QUOTE(pascal1972 @ Jan 1 2010, 09:18 AM)

Dear all,
In a month from now we will be leaving for a trip to Thailand for three weeks. A.o. we will spend a week on Koh Tao, and do some snorkling and diving.
Can you recommend some nice resorts to stay (and dive)? Pref. on the south or east of Koh Tao, since the west is to crowded. A nice resort, not too expensive, luxury average (we do not required much luxury, just a nice place to sleep and eat, pref near the beach in a bungalow or so

).
Thank you!!
Hi pascal, and welcome to travelpod!
The reason the west side is "crowded" is because it is really the only inhabited part of the island. Much of the island is uninhabitable. Take a look at a satellite image of the island and you should see what I mean.
The only part of the east side that I am aware of with accomodation is Shark Bay. Here you can go snorkeling at see lots of reef sharks. At the south end of the island is Chalok Bay, which is quieter than Sairee so maybe that's the place you're looking for. I have only stayed in resorts on Sairee Beach, so unfortunately I can't recommend specific resorts anywhere else on the island.
Ko Tao isn't a great place for diving (though the best in the Gulf of Thailand), but it is a great place for learning to dive. You will see a ton of dive shops in Sairee Beach and some in Mae Head as well. They also offer day trips out for licensed divers if you are already certified. But if you are already certified, I would recommend the Andaman Sea for diving. The Similan Islands are great!