Despite being such a small island in Thailand, Koh Tao offers a wide ray of different areas and hotels to stay in during your holiday. From party backpacker hostels to mindblowing luxury resorts, Koh Tao will suit every need.
Choosing the best area to stay in is a very important decision. Depending on what you imagine your holiday to be like, you might enjoy different parts of the island more. So to help you choose the best hotel or hostel, we created this guide on where to stay on Koh Tao.
How to get to Koh Tao?
Koh Tao is an island in the Gulf of Thailand with no airport. Therefore, the only way to reach the island is by boat. But you can easily find direct connections from Surat Thani, Chumphon, Koh Phangan, and Koh Samui. You can also travel to Koh Tao from Bangkok.
If you need more information about how to get to Koh Tao from anywhere in Thailand, read our complete guide on the topic.
Some reputable companies operating in this area are Lomprayah, Songserm, Seatran, and Phrantip. In addition, multiple daily ferries make traveling to Koh Tao easy.
When traveling to during the high season, we recommend getting your tickets in advance. Since Koh Tao is a very popular destination, it might be hard to get the tickets last minute. This applies especially when traveling around Full Moon Party dates.
We personally use 12go.asia every time we need to book transport in Asia. They are reliable and offer free cancellation. To check the exact ferry schedule and price, you can use the search form below.
Best areas to stay in Koh Tao
The most important thing to consider when choosing the area to stay in is the fact that Koh Tao has very limited public transport. The only way to get around is by using either truck taxis or longtail boat taxis. Both options are not on the cheapest end.
In case you plan to rent a scooter during your Koh Tao stay, you will have much more freedom and it will be cheaper to move around the island. However, you should still keep in mind that the island is very mountainous which means many roads are steep and narrow.
The main areas on the island are:
- Mae Haad
- Sairee Beach
- Southern beaches
- Tanote Bay
- Northern Beaches
- Koh Nang Yuan
Mae Haad
Mae Haad is the island’s main pier. Every ferry from different destinations arrives here. The town itself is also home to many restaurants, bars, and shops. If you plan to get PADI certified, you’ll also find a wide range of diving schools around.
However, it can get very busy during the day due to constant ferry traffic – tourists keep coming and going all day long. Another thing to consider is that it’s not as lively at night. So if you’re looking for vibrant nightlife or evening events, this place is not the best choice.
Mae Haad Beach is close to the pier, so there’s a lot of boat traffic around. It’s a sandy beach perfect for sunbathing, relaxing, and watching sunsets. However, it’s not a good place for snorkeling. If you’re looking for a good snorkeling spot around, head to the beach at Sensi Paradise Resort.
Backpackers
White Jail – A clean and friendly hostel. Enjoy socializing in a lovely seating area. It’s important to note that White Jail is right next to a bar. While it’s perfect for party lovers, light sleepers might find the noise annoying.
Echo Hostel – Excellent location. Rooms are clean and comfortable, with AC. Hostel’s rooftop restaurant serves tasty breakfasts for reasonable prices. The social area offers an amazing view of the harbor, couches, music, and a free pool table.
Sabai Sabai Poshtel – A cozy hostel ideal for backpackers looking for a relaxed atmosphere without any parties. The hostel has a comfortable common room perfect for socializing. The location is very convenient since it’s just two minutes from the pier and the beach.
Low Budget
Save Bungalow -An ideal option if you’re looking for an affordable stay close to the pier. They offer both fan and AC rooms. We highly recommend AC, since it gets pretty hot inside. Despite the rooms not being brand-new, they are well-maintained. Comfy beds and fridge are available, too.
Viking House Apartment – Centrally located, it’s a good base to explore the whole island. While the house is a bit older, it’s kept in good condition. The hosts are very friendly and helpful. You can expect soft beds as well as clean and comfortable rooms.
