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Getting to Koh Tao
Subject to weather conditions, there are daily express boats between Thong Sala and Ko Tao, 47 km north, at 2.30 p.m. The trip takes 2 1/2 hours and costs Baht 150 one way. Rossarin Tour operates speed boats between Thong Sala and Ka Tao a couple of times a day for Baht 350 per person; the crossing only takes about an hour.
● Train/Bus/Boat Combinations
At Bangkok's Hualamphong station you can purchase train tickets that include a bus from the Surat Thani train station (Phun Phin) to the Ban Don pier and then a ferry to ko Pha-Ngan. These generally cost around 30 to 50 Baht more than baying each ticket separately yourself. |
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  Getting Around
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 Baht, Jeeps from 1000 Baht, 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 Baht.
- to Tanote: 1-4 pers. 200 Baht / to Hin Wong: 1-2 pers. 100 Baht
- to Ao Leuk or Thian Og: 1-2 pers. 80 Baht
- from Sairee to Chalok Baan Kao: 60 Baht / to Ao Leuk: 1-2 pers. 120 Baht
● 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 Baht per person
- to Nang Yuan: 1-2 persons 100 Baht
- to Tanote Bay: 1-3 persons 300 Baht
- around the island: 1-4 persons 1000 Baht
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.
방콕,파타야,코사무이,크라비,코창,후아힌등 태국 전지역의 호텔/리조트 예약과 쇼, 그리고, 허니문,가족여행은
태국내 인지도가 높으면서 공신력 있는 해피타이여행사(http://www.happythai.co.kr)가 좋습니다.
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