Ko Tao(also oftenKoh Tao)is anislandinThailandand forms part of the Chumphon Archipelago on the western shore of the theGulf of Thailand. The islandwas named by its first settlers after the island's turtle-like shape.Coincidentally, the island is an important breeding ground forhawksbillandgreen turtles.The island is well known forscuba divingand snorkeling, as well as hiking, rock climbing, and bouldering. The most popular place for tourists is Sairee on the west coast, which has a white sandy beach of 1.7km interrupted only by a few hugebouldersand a scattering of medium budget resorts and restaurants. Chalok Baan Khao, to the south of the island, is becoming increasingly popular as an alternative for those wishing to escape the crowds. A great many granite boulders, both in the forests and on the beaches of Ko Tao, attract a growing number of climbers.
Ko Tao
