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'Tao' means turtle,
and the island is named for its turtle-shaped when seen
from out in the waters of the gulf whereby this
mountainous area rest on a ledge of coral reefs
like a sunbathing turtle. Smaller than Samui and Pha-ngan, Ko Tao,
over 20 square kilometers in area, lies about 40 kilometers
northwest of Ko Pha-ngan, and is also easily
accessible from Chumphon, directly west on the
mainland. The island is particularly popular
among divers, and has a reputation for some of
the most exciting dive sites in the entire gulf
and it is a perfect place for diving and
snorkeling.
Several companies based at Mae Hat, the island's
only town, can arrange dives for beginners and
experienced divers and most boat dock at Mae Hat
pier.
There are many
peaceful, idyllic and beautiful beaches on the island, such
as Hat Sai Ri beach, the island's longest beach on its
west coast, and Chalok Ban Kao beach and Sai Daeng
beach on
the south coast. There is also a unique
geological phenomenon at Nang Yuan, a tiny
cluster of islets just off the northwest coast
of Ko Tao, where stunning causeways of sand join
the islands, offering visitors the choice of two
seas to swim in. Other places of interest in Ko
Tao include the northeast cape of Laem Thian and
its small rocky cove and Ao Tanot, a beautiful
cove surrounded by limestone rock formations and
a sandy beach, located further south. For those
who prefer a quiet atmosphere, then go to Ao
Leuk beach and Hat Sai Daeng beach.
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