Ready to plan your trip and discover the best places to stay on Koh Tao?
Koh Tao, often referred to as turtle island, is the smallest island in the popular trio located on the east coast of Thailand. Despite its size, choosing the right place to stay in Koh Tao is essential to making the most of your visit. This small island offers a variety of accommodation options, each with its own unique vibe, from lively beaches to quiet retreats with breathtaking ocean views.
The west coast of Koh Tao is where you’ll find the largest concentration of hotels and beach resorts, especially around the bustling areas of Sairee Beach and Mae Haad. These areas are perfect if you’re looking for plenty of things to do along with restaurants, bars, and entertainment. They’re also the hub for scuba diving, with dive shops scattered throughout.
If you prefer something more tranquil, consider heading to the south near Chalok Bay or Shark Bay, where you’ll find quieter beaches, budget-friendly hostels, and luxury pool villas. Whether you’re looking for vibrant nightlife, stunning views, or easy access to some of the island’s most famous spots like Freedom Beach or Suwan Viewpoint, there’s something for every type of traveler.
In this accommodation guide I’ll fill you in on all the best place to stay on Koh Tao along with accommodation options from nice hotels and resorts to more budget friendly guesthouses and hostels.
Where to stay on Koh Tao: Top 3 Picks
Excited to book your dream hotel in Koh Tao? Below are the TOP 3 hotels in Koh Tao. Each one is highly rated for location, comfort, cleanliness and all are located in a prime location close to restaurants and the beach.
Just make sure to reserve in advance because these places are in high demand!
The AVA Resort
- Breathtaking views
- Infinity pool
- Minimalist luxury
Sensi Paradise Beach Resort
- Oceanfront
- Quiet Area
- Close to port
Tanote Villa
- Secluded
- Unique experience
- On Tropical beach
Not what you’re looking for? Don’t worry, the list below includes the best places to stay in Koh Tao divided into different areas.
Quicklinks for your trip to Koh Tao
→ This is the best Beachfront Hotel in Koh Tao – and is often sold out
→ And this is the coolest accommodation in Koh Tao – expensive but sleeps 4/6
→ This is the best Koh Tao Tour – complete with badge of excellence
Where to stay in Koh Tao – Overview
Below is an overview for all the areas to stay in Koh Tao. Each area features 1 recommended accommodation for each budget. This overview will give you a good idea of what to expect in each particular area and as a result you can book your accommodation with ease knowing you’re choosing the right place for your travel style.
‘All recommended properties are highly rated. If you know your travel dates it is best to reserve in advance. Prices are for a standard room for a 1 night stay and may change depending on seasonality’
Maehaad
Maehaad is the main town and capital city of Koh Tao. The ferry pier is here and there’s a number of restaurants, cheap eateries, budget hostels and a number of scooter rental stores to choose from.
Best place to stay for any Budget in Maehaad ⤵
| Name | Price | Reserve |
|---|---|---|
| AVA Hostel & Guesthouse | $45 | →booking.com or →Agoda |
| Ananda Villa | $95 | →booking.com or →Agoda |
| Sensi Paradise Beach Resort | $165 | →booking.com or →Agoda |
Sairee Beach
Probably 90% of tourists that come to Koh Tao stay in Sairee Beach. It’s the largest beach on Koh Tao and is lined with waving palms and trees and a promenade dotted with restaurants, dive shops, beach lounges and various accommodation options.
Best place to stay for any Budget in Sairee Beach ⤵
| Name | Price | Reserve |
|---|---|---|
| Indie Hostel Koh Tao | $48 | →booking.com or →Agoda |
| Sairee Hut Resort Koh Tao | $88 | →booking.com or →Agoda |
| Blue Tao Beach Hotel | $109 | →booking.com or →Agoda |
Chalok Baan Kao Bay
There’s a few accommodation options in this part of Koh Tao. It’s laid back has easy access to shark bay (you can often swim with sharks here) and there’s just a handful of dining options. Chalok Baan Kao Bay is a 10 minute scooter ride to Sairee beach.
