Koh Tao means “Turtle Island”in Thai language, so named because of the abundance of turtles living around the island. Only 21 sq km and located 70 km from the mainland. From 1933 to 1947 Koh Tao was used to jail political prisoners of the Bowaradech Uprising. Many were transferred from Koh Tarutao to Koh Tao by reason of its isolated location in the middle of the Gulf of Thailand.

The community on Koh Tao first settled when the villagers from Koh Samui and Koh Pha Ngan immigrated in 1947 to fish and to harvest coconuts on this virgin  land.

During the past ten Koh Tao became of the natural beauty, marine life, coral reefs, and tropical beaches, one of the major dive sites of South East Asia.



Take a look at our exclusive KOH TAO MAP