Koh Tao is located in the Gulf of Thailand, and is one of the best places in the world to go diving, experience exquisite wildlife, and enjoy holidays on endless white-sand beaches! The natural beauty of Koh Tao is difficult to resist. This island might be the tiniest of the Gulf islands, but it is filled with astounding peaks, crystal-clear tropical waters, and lush jungles.
Koh Tao attracts divers from all over the world because it boasts some of the most spectacular diving places in Thailand. Dive through colorful coral reefs, swim with friendly fishes, or even explore a wreck!
Most visitors to Koh Tao will plan to spend several days getting to know the island. Koh Tao is an eclectic mixture of laid-back beaches, a fun party scene, and natural wonders for outdoor activity lovers. It has family-friendly spots and backpacker haunts, as well as luxury resorts. Where you should stay in Koh Tao all depend on your budget and your travel purpose! You should first figure out the purpose of your trip. Do you want a trip to Koh Tao for diving? Or for a family holiday? What kind of experience do you want to have? If you’re wondering where to stay in Koh Tao, read on for the following guide.
Koh Tao has accommodation of all types and price ranges, from simple hostels and budget hotels to luxury resorts and villas on the hill. If you look at the map of Koh Tao, you will see 5 main areas with numerous places to stay and tourist services. Check them all when considering where to stay in Koh Tao. We’ve made detailed introduction to the best areas to stay in Koh Tao with pros and cons to each.
Beautiful Resort on Koh Tao
Our guide to Koh Tao best areas will help you to get familiar with each area with hotel suggestions to suit every budget and style of traveler.
Clearly on Koh Tao’s map, there are five key areas: Sairee Beach, Chalok Bay, Shark Bay (Ao Thian Og), Tanote Bay, and Mae Haad – the island’s city center. These are the first choices for you to stay in Koh Tao, because you can find almost everything like good accommodation, shops, restaurants, bars, diving centers, and motorbike rentals. We’re going to cover each of them in detail, so you can get a better understanding and make the decision suitable for you.
Sairee Beach is one of the best areas to stay in Koh Tao for parties,with the busiest and longest beach on Koh Tao Island. Sairee Beach is a long and beautiful curved beach, extending for over 3.2 kilometers. Nearby coral areas are perfect for snorkeling. Besides, Sairee Beach is famous for its sunsets and wonderful fire shows accompanied by bars with great promotions at happy hour.
You’ll always find Sairee Beach full of people. A lot of people visit Sairee Beach to check out the sunset, and there are plenty of bars and restaurants right on the water, making Sairee Beach the perfect spot to watch a sunset.
Many of those people choosing to stay in Sairee area are young travelers and backpackers.A backpacker haven, this beach town is always packed with tourists trying to work on their tan during the day and enjoy the party scene at night. The beach is gorgeous and has a coral reef that is located right next to the shore. It is a great place to stay if you want to meet people, enjoy parties with lots of fun during the day and night in the southern part of the beach. The northern part of the beach is a lot quieter and more relaxed.
There are also plenty of dining options on Sairee Beach. You can go for higher-end meals, or check out some of the local fare. Since this is a popular backpacker spot, Sairee Beach has some very reasonably priced dining options.
At night Sairee Beach comes alive for the party! Two popular bars are Fishbowl and AC Bar Beach Club. You can easily watch the sunset from either place. When the moon rises, the club vibes begin! Sairee Beach parties all night long!
Close to Mae Haad Pier, there will be just minutes away from the port. In addition, at Sairee Beach you can take the long tail boat to the stunning Koh Nang Yuan and other amazing Koh Tao beaches.
Sairee Beach
The list of hotels, beach huts and hostels in Sairee is big, making it one of the best places to stay in Koh Tao. The following is our recommendations:
Outstanding with its imposing architecture atop a luscious hill in Koh Tao, The Tarna Align Resort features a restaurant, diving lessons, and a relaxing outdoor pool. It provides bright, modern rooms with thoughtful amenities and stunning views. Offering plenty of natural light, each guestroom is complete with softwood furniture and decoration The resort has free shuttles to and from designated spots on the island. Interesting excursions and ticketing can also be arranged by the personnel of the on-site tour desk. Mae Haad Pier is located 0.9 miles from this property.