Best place to stay for any Budget in Chalok Baan ⤵
| Name | Price | Reserve |
|---|---|---|
| New Heaven Dive Resort | $45 | →booking.com or →Agoda |
| Hydronauts Diving Resort | $64 | →booking.com or →Agoda |
| Assava Dive Resort | $72 | →booking.com or →Agoda |
Ao Thian Og
Ao Thian Og is right next to Chalok Baan and only separated by a little peninsula. It’s the same tranquil vibe and offers direct access to shark bay where you can snorkel along the reef and black tip reef sharks and turtles gliding through the ocean. This place is truly magical!!
Best place to stay in Ao Thian Og ⤵
| Name | Price | Reserve |
|---|---|---|
| Ko Tao Resort Paradise Zone | $92 | →booking.com or →Agoda |
| Haadtien Beach Resort | $148 | →booking.com or →Agoda |
| Jamahkiri Spa & Resort | $158 | →booking.com or →Agoda |
Tanote Bay
Tanote Bay is a gorgeous beach on the East side of the island. If you want the best place to stay in Koh Tao for relaxation, then this is the place. Most of the properties are budget to mid range and most are either on the beach or have direct access.
Best place to stay Tanote Bay ⤵
| Name | Price | Resreve |
|---|---|---|
| Poseidon Resort | $59 | →booking.com or →Agoda |
| Montalay Beach Resort | $72 | →booking.com or →Agoda |
| Mountain Reef Beach Resort | $132 | →booking.com or →Agoda |
Where to Stay in Koh Tao
Sairee Beach
Best for: beach – dining – nightlife – favorite area
Located on the west coast of the island, Sairee beach is the best place to stay in Koh Tao if you want everything within walking distance. The 2 km beach is the largest and most well known on Koh Tao. While it is also the most populated beach area on Koh Tao, that laid back island vibe is still there.
Also, if you’re going to Koh Tao to get your open water certificate, in Sairee you’ll find the largest concentration of dive shops. And at night, the walking street that stretches along the beach and passes through various restaurants and accommodation you’ll have clusters of lively atmospheres including live bands and low key beach parties.
Best Accommodation options in Sairee Beach
Indie Hostel – Koh Tao
Set in Sairee beach main tourist area and close to all amenities including nightlife, bars, restaurants and just a minute walk to the beach. Indie Hostel Koh Tao→ is a cool, compact and stylish hostel.
Sleeping arrangements are either air conditioned private rooms with bathroom or dormitory sleeping pods in. Onsite you can enjoy the terrace offering amazing views along with a cool cafe – a great place to meet other travelers.
Savage – Koh Tao
At Savage Hostel→ the line between hostel and hotel is blurred as you’ll find both stylish private rooms and dorm rooms. It’s the perfect place to meet other travelers as a couple which is often harder than when traveling solo.
Nestled directly on Sairee beach, the property features a large pool, rooftop terrace and open lounge areas. And the location is convenient as the property is directly on Sairee beach and all the bars, restaurants, and entertainment are just minutes away.
The Ava Resort Koh Tao
Set on top of a hill on the edge of Sairee beach, The Ava Resort→ is a luxury accommodation with high end rooms and delivering unbeatable views of the ocean and facing Koh Nang Yuan island.
Minimalistic rooms are gorgeous and offer a fresh and laid back atmosphere. The infinity pool facing the ocean and surrounding lounge area are great to hang out and watch stunning sunsets. The lively streets of Sairee are a 20 minute walk away which is close enough yet making this place peaceful and quiet.
Maehaad
Best for: beach – dining – nightlife – budget
Maehaad is the main point of entry for most tourists. This is where the pier is located and is also Koh Tao’s capital city. While not the main tourist area, Maehaad is located directly next to Sairee Beach and they both spill into each other. It takes about 10 minutes to reach Sairee beach from Maehaad (depending where you’re staying).
Here you’ll find cheaper accommodation and there is also a number of local eateries where you’ll find meals for around ฿50/฿70. However there’s also a number of western restaurants and a couple of bars also. This is the best area to look into if you’re on a budget yet want to be close to the main tourist area.
