Drifting serenely in the Gulf of Thailand, the palm-fringed island of Ko Tao takes its name from the abundant sea turtles that reside on its shores. White sand beaches sheltered by steep hills – some only accessible with four-wheel drive vehicles – and 300 days of sun per year invite long afternoons of lounging.
It's easy to see why travellers come to Ko Tao seeking a few days' R&R and end up staying for weeks or months at a time. The island's laid-back vibe is catching, the food surpasses expectation and the diving is out of this world.