Tucked away in the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Thailand, there lies a destination of stunning beauty, enthralling landscapes and warm hospitality – Koh Tao. Haven’t heard about the place?
Well, surprisingly Koh Tao is world famous for learning diving. People from all over the world travel to Koh Tao for their PADI Discover Scuba Diving and Open Water Diver courses. The island is home to some of the most stunning beaches in the world and best coral reefs that are must-see, teaming with colorful fish and other marine life. But apart from diving, this beautiful place has lush green rainforests, towering mountains, pristine beaches with crystal-clear waters, abundance of natural beauty and super friendly people. Everywhere you look, there’s a picture-perfect view that will leave you in awe. Staying true to the renowned Thai hospitality, Koh Tao is heaven to the food lovers as well. Whether you are enjoying fresh seafood meal at a local restaurant or having the fresh coconut water or the local drink or enjoying the stunning sunsets with a local food, Koh Tao never fail to impress you. The locals are warm, welcoming and are always eager to share their experiences and smiles with tourists.
The beauty of this island is result of the dedication of their natives who ensure that they preserve what has been given by nature to them. Sustainability is practised, promised and lived here. And showcased in the recently held Spotlight KohTao 2023 event. During the event, we were introduced to 12 best activities to do in Koh Tao. Though they are available throughout the year, but its advisable to check the best time before visiting the place.
1) Coral Reef Rehabilitation
For decades, Koh Tao has enjoyed a well-deserved reputation as a world-class diving destination. However, the coral reefs have suffered from degradation due to both natural and anthropogenic disturbances, including coastal development, sedimentation, destructive fishing, and tourism-related activities. To combat these destructive forces, our environmentally-focused local community has joined forces with private businesses and government organizations to develop coral reef rehabilitation projects. Coral reefs in Thailand are protected by law under legislation passed by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE). No touching, removal, or trading of coral is permitted, unless for research purposes. However, eight dive centers on Koh Tao have been granted permission by the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) to conduct reef rehabilitation projects by way of coral transplantation. This activity help you to learn all about coral propagation and if you are a certified diver, you can join a dive where you’ll help prepare artificial structures and be introduced to the equipment required for transplantation equipment.
2) Reef Watch Monitoring
Reef Watch is a simple one-dive-one-survey method to record the health of a coral reef and can be conducted by both divers and snorkelers. Participants record information on an official Reef Watch underwater slate and all data is submitted to officials for analysis and observation. In this program you’ll get a brief on how to monitor coral health and join their team on a snorkeling trip to collect valuable information. The data you collect will help them to identify and manage trends so they can continue to develop revitalization techniques that promote optimum coral health.
3) Mooring Buoys Maintenance
Koh Tao is renowned for world-class diving, and over 50 spectacular dive sites surround the island. To support our thriving diving economy and prevent damage to the coral reefs and marine ecosystem, mooring buoys are frequently installed and maintained. In this activity you will join the mooring buoy maintenance team for the day. You’ll be introduced to mooring buoy systems and learn more about their effectiveness, bases for placement, and assist our team with their essential mooring buoy maintenance and replacement tasks.
4) Underwater and Beach Clean-up
In this activity you get opportunity to contribute your share in maintaining the nature by helping the local dive centers and community groups at various sites in removing trash from underwater. The dive sites are rotated and chosen depending on the urgency of need, current conditions, and logistical requirements.
5) Fish Aggregation with local fishermen
This was an interesting activity to see the fisherman’s life up and close. Its important to keep a health balance between the needs of local people while ensuring marine life populations remain healthy. On Koh Tao, local fishermen have mastered the art of fish aggregation to ensure sustainability. In this activity you get to know about the local FAD systems and learn about their effectiveness and bases for placement before visiting an underwater fish aggregation site to see the practice in action. Fish aggregation devices are floating objects that are designed and strategically placed to attract pelagic fish. Man-made FADs are constructed from a variety of materials and usually consist of a buoy or float tethered to an anchor point on the ocean floor.
6) Watershed Forest Rehabilitation
Koh Tao is a small island with limited water resources. As a result, some of our conservation efforts focus on protecting our fresh water supply. In this activity one can learn about the local watershed management and planting endemic species to protect tropical forests on Koh Tao.
7) CoCo Tie Dye Workshop
This is a must-do activity in Koh Tao as it is fun, creative and truly worth the time. You will discover your creative side as in this activity as you are led by a local tie-dye artist who will teach you to use an array of natural dyes and coconut husk to design your own tie-dye creation. You’ll explore different colors and soak-in techniques and be provided with all the materials you need to make your own organic tie-dyed creation. Must remember to collect your self created masterpiece to flaunt in the circle.
Tie-dying is a zero-waste endeavor and a cottage industry that provides income for Koh Tao locals. They use only naturally derived coloring agents and coconut meal to produce one-of-a-kind creations.
8) Sea Glass Creations Workshop
Koh Tao residents have learned to limit their use of non-biodegradable products. They use innovative recycling and upcycling techniques to turn discarded items into products that are both practical and environmentally friendly. In this activity you will earn how to reduce, reuse, and recycle from waste products.
9) Natural Cleaning Products Workshop
Learn to create your soaps, shampoo, detergents, and cleaning fluids, etc. by using the local ingredients available. Using naturally-derived ingredients ensures maximum use of precious resources and eliminates unnecessary wastage. In this activity you learn how the process works from start to finish, using 100% natural ingredients that have been grown, harvested, and prepared on Koh Tao, – all completely free of artificial color or harmful chemicals.
10) Zero Waste Thai Cuisine Class
Every area of Thailand has its own unique style when it comes to flavors and flair in the kitchen, and the southern provinces are no different. You can join the Thai cooking class and discover how to make a delicious and nutritious Thai meal using simple ingredients. Led by experienced chefs with decades of experience, you’ll learn how to perfect the combination of sweet, sour, spicy, bitter, and salty aromas that combine to make the taste sensations we know and love.
11) Plas- Tao Workshop
Is a project that collects plastic waste from both the ocean and the island. They take the plastic waste and turn that waste into new and exciting products. The aim is to reduce the amount of plastic going to landfill and also prevent it from entering the ocean. The recycled products are all handmade on Koh Tao.
12) ECO PRINT Workshop
ECO PRINT is an eco-friendly printing process using various types of leaves. An expert will help you to understand the process where you will use various leaves to transfer their colors and patterns to natural cloth such as cotton and silk. ECO PRINT by Khon Lay uses local materials and leaves to print onto clothes, using sea water as a mordant which can be a challenge, but allows us to create amazing new creations of product for both colors and patterns. The more you look at them, the more you fascinated.
There is lot to see and do in Koh Tao, so it should definitely be on your bucket list if you also love nature and want to be a part of the sustainable ecosystem.