk of transmission for more than 12 hours.

• Entry requirements: passport with residual validity of six months and two free pages. Visa not necessary for tourists if stay is less than 30 days

• Distance from Italy: 9,043.38 km (13 hours flight time)

Location

Between the Tropic of Cancer and the Equator, Koh Tao is a tiny island in the Pacific Ocean, in the Gulf of Thailand (or Gulf of Siam), 70 km east of the coasts of Chumphon and Surat Thani provinces. Together with Koh Nang Yuan, it forms a small archipelago covering an area of 21 sq. km. In its widest part it measures 3.4 km and in its longest 7.6 km. There is no airport and the only way to get there is by sea in about two hours by boat from Koh Samui and Koh Phangan.

How to get there

• From Milan: to get to Koh Tao you have to land at Koh Samui, which is the nearest airport. From Milan you can book with Air Italy, make a 2-hour stopover in Bangkok and continue with Bangkok Airways for a total flight time of around 14 hours. Or you can choose Singapore Airlines with a 3-hour stopover in Singapore and arrive in Koh Samui in 15 hours. Once in Koh Samui you have to travel by ferry: Lomprayah company boats leave from Nathon Pier (average 2-hour trip, cost from 600thb/€16.00). Flight from Milan to Koh Samui from €492.00

• From Rome: you always land on Koh Samui, fly with Cathay Pacific to Hong Kong, but here the stopover is very long and you only arrive at your destination after 23 hours. Once in Koh Samui, you have to travel by ferry: Lomprayah company boats leave from Nathon Pier (average 2-hour trip, cost from 600thb/€16.00). Flight from Rome to Koh Samui from €506.00

• Frommajor European capitals: from London, Malaysia Air connects Koh Samui via Kuala Lampur with a 1 hour 20 minute stopover and a 14 hour journey. From Paris, you can choose Thai Air, via Bangkok with a 1 hour 30 minute stopover and arrival in 14 hours as above. Singapore Airlines connects Munich with a 1-hour stopover in Singapore and arrival in 12 hours. Once in Koh Samui, you need to travel by ferry: Lomprayah company boats leave from Nathon Pier (average 2-hour trip, cost from 600thb/€16.00).

When to go? Info on climate and best time

• Climate: it is tropical-monsoonal, therefore influenced by the winds, hot all year round and with a long rainy season, due precisely to the monsoons, which runs from May to mid-January, and a drier season, from mid-January to April. The driest months are February and March, with average temperatures of 32°, but some sudden thunderstorms are always possible in this area.

• Best period: certainly February and March are the best months for both rainfall and humidity, which becomes bearable compared to the rest of the year.

• Periodto avoid: the whole period of the rainy season and especially the months of October, November and December, when the rains can be torrential

• Advice: take out a health insurance policy before leaving that provides for the advance payment of any expenses. Pay attention to the weather situation. It is advisable to register on the Farnesina website before leaving.

9 things to see: beaches and places of interest

1. Koh Nang Yuan: said to be one of the ten most beautiful islands in the world and even though it is not quite on Koh Tao (it is about 12 minutes away), it is the most beautiful beach in the entire archipelago. Very white sand, no cars, no smog, no street vendors. It deserves more than a visit and is perhaps worth the stay.

2. Muang Bay: in a very isolated and quiet area, this bay offers a landscape of long rocks, lush hills and tropical nature. The water tones in this bay range from deep blue to emerald green and are always crystal clear, and the proximity to the reef makes it suitable for swimming and snorkelling.

3. Leuk: getting there is quite complicated, the road is bumpy but scenic and comes out between two coconut palm plantations. The beach is wide and sandy, with minimal facilities and very wild. Wonderful waters.

4. Thanote: on the east coast of Koh Tao and accessible by taxi boat. Thanote is a very picturesque, picture-postcard bay, nestled between hills covered with lush tropical vegetation. Here one comes to snorkel and scuba dive directly from the beach, enjoying crystal-clear water and underwater visibility of up to 30 metres.

5. Hin Wong: On the east coast of Koh Tao, Hin Wong is a bay surrounded by rocks and dense vegetation. Popular with snorkellers, you can spend a whole day exploring the bay without ever leaving the water. Famous for the Hin Wong Pinnacle, a large table-shaped rock formation surrounded by large rocks. Well known for its beautiful corals and varied marine life.

6. Sairee: 1.5 km of white beach, it is the most popular and frequented by tourists. Sairee has many facilities, bars and restaurants and is the ideal place to enjoy a relaxing sunset. The area north of Sairee is very quiet, the area south of the beach is more lively with small parties and bars with live music.

7. Thiang Ok: one of the most beautiful beaches on Koh Tao and well worth a visit for its tropical beauty and sharks. In fact, the beach is commonly called Shark Bay because of the presence of small sharks that have their natural shelters here.

8. Jansom Bay: the small beach is private and you pay Thb200.00 (about €5.50) per person to enter, but you can use the sunbeds and umbrellas. The absolute peace, rich seabed and vegetation make it very popular with those seeking only tranquillity.

9. Sai Nuan: a little difficult to reach, after a fairly uncomfortable road you have to continue on foot for about three hundred metres, with jungle on either side and in the middle of nowhere. A splendid place, with facilities, bars and bungalows and a turquoise sea that contrasts with the white of the sand.

What to do in Koh Tao: excursions and tours

How much does a holiday on Koh Tao cost? Prices, offers and tips

The fairly low cost of living, compared to European standards, makes it possible to have a holiday without spending crazy amounts of money. A return flight from Italy, taken well in advance, can cost around €500. The hotels on the island are of a good standard and of all prices: the average expense is €50.00 per night in a double room. The local cuisine is really good (the Pad Thai with noodles, eggs and fish is a must try) and for eating you can find street hawkers offering tasty quick dishes, or restaurants with complete menus for no more than €20.00. Renting a car is not recommended because of the poor road conditions, better the local taxis which get everywhere for a few baht. If you prefer a tour operator that organises everything, you can opt for one of the small all-inclusive resorts scattered around the island. Thailandiaweb offers flights from Italy, transfers and accommodation from €1,300.00, while Hotelplan starts at €680.00 per person excluding flights.

• Where to stay: Hotels and b&b from €42.00 per room - see offers

• Low cost flights: from €500.00 - look at the offers

• Flight + hotel: 15 days / 14 nights from €1,630.00 per person - look at the offers