Port Station – An excellent choice for budget travelers. Close to the pier, main street, and a 10-minute walk to Sairee Beach. You’ll appreciate spacious rooms with AC and comfortable beds. Balcony areas are available to relax in the evenings.
Mid-range
Koh Tao Beach Club – A great accommodation option right on the beach with breathtaking views. The hotel also has a large pool. While it’s in a quiet location, it’s only a few minutes walk from the town. This place has a charming atmosphere and clean rooms.
Blue Diamond Resort – Spacious rooms feature AC and balconies overlooking the pool. In addition, the staff is friendly ensuring you’ll have a pleasant experience.
Clear View Resort – You’ll certainly appreciate that all rooms have stunning sea views. The resort is quiet and peaceful, but still within walking distance of shops, restaurants, and bars. It’s both a relaxing and convenient place to stay.
Luxury
Sensi Paradise Beach Resort – A highly recommended luxury stay on Koh Tao, which offers a peaceful retreat just a short walk away from the town’s center. A private beach ensures cleanliness and no crowds. The breakfast is served with sea views.
Overthemoon Luxury Pool Villas – An unparalleled experience for those looking for a luxurious retreat on Koh Tao. The design pays a lot of attention to details. In addition, the views are stunning and you also have access to a private pool.
Lücke Boutique Hotel – The hotel boasts an unbeatable location right on the beach. Rooms are modern and well-maintained, equipped with a smart TV and coffee maker. You’ll be happy to hear the hotel offers complimentary snacks, towels, SUPs, kayaks, and snorkeling gear!
Sairee Beach
Sairee Beach is the busiest area on the whole island. It’s the place where most backpackers stay. What’s great about it is the amount of different restaurants, bars, beach bars, shops, scooter rentals, and tour companies. Because of this, it’s the best place to stay on Koh Tao.
If you’re looking for public transport options, you’ll find many taxis and boat drivers around. Sairee Beach is also a central location, which makes it easy to explore any part of the island.
Join a bar hopping, have a cocktail on the beach while watching a fire show, or go shopping during the day. Staying near the center is perfect especially for backpackers and party lovers.
The disadvantage of staying here is that it can get pretty loud and busy, especially after the Full Moon Party on neighboring Koh Phangan. If you want to avoid this, just stay a bit further out from the center.
Sairee Beach is also not a good place for snorkeling, since there’s almost nothing in the water. But it’s a perfect place to watch the sunsets.
Backpackers
Live in Leaf Koh Tao – A budget stay with its pros and cons. The staff is welcoming and friendly and you get free water. Also, the rooms are spacious with comfortable beds. It’s important to note that the hostel offers a quiet stay, without party vibes.
Revolution Koh Tao – A party hostel conveniently located close to 7/11 in the center of town. A very dynamic environment offers daily events and activities, which is a great way to meet new people as a solo traveler. However, the hostel can be quite loud at night.
Silver Na’s Hostel – A very well-reviewed hostel loved by many visitors. While the main area of shops and bars is close, the hostel is in a quiet location. In addition, a common area and balcony offer great spots for relaxation.
Low Budget
Khun Ying House – Convenient location close to the beach, but away from the noisy areas. The rooms are clean and equipped with private bathrooms, daily water, kettle, and coffee supplies. Many rooms also feature balconies with shared drying racks.
Mama O’Chai – Located at a quieter end of Sairee Beach, this place offers a perfect blend of relax while still being in the center. Beachfront bungalows come with fan as well as AC. Rooms are comfy and you can enjoy watching sunset from your terrace.
Asia Diver’s Resort – Excellent location, clean and spacious rooms with modern amenities, comfortable beds, and daily coffee. Additionally, each room has a balcony with drying racks provided. You’ll also love a small kitchen for the guests.
Mid-range
Palm Leaf Resort – It’s a short walk from the bustling center, but in a quiet location. There’s a well-maintained beach great for snorkeling nearby. Comfortable bungalows also offer front porches perfect for relaxing. The staff is friendly and helpful.
