Complete guide to where to stay on Koh Tao Island, Thailand. Includes top accommodation picks on Sairee Beach, Mae Haad, & more to suit all budgets.
Koh Tao, also known as Turtle Island, is located in the Gulf of Thailand and is one of my absolute favorite destinations in the world!
I lived on the island for several months as I completed my PADI Dive Master course and I often recommend it to many people all over the world as an incredible place to visit in Thailand for diving, jungle exploring, beach hopping, and meeting like-minded travelers.
In this detailed guide, I’ll provide a rundown of the best places and specific areas to stay on Koh Tao, with up-to-date recommendations on hotels, hostels, and affordable bungalows to help you plan your visit.
My Top Accommodation Picks on Koh Tao
If you're wondering where to stay on Koh Tao Island and you want to be close to the main activities and beaches, pick a stay near Sairee Beach.
However, other great options include Mae Haad, or for a more secluded vibe, check out the southern beaches or even the east coast around Tanote Bay.
Here are my top picks.
1. Jamahkiri Resort & Spa Luxury
A great bang-for-buck luxury dive resort at the beachfront of Shark Bay in a quiet and secluded location away from the hustle and bustle.
2. Phandara Pool Villas Mid-Range
A luxury villa option for those who want their own kitchen & pool. Located on the hill up to Wooden Rock Viewpoint.
3. Summer Guesthouse Budget
Located within walking distance of the dive shops and pub crawls on Sairee Beach, this is the top-budget hostel option with a great vibe.
Best Areas to Stay on Koh Tao
- Sairee Beach- From blue calm waters to beach bars this area is a known tourist hub for travelers. Many hotels and resorts line this beach and boat tours to and from Ko Nang Yuan Island leave from here.
- Mae Haad- This is the main port of entry onto Koh Tao. People choose this area due to the location and convenience to loads of restaurants and bars close by and the sunset over the ocean at night is also a bonus.
- Shark Bay- Shark Bay also known as Thian Og Bay is an incredible bay. Known as one of the best snorkeling spots for reef sharks on the entire island, this area is quiet, scenic, and surrounded by beautiful tropical jungles.
- Chalok Baan Kao- Located on the south of the island Chalok Baan Kao is a small area with the third largest beach. Many people stay in this area for its dive centers and small bungalow-styled accommodation options.
- Tanote Bay- Tanote Bay is located on the eastern side of the Island just around the corner from Shark Bay. It is known for its large rock formation that is used as a jumping platform into the ocean.
Koh Tao Luxury Hotels & Villas
Hotel | Area | Price | |
---|---|---|---|
Perfect View Pool Villa | Sairee | $$$$ | |
Phandara Luxury Pool Villas | Sairee | $$$$ | |
Over The Moon Luxury Pool Villas | Sairee | $$$ | |
Cape Shark Villas | Shark Bay | $$$ | |
The Fisherman's Villas | Shark Bay | $$$ | |
Jamahkiri Resort & Spa - SHA Plus | Shark Bay | $$$ |
Perfect View Pool Villa
- Area: Sairee
- Best for: Large groups and families
This villa is located within walking distance of Sairee Beach and many restaurants and bars.
The location is quiet and is surrounded by the sound of the jungle. It sleeps up to 10 guests at a time so this is perfect for large groups or families or those wanting an extended stay.
The rooms are spacious with incredible views over the ocean from the private balconies. Throughout this luxury villa, there is free wifi, multiple living spaces, a fully equipped kitchen, and a large outdoor private pool.
A transfer can be arranged to pick up and drop off at the pier.
Book: Perfect View Pool Villa
Phandara Luxury Pool Villas
- Area: Sairee
- Best for: Groups or honeymooners wanting luxury
Looking for a luxury Villa on Koh Tao? The best pick is the Phandara Luxury Pool Villas. It has everything you need from spectacular views over the ocean to relaxing on the terrace surrounded by palm trees with your very own hot tub.
It offers its guests a fully equipped kitchen, large outdoor seating area, and living areas and can accommodate up to 5 people. The modern-styled rooms are beautifully decorated and will have you feeling like you never want to leave.
The villa is just a short walk from Sairee Beach and 1 km from Mae Haad Pier. The surrounding areas offer hiking, snorkeling, and bird watching.
Over The Moon
- Area: Sairee
- Best for: Large groups and families
These villas are an excellent self-catering option for your next stay on Koh Tao. They are located in a quiet area surrounded by incredible palms and boast magnificent views over the ocean.
It's an Ideal place for those wanting to explore the white sand beaches nearby as Sairee Beach and Mae Haad Beach are a 10-15 minute walk from the property.
The villas are beautifully furnished with large open rooms with incredible views. Each with its own fully equipped kitchen and multiple living areas. Multiple activities such as scuba diving, hiking, and day tours can be arranged from the property.
