Koh Tao

In just a few decades, the tiny island of Koh Tao has evolved from a sleepy backwater to a sought-after diving getaway, with lodgings that range from basic bungalows to luxurious resorts. The peace and quiet may have disappeared from the main beaches, with a strong, backpacker-oriented, party scene in the island's two main areas. Along with cheap drinks, the bars, pubs, and clubs in each offer all manner of pub crawls and late-night shenanigans. This said, the primary reason to come here remains the underwater world. Koh Tao is an excellent place to get your scuba certification. Many operators don't have pools, so the initial dives must be done in the shallow, crystal clear ocean water. Advanced divers will appreciate the great visibility, decent amount of coral, and exotic and plentiful marine life.