Koh Tao, Thailand 🇹🇭
#1366
10.092182, 99.839536
Nomad Score:
69%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Koh Tao is a small island located in the Gulf of Thailand, known for its picturesque beaches and excellent diving spots. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 1,500 residents (varies seasonally due to tourism). |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speeds of 20-30 Mbps, available in most cafes and coworking spaces. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 THB ≈ 0.029 USD. ATMs are available but may charge fees. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Popular providers are AIS, TrueMove, and DTAC, offering tourist packages. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Common payment types include cash, VISA, and MasterCard, with some locations accepting cryptocurrencies. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include bungalows, guesthouses, and hostels. Average price for a nice bungalow is around 800-1,500 THB per night. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Moderately cashless friendly; many businesses accept cards but cash is preferred in markets. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local listings available; prices range from 1,500-5,000 THB per month. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like 'The Gallery' and 'Koh Tao Central Hostel' starting around 250 THB per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Koh Tao Coworking - Positioned close to popular cafes and beaches. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe del Sol - Offers strong Wi-Fi, comfortable seating, and good coffee. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Digital nomad meetups organized at various times through local Facebook groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Events hosted regularly at bars like 'The Bamboo Bar' for community building. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Grab - Useful for ride-hailing and food delivery, works well on the island. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Available from various rental shops, averaging 200-300 THB per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Sairee Beach - The most popular beach with vibrant nightlife. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Bangkok Airways - Provides flights to and from Koh Samui. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Thai Airways - Connects through Bangkok to various international destinations. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Ferry access only; no vehicle roads connect Koh Tao to mainland. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Chumphon railway station - Main transit point for travels to Koh Tao. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No formal transit pass; local taxis and songthaews (shared taxis) operate. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Ferry services available to Koh Samui and Koh Phangan; multiple daily departures. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Koh Tao Hospital - Basic healthcare services available. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | The Yoga Retreat - Offers classes and detox programs. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | The Jungle Club Gym - Basic gym facilities in a tropical setting. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services available throughout the island, cost around 50 THB per kg. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Foodpanda - Reliable delivery service options. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Pad Thai - A quintessential Thai stir-fried noodle dish available everywhere. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Cafe Vegan - Known for its diverse plant-based menu. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Boulangerie - Famous for its freshly baked pastries and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets near Sairee Beach for fresh produce and meals. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Lazada Thailand - Popular choice for online purchases. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | HappyFresh - Offers grocery delivery services on the island. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Sairee Beach - Hub for nightlife with beach bars and clubs. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Koh Tao Brewing Company - Offers local craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Gallery Wine Bar - Offers a selection of wines by the glass. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Sairee Soi 1 - Street stalls offering various local delights. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Barracuda Restaurant - Known for seafood and international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Shark Bay - Famous for snorkeling with blacktip reef sharks. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Koh Tao Art Gallery - Showcases local artists' works. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Laem Thian Viewpoint - Offers historical context of the island. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Wat Koh Tao - A small temple with a peaceful atmosphere. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Koh Tao Music Festival - Annual music festival held in November. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Sairee Village - The main cultural hub with shops and eateries. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Beachfront movie screenings during peak season. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Night market at Sairee Beach for food and crafts on weekends. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Bars like 'Evolution' host live music regularly. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Various murals around Sairee showcasing local artists. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Samad Dee Cooking School - Hands-on Thai cooking courses. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Koh Tao Art Gallery - Features works from local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Old Fishermen's Village - Offers insights into local history. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Traditional boat building practices still alive on the island. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Visit nearby Koh Nang Yuan Island for hiking and snorkeling. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Koh Tao National Marine Park - Rich in biodiversity. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Scenic paths along Sairee Beach for leisurely walks. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Two View Mountain - Offers stunning views of the surrounding waters. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Tropical beaches around the island attract various bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas on Sairee Beach for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Koh Tao Post Office - Basic parcel delivery services available. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops like 'Koh Tao Tech' for gadget repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Available at some bars like 'The Bamboo Bar.' |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Thai language classes available through local expat groups. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Local cafes with quiet areas, like 'Cafe del Sol.' |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Island community events held at local bars. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Casual gaming available at cafes like 'Coffee House.' |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos on Koh Tao; nearest in mainland Thailand. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 150,000 THB per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 6,000,000 THB) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 100,000 THB per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 4,000,000 THB) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 120,000 THB per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 7,200,000 THB) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 80,000 THB per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 4,800,000 THB) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 110,000 THB per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 8,800,000 THB) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 70,000 THB per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 5,600,000 THB) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 20% in Thailand. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Territorial tax system, only income sourced within Thailand is taxed. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 35% for individuals. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate of 7%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applies primarily to foreign companies operating in Thailand. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is generally low in Thailand. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Stamp duty of 2% + transfer fee of 2% on property transactions. |