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Koh Tao, Thailand 🇹🇭
#1366
,
Nomad Score:
65%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Koh Tao is a small island in the Gulf of Thailand known for its diving spots and stunning beaches. |
| 👥 Population | About 1,500 permanent residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 30 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 THB ≈ 0.029 USD; ATMs available but may have withdrawal fees. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/F sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Popular providers include AIS and TrueMove, both offer good coverage on the island. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Cash and cards are accepted; Revolut and Wise are popular among expats. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hostels, guesthouses, and beach resorts, ranging from $10 to $150 per night. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, but cash is still preferred in many small local shops. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb is widely used for short-term stays, with prices starting around $30 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Ban's Diving Resort offers dormitories starting at $12 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Sairee Beach offers numerous amenities and nightlife options. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Tanote Bay for a quieter atmosphere and good WiFi at many accommodations. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Hive Koh Tao is a popular co-working space with fast internet. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe del Sol has a good vibe, excellent WiFi and coffee. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly expat meet-ups are held at various bars; check local Facebook groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Koh Tao Expats Facebook group is a great resource for local events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Local taxis (songthaews) are available but not app-based. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Numerous rental shops are available; prices range from $6 to $10 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Sairee Beach is the most popular beach, offering water sports and beach bars. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Bangkok Airways operates flights to Koh Samui, which connects to Koh Tao by ferry. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Thai Airways and AirAsia offer flights to Surat Thani, the nearest mainland airport. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to a main highway is via a ferry ride from Chumphon. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Surat Thani is the nearest main transit hub with trains and buses. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Not applicable; transportation is typically by taxis or motorbikes. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Ferries connect Koh Tao to Koh Samui and Ko Pha Ngan regularly. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Koh Tao Hospital provides basic healthcare; for serious conditions, travel to Koh Samui. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Retreat Koh Tao offers various classes and wellness programs. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness stations available at some resorts, and occasional outdoor classes. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Multiple laundries offer self-service and drop-off services around Sairee. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Grab is available for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the local seafood dishes like grilled fish and green curry. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Earth House offers a variety of vegan and vegetarian dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Sweet Retreat serves great desserts and pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets on weekends offer fresh produce and snacks. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Shopee and Lazada are popular for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Local stores offer delivery services upon request; prices vary. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Sairee Beach has a vibrant nightlife with beach bars and clubs. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Koh Tao Brewery offers locally made beer. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Gallery is a popular venue for wine lovers. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors sell various local dishes, especially near the pier. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Barracuda Restaurant offers both Thai and international options. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Koh Nang Yuan is a must-visit for stunning views and snorkeling. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Tao Thong Villa sometimes features local art exhibitions. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Japanese Gardens feature underwater archaeology remains. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Hin Wong Soi offers a temple with local cultural significance. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Koh Tao Festival celebrates local culture annually in June. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The village of Ao Leuk offers a glimpse of local island life. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local puppet shows and performances are held at community centers. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Koh Tao's night market is popular among locals for affordable food. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music can be found at several beachfront venues, especially in high season. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Some walls in Sairee Beach showcase local artists' work. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Bamboo Cooking School offers classes in traditional Thai cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Some local cafes showcase works by emerging artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Several preserved shacks and bungalows showcase traditional Thai architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The island has a rich underwater heritage, with world-renowned dive sites. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The surrounding waters are part of a Marine National Park, offering stunning snorkeling and diving. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Ang Thong National Marine Park is accessible via boat trips. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Various trails exist for walking, particularly around Ban Chalok Baan Kao. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | John-Suwan Viewpoint and Glass Bottom Boat are popular scenic spots. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Birdwatching around the island near Hat Sai Nuan is excellent. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Many beach areas, especially Sairee Beach, welcome bonfires after dark. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Thailand Post provides reliable parcel services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops in Sairee can take care of tech repairs for phones and laptops. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Some hostels and resorts offer table tennis tables. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language classes can be found at various community centers. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Cafes and co-working spaces serve as great study spots. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Community events are often hosted at local temples. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Some bars have gaming setups for guests. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | There are no casinos on the island; the nearest are on the mainland. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $80,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $60,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $150,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $108,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $3,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $240,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $200,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 20% for companies in Thailand. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% for foreign shareholders. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Tax residence based on physical presence in Thailand. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Highest personal income tax rate is 35%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate is 7%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applies to Thai tax residents with foreign companies. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax applies to ownership, generally low. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Stamp duty is 0.5% for property transactions. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No capital gains tax; only pay tax on income earned in Thailand. |