Best Accommodation options in Maehaad
Loft Hostel Koh Tao
It only takes 2 minutes to walk from Maehaad pier to this hostel which is close to many places to eat, drink, rent scooters and close enough to Sairee beach, Loft Hostel→ is no doubt the best place to stay if you’re in Koh Tao on a budget.
It’s a cool industrial design and sleeping options are either beds or bunk beds in air conditioned room. Every bed has its dedicated personal side-rack to keep belongings or backpack. And the best part is that beds start from just ฿385 ($11) per night. Onsite you also have a bar and terrace.
Other Budget options:
Moov Inn Garden Hostel
→booking.com or →Agoda
Nirvana Guesthouse and Hostel
→booking.com or →Agoda
Ananda Villa
Located directly on the beach in Maehaad, Ananda Villa→ offers spacious air conditioned rooms either with garden views or breathtaking views of the ocean where you’ll get to enjoy breathtaking sunsets from your front terrace.
The property is located directly on the beach which is far enough from the pier so you can enjoy an early morning swim. The beach is Maehaad is sort of a continuation of Sairee beach so you’ll still have easy access to many restaurants and entertainment nearby. Sairee is about 10 minutes walk from here.
Other Mid-Range options:
Blue Diamond Resort
→booking.com or →Agoda
Nadapa Resort
→booking.com or →Agoda
Sensi Paradise Beach Resort
The property is surrounded in jungle and located on the southern end of Maehaad beach. It’s peaceful and quiet yet close enough to many amenities and restaurants and nightlife in Maehaad.
Sensi Paradise Beach Resort→ comes in the form of bungalows enjoying their own private terrace offering sweeping views of the ocean or the lush surrounding jungle. Each individual bungalow has air condition, bathrobes, mini fridge and coffee maker. And rooms are large with over 40㎡ (430 sqf).
Other High-End options:
Villa Seaview Garden
→booking.com or →Agoda
Big Tree Boutique Hotel – (gorgeous place – 15 minute walk to beach)
→booking.com or →Agoda
Chalok Baan Kao Bay
Best for: beach – snorkeling – relaxation – dining options
If you want to know where to stay in Koh Tao that is peaceful, has an amazing beach with clear water, is good for snorkeling, has a handful of places to eat but is close enough to the main tourist area, then consider Chalok Baan Kao Bay.
Chalok Baan Kao Bay is nestled inside a horseshoe shaped coastline on south Koh Tao. It only takes 10 minutes to drive here from the livelier town of Maehaad and Sairee beach. However, the atmosphere is the complete opposite.
There’s just a few places to eat, and not much nightlife. Just a handful of resorts that will deliver a peaceful and relaxing stay. Staying here means falling asleep to the sound of the ocean, and starting the day on your front porch watching the sun rising and the waves gently lapping on the sand as you sip a cup of coffee.
Best Accommodations in Chalok Baan
New Heaven Dive Resort
If you’re on a budget and dream and want an affordable place to stay in Chalok Baan, this is the place. New Heaven Dive Resort→ is one of the few affordable accommodations here.
With the option to choose from private rooms or dormitory beds, onsite there is a gorgeous pool and rooms have a cool industrial style. The property offers direct access to the beach and also offer dive lessons where you can your open water certificate.
Hydronauts Diving Resort
Situated on the northern part of Chalok Baan Kao Bay, Hydronauts Diving Resort→ is a typical Thai beachfront property. Air conditioned rooms are bright and have beautiful wall art. Comfortable beds, private bathrooms and some rooms even feature a private terrace.
Onsite amenities include a restaurant and bar. A chilled out communal area surrounds a pool, the perfect spot to meet other travelers and tourists moving around Thailand.
Koh Tao Resort Paradise Zone
The line between beach and jungle is blurred in this exceptional property in Chalok Baan. Koh Tao Resort Paradise Zone→ is nestled in the jungle on top of a hill overlooking the beautiful bay which is a 5 minute walk away. And a 10 minute hike gets you to John Suwan viewpoint.
Featuring 2 infinity pools, lounge areas, restaurants, and luxury rooms some with amazing sunken bathtubs offering open ocean views. This is an exceptional property and prices are quite reasonable for what it is.