A private chef is available for those who want the full service.
Book: Over The Moon
Cape Shark Villas
- Area: Shark Bay
- Best for: Groups, Families or couples wanting uninterrupted ocean views
Located on the south of the island and nearby to Shark Bay, Cape Shark Villas offers its guests magnificent infinity pool views and its own private beach area.
Villas can accommodate up to 9 adults and 4 children. An ideal choice for those traveling in large groups or families. Selected villas have an equipped kitchen, dining area, TV, air conditioning, an outdoor terrace, Free wifi, and a private pool.
There is a free shuttle service for those who need transport from the Mae Haad Pier which is a short 15-minute drive away. The perfect location for those who enjoy water sports, relaxing by the beach, or snorkeling with turtles and reef sharks.
Book: Cape Shark Villas
The Fisherman's Villas
- Area: Shark Bay
- Best for: Large groups wanting spacious rooms with a swimming pool
Wanting a luxurious stay surrounded by nature with views over Shark Bay? These villas boast a range of hut-styled traditional villas that have just that.
Getting here is easy, there is a free shuttle to and from the Pier. Shark Bay is a popular area for snorkeling alongside turtles and reef sharks.
There is an on-site restaurant for breakfast and a spa and more restaurants are a short 300m walk from the property. Tian Og Bay and Saideng Beach are only a 15-minute walk from the Villas.
The Fisherman's Villas has its very own fully operational dive shop for those wanting to explore the beauty of Koh Tao from under the water.
Book: The Fisherman's Villas
Jamahkiri Resort & Spa
- Area: Shark Bay
- Best for: Honeymooners or couples wanting a romantic stay
The Jamahkiri Resort & Spa is a great bang-for-buck luxury resort. Guests will find this one on the beachfront of Shark Bay in a quiet and secluded location away from the hustle and bustle.
The resort offers its guests a private beach, spa and fitness center, massage packages, and its very own on-site Padi-certified dive center. The villas come in many options and cater to both small and large groups.
Rooms boast incredible views over the surrounding clear waters and some even with their own private outdoor swimming pool. Babysitting services can be arranged for an extra cost.
John Suwan Viewpoint is a short 8-minute drive from the property.
Book: Jamahkiri Resort & Spa
Best Mid-Range Hotels on Koh Tao
Hotel | Area | Price | |
---|---|---|---|
Sensi Paradise Beach Resort | Mae Haad | $$ | |
Blue Tao Beach Hotel | Sairee Beach | $$ | |
View Point Resort | Chalok Baan Kao | $$ | |
Ban's Diving Resort | Sairee Beach | $ | |
Tanote Villa | Tanote Bay | $$ |
Sensi Paradise Beach Resort
- Area: Mae Haad
- Best for: Families or couples wanting to be close to the ocean
If you're visiting Koh Tao for a quick island getaway, one of the best places to stay is Sensi Paradise Beach Resort. This resort is in a great location on the beachfront close to Mae Haad Pier and within walking distance to many great cafes and bars.
The bungalow-styled rooms all feature free wifi, air conditioning, a private bathroom, private balconies, and views over the garden or pool. The resort has its very own on-site restaurant with locally caught seafood on the menu. It has views over the stunning Koh Nang Yuan Island.
The outdoor swimming pool is perfect for cooling down on those hot island days and for letting the kids burn off the extra energy.
I recommend trying the shakshuka at the nearby Milk & Honey restaurant!
Blue Tao Beach Hotel
- Area: Sairee Beach
- Best for: Couples looking for sea views close to restaurants
This hotel is located along the Sairee beachfront. It is close to a range of shops, restaurants, nightclubs, and spas. It has incredible sea views and the sounds of the ocean add the perfect touch.
The shallow waters on the outside beachfront of Sairee Beach offer the perfect place to cool off and relax. The hotel features a garden, air conditioning, wifi, a kettle, and a la carte breakfast.
The hotel is just a short boat trip from the incredible Koh Nang Yuan Island.
Book: Blue Tao Beach Hotel
View Point Resort
- Area: Chalok Baan Kao
- Best for: Couples or honeymooners wanting a private resort
Located just a stone's throw from Chalok Baan Kao Beach View Point Resort is a great place for couples or honeymooners looking for the ultimate relaxation accommodation.
The bungalow-style rooms feature air conditioning, sea views, Wi-Fi, private bathrooms, and a private balcony. There is an outdoor swimming pool for those wanting to stay refreshed in the resort.
Be sure to check out Freedom Beach, Shark Bay, and Chalok Baan Kao Beach. These beautiful beaches are just a short walk from the property and offer the chance to swim with turtles, reef sharks, and schools of tropical fish.
