Ko Tao is a beautiful island located off the Central Gulf Coast just south of Thailand. During the historic times, Ko Tao was a place of imprisonment for political captives. However, today the destination is popular among divers and explorers who wish...more
Ko Tao is a beautiful island located off the Central Gulf Coast just south of Thailand. During the historic times, Ko Tao was a place of imprisonment for political captives. However, today the destination is popular among divers and explorers who wish to learn more about nature and the island. Known for its natural beauty and comfortable settings, Ko Tao is a great place for those who wish to relax or enjoy adventure sports. Scuba diving is the main attraction of Ko Tao.
For Muslim visitors Ko Tao does not offer halal facilities, however the nearby island of Ko Samui does have some good halal options. The island spans over an area of 21 sq. kms. and receives almost 1 million visitors every year. The island is popular among local and international visitors. The island offers good opportunities of snorkelling and adventure activities like dirt biking, etc.
There is a main road that runs along the island and several roads divert from it. It is best for visitors to hire a bike and travel around the island to enjoy its beauty. The Shark Bay is an excellent place for snorkelling. There are several other bays that visitors would love to explore like the Freedom beach, Ko Nang Yuan, Mango Bay, Laem Thian, Tanote Bay and Hin Wong Bay. The road to Laem Thian and Mango Bay are suitable only for experienced bike riders. There are several good lookout points around the island like the John Suwan Mountain Viewpoint at the southern end of the island, the Two View in the center of Ko Tao and Fraggle Rock at the northern end.
Shopping is not the prime attraction of Ko Tao, but there are definitely some good shops where visitors can find a wide range of things to buy. There are a few supermarkets around the main areas of Ko Tao where items of daily needs can be found. Around the main beaches there are stalls selling local produce and souvenirs.
The nearest airport to Ko Tao is the Ko Samui Airport. The airport is served by daily flights from Bangkok and Chiang Mai. From Ko Samui visitors can take a ferry to Ko Toh. Flights from Bangkok to Ko Samui can cost around 4000 Baht per person. From Ko Samui high speed ferries are available to Ko Tao and cost around 550 Baht and the journey takes around 1.5 hours.
Finding halal food in Ko Tao can be a problem. It is best to enquire at the hotel or the resort or with the locals. The hotel or resort can make arrangements for halal food if informed in advance. There are several vegetarian and seafood options available at the restaurants. Visitors can also travel to Ko Samui where they can find a variety of halal restaurants to dine.
There are no mosques in Ko Tao. The nearest mosque is in Ko Phangan in Haad Ban Tai. Ko Samui also has a mosque, the Masjid Nurulihsan in Hua Thanon a Muslim village. The ferry ride from Ko Tao to Ko Phangan takes 1 hour and to Ko Samui takes around 1.5 hours.
100/1, Tambon Ko Pha-ngan, Amphoe Ko Pha-ngan, Chang Wat Surat Thani 84280, Thailand
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Prayer times for Koh Tao,Thailand