Koh Thalu | Island | Bang Saphan | Prachuap Khiri Khan Province

Koh Thalu | Island | Bang Saphan | Prachuap Khiri Khan Province

Koh Talu island is situated off the coast of the Gulf of Thailand near Bang Saphan, which can be reached by a short speedboat ride. This tropical evergreen rainforest island is a relaxed and laid back place with offshore snorkeling and quiet beaches.

The activities available include trekking, kayaking, sailing, scuba diving and snorkeling; most of these are arranged by the resorts on the island. The island is just a twenty minute speed boat trip from Bang Saphan, a town about 100km south of Prachuap Khiri Khan; however it has remained off the ‘tourism radar’; although it has been named in the top 9 island attractions in Thailand. This is a magical eco island where coral is regrown and there is a sanctuary for turtles.

Hundreds and hundreds of turtle eggs are collected by the local ‘Eco Warriers’ when the mother turtles arrive on the island to complete their part of the breeding cycle. The turtle eggs are then taken with the hatchlings protected in environmentally friendly ponds until they are about 200mm (8 inches) long. They are then released into the bay of Thailand when they are big enough not be eaten by most predators.

This usually occurs three times each year and is a huge happy event for children nationwide and particularly from Prachuap Khiri Khan Province. Thanks to the resort managers, Koh Talu is also famous for growing and replenishing coral with an innovative program that all guests are encouraged to support. The technique is very simple and cheap but very effective. Small pieces of living coral are placed in a plastic tube structure which is placed on the sea bed. Within 3 years, the 1m by 1m plastic tube platform is absolutely covered by new coral. The living new coral is then separated from its ‘plastic nursery’ and anchored to the sea bed.

In time a new huge coral reef will form. The effectiveness of this simple system can be seen by anyone with some exploratory snorkelling. The ‘plastic nursery frame is then recycled. A simple but brilliant idea from Thailand! The island has two resorts as well as beach front bungalows. All creature comforts can be found at either resort. Koh Talu is a place to relax and chill and to snorkel in crystal clear waters, no full moon rave parties here.