Koh Tao is known as a holiday paradise for scuba divers, with 25 dive sites in close proximity, stunning and unusual rock and coral formations teeming with the resident turtles, whale sharks and gorgeous reef fish. It is not only divers who have plenty to do on the island though. A variety of watersports are available from water-skiing and kayaking to sailing lessons. On land, play the local sports like pétanque or croquet, go hiking, rock-climbing or mountain-biking. A variety of boat excursions are available, a favourite being to explore the next-door islet of Nangyuan with its remarkable triple beach. Many visitors sign up for classes in Thai Chi, Yoga or Thai boxing, or limber up at the local open air gym, finishing off with a herbal steam bath, traditional Thai massage, or relaxing reflexology.

Thai is the official language, although English is widely spoken in tourist areas.

The unit of currency is the Baht (THB), which is divided into 100 satang. Currency can be exchanged at the airport, banks, hotels and bureaux de change. Banks are open Monday to Friday. ATMs are available in most cities and tourist resorts. Most large hotels and shops accept travellers cheques, but a better rate will be given at banks. Most major credit cards are accepted at hotels and larger businesses.

Check the tides as often as possible - during a full moon the tide can be so low that getting past the reef to snorkel can be a problem.

For a relaxed, idyllic island Koh Tao has a surprisingly buzzing nightlife. When the sun sets the parties start, usually at bars and clubs right on the beach. Most of the action takes place at the main centres of Mae Had and Sairee, but there are many impromptu theme parties happening, usually advertised in shop windows or via word of mouth. Sand sculptures, crazy games, fried chicken, bucket cocktails and fire-jugglers are usually all part of the party scene. Those who prefer a more sedate evening can retire to a pub for a game of pool or darts, or sip cocktails in a laid-back lounge to the tune of some modern classics.

Not too many years ago, no-one in Koh Tao would have heard of pizza or pancakes; now, however, international cuisine has taken over the island and it is possible to find anything you fancy, from Tex-Mex to French baguettes or good old English steak and kidney pie. This has not been at the expense of local authentic Thai food, however, which is still available everywhere from simple street stalls to beachfront terraces.

There are dozens of restaurants, new ones opening all the time, many offering open-air barbecues and grills. Some current favourites are the Café del Sol grill house, with a French chef serving up delectable steaks and homemade Italian dishes; the Greasy Spoon, delighting Brits with full-on English breakfasts and hefty portions of fish and chips, bangers and mash, and the like; and the open-air Thipwimarn Restaurant on a hill top at Sairee, offering Thai cuisine with a view.

No-one could describe Koh Tao as a shopping destination, but most of the essentials required on holiday are available including basic medicines, sun screen, swim suits, sarongs, snorkelling equipment and so on. Most of the little stalls and stores lining beachfronts and main roads carry craft souvenirs made of shells or bamboo, and there is plenty of local jewellery available. There are a few supermarkets and market stalls with a good range of foodstuffs.

GMT +7.