Things to do in Ko Tao
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Big Blue Diving
If Goldilocks were picking a dive school, she'd probably pick Big Blue – this midsize operation (not too big, not too small) gets props for fostering a sociable vibe while maintaining a high standard of service. Divers of every ilk can score dirt-cheap accommodation at their resort.
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Chopper's Bar & Grill
So popular that it's become a local landmark, Chopper's is a two-storey hang-out where divers and travellers can widen their beer belly. There's live music, sports on the big-screen TVs, billiards and a cinema room. Friday nights are particularly popular; the drinks are 'two for one', and dishes are half-priced as well. Cheers for scored goals are interspersed with exaggerated chatter about creatures seen on the day's dive.
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New Way Diving
This tiny school has built its reputation on offering small diving groups in a professional atmosphere. Their early-morning scuba excursions depart before the larger schools, which means less traffic in the water. It’s not too uncommon to go out for a postdive dinner with the entire school. The manager (a native Ko Tao-ist) can organise discounted accommodation nearby, and the free internet access on the dive shop’s ancient computer is an extra bonus.
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Café Corner
Prime real estate, mod furnishings, and tasty iced coffees have made Café Corner a Sairee staple over the last few years. Swing by at 5pm to stock up for tomorrow morning's breakfast; the scrumptious baked breads are buy-one-get-one-free before being tossed at sunset.
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Papa's Tapas
Another member of Ko Tao's new designer diner army, this swish set-up takes a stab at nouveau cuisine with sample-sized platters. Those with a big wallet (and a little foresight) can order the Chef's Special - a menu of unique dishes that requires 24 hours to procure and prepare. Reservation recommended.
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Scuba Junction
A groovy new storefront and a team of outgoing instructors lure travellers looking for a more intimate dive experience. Scuba Junction guarantees a maximum of four people per diving group.
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Royal Thai Massage
In the heart of Mae Hat, Royal Thai Massage offers quality spa treatment at low prices.
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Ban's Diving School
A well-oiled diving machine and relentlessly expanding conglomerate, Ban's certifies more divers per year than any other scuba school in the world and refurbishments in 2009 have given it a five-star feel. Classroom sessions tend to be conducted in large groups, but there's a reasonable amount of individual attention in the water. A breadth of international instructors means that students can learn to dive in their native tongue. The affiliated resort is quite popular with party-seekers.
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ACE Marine Images
Make a stop at ACE Marine Images, one of Thailand’s leading underwater videography studios. Many scuba schools hire professional videographers to film Open Water certifications, and if this piques your interest, consider enrolling in their underwater video or photo course. The interactive eight-dive course (30,000B) includes an independent diver certification and one-on-one instruction in the editing room. Internships are also available for those who are truly serious about gaining field experience. The staff at ACE are starting a variety of other projects, such as whale shark tracking and tagging, and a unique photography-oriented gap-year program. Visit the website for …
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New Heaven
The owners of this small diving operation dedicate a lot of their time to preserving the natural beauty of Ko Tao's underwater sites by conducting regular reef checks and contributing to reef restoration efforts. A special CPAD research diver certification program is available in addition to the regular order of programs and fun dives.
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Crystal Dive
Crystal is the Meryl Streep of diving operators, winning all the awards for best performance year after year. It's one of the largest schools on the island (and around the world), although high-quality instructors and intimate classes keep the school feeling quite personal. Multilingual staff members, air-conditioned classes and two on-site swimming pools sweeten the deal. Highly recommended.
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Whitening
Although it looks like a pile of forgotten driftwood during the day, this beachy spot falls somewhere between being a restaurant and being a chic seaside bar – foodies will appreciate the tasty twists on indigenous and international dishes while beertotalers will love the beachy, bleached-white atmosphere that hums with gentle lounge music. Dine amid dangling white Christmas lights while keeping your bare feet tucked into the sand. This is the top spot on the island for a celebratory dinner. And the best part? It's comparatively easy on the wallet.
