What insights we have on Koh Tao? In terms of the “soft landing” we have hoped for then it is certainly a place that meets these expectations. Koh Tao is designed to meet the needs of almost any western tourist: a supermarket on every corner, ATMs, clinic, plenty of guest houses and resorts, restaurants, laundry services and so on. There was no problem to get along.
On the other hand it is definitely not the ideal destination for families. In fact, we felt a bit trapped because of the Dive Master course I started and which lasted for almost 5 weeks. Without it we would have left after a week. The island is more suitable for young backpackers who come alone or as a couple. Which means that the kids had almost no company (which pretty much drove them nuts). Getting around the island without a scooter is very difficult and for us being a family of five scooter was not a valid option. We encountered too many people on the island with scooter accident bruises. Even though t is a small island it is very hilly with a lot of difficult climbs to pass while walking from place to place. The heavenly beaches seen in pictures are indeed very beautiful but not too comfortable for bathing or swimming. Motor boats go by on a regular basis, load and unload divers. The water was not very clean and the beach is not really convenient to lay your body on. There were some nicer beaches in more remote corners of the island, but here again without a scooter it requires a 300 baht taxi in each direction.
Koh Tao is not cheap. While not the prices of our home country, but still not the prices we expected in East Asia. We had enough reasons to expect that our first month in Koh Tao will be a relatively expensive one and it certainly met the expectations.
To sum up only the living expenses included:
Lodging 650$
Food 1000$
Local transport 30$ (walking… walking…)
Miscellaneous (laundry, hairdresser, clothing, cigarettes) 100$
Unexpected (clinic) 50$
Total 1830$, which exceeded the budget by 45%. Please note that we did expect to exceed, but in a smaller amount.
Distribution of November 2014 living expenses
I did not include in the list above expenses of “investments” type such as transportation to/from Koh Tao, diving courses (Dive Master for me, Open Water Diver for kids, fun diving, hiking, etc.).
Sample prices would be:
Fruit Smoothie 60 baht (2$)
Banana Loti 40 baht (1.5$)
Pad Thai 80 baht (3$)
Yogurt 15 baht (0.5$)
Cashewnut Chicken with Rice 120 baht (4$)
Pack of Marlboro cigarettes 100 baht (3$)
Opem Water Diver course 8500 baht (300$)
Muay Thai boxing class 300 Thai baht (10$)
Two fun dives with full equipment 1400 baht (50$)
In conclusion, it was good and it’s good that it’s done. We’re off, continuing our journey.
