Ko Tao aka: Koh Tao

Well, it is a bit overcrowded these days.

Still, Ko Tao is a fabulous place to dive. And it’s all for divers, there. Not much else. It’s been built up unbelieveably since I first went there in 1996, but returning in 2005 I found it friendly and accessible.

Still, if you’re gonna go diving, check for your dive shop carefully. Some of the boats take out lots of people, and you want to make sure that you aren’t in a huge group where all you see is bubbles. Also be wary of equipment… bring your own if you can.

Frankly, the snorkelling around the island is pretty fantastic. There’s a small bay on the very north east corner that had phenomenal snorkelling.

And there’s pretty good phosphorescence in the water if you go swimming at night.