About Koh Tao
Koh Tao is a small paradise island somewhat isolated in the gulf of Thailand.
It is located on the east of the Surat Thani coastline with two neighbouring islands, Koh Phangan and Koh Samui. Koh Tao is officialy a subdistrict of Koh Phangan in Surat Thani province, and the name in english, means "Turtle Island" as the island used to be inhabited by turtles. The island's shape is also thought to resemble a turtle when viewed from Koh Phangan.
The island's natural beauty both above and below the water, with its stunning coral reefs and abundant marine life in clear, warm water, bring thousands of visitors here each year making it an unforgettable destination for divers, adventurers and travellers alike. This, combined with the relaxed atmosphere and life style, has been attracting people here for over 35 years and is now a warm second home for many. Koh Tao As developed in many ways, and its thriving diving industry, is now one of the leading centres for dive education in the world.
HISTORY
Prior to 1943, Koh Tao was uninhabited. At that time, only fishing boats visited the local waters in search of fish. The islandswas a jungle with an abundanced of turtles an big flocks of pied imperial and Nicobar pigeons.
KING RAMA V
On June 18, 1899, His Majesty King Chulalongkorn - Rama V (1868-1910) visited the island, and had his initials carved on a large boulder at Laem Jor Por Ror on the southern end of Sairee Beach. It is now a place of worship and reverence for local residents and visiting Thai people.
POLITICAL PRISON
During the years of 1943 and 1944, the island was used as a political prison with prisoners of the Borawadesh Uprising transfered here from Koh Tarutao. The prison itself was located in Mae Haad Bay in an area of about 35 rai. There were fifty inmates and fifteen wardens.According to the prisoners, the island was a living hell withshark infested waters, and daily life was a constant struggle for survival. Malaria was rife ans they were often atarved. One of the prisoners wrote : "The only joy each day is watching the sun set to the sea. It is a spectacular scene. The wawes are lignt purple with an indigo sky". In 1944, the prisoners were released and everyone returned back to the mainland leaving the island deserted once more.
THE FIRST PIONEERS
In 1947, twin brothers, Ta Euam an Ta Oh came to the island from Koh Samui. The first pioneers, they sailed here in a traditional boat with two masts and handmade sails made of woven palm leaves and cloth. They brought with them a supply of rice, and on arrival, they cleared some land and used what was left of the demolished prison to build a temporary shelter. Later, they brought their families here and settled on the north of Sairee Beach. Six years later, others mostly from Koh Phangan arived here to start a new life. They lived simply and sufficiently by fishing and cultivating the land for cocnut plantations, rice paddies and orchards. At the timethere was an abundance of turtles, so many in fact, that at certain times of the year, the beach became black
THE FIRST TRAVELLERS
In the middle of 1977, the first travellers came to dive and explore the undiscovered and pristine underwater world. They arrived on fishing boats and the boat which then transported coconuts. In 1984, the first resort on Koh Tao, was etablished in Thian Og Bay. Called Niyom Bungalows, the rooms were just 30 Bath per night. Since Then, the island has changed from one of fisherman and gardeners, to a place of tourism which now offers the infrastucture, facilities and choices of activity to serve about 350'000 travellers each yea.