Geography of Koh Tao

Geography of Koh Tao
   Koh Tao is a fairly remote island lying 47 km north of its closest neighbour, Koh Samui, 74 km from Chumphon and 115 km  from Baan Don Pier, Surat Thani. The island , with Koh Nang Yuan , forms a small archipelago with a total are of 19.2 square km. At its widest part, Koh Tao measures 3.4 km and is 7.6 km long. The measures 3.4 km and is 7.6 km long. The coastline, which is predominantly steep, rocky shoreline, consists of 11 bays and 10 capes and is 28.6 km long with a surrounding coral reef spanning 8 km. A large percentage of the island is mountainous in varying degrees wiht about 30%  of flat land. The island is divided up into three villages, Mea Haad and Sairee on the west coast and Chalok Baan Kao in the south. The eastern part if the island is steep with cliffs. In contrast, the west slopes down gradually to the sea and the flat areas where the villages are. Koh Tao's highest point is at 374 metres above sea level and the island's mountains stretch from north to south.
    The island was formed through land subsidence of the surrounding area, which is now the sea floor, making the depth of the sea around Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan at the most 30-40 metres. Koh Tao has a diurnal tide meaning there is only one high and one low water each tidal day.