|
|
 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.
Boat
Note: all information is subject to change
due to weather conditions or other
circumstances without prior notice, please confirm all details
carefully with the booking office
 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 B, Jeeps from 1000 B, 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 rid e.
Basic taxi prices:
from Mae Haad
to Sairee Beach or Chalok Baan Kao: 1 pers. 30 B
to Tanote: 1-4 pers. 200 B / to Hin Wong: 1-2 pers. 100 B
to Ao Leuk or Thian Og: 1-2 pers. 80 B
from Sairee
to Chalok Baan Kao: 60 B / to Ao Leuk: 1-2 pers. 120 B
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 B per person
to Nang Yuan: 1-2 persons 100 B
to Tanote Bay: 1-3 persons 300 B
around the island: 1-4 persons 1000 B
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.
|
