Koh Tao History

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 abundant turtles and big flocks of Nicobar pigeons and Pied imperial pigeon.

Koh Tao History Timeline

The Visit by 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 residents and visiting Thai people.

Koh Tao as a Political Prison

Between 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 54 political prisoners, with 50 other inmates and 15 wardens. According to the prisoners, Koh Tao was a living hell with shark-infested waters, and daily life was a constant struggle for survival. Malaria was rife, and they were often starved. In 1944, the prisoners were released, and everyone returned to the mainland, leaving Koh Tao deserted once more.

Koh Tao History, King Rama V statue

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 sunset to the sea.  It is a spectacular scene.  The waves are light purple with an indigo sky.”

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’ 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, turtles were abundant, so many in fact, that the beach became black at certain times of the year.

 
Book boat and bus tickets

Koh Tao’s First Travellers

Koh Tao History old photo from 1980’s

Old photos from the collection of an early traveller show horse riding was a common form of transport back in the 1980s.
© Annick Syrius.

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 fishermen and farmers to a place of tourism which now offers the infrastructure, facilities and choices of activity to serve about 600,000 travellers each year.



  • Seaside

     

    The Fisherman

     

    Monkey Flower Villas Koh Tao

  • Getting to Koh Tao

    Getting to Koh Tao

    Plan your trip to Koh Tao with ferry routes and travel options from Bangkok, Chumphon, Surat Thani, and Koh Samui. Updated for 2026.

  • Koh Tao Hotels

    Koh Tao Hotels

    Koh Tao Hotels offer a wide choice of places to stay, from simple beach bungalows to budget dorm hostels to luxury pool villas.

  • Koh Tao Restaurants

    Koh Tao Restaurant Reviews

    Koh Tao has a great variety of places to eat offering international cuisines and fusion blends. Here is a selection of Koh Tao restaurants we have reviewed.

  • Koh Tao Diving Schools

    Koh Tao Diving Schools

    Diving schools on Koh Tao are some of the best dive facilities worldwide. Here is our list of Koh Tao diving school recommendations.