Getting Around Koh Tao
Koh Tao has one major concrete road which connects the north end of Sairee with
Chalok Baan Kao in the south, while passing the main village Mae Haad in the middle.
There is an increasing amount of small concrete roads leading to the other beaches
and bays. Everywhere else you will find more or less accessible dirt tracks, most
of which will challenge even a skilled driver.
Steep trails, sharp curves, sand and grit, potholes, washed out tracks and the
occasional dropping coconut demand mindful driving and fast reactions. Vehicles
in Thailand drive usually on the left, but traffic rules are often freely interpreted,
speed limits are not observed and suicidal dogs prefer sleeping on the roads,
which are often narrow. You must always be prepared to make room for the occasional
moving or still obstacle.
Yet, it is not as bad as it seems, as long as you drive carefully and remember
that an accident will hurt body and budget as well. Motorcycles can be rented
from 150 B, Jeeps from 1000 B, the deposit of a passport is required.
However there are many other options of getting around:
Pick-up and Motorbike Taxis
These can be found parked in busy areas, or can be stopped at the roadside.
They run from early morning until 11 p.m. Please be aware that taxi prices are
not fixed and fares tend to double after darkness. To avoid mis-understandings
always discuss the cost before the ride.
Basic taxi prices:
from Mae Haad
to Sairee Beach or Chalok Baan Kao: 1 pers. 30 B
to Tanote: 1-4 pers. 200 B / to Hin Wong: 1-2 pers. 100 B
to Ao Leuk or Thian Og: 1-2 pers. 80 B
from Sairee
to Chalok Baan Kao: 60 B / to Ao Leuk: 1-2 pers. 120 B
Boat Taxis
The colourful, traditional Long Tail Boats take you conveniently and quickly
to stunning remote beaches and secluded bays. You can find them at all the main
beaches, they can be chartered for a short trip or a day tour. Prices are quite
consistent and reasonable:
Trips from Mae Haad
to Chalok Baan Kao: 150 B per person
to Nang Yuan: 1-2 persons 100 B
to Tanote Bay: 1-3 persons 300 B
around the island: 1-4 persons 1000 B
Some advice that matters not only in Koh Tao:
Please keep in mind that you are a visitor and treat the locals and the environment
with the necessary respect. Try to blend in rather than to stick out, your customs
are not the standards here. For example: Thais are offended by nudity; decent
clothing in religious sites is required; losing your temper means losing your
face and gets you nowhere.
Imagine how many visitors have been here already and how many of them might
have misbehaved, naturally this reflects on the future ones. So always being
friendly, polite and calm, keep smiling even when it seems difficult, will help
a lot and open many doors.
If you have a complaint rather try to explain than to demand, your needs are
not necessarily understood.
When you feel wronged or cheated, consider if the cause is worth the hassle
and maybe just follow the true Thai tradition of "Mai Pen Rai" meaning
"Never mind" ...and always keep smiling.
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