Location
Koh Tao (
A little history
From 1933 to 1947 the island was used as a prison for political prisoners. Its location meant that there was no means of escape by swimming and, in those times, even taking a boat meant taking your life in your own hands. In 1947 the then King of Thailand granted a pardon to all these prisoners and they were transported to the mainland. Soon after a small but steady flow of people began to come to Koh Tao to farm coconuts and fish. Then in the 1980’s adventurous backpackers discovered Koh Tao and tourism has powered growth here ever since.
Preserving Koh Tao
Koh Tao is a tiny island, just 7 km by 3, and to this day it remains a green jewel in the clear blue waters of the
Koh Tao Star Villa is committed to ‘Eco-tourism’ (a very much over used term in our opinion) and maintaining this tropical paradise. We would like to think that our guests will also play their part in ensuring that their visit here has a positive (rather than a negative) impact on the island. So, if you wish to get involved and get your hands dirty, let us know, and we will be more than happy to bring you along to some of the sites that we are helping to develop or protect.
About Koh Tao
Though it is most renowned for its SCUBA DIVING, Koh Tao can now offer you a wealth of activities to enjoy both in and out of the water. In fact it is difficult to know where to start. Oh, I know – what about the fabulous white sandy beaches and rocky coves that are dotted around its coast. Many of these provide excellent snorkelling and if you get up early enough or go later in the day, you can swim with the baby reef sharks at some of these sites. For more about SCUBA diving on Koh Tao, click HERE.
There are mountain trails for the more active, ten-pin bowling, mini golf, rock climbing, flying trapeze lessons, speed boat trips around the island, Muay Thai (Thai boxing), yoga, all sort of adventure sports, or, for the less energetic, Koh Tao is blessed with fantastic scenery, great sunsets and many idyllic hideaways where you can watch the natural world go by.
And then, to follow you hectic (or maybe not so hectic) day, perhaps a massage or some other spa treatment. This, like the yoga, can be experienced on your spacious terrace overlooking the sea and the jungle.
All this, and there is a range of bars and clubs to suit all tastes, just as there are different cuisines from around the world on offer from a host of restaurants. Truely an island with something for everyone.
Behind KTSV is a Buddhist temple, preserved as a retreat for monks on strict sabbatical from around
Getting Here
In the past Koh Tao was a very difficult place to get to and boat crossing were often delayed for days at a time. Fortunately
travel links with the island are now, you will be glad to know, much better. After arriving at
The easiest is to catch an internal flight to Koh Samui airport.
If you wish to fly with Thai Airways, it is possible to fly from your home country to Koh Samui without having to collect your luggage
and check it in again at
Bangkok Airways also offer flights from
Watch the sun go down from your terrace (about 80 meters above sea level) and on clearer days you can see the mountains of the mainland in the distance. And at night, turn the lights off, lie back and watch the splendour of the universe wheel across the night sky. On a good night when the moon is new, you might see 3 or 4 shooting stars - except October when you can see a whole lot more. We have even had the pleasure of watching the space shuttle pass above our heads.
Koh Tao Star Villa is set in just under an acre of grounds about a kilometre from the hubhub of Sairee. The surrounding jungle is dotted with banana, mango, papaya and coconut trees; and from the vantage point provided by your terrace, you will be able to enjoy the daily spectacle of the sea eagles cavorting in the clear blue skies of early morning and late evening; enjoy balmy evenings playing pool or chess and listen to the daytime sounds of the tropical jungle become even more evocative at night.
Koh Tao Star Villa and its place in the natural order
As an alternative to the domestic flight to Koh Samui, you can make your way from
Or you can travel by first class coach from
A small detour on your way to Koh Tao.
If you are thinking of spending a few days in Bangkok before heading south, you may want to consider taking a couple of days out to
visit Kanchanaburi – famous because this is where you find the ‘bridge over the river Kwai’. This town is just a couple of hours
bus journey west from
If you have any other particular questions about
Our Contribution to Maintaining The Natural Beauty of Koh Tao
