Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
abrupt hills and sudden sand pits along gravel trails. Even if you escape unscathed from a
riding experience, scamming bike shops may claim that you damaged your rental and
will try to extort some serious cash from you.
Travellers should also be aware that mosquito-borne dengue fever (and a similar but
less-severe cousin) is a real and serious threat. The virus can spread quickly due to tightly
packed tourist areas and the small size of the island.
EMERGENCY
Police Station
( 0 7745 6631)
Between Mae Hat and Sairee Beach along the rutted portion of
the beachside road.
INTERNET ACCESS
Rates are generally 2B per minute, with a 20B minimum and discounts if you log on for
one hour or longer. You may find, however, that certain useful tourism websites have
been firewalled at internet cafes affiliated with travel agencies. The larger dive schools
on the island usually have a wireless connection available for laptop-toting travellers.
MEDICAL SERVICES
All divers are required to sign a medical waiver before exploring the sea. If you have any
medical condition that might hinder your ability to dive (including mild asthma), you will
be asked to get medical clearance from a doctor on Ko Tao. If you're unsure about
whether or not you are fit to dive, consider seeing a doctor before your trip as there are
no official hospitals on the island, and the number of qualified medical professionals is
limited. Also, make sure your traveller's insurance covers scuba diving. On-island medic-
al 'consultations' (and we use that term very lightly) cost 300B. There are several walk-
in clinics and mini-hospitals scattered around Mae Hat and Sairee. All serious medical
needs should be dealt with on Ko Samui. If you are diving, ask your outfitter to point you
in the proper direction of medical advice.
Diver Safety Support
( 08 1083 0533; kohtao@sssnetwork.com; Mae Hat; on call 24hr)
Has a tempor-
ary hyperbaric chamber and offers emergency evacuation services.
MONEY
There are 24-hour ATMs at the island's 7-Elevens. There's also a cluster of ATMs orbit-
ing the ferry docks at Mae Hat. There is a money exchange window at Mae Hat's pier
and a second location near Chopper's in Sairee Beach. There are several banks near the
post office in Mae Hat, at the far end of town along the island's main inland road. They
