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The Glossary

Hat - "Thai-speak for beach."

From Thailand Glossary

A diver's paradise, the turtle-shaped island of Ko Tao is a glistening jewel found in the Gulf of Thailand. Aptly called the "turtle island," it has earned an enviable reputation as one of the top diving sites anywhere on the planet. In fact, it is probably the most popular place to obtain an open-water diving license, rivaled only by Australia's Cairn beach. Often referred to as the divers' Mecca of the country, it displays breath-taking coral reefs just begging for attention, not to mention the beautifully unique marine life that thrives in the area.

Ko Tao wasn't always so glittery and glamorous, however. Actually, it was for long more of a feared pirate haunt and prison that was almost kept as a secret from the outside world. However, its secluded and unexplored nature actually served as a shining beacon to many backpackers and adventurers looking for new places to conquer. The island's fortunes began to turn, particularly with the arrival of the business-minded Western travelers who brought with them an amazing boom in development and tourism - leading to the construction of over a hundred resorts and more than 40 diving schools that serve the ever-increasing number of divers.

Upon arrival at the island, it is best to get ready and strap on some diving gear and head to the beach for some action, because that is what one is usually supposed to do there. Those who want to lie on the sands may do that to their hearts' content and there are a lot of other places that offer different kinds of activities.

By coincidence, it is also a favorite breeding ground of the endangered hawksbill and green turtles, which divers can swim with as they retreat back into the sea after laying their eggs. However, the highlight of any dive could be to catch a glimpse of the extremely rare whale shark known to pass through the area. Though the island is visited by thousands of people every year, it is refreshingly laid-back, and has somehow retained a relaxed atmosphere where one can enjoy a vacation in relative peace.

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