“A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step” Lao Tzu

As we sped towards Koh Tao on our catamaran, having made the journey from Bangkok to Koh Tao, we were excited to catch a first glimpse of our first official destination for our round the world trip. Around 45 minutes into our crossing from Chumphon, we caught sight of Koh Tao, and its defining green peaks and boulder ladden coastline.

We were excited, and sea sick. Never before has a plastic bag been unwrapped and emptied of its contents so quickly!koh tao beachesExiting off the catamaran onto the pier, we were quickly flung into the hustle and bustle of Koh Tao. Thankfully, the hustle and bustle of Koh Tao consisted of about ten taxi ride offers and that’s about it. It seems that’s as busy as it gets here.

We quickly jumped into a taxi jeep and took the five minute hilly drive along the only concrete, single track road on the island to our accommodation for the next ten days. The island still seems relatively undeveloped which was exactly what we were looking for!koh tao beachesSo what are our first impressions of Koh Tao?

Well anyone who has done a google search for Koh Tao will know it’s famous for diving, with numerous diving schools lining the coastline. We can confirm the stories of turquoise waters and white sandy beaches to be spot on!koh tao beachesFrom the few days we’ve spent here, the island seems to have a rustic feel to it, harking back to a time when travellers first started visiting the island twenty years ago or so. Despite the development of small bars and restaurants along the coastline and coves, the natural vegetation of the island still adorns the coastline, intermingling with the beach huts and shacks. There’s something for everyone, from those who want a beach hut and diving lessons, to those who want a remote hut in a cove with a handful of other huts, all bases are covered.

There’s also a rap loving meditator just down the road from us who spends all day chillaxing. He sells beer and has a room for rent if you’re interested!

Deciding what we want to do here is tough (!) Do we hire a bike and ride around the island? Take a taxi boat to some uninhabited coves? Do a 1, 2 or 3 day diving course? Sit by the pool and beach and do nothing? Guess we’ll grab a beer and think about it…

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Want to know how to get from Bangkok to Koh Phangan? Or from Bangkok to Koh Samui? Check out our other articles!