Surrounded by a coconut plantation, The Plantation Koh Tao offers comfortable accommodations and is only 300 meters from Sairee Beach. Several bars and restaurants are nearby. Guests enjoy a free pick-up from the pier. The apartments and pool villas at this property features a kitchenette, a flat-screen TV and an electric kettle. All units boast a private balcony and sea views, while a pool is only offered in pool villas. Sairee city center can be reached within 601 meters from the property.
Located along Sairee Beach, Palm Leaf Resort Koh Tao offers cozy vibe with private bathrooms and the convenience of an on-site restaurant. Mae Haad Pier is 1.9 miles away, while Shark Bay is located 3.7 miles away from Palm Leaf Resort. Koh Nang Yuan Island can be reached within a 10-minute boat ride. Free transfer to/from Mea Haad pier to Resort is available from 08:00 to 17:00. The residence has a tour desk to help guests with travel arrangements.
Boasting a garden, Prik Thai Resort is located in the Koh Tao Island region, 1.8 miles from Mango Bay Beach and 1.1 miles from Mae Haad Pier. The residence is set 1.6 miles from Nangyuan Island, 2.1 miles from Mango Bay and 3.1 miles from Sunken Ship. There is an outdoor pool and guests can make use of free WiFi and free private parking.
The hostel has a beautiful environment, providing free parking lot, dining services, car rental services, making the guests feel like in the beautiful residence without worry. The hostel service will make you have a wonderful stay memory. Especially the roof top swimming pool can provide comfortable experience for the guests, bringing you the perfect vacation.
Palm Leaf Resort Koh Tao
Mae Haad is the gateway to Koh Tao, where the main pier of the island is located. So Mae Haad will be the first place you’ll see when you arrive in Koh Tao. It’s a fun and funky beach where you can find unique souvenirs for your friends and family back home. If you’re searching for the perfect bathing suit, you’ll find it in Mae Haad. There are plenty of options, so don’t be afraid to make your decision.
If you don't want to get too far from the town center, Mae Haad Beach will be perfect for your choice. Here you will find the largest supermarkets, tourist agencies, motorcycle rental companies, various bars and restaurants There are many local stores to eat as well as the fruit and vegetable markets where you can try exotic Thai fruits and Thai food at very affordable price.
Mae Haad Beach is home to a famous shipwreck, which is popular with snorkelers. Fish flock to the wreck, so if you’re looking to check out wildlife in a unique place, Mae Haad is your ideal choice!
The only downside of Mae Haad is the beach. In general, the beach is not that bad, the water being shallow and without currents so it is suitable for swimming and sunbathing, but you will definitely find more charming beaches in other areas of Koh Tao. Actually, Mae Haad is between Sairee Beach and Chalok Bay, so you will be just minutes away from two excellent beaches.
Mae Haad Beach
At the end of the beach, you will find all the hotels, which offer many cheap accommodation options at small guesthouses as well as good resorts facing the sea. The following is our recommendations:
Showing views of Mae Haad Bay, Sensi Paradise Beach Resort is a traditional base with exclusive amenities and services, such as a swimming pool, a limousine service and a private beach. Only a short stroll from Mae Haad Pier, it offers traditional rooms equipped with slippers, a refrigerator and a mini bar.
The resort also offers family-friendly facilities, with room designs and services for families of any size, plus babysitting/child services and a kids pool. It also features a sun deck with impressive pool and garden views. It is close to popular fishing and scenic spots, and Shark Island (Koh Tao) is within easy reach.
Featuring free WiFi and a restaurant, Bro&Sis Place offers accommodation in Koh Tao with free private parking available on site. Every room is equipped with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. You will also find ticket service at the property. Other activities including billiards, snorkelling and fishing are all available for an extra charge. The on-site restaurant opens daily from 10:00-21:00 hrs and serves both Thai and international favorites. Refreshing drinks and cocktails can also be enjoyed in the bar area open daily from 17:00-00:00 hrs. Mae Haad Pier is a few steps from Bro&Sis Place.
When visiting Koh Tao, you'll feel at home at White Jail @ Koh Tao hostel, which offers quality accommodation and great service. From here, guests can enjoy easy access to all that the lively city has to offer. With its convenient location, the hotel offers easy access to the city's must-see destinations. Enjoy unparalleled services and a truly prestigious location at the White Jail @ Koh Tao hostel.
