Bangkok, 6 March, 2014
– Some of Thailand’s most pristine islands have once again been
acclaimed by international visitors who recently voted them among the
world’s best. In the latest international poll for TripAdvisor’s 2014
Travellers’ Choice Awards, Ko Tao in the southern coastal region of
Thailand was named the 10th best island in the world.
Ko Tao
was also voted the Number 1 island destination in Asia, along with Ko
Phangan (No. 3), Ko Lanta (No. 4), Phuket (No. 7) and Ko Samui which
came in at No. 9.
Mr.
Thawatchai Arunyik, Governor of TAT, said, “These votes in the
TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards mean a great deal because they
come from travellers who’ve enjoyed real experiences around the world.
“The
high ratings of Ko Tao, and other islands in the Gulf of Thailand and
Andaman Sea, show how people have come to not only appreciate the
pristine state of these lovely places, but also the fact that they all
offer a wide range of accommodation to suit a range of budgets. And all
travellers get to experience the wonderful hospitality for which
Thailand is famous.”
Located
just off the mainland province of Surat Thani in southern Thailand, Ko
Tao can be reached by speedboat or ferry from Samui and the mainland.
Once there, travellers can enjoy powdery, white sandy beaches washed by
the waves of crystal-clear sea water.
Ko Tao –
which means Turtle Island – was given the name because its pristine
beaches have long been breeding and egg-laying sites for green turtles.
Today, the island is Thailand’s most popular scuba diving destination
and there are many diving schools, shops, resorts and diving tour
operators which cater for beginners and experienced divers alike.
There is
also an ongoing drive by the local people and authorities to preserve
the natural wonders of Ko Tao and keep it clean and pristine, while
trying to cater for the many young people who go there, with a range of
food and nightlife options.
Also
found in Surat Thani, the island of Ko Phangan is well known across the
world for its pristine beaches and breathtaking scenery, while nearby Ko
Samui, which can offer holiday experiences to meet a range of tastes,
has long been famous for its lush interior and lovely beaches.
Ko Phangan Phuket
The
three islands are well served by direct flights to Samui from Bangkok,
Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia, as well as direct domestic flights
from Bangkok to Surat Thani Airport.
On the
western coast of the Thai Peninsula, Phuket continues to enjoy its
reputation as the Pearl of the Andaman and one of the top travel
destinations in Thailand. The island has its own airport which is
currently being expanded to handle some 12.5 million passengers a year
by 2015, and increasing numbers of international airlines are
introducing direct flights to Phuket.
Also on
the west coast of Andaman Sea is Ko Lanta, which lies between Krabi and
the islands of Phi Phi. Though not long established on the tourist
trail, Ko Lanta has won the hearts of travellers from all over the world
with its stunning scenery, shady private beaches and surrounding
emerald waters.
Thailand’s islands can be visited all year round. For more information, visit: www.tourismthailand.org
