KoToa is a little island, only 21 square km with virtually half of that too rugged to access. To begin with the islandwas not occupied, visited only by fishermen from nearby islands when looking for shelter during storms or when they require clean water and food. It seems peculiar that such a tourist paradise should have been initially earmarked as a penal island. Odd, but true. From 1933 until 1947 the islandhoused political prisoners. Being almost 70 km from the mainland meant it was somewhat escape proof! Alcatraz...piece of cake. KoTao is surrounded by loads of Whale sharks and Black Tip Sharks as well. They were the twin brothers Khun Oh & Khun Ueam who got to Koh Taoby boat from the neighboring island of Kho Phangan, KohTaowas still under Royal Patronage in those days but it did not prevent those fortune seekers from staking their claim. There is a wide range of Guesthouses and Bungalowson Ko Tao for differnt type of budget, availible to book online provided by PhanganIsland.com. KohTaoisland is located about 75 kilometres east of the coastline inbetween Suratthani and Chumporn in the Gulf of Thailand and its approximatly 21 kilometer in size - so small but not too small. Suddenly the island ferries were disgorging people with suitcases, not backpacks, portable computers not guitars, and what is this; trainers not flip flops?!, and some had children as well.
Private Beach 
