Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
From Surat Thani If you're coming from Surat Thani, you
could take Lomprayah's Don Sak-Na Thon (Samui)-Thong
Sala catamaran all the way to Ko Pha Ngan, then change
onto its Maenam (Samui)-Thong Sala-Ko Tao service
(total journey time from Surat about 6hr; B700). There's a
night boat from Ban Don pier in Surat Thani town,
departing at around 11pm ( T 077 284928; 8hr; B500); in
the opposite direction, this leaves Ko Tao at around 9pm.
TREAT YOURSELF
Charm Churee Villa Jan Som Bay, about
a 30-minute walk south from the southern
end of Ban Mae Hat T 077 456394,
W charmchureevilla.com. A certain rustic
charm blended perfectly with exquisite
linen, Thai and Balinese decor and its own
private beach, where the coral is
protected with a ban on longtails. There
are two restaurants, one with a fabulous
ocean v iew, a dive centre and a spa.
Double B3600
10
GETTING AROUND
You can get around easily enough on foot, but there are
roads of sorts now to most of the resorts, though many are
still very rough, steep tracks, suitable for four-wheel-drive
only. A paved road extends down the west coast from
north to south (ending at Ao Chaloke), and one is being
built eastwards to Ao Ta Note.
By taxi Pick-up taxis are available in Mae Hat (B100/
person to Chaloke Ban Kao, for example, minimum 2
people; rates are higher at night, or for a 4WD to
somewhere more remote), as are motorbike taxis (B100
to Chaloke Ban Kao, for example).
By motorbike Rental motorbikes are available from
B150/day. If you can, resist the temptation to rent a quad
bike, or ATV - not only do they have a disproportionate
number of accidents, but they're also very polluting. There
have been lots of reports of travellers being charged
exorbitant amounts if they bring the vehicle back with
even the most minor damage - avoid the outfits in front
of the main pier in Mae Hat, and rent from your bungalow
or someone reliable like Save Shop, on the front street,
just south of the piers.
By boat Round-island boat tours are available at Mae Hat
or through your bungalow, with stops for snorkelling and
swimming (B650/person, including lunch and pick-ups, or
around B2000 to rent your own longtail boat for the day).
dormitories with a/c and hot showers in good, shared
facilities. There are security lockers, a swimmi ng poo l and
a bar/restaurant hosting regular parties. Dorm B300
Saithong Resort Sai Nuan beach, 1hr walk south of
Mae Hat pier T 077 456868. An isolated, shady place, with
soft sand on two small beaches, offering various types of
en-suite bungalows either in gardens or perched on the
rocks - the latter with stunn ing sea views. Kayaks and
snorkels for rent. Double B600
Silver Sands Ban Hat Sai Ree T 077 456606, W silver
-sands-resort.com. Clean, well-kept bungalows and rooms
on a narrow but lush and shady plot. Among its bungalows,
the cheapest are simple wooden affairs with cold showers
well off the beach. Guests can use the adjacent pool at
the a liated di ve co mpany, Davy Jones' Locker. Snorkels
to rent. Double B900
Tao Thong Villa 1hr walk south of Mae Hat T 077
456078. Sturdy, en-suite bungalows dotted around the
rocky outcrop of Cape Jeda Gang and the slope behind, with
a breezy restaurant on the tiny, grassy isthmus with two
small beaches in between. Plenty of shady seclusio n, grea t
views and good snorkelling and swimming. Double B500
INFORMATION
Tourist information The regularly updated and
widely available free booklet, Ko Tao Info , is a useful source
of information, along with its associated website,
W kohtaoonline.com, which features online accommo-
dation booking.
EAST COAST
Family ( Ta Note Bay Resort ) Ao Ta Note T 077
456757-8, E tanotebay@hotmail.com. The pick of the
half-dozen resorts here, with plenty of well-designed
en-suite wooden and concrete bungalows, set among
thick bougainvillea, some enjoying large vie w-filled
verandas. Snorkelling equipment available. Double B800
Poseidon Resort Ao Ta Note T 077 456734-5,
W poseidontao.atspace.com. Basic en-suite bungalows
with balconies and hammocks, set back a little from the
beach on the flower-strewn, rocky slopes. There is a
traveller vibe, a stargazing cocktail bar a bove a restaurant
and kayaks and snorkels for rent. Double B400
ACCOMMODATION AND EATING
WEST COAST
Blue Wind Just north of Sai Ree village T 077 456116.
This popular old-timer offers a variety of well-kept,
en-suite rooms and bungalows scattered about a shady
compound. It also has a very good, relaxing bakery-
restaurant on the b each, serving Thai, Indian and Western
food. Double B450
Ko Tao Backpackers Hostel Middle of Sai Ree village,
inland from Silver Sands Resort T 088 447 7921, W kohtao
backpackers.com. A popular choice offering eight-bed
SOUTH COAST
Taatoh & Freedom Beach Resort Ao Chaloke Ban Kao
T 077 456596, W taatoh.com. Two combined resorts with
 
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