Koh Tao Island was a stop which I had been really looking forward to, with the prospect of diving and completely relaxing on a stereotypical paradisiac island, which is described as being the ‘least touristy’ and most quiet of the three islands (Koh Samui & Koh Pha-Ngang) in the Gulf of Thailand. The island is bigger than I expected it to be; and certainly much more touristy than I could have ever imagined. After being off the beaten track (so to speak) I was shocked to find a backpacker and tourist safe haven, where prices are quadrupled, and all infrastructure and amenities cater to the predominantly western & Australian tourism industry. I got the impression that next to nothing is geared towards Thai people and I wonder to this day whether local inhabitants of the island, continue to live on the island without having to cater to the tourism industry?
Koh Tao introduced me to a different facet of Thailand which is (apparently) truly up and running along the backpacker trail in this country. After 24hrs on the island, catching up with Claire B, Virginie and Hania from home =) I felt ready to return to a more tranquil, adventurous and less familiar space, cycling up the Thai coast.
