Koh Tao in top 10 most beautiful islands in the world
Koh Thao is once again in Tripadvisor's prestigious list of the most beautiful islands in the world. Last year the turtle island was still in 8th place. This time the small Thai island is the gate closer at place 10.
Ambergris Caye (Belize) has been voted the most beautiful island in the world for the second year in a row.
Koh Tao
The name of the palm-fringed island of Koh Tao, in the Gulf of Thailand, is derived from the many sea turtles that live on its beaches. White sandy beaches sheltered by steep slopes (some of which are only accessible by four-wheel drive vehicles) and the 300 days of sunshine a year, invite long afternoons to enjoy.
Koh Tao is fast becoming the favorite destination of those who come to Thailand for sporting purposes. The island is very popular with divers, mountaineers and hikers. Thanks to the shallow water around the island, you can snorkel excellently and enjoy thousands of fish and ancient coral. Every year around 7.000 international tourists obtain a diving certificate here. This makes Koh Tao one of the most popular destinations in the world for learning to dive. Anglers are increasingly visiting the island, hoping to catch a marlin, snapper or barracuda.
Sairee Beach is the most popular beach on Koh Tao. It is also a magical place to see breathtaking sunsets. Other popular beaches are Freedom Beach, Thiang Og Bay (Shark Bay), Sai Daeng Beach and Tanote Bay.
Top 10 most beautiful islands in the world
Tripadvisor's list for 2014:
- Ambergris Caye, Belize
- Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands
- Bora Bora, French Polynesia
- Marco Island, Florida, United States
- Lewis and Harris, Outer Hebrides, Scotland
- Naxos, Greece
- Aitutaki, Cook Islands
- Nosy Be, Madagascar
- Easter Island, Chile
- Koh Tao, Thailand
Indeed, it is a beautiful island. Unfortunately, I do have some caveats.
I went to the sea several times to snorkel, even went on a snorkeling trip for a day, but I have never seen so few fish and coral. Frankly disappointing to me.
I also found the inhabitants of the island much more unfriendly compared to the other islands such as Ko Phangnan and Ko Samui. I spent a month in Thailand in transit so I do have some comparison material and I also visited Thailand for a month three years ago. But anyway Thailand remains a wonderful country and I will definitely go back.
At sometime !! The island is unique and beautiful. Recently I was there for the 2nd time. Unfortunately, I had to conclude that Koh Tao is dying of its own success. Too many, albeit friendly and civilized, tourists all cruising around on their scooters or trikes. Understandable because it is the only way to discover everything on the island ... but now so massive that it detracts from everyone's stay there. Furthermore, residents, not to mention investors, are seeing more and more here
baht marks in their eyes. The prices of accommodations, food and drinks are skyrocketing; 120 baht for a bottle of beer and 160 for a mix is not a cat piss! There is construction during life, but investments in infrastructure are virtually nil. Koh Tao, lovely island, no police seen and not needed….but dying just like the coral.