Thailand is famed for its pleasant climate, friendly people, excellent cuisine, and lush tropical islands, drawing millions of visitors a year! There are hundreds of islands to choose from off both sides of the country’s long coastlines, but today we will take a closer look at two of the most popular, Koh Tao and Koh Samui, lying just off the east coast in the Bay of Thailand.
These lovely islands are a must-see for anyone who loves a holiday on a tropical paradise, so make sure to make enough time to visit both! It’s easy to do thanks to the convenient ferry from Koh Tao to Koh Samui which is a fun experience all its own! We will now take a glimpse at these emerald gems afloat in Thailand’s sapphire seas:
Koh Tao, which means “Turtle Island” consists of roughly 21 square kilometres of mountainous forest surrounded by rocky points and headlands broken up by strands of beautiful white sand. The island lives up to its name, providing a breeding ground for hawksbill and green turtles which can be found in large numbers. The crystal clear waters and abundant marine life make the island very popular with scuba divers and snorkellers, who come to experience the fantastic undersea world of the exquisite coral reefs beyond Koh Tao’s bucolic beaches. The massive granite boulders of the island offer an exciting challenge to rock climbers. There are plenty of places to stay around the island, from cheap hotels and bungalows to fancier digs. In general, Koh Tao is considered to be the quieter of the two islands, the perfect place for long beach walks and midnight swims.
Koh Samui is thought to have gotten its name from Chinese sailors who called the island Samui, which means “Beautiful Beach” in their language. Its beaches are indeed beautiful, surrounding the 35 square kilometre island’s jungle interior with sparkling white sand. Its highest mountain, Khao Pom, is 635 metres high and offers spectacular panoramic views of the sea. There is plenty to do both on the island and in its lovely waters. Hiking through the jungle offers the chance to see a wide variety of tropical birds and reptiles. Another great diving locale, the warm, clear seas are abundant with schools of colourful tropical fish and the occasional bull shark or manta ray! Koh Samui is considered to be a bit more lively than Koh Tao, with frequent beach festivals and live music, there is ample nightlife to entertain you after the usually gorgeous sunset. One of the things the island is famed for is its abundance of delicious food, every eatery has its speciality, and you will want to try all the island delights on offer before you head back to the mainland!
If you want more information on these wonderful islands just check with the Tourism Authority of Thailand, which operates a website for both Koh Tao and Koh Samui respectively! We hope you will come to join us down in Thailand’s paradise islands, where the water is always warm and the drinks are icy cold, it’s the perfect tropical getaway for your next holiday!