Sensi Paradise Beach Resort
Chalok Bay is the most popular beach in southern part of Koh Tao. It is much quieter and more relaxed than Sairee and Mae Haad. We recommended this Koh Tao area to those searching for a quieter place with a family-friendly vibe. It is also a good base for divers.Chalok Bay is a very beautiful area, which has the advantage of being close to small hidden beaches such as Sai Nuan Beach and Freedom Beach as well as some of the best Koh Tao viewpoints, including Chalok Viewpoint and John Suwan Viewpoint.
This family-friendly destination also has some of the best views that Koh Tao has to offer! Chalok Bay will give you an unparalleled view of Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and the Ang Thong Marine National Park. You can also admire sights on Buddha Rock, locally known as Hin Taa Toh.
You won’t find big waves on this part of the island, but the beach is great for those who want a cool swimming experience. The currents in Chalok Bay are generally milder, making it ideal for those who don’t have a lot of experience with the water. Since it’s in a bay, it is protected from some of the rougher elements of the ocean. Backpackers will find hostels in Chalok Bay, but the more social ones will find the vibe of this family-friendly beach a little too quiet If you like water sports, diving, or snorkeling, Chalok Bay is not for you.
Foodies are fond of Chalok Bay too! There are a good number of small beach bars, restaurants and a bit of nightlife in this area but it’s much quieter than Sairee. The Cape Restaurant is a 5-star favorite that specializes in serving up fine dining in paradise. Dine at the Cape Restaurant for world-class French and Italian food, as well as high-end Thai favorites. You will not find this level of luxury anywhere else on Koh Tao, so if eating in style is on your vacation menu, make sure you visit this tranquil beach.
Chalok Bay Koh Tao
Several accommodation options ranging from basic guest houses to luxury resorts are located here:
You can take advantage of recreation opportunities such as an outdoor pool or take in the view from a terrace and a garden. Grab a bite to eat at the hotel's restaurant, where you can take in the ocean view, or stay in and take advantage of the room service (during limited hours). Wrap up your day with a drink at the bar/lounge. This hotel is 2.5 km from Mae Haad Pier.
Located amid a tropical garden and just steps away from Chalok Baankao Beach, Fisherman Koh Tao provides comfortable accommodations and a convenience of an on-site restaurant. Guests can enjoy a variety of Thai and Western cuisines offered at Fisherman Restaurant. Maehaad Pier is a 10-minute drive from Fisherman Koh Tao. Freedom Beach is a 20-minute walk from the property.
The Dearly Koh Tao Hostel is located in Koh Tao, 1.2 miles from Mae Haad Pier. Guests can enjoy the on-site bar and restaurant. Both private and dormitory-style rooms are available, with private or shared bathroom facilities. There is free WiFi. The hostel has a rooftop relaxing area, as well as a common room with a flat-screen TV, and a computer.
Chintakiri Resort
Shark Bay, also called Shark Bay or Haad Tien, is located in the southern part of the island. When you think of paradise, you’re picturing Shark Bay. The beaches there are amazing beyond words. One of the key parts is, with everyone flocking to Sairee Beach and Mae Haad, you can enjoy all of the best to yourself!
This 200-meter-long beach has unique white sand beach and shallow water so it is perfect for a family vacation with children. The beach is suitable for swimming. Shark Bay is the untouched part of Koh Tao. It’s the ultimate chill-out beach, highlighted by the John Suwan viewpoint, a perfect place to gaze across the Gulf of Thailand.
If you prefer a little heart-pounding action to lazing on the beach, jump in the water with some of the ocean’s top predators. Blacktip reef sharks can be regularly spotted at the western and eastern end of the bay as well as around the offshore rocks of Shark Island, especially in the morning and with a bit of luck. It’s known locally as Shark Bay! Brave snorkelers can get right in the water with these sharks. They’re not aggressive, but at over six feet long, they are certainly intimidating!
The sharks of Shark Bay are one of the area’s biggest selling point, but they are far from the only one! The beaches in this beautiful area are home to some of the finest resorts that you’ll find in Thailand.
If you love being pampered and staying in style, Shark Bay is the place for you. Backpackers will want to stay away though. The accommodations in this part of Koh Tao are not suitable for those without enough budget.
