The island of Koh Tao is one of the smallest in Thailand. Deriving its name from the large numbers of sea turtles that inhabit its shores, the island has become a popular destination in Thailand. Sea turtles once inhabited the island, and it is thought to resemble a sea turtle when viewed from the island of Koh Phangan.

The island is located in the eastern part of the Surat Thani coastline and is bordered by the larger islands of Koh Samui and Koh Phangan. Officially, the island is a sub-district located within the district of Koh Phangan in the Surat Thani province.

The distance between Koh Samui and Koh Tao is 67.6 km. It takes approximately two hours to get from Koh Samui to Koh Tao in a Catamaran, and it takes about 1.5 hours to get to Koh Tao from Koh Samui by speedboat. Three boat companies operate in Koh Samui going to Koh Tao island; these are Lomprayah Catamaran, Seatran Discovery, and Songserm Express.

Known for its large population of sea turtles, the island of Koh Tao is one of the best places to watch sea turtles in their natural habitats. Thus, tourists can expect an abundance of marine life and beautiful coral reefs. The clear warm waters of the island also add to its charm and allure. Travelers can also expect a beautiful landscape characterized by hills, white sandy beaches, and picturesque sceneries.

There are quite some things to do in Koh Tao. For lovers of marine life, scuba diving and snorkeling will bring you to the beautiful and vibrant underwater life of Thailand. Tourists can also enjoy the cool breeze from the ocean while enjoying the beauty of the island’s white sandy beaches. Furthermore, the unique landscapes that the island has to offer are ideal for exploring the island’s inland.

In regards to the weather, travelers can expect year round calm and warm weather. The island receives about 300 days of sunlight per year. Despite its size, the island has several accommodation options for travelers to choose from.

Though the island of Koh Tao looks inviting year around, it receives high numbers of visitors between the months of July and early September. Also, many people frequent the island during Christmas and the months of January and February. During these months the island’s bars are usually full and finding accommodation can be problematic.

Between the months of March and May, the island experiences its hottest temperatures. For those wanting to catch a glimpse of whale sharks, this is the best time to visit the island. The best overall time to visit the island is during the month of June. In this month, the island is quieter and the waters are flat and calm.