Showing posts with label Koh Muduin. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Koh Muduin. Show all posts

Sunday 9 September 2012

Discover the Wonders of Koh Muduin and Koh Tan


Check out Koh Tan one of the best snorkelling destinations in Samui (photo courtesy goway.com)

People assume that Koh Samui’s closest neighbouring island is Koh Phangan but in reality it is Koh Tan. Koh Tan is also called the Coral Island due to its magnificent off-shore corals.

In the group of islands consisting of Koh Mudsum, Koh Raab, Koh Wang Nok and Koh Wangnai, Koh Tan is the largest of them all. To reach these islands, visitors will have to travel via long tail boats starting from the southern pier of Thong Krut at the beach of Thong Tanote. It takes around 30 minutes to reach Koh Tan.

Koh Tan has a very distinctive shape, which is curved, and an ideal natural bay area. This is the reason why it is considered one of the best Koh Samui beaches. These beaches do not have many tourists because tour groups make few trips to these islands.

Formerly called Coral Island, Koh Tan has made a name for itself as the ideal snorkelling destination as it has an abundant of corals. But almost all the corals have been killed due to bleaching, as a consequent of global warming and the rising of sea temperature. But some areas are still good for snorkelling remain.

The main livelihood of the inhabitants is coconut cultivation, fishing and tourism. Another tourist site is the mangrove swamps that the villagers are able to conserve.

An interesting legend told often by locals is that no dogs are allowed on the island. According to them, once a dog sets his foot in Koh Tan, it will start to go mad, howl, wail and die.

In the Katen Archipelago, Koh Tan is the only island with inhabitants. Tourists also love to visit the neighbouring island of Koh Mudsum. This is one of the Koh Samuibeaches that is also a good snorkelling spot. The island’s granite cliffs overhanging the water are good for kayaking. The Thai government is trying to preserve the seaweeds growing in this area.

Some notes on tour to Koh Tan and Koh Mudsum:

Tour on the way to these island leave Thong Krut Pier at 8:00 or 8:30 in the morning. Tour package include pick up and drop off.  Return trip is around 3 p.m. or 4:40 p.m. All tours include lunch and soft drinks. Activities with the package are kayaking and hiking around the island. Tour mounts 2,000 Thai Baht per person.