Koh Tao, Thailand

Date: September 2015
Location: Koh Tao (Island), Thailand

Accommodation recommendation: Koh Tao Beachside Resort, Mae Haad
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Diving, diving, diving. Koh Tao (Turtle island) is surrounded by plenty of beautiful dive sites and you can find almost as many dive centers as bars on the island. It's a great and easy place to start off your diving adventure. Shop around for a dive center that fits your needs (language, budget deals, ambiance, big/small groups, boat schedule, etc.

Other than diving, the island has beautiful bays for sunbathing, swimming and snorkeling. It's easy to rent a scooter and drive, but be really careful. The road conditions are bad and other people (and street dogs) can be full of surprises. There's no proper hospital. If you need a rescue there's a pick-up car ambulance where you'll lay in the back (open-air) to be transported to a speedboat to Samui or the mainland.

Do's:

Well, GO DIVING!;
Walk around Mae Haad at night time, have a cozy dinner at Whitening (the Thai food portions are big);
Rent a scooter and drive (very very carefully) to both ends of the concrete road, Nangyuan viewpoint and Chalok Baan Kao (plus Thian Og Bay);
Take a Muay Thai class at the training centre opposite the Lompraya pier in Mae Haad, there's an excellent trainer and suitable for all levels.

Don'ts:

Expect aquarium-like visibility, you're diving in a gulf basically without currents - around full moon it can get quite green;
Go searching for draft beer, you won't find any;
Swim, snorkel and dive close to Titan Trigger fish - they can attack and bite you (like a small dog bite), swim away feet towards the fish and (if possible) along the bottom;
Walk around the streets in beach wear, this is offensive for Thai people.