Shark Bay, Koh Tao
The following is our suggestion for staying in Koh Tao Shark Bay:
Jamahkiri Resort & Spa provides luxurious accommodations along Shark Bay on Koh Tao Island. It offers WiFi and pier transfers for free. It has a private beach, a pool and a PADI certified diving center. The spacious Thai-style rooms at Jamahkiri Resort & Spa come with private balconies providing spectacular ocean views and plenty of natural light. The resort features a variety of beauty and spa treatments like massage services and aloe vera body wraps at its spa. Guests can enjoy facials in the resort’s gardens or enjoy views of the ocean from the outdoor hot tub.
Beach Club by Haadtien is a distinct addition to Koh Tao and a smart choice for travelers. The hotel lies 3 km from the city center and provides accessibility to important town facilities. With its convenient location, the hotel offers easy access to the city's must-see destinations. This hotel offers numerous on-site facilities to satisfy even the most discerning guest.
Nestled in the heart of Shark Bay, Taatoh Seaview Resort is an ideal spot from which to discover Koh Tao. The hotel is not too far from the city center: just 3.6 km away, and it normally takes about minutes to reach the airport. With its convenient location, the hotel offers easy access to the city's must-see destinations.At Taatoh Seaview Resort, the excellent service and superior facilities make for an unforgettable stay.
Jamahkiri Resort & Spa
Tanote Bay is situated right on a sprawling beach that stretches for miles as far as the eye can see! Early birds will fall in love with Tanote Bay for the wonderful sunrises, and athletes will want to check out the wide coral reef that lies just under the rippling waves. There are not many choices of accommodation at Tanote Bay but you will find the most incredible views from the room if you decide to stay in this Koh Tao area.
Tanote Bay is the largest of the east coast bays on Koh Tao. This is an amazing place for swimming, kayaking, diving and snorkeling, as you will see many species and a few diving schools here. A large rock in the center of the bay also rewards you a breathtaking view before jumping into the water.
Sea kayaking is popular here, as is trekking. Since Tanote Bay is in one of the more mountainous areas of Koh Tao it’s a great place to explore some of the verdant jungle that dominates much of the island. Tanote Bay has three incredible viewpoints and a variety of wildlife. It’s a little wilder than much of the rest of the island.
The only real challenge that you’ll meet with is the lack of accommodation. Tanote Bay is one of the areas in Koh Tao where options are a bit limited. Still, that could be the charm of Tanote Bay for some people who want to avoid the party scene!
Traveling to Tanote Bay is an interesting experience as the access is not as good as it should be but it helps to keep this area away from flocks of tourists. Taking a taxi is the safest option for getting between Tanote Bay, Sairee Beach and the Mae Haad area. There are few beachside bars and restaurants, so expect to pay a little more for food and drinks.
Tanote Beach
The following is our suggestion for staying in Koh Tao Tanote Bay:
Located on a hill, Tanote Villa provides spacious villas with a private balcony and flat-screen cable TV. This resort features an outdoor swimming pool and free WiFi access. Elegant villas at Tanote come with modern Thai furnishings and floor-to-ceiling windows. Offering sweeping views of the sea, the restaurant serves a fine selection of Thai and European dishes. Light snacks and refreshing beverages are offered at the bar.
When visiting Koh Tao, you'll feel right at home at Montalay Beach Resort, which offers quality accommodation and great services. From here, guests can enjoy easy access to all that the lively destination has to offer. For sightseeing options and local attractions, you don’t need to look far as the hotel enjoys close proximity to Ao Tanot Bay, Calypso Diving Koh Tao, Laem Thian.
Offering an outdoor pool and a private beach, guests can enjoy water sports activities such as diving and snorkelling in Montalay Eco. Boasting garden views, the cottages are provided with a fan and shared bathroom facilities. Other facilities include a ticket service, a tour desk and luggage storage. The property offers free parking. Guests also have an access to a diving centre, a spa and sauna, as well as a restaurant of Montalay Beach Resort, which is situated in the same property.
Montalay Beach Resort
Above we mentioned the five key areas. However, there are other smaller and amazing beaches, like Mango Bay, Aow Leuk, and Hin Wong Bay. If you want to stay away from everything, they are the best place to stay in Koh Tao. You'll find some of the best hotels in Koh Tao there. Remember, getting in and out is more challenging. Besides, there are no shops or restaurants around.
Up till now you know where to stay by the beach area of the island, it's high time to quickly summarize the best hotels on the island. We know that you may not care so much about location, what you want is a perfect five-star hotel, or you are searching for a diving resort to get your Open Water Certification, or you are looking for cozy hostel to have a gathering with friends. So please check the following recommendation we prepare for you.
