Ko Tao (Surat Thani, Southern Gulf)
Ko Tao (เกาะเต่า) — Surat Thani, Southern Gulf · Population: 9,800 · 20 m.
Accès & Transports
Chumphon Airport (CJM) · Chumphon SRT Station & Thung Makham Noi Lomprayah Pier (85 km). Compare SRT overnight sleeper berths from Krung Thep Aphiwat, domestic flights, and Lomprayah/Andaman ferries in our Thai Baht (฿ THB) calculators.
Top Sights & Landmarks
- Koh Nang Yuan Twin Sandbar Island & Viewpoint
- Shark Bay, Ao Leuk & Japanese Gardens Coral Reefs
- Sairee Beach Sunset & John-Suwan Viewpoint
Local Food & Regional Thai Specialties
In Ko Tao (Southern Gulf Coast & Islands), everyday dining revolves around morning Talad Sod fresh markets, made-to-order Tam Sang wok stalls, and evening night markets serving authentic Southern Gulf Coast & Islands flavors. Expect made-to-order street dishes for ฿50–฿120 and sit-down regional mains for ฿120–฿280; say 'Phed Noi' for mild spice or 'Mai Sai Phong Churot' for no MSG.
- Gaeng Som Pla — Southern Sour Turmeric Fish Curry (แกงส้มใต้ / แกงเหลือง) (฿150–฿280) — Bright golden fresh-turmeric, tamarind, and bird's-eye chili broth cooked with Gulf sea bass and crisp bamboo shoots.
- Khao Yam Pak Tai — Southern Herb Rice Salad (ข้าวยำปักษ์ใต้) (฿60–฿110) — Butterfly-pea blue jasmine rice tossed with toasted coconut, lemongrass, pomelo, kaffir lime leaves, and sweet fermented fish dressing (Nam Budu).
- Khua Kling Moo & Surat Thani Blue Swimming Crab (คั่วกลิ้งหมู / หอยนางรมสุราษฎร์) (฿120–฿240) — Dry-wok Southern turmeric-and-black-pepper minced pork alongside steamed Bandon Bay blue swimming crab with crispy shallots and chili paste.
- Kalamae Koh Samui — Coconut Caramel Toffee (กะละแมเกาะสมุย) (฿60–฿120) — Chewy Samui island coconut cream and palm sugar confection slow-stirred in brass woks.
Visit the morning Talad Sod and evening street-food night market in central Ko Tao; carry ฿20–฿100 notes or scan PromptPay QR, and ask for 'Phed Noi' (mild spicy) or 'Waan Noi' (less sweet for iced tea).