The Enchanting Island of Koh Tao

• Helloสวัสดี
  [sawasdee]
• Goodbyeลาก่อน
  [la kon]
• Yesใช่
  [chai]
• Noไม่
  [mai]
• Please/You're welcomeโปรด/ยินดี
  [prode/yindee]
• Thank youขอบคุณ
  [kop khun]
• Excuse me/Sorryขอโทษ
  [kor toht]
• How are you?สบายดีไหม
  [sabai dee mai]
• Fine. And you?สบายดี คุณละ
  [sabai dee kun la]
• Do you speak English?คุณพูดภาษาอังกฤษได้ไหม
  [kun poot paa saa angkrit dai mai]
• I don't understandฉันไม่เข้าใจ
  [chan mai khao jai]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseฉันอยากดูเมนู โปรด
  [chan yak du menu prode]
• I don't eat meatฉันไม่กินเนื้อ
  [chan mai gin nuea]
• Cheers!ชน
  [chon]
• I would like to pay, pleaseฉันอยากจ่ายเงิน โปรด
  [chan yak jai ngern prode]

• Help!ช่วย!
  [chuay!]
• Go away!ไปห่างๆ!
  [pai hang hang!]
• Call the Police!โทรตำรวจ!
  [tor tamruat!]
• Call a doctor!โทรหมอ!
  [tor mor!]
• I'm lostฉันสูญหาย
  [chan soon hai]
• I'm illฉันไม่สบาย
  [chan mai sabai]

• I'd like to buy...ฉันอยากซื้อ...
  [chan yak sue...]
• I'm just lookingฉันแค่ดูอย่างเดียว
  [chan kae du yang diao]
• How much is it?ราคาเท่าไหร่
  [ra ka thao rai]
• That's too expensiveแพงเกินไป
  [paeng kuen pai]
• Can you lower the price?ลดราคาได้ไหม
  [lot ra ka dai mai]

• What time is it?กี่โมงแล้ว
  [gee mong laew]
• It's one o'clockเป็นโมงแล้ว
  [pen mong laew]
• Half past (10)สามสิบครึ่ง
  [sam sip khrung]
• Morningเช้า
  [chao]
• Afternoonบ่าย
  [bai]
• Eveningเย็น
  [yen]
• Yesterdayเมื่อวาน
  [meua wan]
• Todayวันนี้
  [wan nee]
• Tomorrowพรุ่งนี้
  [proong nee]
• 1หนึ่ง
  [neung]
• 2สอง
  [song]
• 3สาม
  [sam]
• 4สี่
  [si]
• 5ห้า
  [ha]
• 6หก
  [hok]
• 7เจ็ด
  [jet]
• 8แปด
  [paet]
• 9เก้า
  [gao]
• 10สิบ
  [sip]

• Where's a/the...?...อยู่ที่ไหน
  [...yoo tee nai]
• What's the address?ที่อยู่คืออะไร
  [tee yoo keu a rai]
• Can you show me (on the map)?คุณช่วยแสดงให้ฉันได้ไหม
  [kun chuay sa dang hai chan dai mai]
• When's the next (bus)?รถเมล์ต่อไปเวลาเท่าไหร่
  [roh mel tor pai welaa thao rai]
• A ticket (to ....)ตั๋ว (ไป...)
  [dtua (pai...)]

Koh Tao, meaning 'Turtle Island,' is believed to have gotten its name due to the island's shape resembling a turtle and the presence of sea turtles in its surrounding waters. Historical records indicate that the island was first inhabited around the early 19th century by local fishermen who used it as a temporary shelter.

During World War II, Koh Tao was occupied by Japanese forces. The island's strategic location made it an ideal spot for monitoring naval activities in the Gulf of Thailand. Relics and remnants from this period, such as abandoned bunkers and old military equipment, can still be found scattered around the island.

In 1933, Koh Tao was designated as a political prison by the Thai government. The rugged and isolated terrain made it an ideal location for detaining political prisoners. The prison operated until 1947, when it was closed and the prisoners were transferred to the mainland. The remains of the prison structures are a stark reminder of this dark chapter in the island's history.

In the late 20th century, Koh Tao began to transform from a sleepy fishing island into a popular tourist destination. The island's crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and abundant marine life attracted diving enthusiasts from around the world. The establishment of dive schools and resorts in the 1980s and 1990s marked the beginning of Koh Tao's tourism boom.

With the rise in tourism came concerns about environmental impact. Over the years, local and international organizations have initiated various marine conservation projects to protect Koh Tao's delicate ecosystems. Efforts include coral reef restoration, sea turtle conservation programs, and sustainable tourism practices aimed at preserving the island's natural beauty for future generations.

Koh Tao celebrates several cultural festivals that reflect its rich heritage. Songkran, the Thai New Year, is marked with water fights and traditional ceremonies. Loy Krathong, the festival of lights, sees locals and tourists alike floating decorated baskets into the sea as an offering to the water spirits. These festivals offer a glimpse into the island's cultural fabric and provide a unique experience for visitors.

Koh Tao is accessible via several routes. Most travelers fly into Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) or Don Mueang Airport (DMK). From Bangkok, you can take an overnight bus or train to Chumphon, followed by a ferry to Koh Tao. Alternatively, you can fly from Bangkok to Koh Samui or Surat Thani, and then take a ferry to Koh Tao. Ferry services are provided by multiple operators, including Lomprayah, Seatran, and Songserm.

On Koh Tao, the most common modes of transportation are motorbikes and scooters, which can be rented from various shops across the island. Taxis and taxi boats are also available, but they can be more expensive. Bicycles are another option for getting around, particularly for short distances. Remember to drive carefully, as the roads can be steep and uneven in some areas.

The official currency in Thailand is the Thai Baht (THB). While credit cards are accepted at larger hotels, restaurants, and dive shops, it is advisable to carry cash for smaller establishments and street vendors. ATMs are plentiful on Koh Tao, but they usually charge a fee for withdrawals. It’s a good idea to have some cash on hand before arriving on the island.

Koh Tao is generally safe for tourists, but it is important to take standard precautions. Petty theft can occur, so keep your belongings secure and avoid leaving valuables unattended. Be cautious when riding scooters, as accidents are common. While most areas are safe, avoid remote beaches and poorly lit areas at night. Always use reputable dive schools and equipment when engaging in water activities.

In case of an emergency, dial 191 for police assistance and 1669 for medical emergencies. Koh Tao has a small hospital and several clinics that can handle minor injuries and illnesses. For serious conditions, evacuation to a larger hospital in Koh Samui or Bangkok may be necessary. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, including diving accidents.

Fashion: Do wear lightweight, breathable clothing, but avoid overly revealing attire in public places. When visiting temples, cover your shoulders and knees. Religion: Do show respect at religious sites; remove your shoes and speak softly. Public Transport: Do negotiate fares with taxi drivers before starting your journey. Don't expect public transport to run on a strict schedule. Greetings: Do greet locals with a 'wai' (a slight bow with hands pressed together). Eating & Drinking: Do try local seafood and Thai dishes. Don't drink tap water; stick to bottled water.

To experience Koh Tao like a local, visit the local markets and try street food for an authentic taste of Thai cuisine. Engage with locals and expats, who are often happy to share insider tips about the best dive sites and hidden beaches. Consider volunteering for a beach cleanup to give back to the community and help preserve Koh Tao's natural beauty. Finally, take a hike up to the John-Suwan Viewpoint for breathtaking views of the island.