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Goodtime Adventures
Although most activities on Ko Tao revolve around the sea, the friendly crew at Goodtime Adventures offer a wide variety of land-based activities to get the adrenaline pumping. Hike through the island's jungly interior, swing from rock to rock during a climbing and abseiling session (from 2000B), or unleash your inner daredevil during an afternoon of cliff jumping. Goodtime also offers accredited boating certifications, and at the time of research they were setting up a groovy zipline course on neighbouring Ko Nang Yuan. The Goodtime office, along the Sairee sands, doubles as a friendly cafe serving an assortment of international nibbles (including dip coffee!)
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Ko Nang Yuan
Just off the island's northwest coast, the rugged Ko Nang Yuan is a lonely island featuring three dramatic cone-shaped peaks connected by a remarkable sandbar. This idyllic beige strip is a stunning natural phenomenon that finds its way onto virtually every local postcard. Ferries from Mae Hat and water taxis from northern Sai Ri stop regularly at Ko Nang Yuan.
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E-san Inter
If you've never had sôm·đam tai (spicy papaya salad), here's the perfect place to start. The matronly owner caters each serving to meet her customer's tastes - ask for four chillies if you're feeling really adventurous (which is still milder than the original Thai recipe). Try the recommended side order of sticky rice and BBQ chicken.
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New Heaven Restaurant
The best part about New Heaven Restaurant is the awe-inducing view of Shark Bay (Ao Thian Ok) under the lazy afternoon moon. The turquoise waters below are so translucent that the curving reef is easily visible from your seat. The menu is largely international, and there are nap-worthy cushions tucked under each low-rise table.
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Ko Tao Bowling & Mini Golf
Located on the main road between Mae Hat and Chalok Ban Kao, Ko Tao Bowling & Mini Golf has several homemade bowling lanes where the employees reset the pins after every frame (300B per hour). The 18-hole minigolf course has a landmark theme – putt your ball through Stonehenge or across the Golden Gate Bridge.
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Portobello
Portobello pays tribute to the boot-land by serving up favourites such as ravioli stuffed with shrimp and crab, or personal pizzas topped with scrumptious imported cheeses. Dessert enthusiasts can earn a place in the 'hall of fame' by devouring a slice of thick chocolate cake sans hands.
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Dragon Bar
This bar caters to those seeking snazzy, cutting-edge surroundings. There is a happening 'communist chic' retro styling throughout, and everything's dimly lit, moody and relaxing. Dragon Bar is rumoured to have the best cocktails on the island.
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Buddha View
Another big dive operation on Ko Tao, Buddha View offers the standard fare of certification and special programs for technical diving (venturing beyond the usual parameters of recreational underwater exploration). Discounted accommodation is available at its friendly resort.
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Golden Travel
Day-long trips to some of the 20-odd snorkelling sites. Located across from the Songserm pier in Mae Hat. Rates include lunch, equipment and taxi service. Staff also organise fishing excursions, sunset cruises, and speedboat trips to stunning Ang Thong Marine Park.
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Café del Sol
Even the pickiest eater will be satisfied with the menu's expansive selection of 'world cuisine'. Located just steps away from the pier, this is our favourite breakfast spot on the island – go for the 'Del Sol breakfast' (delicious fruit salad, yoghurt and coffee) with a scrumptious spinach omelette on the side. Lunch and dinner dishes range from hearty pepper hamburgers to homemade pasta, though prices tend to be quite inflated.
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Chumphon Pinnacle Dive Site
Chumphon Pinnacle Dive Site 36m maximum depth. Has a colourful assortment of sea anemones along the four interconnected pinnacles. The site is home to schools of giant trevally, tuna, and large grey reef sharks. Whale sharks are known to pop up once in a while.
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Shambhala
Ko Tao's only full-time yoga centre is housed in beautiful wooden săh·lah located on the forested grounds of Blue Wind in Sairee Beach. The two-hour classes, led by Kester, the energetic yogi, cost 300B.
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East Restaurant
Big Blue Resort's busy chow house, located about 2m from the crashing tide, dispatches the best personal pizzas on the island. The joint fills up around sunset with divers who chuckle at the daily dive bloopers shown on the big-screen TV.
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