Koh Tao - Turtle Island

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We arrived in Chumpon 5:30 am on the train from Nakhon Pathom. Koh Tao is close to the more famous Koh Samui and we took the overnight train from Nakhon Pathom to Chumpon but there is also a sleeper train with cabins that leaves from Bangkok station each evening. From Chumpon you take a ferry or Catamaran to Koh Tao. We opted for the Lomprayah Catamaran at 550 Baht and after a pleasant 90 minute crossing we disembarked at the Lomprayah Pier on Koh Tao.

We had booked to stay at Bans Diving Resort and their driver was waiting at the the pier when we arrived. Bans resort is beautiful. The rooms are excellent and the tropical gardens are well kept. The food in the beach-front restaurant is very good and the diving trips are well run.

We had close encounters with a 4m Grey Reef Shark , countless baracuda, Puffer Fish and a Blue Spotted Sting Ray.

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We spent 6 magical days on Koh Tao. Diving, snorkling and just chilling out amoung the coconut palms. The diving was fun, well organized and we saw countless amazing creatures and coral gardens. We had close encounters with a 4m Grey Reef Shark , countless baracuda, Puffer Fish and a Blue Spotted Sting Ray.

When we weren't diving or snorkling we were either relaxing on the wonderful beaches or eating at one of the many beach bars or restaurants on the island.

At the Northern tip of the island there is Nang Yuan Island. A pristine collection of 3 small islands linked by a beach of white ground coral. There is a small fee to enter the island and you cannot bring any plastic bottles or carrier bags. The island is stunning and the waters are great for snorkling.