You can get everything you think of in the best villas in Koh Tao such as wonderful views, private pools, luxury services, and amazing food.
Located in Koh Tao, 2.2 km from Jansom Bay Beach and 1.8 km from Mae Haad Pier, Phandara Luxury Pool Villas boast incredible pool views. The villa offers luxurious accommodation with a hot tub and terrace. Guests can swim in the outdoor swimming pool, relax in the garden, or go hiking or snorkelling. Nangyuan Island is 3.8 km from Phandara Luxury Pool Villas, while Mango Bay is around 5 km away.
Located on the hill of Sairee Beach, Monkey Flower Villas is a 5-minute walk to Sairee Beach. The property offers free Wi-Fi and 2 dining options. Guests enjoy free usage of local mobile phone and 24-hour shuttle service. Guests also enjoy a 24-hour a day complimentary pick-up and drop-off for any locations on Koh Tao during their stay. A soothing massage can be enjoyed as well as a leisurely stroll in the garden.
Surrounded by tropical surroundings, Villas Del Sol Koh Tao comes with a seating area. A stovetop is also available, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle. Free private parking is available at the villa. The area is popular for snorkeling and diving. Guests can enjoy various activities in the surroundings, including cycling, fishing and canoeing. The property offers a free shuttle service. Within 100 m of this property, you can find a range of dining options as well as a spa and diving center.
Phandara Luxury Pool Villas
For those who want to sleep and learn diving in the same place, this kind of resorts is the best option on Koh Tao. Some diving schools in Koh Tao has their own hotels or diving resorts, so you can book diving courses and accommodation at one time.
On Sairee Beach, Ban's Diving Resort features a PADI certified professional dive center. This 4-star property features 3 dining options, an outdoor pool and air-conditioned suites with a private balcony. Modern Thai interiors and elegant wood furnishings are featured throughout the cozy suites. Guests can take up diving courses, snorkel, or take a walk on the grounds. Travel and sightseeing bookings can be made at the tour desk.
Located on Sairee Beach in Koh Tao, this resort features cottage-style rooms with garden, pool or sea views. Besides housing a beachfront restaurant, it features a dove school and an outdoor pool. Fitted with wooden floors, rooms at Koh Tao Coral Grand Resort feature bamboo ceilings and a private terrace. Guests can take Thai cooking classes or take an in-house dove course. Other activities include snorkeling and kayaking.
Located in Koh Tao, 0.8 mi from Jansom Bay Beach, Simple Life Cliff View Resort provides accommodations with a restaurant, free private parking, a seasonal outdoor swimming pool and a bar. With free WiFi, the resort has a garden and a private beach area. The resort features family rooms. Simple Life Cliff View Resort offers a terrace.
Simple Life Resort Koh Tao
If you are looking for the best hostels in Koh Tao, we prepare some good options below:
The hostel has a beautiful environment, providing free parking lot, dining services, car rental services, as well as free toiletries and a private bathroom, we believe the hotel service will make you have a wonderful stay memory.
The Dearly Koh Tao Hostel offers young travelers clean, comfortable and affordable, shared and private accommodations. All rooms with A/C and Balcony. Exceptional facility is uniquely designed with amenities such as rooftop terrace, bar, cafe, restaurant and a common room with internet TV and a computer. There is also a shared refrigerator for guests to use. As an eco friendly hostel, taking care of our planet is the top priority.
When visiting Koh Tao, you'll feel at home at White Jail @ Koh Tao hostel, which offers quality accommodation and great service. From here, guests can enjoy easy access to all that the lively city has to offer. With its convenient location, the hotel offers easy access to the city's must-see destinations. Enjoy unparalleled services and a truly prestigious location at the White Jail @ Koh Tao hostel.
Savage Hostel Koh Tao
Are you planning for a trip to Koh Tao? Remember, no matter which area or hotel you choose in Koh Tao, please read the comments carefully before booking. Some people think that when getting to the island, they can get a cheap, comfortable and clean room. We thought so and did so. To be frank, it's a bad idea. The best hotels in Koh Tao are booked in advance from luxury hotels to hotels. Hotels still with vacancies are usually not very good. We strongly suggest that you book your hotel in advance, especially in the peak season.
Our creative itinerary ideas will give you some travel inspirations. We will definitely tailor make unique trip for you and there are many more options available.