From the original bamboo A-Frame bungalows on the beach for 20 Baht a night, to simple thatched bungalows, the local Thai families reacted quickly to this influx of back packers other wise known as farangs. KoTao is a very small island, only twenty one square kilometres with just about half of that too rugged to get to. To begin with the island was not inhabited, frequented only by fisherman from nearby islands while in search of refuge during storms or when in need of clean water and supplies. It seems peculiar that such a tourist paradise should have been initially set up as a top-security prison. Odd, but true. From 1933 until 1947 the island was home to political prisoners. Being nearly seventy kilometers from the mainland meant it was comparatively escape proof! Alcatraz...piece of cake. KoToa is surrounded by lots of Black Tip & Whale sharks too. Ko Tao is surrounded by sharks too, nice friendly ones fortunately. It began with the original A-Frame coconut and bamboo bungalows next to the beach for thrity Thai Baht for a night, to very simple thatched bungalows, the native island clans reacted fast to this influx of outsiders otherwise named Farangs, by adapting to it.
