Koh Tao: Useful Advice

There are a few minor concrete roads, which you can explore.  The remaining roads are dirt tracks, mainly in poor condition and can be quite hazardous (even for a very skilled driver), especially when the potholes are flooded.  That is why 4x4 pickup cars are most used here.

There are no clear signs on any of the roads and tracks are very narrow and sandy-mixed.  If you are a driver,  you should be prepared to move over for something coming from the opposite direction, maybe even into the jungle! Jeeps and motorcycles, of all sizes, can be hired by the day, prices start at 150 Bht to 1,000 Bht upwards. Unless you are very confident of driving in rough terrain it is best to take one of the pick-up taxis.  Always expect unexpected when on a motor bike, falls are frequent because of the road conditions and sudden obstacles, even the dirt tracks can be hard as concrete when they are baked by the sun!  There are several ways of getting around:

There are no clear signs on any of the roads and tracks are very narrow and sandy-mixed.  If you are a driver,  you should be prepared to move over for something coming from the opposite direction, maybe even into the jungle!

Jeeps and motorcycles, of all sizes, can be hired by the day, prices start at 150 Bht to 1,000 Bht upwards. Unless you are very confident of driving in rough terrain it is best to take one of the pick-up taxis.  Always expect unexpected when on a motor bike, falls are frequent because of the road conditions and sudden obstacles, even the dirt tracks can be hard as concrete when they are baked by the sun!  There are several ways of getting around:

Taxis and Motorbike Taxis

These can be found at Mae Haad Pier area or can be stopped on the roadside.  They run from early morning until 11 p.m. Please be aware that taxi prices are not fixed and tend to double after darkness, to avoid misunderstandings always discuss the fare before the ride.

Guideline to taxi prices per person:

From Mae Haad to

Sairee or Chalok Baan Kao – 30 Bht

Tanote Bay – 50 Bht, min 4 persons, single 200 Bht

Hin Wong Bay – 50 Bht, min 2 persons, single 100 Bht

Ao Luk or Thian Og – 40 Bht, min 2 persons, single 80 Bht

From Sairee to

Chalok Baan Kao – 50 Bht

Ao Luk – 60 Bht, min 2 persons, single 120 Bht

Long-tail Taxi Boat

You can reach the most beautiful beaches, otherwise hard to get to, in a traditional Long Tail Boat.  These can be found at each side of the pier at Mae Haad.  They will take you anywhere you want to go, and operators will suggest places you may like to visit.  You can decide on the length of the trip, either half day or all day, but agree on the price before departure and don’t offend by bargaining too hard.  The prices are quite consistent and reasonable.

Below are a few price guides for boat trips:

To Chalok Baan Kao – 150 Bht per person

To Koh Nang Yuan – 50 Bht , min 2 persons, single 100 Bht

To Tanote Bay – 100 Bht, min 3 persons, single 300 Bht

Around the island – 2 persons 1000 Bht, 4 persons-400 Bht each

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USEFUL ADVICE

Find a map in most shops and resorts around the island.  It’s very details and highly recommended for all tourists.

Keep in mind that you are a visitor and treat the locals and the environment with the necessary respect.  Your customs are not standards here. For example, Thais are offended by nudity; decent clothing in religious sites is required; heads are not to be touched; feet are not to point. Be friendly, polite, calm, and keep smiling when things go difficult.   Most of Thais are helpful. Be careful, if you decide to sleep under coconut trees.  It might not be so relaxing as it seems, because a nut can drop down while you are there.

Keep in mind that you are a visitor and treat the locals and the environment with the necessary respect.  Your customs are not standards here. For example, Thais are offended by nudity; decent clothing in religious sites is required; heads are not to be touched; feet are not to point.

Be friendly, polite, calm, and keep smiling when things go difficult.   Most of Thais are helpful.

Be careful, if you decide to sleep under coconut trees.  It might not be so relaxing as it seems, because a nut can drop down while you are there.

There are no streetlights, so get yourself a flashlight.  It will be useful when you are back to the bungalow after dinning out.

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