Ao Thian Og
Best for: peaceful – beach – snorkeling – relaxation – not much going on
Ao Thian Og is located on the opposite side of Chalok Baan Kao Bay only separated by a tiny peninsula. The beach here is often referred to as Shark Bay because it’s common to go snorkeling and spot small black tip reef shark along with turtles, various other marine life and colorful corals. And if you’re ‘really’ lucky, you may even see a whale shark!
Ao Thian Og is really laid back. It’s a beach with a handful of accommodation and completely surrounded by lush landscapes. Ao Thian Og isn’t the best place to find budget accommodation as it is mainly higher end resorts. However, you can stay Chalok Baan as there is only a 10 minute walk between the 2 beaches/areas.
Jamahkiri Spa & Resort
Here you’ll spend your days in one of the most luxurious properties on Koh Tao. Jamahkiri Spa & Resort→ is an exclusive property sitting on top of hill and offering exceptional views. That is just one reason for the high price tag.
Rooms are designed to blend the outdoor view with the inside comfort thanks to large windows, terraces and the higher end rooms also have their own pool. Go and get pampered at the spa and dine at onsite restaurant.
Cape Shark Villas
Imagine, a self contained stilted villa with thatched roof, complete with infinity pool and surrounded in thick jungle. Cape shark villas→ is a dream property by the beach of Ao Thian Og.
Each stylish villas is complete with air condition, has its own terrace, a sofa and T.V. And select villas have private pool and a fully equipped kitchen.
Tanote Bay
Tanote Bay is located on Koh Tao’s east coast and is the most populated area on this part of the island. However, by no means is it busy here. In fact the only amenities in Tanote Bay are offered by resorts. And not many locals live here either.
It’s a gorgeous curved beach with crystal clear waters that are perfect for snorkeling along the colorful marine life. And the beach completely wrapped in a lush landscape dotted with a few resorts which are generally on the pricier side.
If you want a place for complete relaxation and aren’t concerned of not having loads of dining and entertainment options in the evening, then definitely consider Tanote Bay. It’s gorgeous, peaceful, surrounded in nature and there’s not much distractions, and even during the day, Tanote bay remains fairly quiet.
Salamao Bungalow
If you want an affordable place to stay in Tanote Bay, Salamao Bungalow→ is one of the few available options. It’s completely surrounded in nature. The beach is just a stonethrow away from the property where you can go snorkeling along the colorful reef.
This place really delivers a unique experience as this Tanote Bay is rather isolated and at night there isn’t anything going and all you’ll hear is the ocean and nature behind you.
Tanote Villa
Located atop a hill in Tanote Bay and facing the beach which mere minutes walk away, you’re guaranteed a peaceful stay here at Tanote Villa→ away from the busier parts of the island.
The accommodation comprises of rooms or villas. Each carefully designed and enjoying their own terrace, private bathroom and air condition. And onsite amenities include 2 pools and 2 restaurants.
What part of Koh Tao is the best?
The most popular area on Koh tao island is Sairee Beach. This is where most tourists, travelers and anyone wanting to get a scuba diving certificate will stay. Sairee beach is a 2 km palm fringed beach dotted with beach bars, restaurants, diving shops and various accommodations and a walking street crosses direct through. It’s a lively area but don’t expect anything too over the top, Sairee still delivers a typical laid back island vibe.
Is Koh Tao Expensive?
Koh Tao isn’t necessarily expensive. You can rent a scooter for around ฿250 ($8) a day and eat a local (small) meal for ฿60 ($1.60). However, if you’re on a tight budget, accommodation in Koh Tao can be a bit expensive. A double room with fan (no A/C) will generally cost at least ฿700 ($20) per night in Sairee Beach. Maehaad (near the port) is usually cheaper and within walking distance of lots of places to drink, eat and entertain.
How many days do you need in Koh Tao?
The truth is, it seems like no amount of days is ever enough for Koh Tao. It happens to us, it happens to a lot of others, a lot of visitors dread the moment they have to step foot back onto the ferry out of Koh Tao!! If you’re on a short Thailand vacation and want to experience the main highlights in Koh Tao, then 3 or 4 days is generally enough.
Koh Tao quick links
Transport ⤵
HEY, just so you know…
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