DD Hut Koh Tao – This hotel offers an idyllic seaside retreat away from the noise. Two on-site restaurants serve hearty dishes such as fresh seafood. You’ll also love an infinity pool. Rooms are comfortable and well-equipped, and in addition, the staff provides exceptional service.
Chaantalay Hotel – Great value for money only a short walk from the Sairee Beach. The hotel features a modern design as well as an excellent cool pool. The rooms are equipped with a strong and quiet AC, which you’ll certainly appreciate on hot sunny days.
Luxury
Ava Resort – The resort is loved for its breathtaking views over the bay. Beautiful rooms ensure a memorable stay on Koh Tao, too. The expansive swimming pool provides a refreshing dip andalso views like from a movie scene. In addition, the resort’s cafe provides a cozy spot to relax and enjoy the scenery.
Koh Tao Heights Boutique Villa – An amazing combination or luxury, and stunning views of the jungle and sea. The villas feature a spacious garden area, an infinity pool, an outdoor shower, and lounge area with sofas. Daily housekeeping keeps the rooms clean.
Place Luxury Villas – Spectacular retreat perched on the top of a mountain. The villas offer panoramic views, also from the infinity pool. You can also watch sunsets from there and enjoy a cool drink. The bathroom has a unique glass ceiling which adds a touch of luxury and charm.
Chalok Baan Kao Bay
Chalok Baan Kao Bay is in the southern part of the island only 5 minutes ride from Mae Haad Pier and 10 minutes from Sairee Beach. It offers a perfect balance between a vibrant atmosphere and relaxed vibes.
It’s not as busy as Sairee Beach, but there’s still a lot to do around. With different types of accommodation options, this area will fit different types of travelers. Because of this, from backpackers to families, everyone will enjoy staying in Chalok Baan Kao Bay.
Backpackers
Warehouse Hostel – Budget-friendly accommodation offering a decent stay including breakfast. The outside area is full of lush greenery and provides a tranquil atmosphere. Comfy beds are equipped with curtains, which provide privacy.
Deishaview Jungle Hostel – A lively community-focused hostel that feels like home. The highlight is a common room with live music and open mic nights. Keep in mind that the location is not ideal for walking, since it’s a very steep hill.
Wonderland Jungle Hostel – According to many visitors this was one of the best hostels in Thailand. Dorms are comfortable with well-maintained bathrooms. The rooftop chill-out area is a fantastic place to unwind and socialize.
Low Budget
Bubble Bungalow – Affordable stay in a convenient location. Thanks to the proximity of NAVA dive school, it’s great for diving enthusiasts. Deluxe rooms also offer a terrace with hammocks, creating a cozy atmosphere. However, the room is compact lacking sufficient storage space.
MAR24 – A stay that exceeds all the expectations. Staff will welcome you with warmth and kindness and provide exceptional service. A strategic location within walking distance of the beach is also appreciated. The rooms are clean, and equipped with beach and pool towels.
Namhasin House -A delightful stay with exceptionally helpful staff. Clean and well-maintained rooms also provide a lot of shelf space. Convenient location, however, there might be some traffic noise at night.
Mid-range
Relax Freedom Resort – While the rooms are basic, they provide everything necessary. The highlight is the view of the bay from the room. Delicious breakfast is served every day. However, it might be harder to explore the area without a motorbike.
Chintakiri Resort – Elegant hotel which features an infinity pool with outrageously beautiful views. The staff is super friendly, helping you make your stay a memorable one. It is a steep walk to get to the hotel, but lovely beaches and restaurants are close by.
Paradise Zone – Breathtaking views are complemented by a fantastic vibe. Additionally, the location provides a perfect atmosphere for relaxation. If you’re looking for a secluded retreat, this is a perfect choice.
