Koh Tao!

Koh Tao is quite the tourist paradise because it offers scuba certification at an average price of about $280, including a resort to stay at for the 4 day process. The sites are pretty spectacular, but apparently there used to be loads of turtles (hence the island's name Tao, which means turtle). I am amazed at how many PADI certification resorts exist there, and how dependent the island's economy is on the tourists. The Thais understand that they can really cash out by offering a variety of adventure, entertainment, tastes, and knick-knacks. Kayaks, snorkels, motorbikes, food, clubs, tattoos, massage, clothing, and drinks are ways that tourists can spend a lot of money in a short amount of time. It amazes me how inexpensive things were in general compared to US prices, but I have become so accustomed to spending less money that the inflated prices on the island were a shock to me.