Don't go near them, they might bite if cornered. Speaking of getting exercise, there are a few short hiking trails in Koh Tao that take you to stunning viewpoints. Although it may not look like it, many of these dogs are taken care of as much as possible by Phangan Animal Care for Strays and by volunteers who keep an eye on them. 6) Check out the Fishing Villages in Koh Yao Noi. Our island and the islands around Koh Phangan are famous for their underwater life! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Koh Tao translates to Turtle Island in English and is a small island located in the Gulf of Thailand off the Eastern shore of the Thai mainland. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Make your way to Krabi in Southern Island. The trip is 4 hour 30 minutes to Surat Thani and 6 hours to Chumphon. This beach resort town along the south coast of Kenya is an incredible destination with so many exciting things to do and see. Its hard to think of a better way to start your day than with an ocean-view yoga class. Lomprayah catamarans operate departures at 7am and 1pm which cost 600THB and take 1 hour 45 minutes. wild monkeys - Koh Tao Forum - Tripadvisor The weather is generally relatively humid with November being considered the wet month of the year due to the Monsoon season. You can buy cheap bottles of water from 7/11. Little runners with a long tail. The Talay Sub departure is the night boat and departs Chumphon pier at 11pm. KOH TAO MONKEY BUSINESS DOES WORK HIGH FOREIGNERS CANT DO 15 Koh Tao Tourism Koh Tao Accommodation Koh Tao Bed and Breakfast Koh Tao Holiday Rentals Koh Tao Holiday Packages Koh Tao Flights Koh Tao Restaurants we in ko tao august 1st, should we expect problems getting accomodation for a week due to full moon??? This is easily the most famous view in Koh Tao, and it's one of the most scenic too! See 481 traveler reviews, 845 candid photos, and great deals for Monkey Flower Villas, ranked #3 of 58 hotels in Koh Tao and rated 5 of 5 at Tripadvisor. Owning A Monkey Illegal? There are some great accommodation options on Koh Tao. To avoid this happening make sure you hire through a recommend and highly rated company. The prices during the wet season are also a lot cheaper than during the dry season. Coconut Monkey; Starting with the co-working space, here's a list of my personal favourite places you can work out of when in Koh Tao: . A night here will cost you a few hundred dollars. Sasha is a regular contributor to Goats On The Road where he shares his advice as a full-time traveler and digital nomad. There are always fire shows going on here so its the perfect way to end a day and relax. Though it is relatively mountainous so youll need some good shoes if you plan on walking. The island offers a diverse choice of suitable accommodation at very reasonable prices and restaurants with special amenities for smaller children. . Have a look at the highly rated Olis Motorbike Rentals or KP Travel and Motorbike Rental. Monkeys are found here in such numbers that the entire beach has been named after them. The females then join the party in the small pools and lay their eggs which the male frog then use for their reproductive purposes. Night boat operators from Chumphon to Koh Tao are Talay Sub, Chumphon Ferry and Porntaweesin. Click here to learn about this amazing day trip. Some of the best include the John Suwan Viewpoint and Fraggle Rock. As the island is so popular with visitors, training standards and watermanship skills are extremely high, with safe programs developed by the worlds leading agencies alongside some of the leading Course Directors in the world with decades of experience. Live in a small town myself so I am used to nature but I can not relax if there are monkeys stealing my stuff all the time.. ; ) Love snorkeling, so this might very well be the next place to travel to for me and my family, looks very beautiful. There are plenty of things to do here which will really allow you to experience the beauty of this place. Thai cuisine is some of the best in the world, so why not learn how to cook it yourself? If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Many people end up with broken bones and a visit to the hospital for choosing this as their place to learn how to drive a scooter. An afternoon of paddling around the bay with a bit of snorkeling mixed in is hard to beat. Let's take a look at what you might see Common House Gecko Maybe it is time for you to also have a look? However, the villages of Mae Haad and Chalok Baan Kao also offer a choice of similar venues, so it is worth planning these locations into your travel itinerary. Most months will see some rain showers, but February is generally considered to be dry and the best time to visit. There is a restaurant and a small resort here. Koh Tao is an extremely safe destination for single travelers, couples, groups and families and is considered to be