Luxury
Viewpoint Resort – Surrounded by nature, the clean bungalows provide a perfect place to enjoy a memorable stay. A quality and varied breakfast is served every day. The infinity pool offers a relaxing spot with panoramic views. However, once again, the resort is on a steep hill.
Southern beaches
The southern part of Koh Tao includes beaches like Haad June Juea, Freedom Beach, Shark Bay, Sai Daeng Beach, and Ao Leuk. Thanks to its peaceful, laid-back vibes it’s a great area for couples, families, or those looking for a relaxing getaway.
While the selection of restaurants and bars is not as wide as near Sairee Beach, you’ll certainly find many wonderful places to eat or get an evening drink. A few dive centers are also based in these areas.
Sai Daeng, Ao Leuk, and Shark Bay are considered some of the best snorkeling spots on Koh Tao! You can see plenty of fish, colorful corals, sea turtles, and even black-tip reef sharks if you’re lucky.
However, keep in mind that some roads are very steep in this area. Make sure to read hotel reviews if you want to avoid this.
Backpackers
The accommodation options near these beaches are usually on the higher end. Because of this, there’s not a lot of choice for low-budget or backpacker stays.
Low Budget
- Tree House Bungalows – The bungalows are nestled in the jungle providing breathtaking views of Ao Leuk Bay. You can unwind in the outdoor areas providing hammocks. The hotel also has an outdoor treetop restaurant that offers delightful local dishes.
Mid-range
Beach Club by Haadtien – Located in Shark Bay, the resort offers an idyllic retreat with a choice of four pools. Five-star breakfast is served every day and dinner also maintains a high standard. It’s a secluded place with almost no other dining options around.
Cape Shark Villa – The villas offer privacy and exceptionally stunning views. The staff is nice and helpful. Well-maintained villas feature a beautiful kitchen and a luxurious bathroom. You can enjoy breathtaking views from the pool, too.
Chabalay Resort – The resort is located in Ao Leuk Bay, one of the best snorkeling areas on the island. The balcony views are lovely and the rooms are beautifully decorated. The restaurant serves authentic Thai food. The access to the beach is really easy.
Luxury
The Fisherman’s Villas – Thanks to its location on a hill it provides excellent sea views. Villas have a beautifully decorated room with an infinity pool. The highlight is a luxurious bathroom carved into the rock, which makes you feel like you’re visiting a SPA. It’s ideal for a romantic getaway.
Jamahkiri Dive Resort – A tranquil place away from the main pier area. The resort even provides activities such as kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkeling, or scuba diving. The resort also has a restaurant with high-quality food, but slightly more expensive prices.
Villa Sabai Jai – Paradise villas offering spectacular views. The hotel offers a large and clean swimming pool. It’s a perfect choice if you’re looking for a relaxing stay. The staff can help you with anything you’ll need, from organizing scuba lessons, and transport to sharing other Koh Tao tips.
Tanote Bay
Tanote Bay was by far our favorite snorkeling spot on Koh Tao Island. The amount of different fish and stunning corals was incredible! I would recommend this area to those who plan to spend a lot of time on the beach, snorkeling, sunbathing, and relaxing.
Tanote Bay is busy with tourists during the day, but very calm at night. Since you won’t find many parties and bars around, it’s more suitable for couples and families.
The disadvantage of staying here is that it’s not a central location, which makes it slightly harder to explore the rest of the island. But as long as you rent a scooter, you’ll be just fine. Koh Tao is a small island so it’s easy to get around no matter where you stay.
Backpackers
Tanote Bay and the nearby area do not offer any hostel or a place perfect for backpackers.
Low Budget
Family Resort – Great value for money. The hotel is home-style and feels very comfortable. Perfect option for families with kids. The bungalows offer great views over the bay with a constant cool breeze you’ll love during hot sunny days. It’s also a good choice for a long-term stay.
