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| 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.
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