Lower Southern Gulf, Thailand
Smart spending makes your budget go further.
Maximizing your budget on Ko Tao means making informed choices.
Relax, swim, and snorkel from accessible beaches (Shark Bay, Ao Leuk, Tanote Bay). Explore towns and beaches on foot.
Watch fire shows on Sairee Beach. Enjoy sunset views.
Dive packages can include discounts on accommodation or multiple dives. No specific tourist discount cards.
Many Sairee Beach spots offer happy hour promotions for cocktails and local beers. Look for fixed-price lunch menus.
Use shared songthaews instead of private taxis. Consider renting a scooter (with caution and experience).
Book combined bus/train + ferry tickets from Bangkok or mainland to save money.
Stay in hostels or basic guesthouses. Look for properties slightly off main roads for lower prices.
Essential for popular accommodations during high season. Reserve dive courses ahead, especially if you have a preferred school.
Negotiate monthly rates directly with bungalow owners or guesthouses for long-term stays.
Efficient planning wins you precious travel time.
Pre-booking and smart routing ease your journey.
Learn from local experiences to avoid visitor missteps.
Ko Tao is open to diverse travelers.
Solo: Generally safe, be mindful of belongings. Caution when out late or drinking. Hostels and dive schools are good for meeting people. Family: Look for resorts with pools and family-friendly rooms, especially in Chalok Baan Kao. Focus on snorkeling, gentle swimming, and short boat trips. Many restaurants cater to less spicy options. Apply sunscreen regularly. Group: Book accommodation, ferries, and popular activities in advance. Consider hiring private songthaews or longtail boats to ease logistics. Accessibility: Ko Tao is not highly accessible for travelers with mobility challenges. Pre-trip research and direct communication with specific service providers help assess suitability.
This section details useful resources for further planning and in-country support.
For offline navigation and locating places.
For basic communication (download Thai language pack).
For communication with locals, tour operators, and friends.
For official visa and entry requirements (always check this first).
Lomprayah, Seatran Discovery for schedules and bookings.
Ko Tao Facebook groups offer local tips and updates.
Tourist Police: 1155 (English-speaking).
General Emergency (Police): 191. Medical Emergency/Ambulance: 1669. Fire: 199.
Ko Tao International Clinic in Mae Haad. Koh Tao Health Care in Sairee.
For serious issues, transfer to hospitals on Ko Samui (e.g., Bangkok Hospital Samui) or mainland is common.
Locate your country's embassy or consulate in Bangkok. Keep their address and emergency contact handy.
Report lost documents to local police immediately; get a police report. Contact embassy for emergency travel documents.
In case of a tsunami warning, move immediately to higher ground. Follow local authority instructions. Stay informed via local news or hotel staff during severe weather.