Salamao Bungalow – Quiet location close to the beach. You’ll be surrounded by the sounds of nature with lovely views over the mountain. Feels more like a homestay than a hotel. There are hammocks available, too. You can rent snorkeling equipment to enjoy Tanote Bay’s underwater life.
Mid-range
Tanote Villa – A delightful retreat right in Tanote Bay – one of the best snorkeling spots on the whole island. The beautiful environment right on the beach. It’s recommended to rent a motorbike to explore the rest of the island. The staff provides an outstanding service.
Montalay Beach Resort – A comfortable retreat with modern and clean rooms. The atmosphere around the resort is very chilled. The highlight is the pool overlooking the beach. The staff is helpful and polite. The resort’s location is away from the busy areas of the island.
Mountain Reef Resort – Stunning views, excellent snorkeling opportunities, and a perfect location for nature enthusiasts. The rooms are spacious and luxurious, with an option to book a 3-bedroom villa right on the beach. Impressive breakfast and helpful staff ensure a quality stay.
Luxury
- Villa on the Rocks – A fantastic place to stay with incredible views and a peaceful environment. The villa is super clean and well-maintained. Gorgeous pool area provides surreal views over the island. The accommodation maintains a high standard.
Northern Beaches
When looking at the northern part of the island, you will notice that there are way fewer roads, restaurants, and accommodation options. It’s because this area is very mountainous with many steep roads and fewer beaches.
Stay in the north of Koh Tao is perfect if you’re looking for a secluded and quiet place surrounded by nature. But since Koh Tao is such a small island, you can still easily explore other beaches and places around.
The most famous beaches in this area are Hin Wong Bay, Mango Bay, and Lighthouse Bay.
Low Budget
- Hin Wong Apartments – It’s the only accommodation in the area. Unfortunately, it’s a bit run down and needs some maintenance. The road leading to it is very steep. However, it has a nice sea view.
Koh Nang Yuan
Koh Nang Yuan is a small island only a few minutes by boat from Koh Tao. It’s known thanks to few incredible snorkeling spots and it’s also a popular diving destination. Visiting Koh Nang Yuan is the most popular day trip in the area.
However, when staying here you don’t have many options. You’ll only find one hotel and one restaurant. Additionally, there’s not much to do besides snorkel, sunbathe and relax. If that’s what you’re after, you might really enjoy staying here.
Luxury
Nangyuan Island Dive Resort – A unique and secluded experience on Koh Tao. You have excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities and beautiful rooms. However, note that access to the island is limited.
Best time to visit Koh Tao
Dry season: December – April
Rainy season: October – December
Koh Tao has its dry season between December and April, together with the rest of Thailand. The weather is mostly sunny with almost no rain. However, since December is on the border between monsoon and dry season, you might still experience rainy evenings.
The period between February and May is known as a hot and dry season. April is usually the hottest month. Koh Tao is a relatively humid island, with around 80% humidity. Keep this in mind and stay hydrated throughout the day. The water visibility is the best in this season.
While the west coast of Thailand is hit by southwest monsoon between May and October, Koh Tao is not very affected by this. The weather is mostly dry and windy. Therefore, the sea is not as calm anymore. But you can already expect some rainfall, mostly during late afternoons and nights.
The rainy season in Koh Tao usually starts late in October and lasts until December. November is experiencing the heaviest rains. If the monsoons arrive later, the rainy season may last longer.
Where to stay on Koh Tao – conclusion
As you can see, despite being such a small island Koh Tao offers perfect accommodation for every type of traveler. Tourists can enjoy both a relaxing stay in a secluded area as well as a holiday full of parties.
Thanks to plenty of opportunities for snorkeling and diving, you’ll fall in love with Koh Tao!
Each area of Koh Tao has its own unique appeal, so consider what kind of experience you want—whether it’s luxury, convenience, or a social hostel environment. Booking ahead, especially during peak seasons, can help ensure you get the best options available. Thanks for sharing this list of hotels. Well-written.
Thanks for the comment ❤️