Thailand (Lonely Planet, 13th Edition) - China Williams [521]
Greasy Spoon ( Map; 08 6272 1499; English breakfast 120B; 7am-6pm) Although completely devoid of character, breakfast lovers will be sated by Greasy Spoon’s hearty morning repast – eggs, sausage, chips and cooked veggies that’ll bring a tear to any Brit’s eye.
La Matta ( Map; 0 7745 6517; dishes 80-230B; lunch & dinner) There’s an age-old rivalry between La Matta and Farango’s (see below). Both serve ‘authentic’ (note the quotation marks) Italian cuisine and are located virtually right on top of one another. We’re staunch Farango’s fans, although secretly it’s pretty hard to tell the difference between the two.
Farango’s (0 7745 6205; dishes 80-230B; lunch & dinner) Ko Tao’s first fa·ràng restaurant spins tasty steaks Italian dishes much to La Matta’s chagrin (see above). The cheery atmosphere drips with burnt yellows and Spanish-themed posters of flamboyant matadors.
Café del Sol (0 7745 6578; dishes 70-250B; breakfast, lunch & dinner) Even the pickiest eater will be satisfied with the menu’s expansive selection of ‘world cuisine’. The focus is namely European (French and Italian) with specialties like homemade pâté, bruschetta and tender steaks imported from New Zealand. Free wi-fi available.
CHALOK BAN KAO
Tukta Thai Food (0 7745 6109; dishes 40-180B; breakfast, lunch & dinner) On the main road coming into Chalok Ban Kao, Tukta is a solid option for Thai staples.
New Heaven Restaurant (0 7745 6462; dishes 60-350B; lunch & dinner) The best part about New Heaven Restaurant is the awe-inducing view of Shark Bay (Ao Thian Ok) under the lazy afternoon moon. The turquoise waters below are so translucent that the curving reef is easily visible from your seat. The menu is largely international, and there are nap-worthy cushions tucked under each low-rise table.
Drinking
After diving, Ko Tao’s favourite pastime is drinking, and there’s definitely no shortage of places to get tanked. Fliers detailing upcoming parties are posted on various trees and walls along the west coast (check the two 7-Elevens in Sairee). Also keep an eye out for posters touting ‘jungle parties’ held on nondescript patches of scrubby jungle in the centre of the island. The tides also play an integral part of the island’s night scene. When the tides are high, evenings tend to be less raucous along Sairee Beach since there’s not a lot of room to get wild. If you’re looking for something a bit more structured, try joining up with Goodtime Adventures ( Click here) for a pub crawl or booze cruise
Just remember: don’t drink and dive.
SAIREE BEACH (HAT SAI RI)
Fizz (Dry Bar; Map; 08 7887 9495) Recline in an expanse of white-and-green pillows and enjoy designer cocktails while listening to Moby, or Enya, mixed with hypnotic gushes of the rolling tide. Stick around for dinner – the tuna steaks (200B) earn top marks.
Lotus ( Map; 0 7745 6358) This bar, next door to Fizz, is the de facto late-night hang-out spot along the northern end of Sairee. Muscular fire-twirlers toss around flaming batons, and the drinks are so large there should be a lifeguard on duty.
Vibe ( Map) Sairee’s top spot for a sundowner drinks, Vibe has the largest (and best) playlist out of any drinking spot on the island.
Clumped at the southern end of Sairee Beach, these nightspots take turns reeling in the partiers throughout the week:
Moov ( Map; 08 4849 6648; www.moov-kohtao.com) The newest of the pack, and currently the most popular. Check the website for party details.
AC Party Pub ( Map; 0 7745 6197) Things get wild on Tuesday and Thursday.
Maya Bar ( Map; 0 7745 6195) Bounces on Monday and Friday.
MAE HAT (AO HAT MAE)
Dirty Nelly’s Irish Pub ( Map; 0 7745 6569) True to its name, Dirty Nelly’s is unapologetically Irish; the draught beers, the managers – everything’s been imported straight from the motherland (except the weather).
Tattoo Bar ( Map; 08 9291 9416) A casual affair in the