Talu Island (Koh Talu)
Gulf of Thailand, Prachuap Khiri Khan, 77170
One of several Talu Islands in Thailand, the Koh Talu Island Resort is a private island off Bang Saphan in the Gulf of Thailand with a dramatic natural stone arch. The white sand beach offers gorgeous sunset views, while activities run from snorkeling and diving to kayaking, sailing, hiking, massage, and cooking classes.
The basics
Marine protection is a focus for Koh Talu Island Resort, which runs coral reef rehabilitation projects as well as hatching eggs from the hawksbill turtles that nest on the beach some nights. As rehabilitation is still a work in progress, scuba diving trips tend to visit nearby islands such as Koh Ran Ped and Koh Ran Kai as well as the local area. While some travelers choose to splurge on a night or two in the resort’s beach bungalows, others visit as a day trip from the mainland, with a couple of snorkeling stops plus lunch on the beach.
Things to know before you go
- Many budget Koh Talu island trips do not include a stop on the island itself. Check the itinerary carefully.
- Talu Island can be written Ko Talu, Koh Talu, Koh Thalu, or Ko Thalu. Don’t confuse the Koh Talu Island Resort with Koh Talu near Pattaya or Koh Talu in Phang Nga Bay.
- Koh Talu tour boats aren’t suitable for travelers who use wheelchairs.
How to get there
Koh Talu is about three miles (five kilometers) east of Bang Saphan in southern Thailand, and about 120 miles (193 kilometers) south of Hua Hin. There are no ferries, so most travelers visit on a boat trip from Bang Saphan Noi or Bang Saphan Yai. Both Bang Saphan Noi and Bang Saphan Yai have train connections to Chumphon and Bangkok.
When to get there
Koh Talu is a very popular day-trip destination for locals at weekends, which can make snorkel spots and even the resort feel crowded. Plan your visit for midweek to enjoy the island at its best. The best season for diving and snorkeling is March and April.
Things to Do in Bang Saphan
Many visitors in Bang Saphan come simply to enjoy a laid-back lifestyle on beaches such as Ban Krut Beach. Besides island-hopping adventures, consider the Phra Mahathat Chedi Phakdi Pharat (Wat Tang Sai), a new temple with a 33-foot (10-meter) seated Buddha, Wat Khao Tam Ma Rong, an atmospheric cave temple with a sacred lake, or the scenic Sai Ku Waterfall.
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