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A small island in Thailand sits peacefully, awaiting those wanting a retreat from urban chaos. Ko Tao means Turtle Island and it is a beautiful gem in the Gulf of Thailand, rich with green and surrounded by azure seas full of sea life. The town consists of one main road and a bunch of little dirt roads that shoot off here and there. You'll find the basics in town and the rest of the island is for you to enjoy in a peaceful, non-urban kind of way. If you want time to reflect about life outdoors, Ko Tao could be the perfect setting.
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| Favourite spots: |
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Any beach that allows a full sunset view. A private beach bungalow with views. A seat on a scooter or any open-air vehicle on a lovely, clear day. Shark Bay and it's little wooden Beach Bar. Sairee Beach for swimming.
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| What's really great: |
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I love the view of the sunsets and stars from Ko Tao. They seemed more magical to me than in other places I've been. The warm breeze at night, the stars, the glow of the moon...it's moving. Ko Tao's natural beauty is it's best feature. Take it in from all the nooks and crannies you discover and enjoy nature's creations.
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| Accommodations: |
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I stayed in a private bungalow at Ko Tao Palace/Cabana and found it to be in a nice quiet location at the end of Sairee beach. I'm sure you could find something much cheaper and just as good though. Nice big balcony with sea/beach views and an interesting outdoor shower and indoor open-style shower. No hot water though; definitely not for sissies (I had to tell my inner princess to shut up and lump it) Management provided a bottle of spray-on citronella which I did use. Yes, there are lots of opportunities to get bitten by mosquitoes so keep those window screens closed! In a nutshell, Ko Tao accomodation is not about 5 star luxury - it's about natural beauty outdoors. You needn't fuss about your accomodation because you really shouldn't be spending too much time inside on such a beautiful island.
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| Restaurants: |
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Sadly, I didn't have any excellent culinary experiences on Ko Tao. The food was satisfactory to less than satisfactory. I got the feeling that you'd would be better off cooking meals in your bunglow if it has a kitchen. At some restaurants, I found the prices to be higher on Ko Tao than on it's bigger and more touristy island neighbour, Ko Samui. I did enjoy the cinnamon buns at the Swiss bakery in town though. The little Beach Bar at Shark's Bay was a place that I enjoyed a light snack and papaya shake one gorgeous afternoon. Try it, you'll probably like it.
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| Other recommendations: |
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The best advice about visiting Ko Tao is this: find a spot you like and make it yours. Sit, breathe, and BE.
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Published on Tuesday February 11th, 2003
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Thu, Nov 08 2012 - 05:38 PM
 by wegvonhier
| Great report. I was there in 1997 and had a really wonderful time too. |
Fri, Dec 03 2004 - 07:07 PM
by magsalex
| I agree that the stars and sunsets are great. Nice report. |
Tue, Jul 27 2004 - 04:23 PM
 by uluru1
Hi Alice,I have visited Thailand twice in 9 years,travelling all over the country,I have also been,among many places, to HongKong,which I thought was a culture shock,very busy,but very enjoyable too.
I have really enjoyed reading you're articles,please read my own articles
and please let me know what you think,oh,thought I might say,I too flew
from Bangkok to Koh Samui(Did you visit Koh Pangyang ?) and it only took 50 minutes,although it probably felt like 1 & 1/2 hours in those tiny
planes,I think the reason the monk in Bangkok wanted to keep in touch
with you,was like me,he was impressed with you're deep spiritual self,
you seem to seeking enlightment wherever you go. |
Fri, Aug 08 2003 - 07:11 PM
by downundergal
| Love the piccies and the report. I have wanted to visit Ko Tao for some time now and it has definately moved a notch up on the travel list of places to go. Just can't wait to get there and 'be'. Cheers Kerrie(downundergal) |
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