Chaloke
Baankao Bay
The second most popular beach on Koh Tao, Chaloke Baankao is
overrun with the usual plethora of dive shops, guesthouses,
restaurants, travel agents and bars, all of which line the main
road running just off the back of the beach.
The
beach here is pretty and at low tide passable for sunbathing,
but really there are far better spots elsewhere on Koh Tao
for laying around in the sun -- just by hiking over the headland
to Aow Thian Og will deliver you to a lovely strip of sand
all to yourself.
Due
to Chaloke Baankao being one of the largest dive centres on
Koh Tao, a lot of boat traffic heads in and out throughout
the day. Be it divers coming and going, snorkelling trips,
round-the-island boat trips, fishing trips or just longtails
off on taxi runs from here, Chaloke is not one of Koh Tao's
quieter strips of sand. The large number of boats also contributes
to the water being a bit murky, particularly towards the western
end of the bay.
Head
to the eastern stretch of the beach if you plan to spend any
time in the water, but if time allows, you're far better served
to wander off to another nearby beach. Chaloke Baankao is
flanked by beaches and bays to both the east and west, so
you need not head too far to find something pretty. On its
western lip, at the beginning of the trail around to Mae Haad,
you'll find the very pleasant Haad Saal Chao. This spot remains
a pleasant area to hang out, despite the sometimes cloudy
waters.
Along
the eastern rim, running along the peninsula which separates
Chaloke Baankao from Aow Thian Og, you'll find Aow Taa Toh
which has a single, dive orientated resort and further along
the lovely and very isolated Freedom Beach. Both of these
have clean beaches and clear waters.
|
Northern : Chiang Rai
Koh Tao Map
- KOH TAO
= Restaurant service
| 
= Snorkelling | 
= Night Party ( Pub , Bar ) | 
= Scuba Diving Center & Snorkelling 
= Massage ,
Spa | 
= Book Online | 
= Dive Site | Km.
= Distance from main pier ( Maehaad )
= Transfer
Service ( Taxi service ~ 50 THB. / 1 km. / Person
) | 
= Motorbike for rent ( ~
150
THB./Day ) 
