Thailand's island of scuba divers
Ko Tao is a small granite island north of Ko Samui and Ko Pha Ngan, and one of the most popular places in the world to learn to scuba dive. Dive schools line Sairee Beach, and sites such as Chumphon Pinnacle and Shark Island are a short boat ride away. Snorkellers can swim straight off the beach in bays like Tanote and Aow Leuk. A short boat hop reaches Ko Nang Yuan, three tiny islands joined by sandbars, with a much-photographed viewpoint.