Named for both its turtle-like shape and its history as a turtle breeding ground, Koh Tao is the little sister to the world-famous islands of Samui and Pha Ngan, Koh Tao has made a name for itself as a diving and snorkelling hotspot, due to the profusions of coral reefs that lie within easy access of its coast. Favourite dive sites around the island are Chumpon, where divers have the chance to glimpse feathery scorpionfish, giant barracuda, underwater pinnacles crusted with brightly coloured sea anemones, and on occasion, even whale sharks; Shark Island, with its proliferation of corals frequented by stingrays, moray eels and nudibranchs; and ‘The Twins’, home to a family of rare and elusive saddleback clownfish. When you’re not immersed in the pleasures of Koh Tao’s underwater world, you can explore the island’s terrestrial attractions, including its lush trekking routes, stunning viewpoints and burnished beaches.