Koh Tao history prior to 1943, the island was uninhabited. At that time, only fishing boats visited the local waters in search of fish. Koh Tao was a jungle with an abundance of turtles and big flocks of pied imperial and Nicobar pigeons.
King Rama V
On June 18, 1899, His Majesty King Chulalongkorn – Rama V (1853 – 1910) visited Koh Tao, and had his initials carved on a large boulder at Laem Jor Por Ror on the southern end of Sairee Beach. It is now a place of worship and reverence for local residents and visiting Thai people.
Koh Tao as a Political Prison
During the years of 1943 and 1944, Koh Tao was used as a political prison with prisoners of the Borawadesh Uprising transferred here from Koh Tarutao. The prison itself was located in Mae Haad Bay in an area of about 35 rai. There were fifty four political prisoners with fifty other inmates and fifteen wardens. According to the prisoners, Koh Tao was a living hell with its shark infested waters, and daily life was a constant struggle for survival. Malaria was rife and they were often starved.
King Rama V statue in Koh Tao located at Jor Por Ror cape.
One of the prisoners wrote:
“The only joy each day is watching the sun set to the sea. It is a spectacular scene. The waves are light purple with an indigo sky.”
In 1944, the prisoners were released and everyone returned back to the mainland leaving Koh Tao deserted once more.
The First Pioneers on Koh Tao
The history of Koh Tao in 1947, twin brothers, Ta Euam and Ta Oh came to Koh Tao from Koh Samui. The first ‘pioneers’, they sailed here in a traditional boat with two masts and handmade sails made of woven palm leaves and cloth. They brought with them a supply of rice, and on arrival, they cleared some land and used what was left of the demolished prison to build a temporary shelter. Later, they brought their families here and settled on the north of Sairee Beach. Six years later, others mostly from Koh Phangan arrived here to start a new life. They lived simply and sufficiently by fishing and cultivating the land for coconut plantations, rice paddies and orchards. At that time there was an abundance of turtles, so many in fact, that at certain times of the year, the beach became black.
Old photos from the collection of an early traveller. Horse riding was a common form of transport back in the 1980’s. Photo by Annick Syrius.
Koh Tao’s First Travellers
In the middle of 1977, the first travellers came to dive and explore the undiscovered and pristine underwater world. They arrived on fishing boats and the boats which then transported coconuts. In 1984, the first resort on Koh Tao, was established in Shark Bay. Called Niyom Bungalows, the rooms were just 30 Baht per night. Since then, Koh Tao has changed from one of fisherman and gardeners, to a place of tourism which now offers the infrastructure, facilities and choices of activity to serve about 350,000 travellers each year.
Koh Tao beaches and bays are perfect for snorkeling with shallow coral reefs only a short distance from the shore. Here is an information of all beaches.
The cheapest and most popular way of getting to Koh Tao is the combined bus and ferry ticket offered by Lomlahkkhirin High Speed Ferries.
Terms & Conditions
Ticket must be purchased at least 3 days before departure date.
The voucher must be printed out and reconfirm at Lomlahkkhirin check-in counter on departure date. Passenger must check-in 30 minutes prior to departure time. Failure to do so, the ticket will not be refunded.
Baggage allowance is 20 kg/person. Extra weight cost 20 Baht/kg, but not exceed to 30 kg in total.
Destination and route are not allowed to be changed.
Cancellation 3 days prior to your departure date and not longer than 180 days after purchase, 50% of your payment will be refunded. Tickets booked on long holiday are non-refundable.
Lomlahkkhirin High Speed Ferries reserves the right to cancel their service due to poor weather conditions or any circumstances beyond the reasonable for any safety reason. Departure and arrival times may be subject to change due to weather conditions without prior notice. Please be advised to allow 12 hours minimum for connecting flight.
Discover Koh Tao and Koh Tao Complete Guide do not take responsibility for any expense, loss, damage or injury which may arise in the event of cancellation or delay of Lomlahkkhirin High Speed Ferries service.
Price does not include Koh Nang Yuan landing fee 250 Baht/person.
Snorkelling spots may be subject to change due to weather conditions without prior notice.
Oxygen Tour reserves the right to cancel their service due to poor weather conditions or any circumstances regarding safety.
To possess a 50% refund for your cancellation, you must inform us two days before the trip and no longer than 180 days after the deposit payment. Snorkelling trip booked on long holiday are non-refundable.
To possess a 50% refund for your cancellation, you must inform us seven days before the tour and no longer than 180 days after the deposit payment.
KOH TAO : a Complete Guide reserves the right to cancel our tour due to poor weather conditions or any circumstances regarding safety. We then refund 100% of your deposit payment.
