Ko Tao, a small island in the Gulf of Thailand, is as colourful under the water as it is above. It is increasingly popular with travellers from around the world, and its beaches and reefs are full of marine life, including turtles.
Divers also head for Chumphon Pinnacle, where whale sharks are sometimes seen.
Island life
Many visitors come to Ko Tao to snorkel in Shark Bay, where you may see reef sharks in the wild; watch them from a distance and don't touch or chase them. Beyond the coast, the island's dive sites are home to many species of fish and coral. Ko Nang Yuan, about 15 minutes from Ko Tao, also has dive sites. If you have energy left after all that, you can hike to the island's viewpoints, such as the Ko Nang Yuan viewpoint, for great photos. Ferries connect the island with Ko Samui, Surat Thani and Chumphon. Ko Tao is a place for a laid-back holiday in the shade of the coconut palms, with green hills behind the beaches, and plenty of sunshine for sunbathing.