far safer than many other locations around the world. This helps the charity and the dogs. Though if youre like me and wanting to check out the best beaches this awesome tropical island has to offer youll need to have some form of transport. Koh Tao is known as one of the cheapest places to get your PADI license in the world. If youre on nearby Koh Samui, you can do a day trip to Koh Tao to enjoy the underwater world. Whether you are after meat pies, Sunday roast, or a full English breakfast. The Songserm Express boat leaves at 7am, costs 500THB and takes just under 3hrs to reach Koh Tao. One of the best Thai islands to visit is Koh Tao, Turtle Island.. There are awesome things to do down here and youll be able to check out the incredible and photogenic Railey. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Youll get two dives, lunch on the boat, and plenty of awesome views along the way. Bring some friends along from the hostel for asuper fun night. The journey takes around 7 hours 45 minutes and costs 305THB. There are plenty of corals around as well as quite a few large fish. Thailand is a warm, friendly and inviting country with a rich cultural heritage and welcomes millions of international visitors each year. The island provides a blend of multi cultural cuisine from your favourite international dishes to a variety of regional and local Thai food. Total travel time can take 11.5-15 hours, including all transfers and combined costs start from 1,320 THB ($37.50). PostedMarch 24, 2012 Krabi is known for being a destination spot for many travelers as there are so many things you can do around this town and the beaches of Krabi are amazing. This well-established local favourite has long been known for its incredible surf-and-turf options, but has recently stepped up its game to include a lot more vegetarian and vegan options to its quality menu, like vegan fish and chips, buffalo 'wings', and a vegan cheese plate. Here you will find more affordable beachfront bungalows. There isnt too much of a nice beach here due to boat pollution. Koh Nang Yuan is located 800metres off the north west coast of Koh Tao and is considered to be a world famous attraction with three islands and a stunning viewpoint, all of which are inter-connected by sandbanks. If you are flying into Bangkok from outside Thailand and connecting straight onto a flight to Chumphon, Koh Samui or Surat Thani, be sure to check which airport you arrive at and which airport your domestic flight departs from. Koh Tao offers all types of travel packages that cater to everyone, from the budget conscious explorer to the discerning traveller who wants pure luxury. There are quite a few yoga studios in Koh Tao these days, offering classes of various types and levels. Disclaimer: GoatsOnTheRoad.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. I stayed in this area on my first trip to Koh Tao and found the options quite limited. Koh Tao. Being more towards the southern end of Thailand as well as being an island prices here are generally a bit more than on the mainland. Flights to all three destinations take around 1 hour and you can arrange a transfer to the ferry pier when you arrive. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Owning A Monkey Illegal? - Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao - ASEAN NOW You dont have to be a diver to enjoy the underwater world that surrounds Koh Tao. Its not hard finding a shop that will rent the gear out to you for a couple of hours. Check out Coconut Monkeyfor more of a cafe style, or hit up any of the streetside vendors for a banana pancake filled with Nutella, bananas and more. This rain would only just around 20 minutes and then as quickly as it came, it disappears again. Are there wild monkeys on Koh Tao? Or, have a look at this awesome snorkel boat trip around Koh Tao! It a pretty cheap thing to do here and you will also receive a free teeshirt or singlet. Now $347 (Was $410) on Tripadvisor: Monkey Flower Villas, Koh Tao. @ Koh Mah Beach, Premium Koh Phangan North-West Sea-View Land for Sale @ Haad Salad. Even if youre not into the idea of getting into the ring for an actual match, signing up for some Muay Thai lessons is a great way to get fit. The dangerous snakes on Koh Phangan live in the undergrowth or deep in the jungle and do not stalk or threaten humans. Also, be aware that Koh Tao is a relatively hilly island. Lomprayah Chumphon: 077 558 212-3 (Thung Makam Noi Pier). Report inappropriate content 1-2 of 2 replies Sorted by 1 Master Divers Koh Tao, Thailand Level Contributor 415 posts 1 review 1. Alternatively, you may use. At around 40 baht ($1.20), its a bargain. On the opposite side is Koh Samui which is the largest of all these three islands. If you still have a bit of energy and arent ready to end your first-day backpacking Koh Tao, then head to Sairee Beach. Let me know in the comments! The best way to explore Koh