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Forty kilometres south of Ko Pha Ngan, small, forested KO TAO (Turtle Island) is the last and most remote of the archipelago which continues the line of Surat Thani's mountains into the sea. Famed for its excellent diving and fairly low-key bungalows, it's a popular travellers' destination, especially from December to March. Ko Tao feels the southwest monsoon more than Samui and Pha Ngan, so June to October can have strong winds and rain; some places close from June to August. Blessed with clear waters, with visibility of up to 25m and a fair range of coral, Ko Tao is one of Thailand's premier diving centres . Diving is possible year-round, but November is the worst time, and visibility is best in April, May, June, September and October. Most of Ko Tao's dive companies are based at Mae Hat , and all charge the same prices for four-day PADI courses (B7800), single dives (B800), and a ten-dive package (B5400). Recommended companies include Scuba Junction, Big Blue and Buddha View at Mae Hat, Asia Divers and Ko Tao Divers at Hat Sai Ree and Ko Tao Cottage Dive Resort at Ao Chaloke Ban Kao. Some companies take snorkellers along on their dive trips for free. You can get around Ko Tao easily on foot, but there is a road of sorts from the southern beaches along the west coast, and pick-ups, motorbike taxis (B20-40) and mopeds (B150) are available in Mae Hat.
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