Koh Tao - last time 5 years ago - changes? recommendations? Please!

[wjmark]

I used to spend a lot of time right on Sairee beach from 2004-2010. At small bungalows owned by Mama Ochai. I wonder if she is still around?

Are there still places near Sairee for 4-500bt? Or has everything gone overpriced? I would like to stay as close as possible to the beach...

Given the political, economic, and murder climate, is Koh Tao really crowded for this high season? Or just moderately over-crowded?

And speaking of climate, a few weeks ago, the weather looked pretty rough. Is Sairee very swim-able these days? I have this real need to spend a lot of time in the water...

Is Lamprayah still the only fast easy option? (I used to take slow buses and the night ferries, but now I don't have that much time or energy!).

The last time I was there, the coral had gone eerily white (change in water temp). Has it gone back to normal?

I dunno what else. Just trying to figure out if I should go there for a visit or not. I used to love it, but that was a while ago...

Any advice would be great. Can PM me if you want...

Thanks, Mark

[daveAustin]

Things are more expensive and the Lomprayah is still the quick option. Seas are rough right now.

To be frank, I would rather put my money into buying chocolate fireguards or even flush it down the drain than give it to the scum over there (and all revenue streams do worm up), but each to their own. Beautiful island, yes, but I do not recommend it to anyone any more. I understand you're just after info and probably already know the SP with that place, but you did ask. Do yourself a favour and try out one of the southern islands like Lipe or Lanta.

[Neilly]

[Tropicalevo]

I'm sorry, but the op has asked for information about recommendations for a possible stay on Koh Tao.

What do these recent posts have to do with that? From the OP's post - he/she is aware of recent events.

If you want to start yet another thread defending the innocent (in your eyes) Burmese lads - then do it. Please do not hijack this thread.

To the OP - sorry, I am not a lover of Koh Tao (I am too old and I failed the diving medical!) so I cannot really offer good advice.

The seas around the islands are still a bit murky but they are clearing up.

I have friends who dive regularly and they still love KT.

Personally, I prefer the beaches on KPN (when I want to get away from Samui).

From my understanding of marine life (which is limited) bleached coral does not recover.

Both Lomprayah and Seatran go to KT.

http://www.seatrandiscovery.com/EN/time_table.html

http://www.lomprayah.com/

Again, my personal choice is Seatran. It is in Bangrak where you can sit, eat and drink in a large choice of places whilst waiting. Lomprayah is more remote (Maenam) and not so easy to get to.

Whatever you decide - have fun and please keep us posted.

PS to the other posters - I have no axe to grind re KT or Burmese workers. I am just waiting for more facts. Trial by social media is not a legal process in any country and something written on FB is not necessarily the truth.

[Rooo]

Off topic rant removed.

[Rooo]

To the OP , hope you have your answer from Tropivalevo.

Several trollish posts removed.

[CapeThai]

AVOID at all cost...... Unless you want to come back in a body bag...

[geistfunke]

better to remove not only some posts, better to remove the whole topic. At this time its a question of respect.

[brd]

The island is still the same island you visited however since the locals are controlling it, by now at the open it is official the island has become death island.

Better you visit from a boat and stay on the boat as venturing on the island feed those savages worse than animals.

Too many murderers happen and are not settled in court properly.

The old story : do not have a flashy/ too sexy/ too rich g/f some one will like to grab her drunk or not and will not hesitate to kill you first then afterwards the woman as well.

Up to you otherwise to take your chances.

I would not go and restrict any one to go.

Pure self defense and common sense plus jelly fishes etc.....

[Rooo]

OK enough with all this.

OP you have your answer, now closed.