Tao is definitely with your own two wheels. The reasons are simple: good food and good diving. However, its worth remembering that seats for the two air conditioned sections can sell out days or even weeks in advance, particularly ahead of the full moon. The tickets are priced from 550 1,700THB with the price based on the train and the class you opt to travel in. Its cheap here in Thailand and you can very quickly consume too much and find yourself in a difficult situation. Wherever you go out in Koh Tao, youre sure to see plenty of marine life. There are so many awesome things to do in Koh Phangan, including the famous Full Moon Party. There were other islands which had better beaches and were easier to travel around etc. This includes amazing snorkeling, incredible diving, mind-blowing viewpoints, and palm tree-covered beaches. The name Barbados automatically conjures up tantalizing images of white sand beaches, crystal clear water, palm trees and rum punches. Copyright 2023 - The Funky Turtle All rights reserved, Freediving Instructor | Scuba Instructors, small island located in the Gulf of Thailand, comfy spot to chill out and enjoy the view, featured high on the list of places to visit, The Best time to see a Whaleshark on Koh Tao. After that jam-packed list, its fitting that the last spot goes to simply being a beach bum. Whether you're getting ready to hike, bike, trail run, or explore other outdoor activities, AllTrails has 30 scenic trails in the Ko Samui area. If you take the overnight sleeper train, you arrive in Chumphon or Surat Thani early the following morning. If youre looking for a quiet island to relax on in Thailand surrounded by incredible marine life look no further than Koh Tao. If you can manage to climb out of your beach chair, why not give rock climbing a try in Koh Tao? Unfortunately getting to Koh Tao from Bangkok isnt the easiest. Porntaweesin Car Night Ferry Chumphon: 077 553 343, Talay Sub Car Night Ferry: 077 553 176 / 081. Basically, its all you need to know to have an incredible time backpacking Koh Tao! There are 2 departures a day, one at 6 am which gets you to Koh Tao the same afternoon and one at 9pm which gets you to Koh Tao the following morning. Though I understand I am not the majority, nor is that a reasonable amount for most people when you are on an adventure to explore the whole country. Sai Tai Mai is located on the Western edge of Bangkok in the Bang Khae area, just west of Soi 85. This was one of my biggest regrets during my visit is that I didnt hire one. Unfortunately, its around 10km from the nearest BTS station, which is Bang Wa on the Silom line and a taxi to the station from there would cost around 100THB. If you are staying in the main town it is a crazy long walk to the viewpoints or beaches on the southern part of the island. Koh Tao Island: 22 Best Things To Do In Koh Tao Thailand The tickets for the Talay Sub cannot be bought online though and must be bought through a travel agent in Thailand or at the pier. Pretty much every bar on the beach has a good Happy Hour around sunset, so plop down in that beanbag and get yourself an adult beverage or two! Answer 1 of 2: Are there wild monkeys on Koh Tao? This is approximately 15 minutes from the tourist hub of Sairee Beach. Transport to and from the island is very efficient and the staff are extremely helpful and family oriented. In all three of the main villages on Koh Tao, you will find a wide selection of restaurants that offer diverse menus to cater to everyones needs. The afternoon boat is quicker (3 hours 45 minutes compared to 5 hours 15 minutes) as the morning boat has a 1 hour layover when you reach Koh Phangan. There are both long-term and short-term hires available in Koh Tao. If you are travelling to Chumphon, the journey can take anything from 6 hours 20 minutes to 9 hours 15 minutes depending on which service you take. I recommend checking out 12.Go Asia for booking such trips. Before coming to Thailand I had never taken a cooking class. Re: wild monkeys 12 years ago Save Hi there ! Treehouse Bungalows: these unique bungalows are located near Aow Leuk Beach. For Surat Thani you can use Air Asia, Nok Air or Thai Lion Air from Don Muang as well as Thai Airways or Thai Smile from Suvarnabhumi. Timetables will vary in adverse weather so please contact us or the ferry operator direct to check. The bus to Chumphon takes around 7 8 hours, covering 500km and departs from the station in the morning and the evening. This will cost around 5,000THB. This provides a dramatic back drop with lush, tropical jungle covering the island and sweeping down the hilly landscape to meet the sea. Because the females have rather translucent underbellies, it is sometimes possible to see the eggs inside, they only lay one or two eggs, usually between April and August. Sairee Beach: Sairee Beach is one of the more popular places to stay in Koh Tao simply because this is where the majority of accommodation options are located. The Sunset viewpoint in Koh Tao is the perfect way to chill out at the end of a busy day. This will allow you a decent bed to sleep in, a few beers, and scooter hire so you can travel around. