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Attracted by the outstanding coral reefs surrounding KoTao, and the growth in recreational diving, quite a few companies have set up divebusinesses on the island, these companies in turn designed resortsfor their clientele, and over the years several of these resortshave become quite elegant.
It has so much to offer but it still hasn't lost what attracted backpackershere in the first place, its still a petite piece of paradise for everybody to share and enjoy.
KoToa is a tiny island, only 20 square km with practically half of that too steep to access. Initially the island was not occupied, frequented only by fishermen from nearby islands when looking for shelter during thunderstorms or when in need of fresh water and food. It seems bizarre that such a tourist paradise should have been originally set up as a top-security prison. Odd, but true. From 1933 until 1947 the island was home to political prisoners. Being almost 70 kilometers from the nearby mainland meant it was comparatively escape proof! Alcatraz...piece of cake. Koh Toa is surrounded by a lot of Whale sharks and Black Tip Sharks too.
Consequently, as its reputation for gorgeous nature, unique marine life and beautiful landscapes got bigger, better access was available as soon as better built were brought in to cope with the large number of back packers being attracted to the island. Local farmers and fishermen recognised that merchants from outside Thailand were building up their islandto provide all these new clients and they too without delay initated a businesses to satisfy all the customers demands. From the days of being a prison camp, through to its current re-development, Turtle islandhas retained it's charm, though it now caters for everyone's requirments and budgets. These were the twin brothers Khun Oh and Khun Ueam who got to Koh Taoby boat from the next island of Kohphangan, the island was still under Royal Patronage in those days but it didn't stop these fortune seekers from claiming their stake of land. This small island was still under Royal Patronage in the early days, but it did not prevent these fortune seekers from making their claim. The first generation of today's community started to settle when they brought their families to Ko Tao and began to farm and reap the rich earth and natural resources on offer. Notwithstanding it still being under Royal Patronage, plots of land were claimed, and vacated for coconut plantations. You can still see lots of confirmation of the massive coconut plantations all over the island. |
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Bungalow Resorts and Hotels on Koh TaoHigh Bar & LodgeAccommodation on Koh Tao |
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(c) 2012 by www.kohtaoisland.net |
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