|
|
|
|
| |
 Koh Tao Information
Koh Tao, little more
than 21 km², is located about 70 km east of the coastline between
Suratthani and Chumphon, in the Gulf of
Thailand.
Koh Tao means Turtle Island, because in the past the waters
in the area had been rich with sea turtles, nowadays they have
mostly moved on to other breeding grounds.
|
 |
On June 18, 1899, His Majesty the King Chulalongkorn (Rama
V 1868-1910) visited Koh Tao and left as evidence his monogram
on a huge boulder at Jor Por Ror Bay next to
Sairee
Beach. This place is worshipped even today and should be
treated with respect.
From 1933 on the island was used
as a political prison. In 1947, Khun A-Paiwong, prime minister
at the time, pleaded and received a royal pardon for all prisoners
on the island. Everybody was taken to the Suratthani shore and
the "Turtle" was abandoned again. But not for long. In the same
year Khun Ueam and his twin brother Khun Oh reached Koh Tao
from the neighboring
Koh Phangan by trying out their traditional sail boat, for
that time a quite long and dangerous journey. Even though the
island was still under royal patronage, it didn’t stop these
pioneers claiming themselves a good piece of land on today's
Sairee Beach. Having brought their families over, they began
to cultivate and harvest the excellent soil. The first generation
of today's community had settled!
 They
lived a very simple and tough life harvesting coconuts, fishing
and growing vegetables, which were also traded with Koh Phangan.
Despite the difficulties in reaching the island, the population
then grew steadily.
In the eighties the first travelers
discovered the island paradise and their special "backpacker-network"
quickly made it widely known and a popular destination. As a
consequence, bigger, faster and safer boats were used to allow
easier access to Koh Tao.
During the past ten years
the reputation of Turtle Island's natural beauty, especially
its marine life and coral reefs, spread the world over and the
number of paradise seekers increased rapidly. It soon became
one of the major dive sites in Thailand, attracting beginners
and professionals alike. The local businesses expanded immediately
to catch up with the needs of the new clientele. The island
today, though still remaining an absolute paradise, caters for
all tastes and budgets.
If you are interested in more
historical details and stories about the Turtle, go to visit
Khun Orawan at Seashell Resort, Sairee. She is the great-grand
daughter of Khun Ueam and will be more than glad to give you
further information. |
|
|
Featured Hotels |
Mango Bay Grand Reso
Koh Tao, Mango Bay
from THB 1500
|
|
Sensi Paradise Beach
Koh Tao, Mae Haad
from THB 1800
|
|
Charm Churee Villa
Koh Tao, Jansom Bay
from THB 2550
|
|
Koh Tao Resort
Koh Tao, Chalok Baan
from THB 1850
|
|
|
kohtao hotels |
|