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. A seafood feast on the beach is certainly one of the most delicious things to do in Koh Tao! wild monkeys - Koh Tao Message Board - Tripadvisor There are few places in the world better to get scuba certified than Koh Tao. 2) Get Up for Sunrise. Yes we will be flying to Koh Samui so I think we will stay a few days there first and then go by boat to Koh Tao. Ferries arrive at Mae Haad Pier, on the West coast of the island. There are two airports in Bangkok, Don Muang (DMK) and Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and which one you depart from will depend on which airline you are flying with. By panoptil, May 26, 2009 in Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao. The dry season runs from late December through to March. They are quite distinctive fellows with grey/blue skin covered in brownish red spots. Click here to learn more about this fun trip. But also i've never been there before so i'm curious. This is actually one of the best places you can go snorkeling on Koh Tao. In addition to seeing turtles (which youd expect on Turtle Island), you might also spot black-tip reef sharks and blue-spotted rays. It stays open late and its flood-lit at night, so this is a great way to spend an evening out. Of course, this is of no fault of the company, but just something to be aware of. The Kingdom of Smiles has no shortage of paradisiacalislands to choose from. Koh Tao is less developed than its bigger neighbours Koh Phangan and Koh Samui but still has plenty to offer everyone. 7) Relax on the Beach on Koh Yao Noi. I had such incredible experiences in Koh Tao and loved scuba diving, beach bumming, hiking, and wild nightlife. Theres so much to see and do in Koh Tao that youll need to take at least some time on your trip to just do absolutely nothing and enjoy the beach. Since there are many dive schools on Koh Tao, its important to do your research and choose the one thats right for you. I stayed in Baan Rock Inn for $20.00 per night which I shared with my partner. There are about 25 dive sites around Koh Tao. Lomprayah, Seatran and Songserm Expess day time ferries will stop in Koh Samui and Koh Phangan on the way to Koh Tao. Koh Yao Noi is not the first name that comes to mind when you think of the amazing islands of Phrang Nga Bay off the west coast of Thailand. Koh Phangan has been made popular thanks to the full moon party, though it is a pretty chill place. The concept is simple take a beach bucket, and fill it with booze, ice, and a few mixers. What a deal! For Surat Thani the duration ranges from 8 hours 40 minutes to 12 hours 15 minutes and the price ranges from 750 1,850THB. I thought it's impossible but then I found this graphic and I'm confused. Though if you are on an organized tour you will visit this island as well as Mango Bay, Hin Wong Bay, Aow Leuk, and Sharks Bay. Check out. After a long day out in the water or up on the rocks, the best way to wind down is with some sundowners on the beach. Monitor LizardStays around ponds, lakes and other fresh water spots. At the sunset viewpoint, there is a bar where you can buy drinks and chill out while watching the sun disappear below the clouds in the distance. Koh Tao is a relatively safe place. This gorgeous archipelago of islands is just a short boat ride away, and just about every tour operator runs trips there. Though there is nothing wrong with being stranded in paradise for a couple of extra days. There are also a few bars up the hill that offer a panoramic view of the sunset. When it comes to accommodation there are so many options available and at widely different price ranges. Most meals here are around $2.60 $3.92 / 80 120 THB. Services are operated by Lomprayah Catamaran, Seatran and Songserm Express with daily services to Koh Tao. There are no direct flights to either Chumphon or Surat Thani but there are 5 flights a day to Koh Samui, of which the first 3 would you get you there in time to board a boat to Koh Tao on the same day. You can travel from Bangkok to Koh Tao by flying south for up to 1 hour and catching a ferry to the island. Members who are extremely knowledgeable about this destination and answer travellers questions frequently. more. Though if you are in Koh Tao you are going to need one to get around. A hostel set in nature with an incredible pool. If you are in Chumphon town, you will need to get a mini bus transfer to the ferry piers (approximately 15/20 mins, or the Chumphon airport transfer will take up to 1 hour). document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your typical New Zealander, now discovering the world one country at a time.