This is the ultimate luxury experience at an affordable cost!
Book: View Point Resort
Bans Diving Resort
- Area: Sairee Beach
- Best for: Scuba diving enthusiasts
Known as one of the best dive schools on the island Ban's Diving Resort is another perfect accommodation choice for those wanting to expand their diving skills.
Ban's is where I completed my Dive Master ticket. It is located along the main road and sits on the beachfront of Sairee Beach. This is a popular place to get your scuba diving ticket by day and party at the Fish Bowl Nightclub by night.
There is a range of suites to choose from when staying at the resort and most rooms offer a mini bar, a safe, a private shower, views over the garden, and air conditioning. If you need to catch the ferry to neighboring Koh Samui, there is also a free shuttle that runs to and from the pier.
There are 3 restaurants on-site and it boasts multiple outdoor pools to relax around after a long day of diving.
The best part is it's powered by its very own recycling plant. The water is used within the back gardens to grow fruits and vegetables that are served in the restaurants.
Book: Bans Diving Resort
Tanote Villa
- Area: Tanote Bay
- Best for: Those looking for tranquil area away from crowds and ocean views
Situated on the quiet east coast side of the island in Tanote Bay nestled amongst the trees the Tanote Villa shouldn't be missed. This 3-star resort features two outdoor swimming pools with spectacular ocean views.
The villas are situated only a short 5-minute walk from the incredible Tanote Bay Beach. This popular beach brings tourists from across the island daily due to its white sand and large rock which can be used as a jumping ledge. There is an on-site restaurant with a fine selection of authentic Thai and European food.
There are a selection of rooms to choose from with some featuring large floor-to-ceiling windows with views over the ocean, a minibar, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and private bathrooms. Connected family rooms are also available.
Tanote Villas is known for its incredible location for sunrise!
Book: Tanote Villa
Best Budget Hostels on Koh Tao Island
Hotel | Area | Price | |
---|---|---|---|
Summer Guesthouse and Hostel | Sairee | $ | |
The Dearly Koh Tao Hostel | Chalok Baan Kao | $ | |
Moov Inn Garden Hostel | Mae Haad | $ |
Summer Guesthouse and Hostel
- Area: Sairee
- Best for: Solo & low-budget travelers
Summer Guesthouse and Hostel is a great option for those on a budget but still wanting to experience a comfortable private stay. I stay at Summer Guest House most visits and have had an awesome experience and loved the furry residents.
Located 1 km from Sairee Beach this guesthouse is a great base for those wanting to explore the island yet not wanting to break the bank for a night's stay. There is a supermarket located across the road and a short walk from an impressive gym. Everything you need is within a 10-minute walking distance.
There are a range of rooms to choose from such as dorms or privates with balconies. It has a very laid-back vibe and you'll be sure to meet other like-minded travelers here.
The Dearly Koh Tao Hostel
- Area: Sairee Beach
- Best for: Scuba diving enthusiasts
The top backpacker budget hostel on the island of Koh Tao is The Dearly Koh Tao Hostel.
Known for its high level of cleanliness people compare this to a 4-star hotel. This newly designed hostel offers private rooms and dorms and there's also an outdoor swimming pool with lots of lounging areas.
Additionally, travelers will find a rooftop area for people to meet one another and multiple workspaces for those spending a few hours on the laptop. Furthermore, each common room features a flat-screen TV.
If you're up for a party, this hostel also hosts beach crawls.
Moov Inn Garden Hostel
- Area: Chalok Baan Kao
- Best for: Backpackers looking to save money
If budget backpacking is your thing then look no further than Moov Inn Garden Hostel. This hostel is in the perfect location Mae Haad.
Guests can enjoy clean dorm rooms at a super low price with air conditioning, secure storage boxes, an outlet, and a privacy curtain. There are lots of areas to relax and unwind, it even has a pool table. There is a restaurant on site that serves delicious meals and a rooftop bar which is a great place for sunset.
The property is a 5-minute walk to Mae Haad Beach and Pier and a 1km walk to Sairee Village.
This is every budget traveler's dream!
Book: Moov Inn Garden Hostel
My Hotel Selection Process
- Accommodation Criteria: When selecting the best places to stay on Koh Tao I focused on three main aspects which include price, location, and reviews. Each accommodation option listed below ticks all the boxes for these aspects for you to have an unforgettable stay.
- My Experience: Since completing my Dive Master course on Koh Tao at Ban's I have returned multiple times. My recommendations are based on places I've personally stayed and those I have heard highly of from other travelers, all with great community reviews.
- Top Reviews: The accommodation options in this guide all have high customer ratings and have consistently scored over 8.5/10 star rating on booking platforms such as Booking.com, Expedia, and Hotels.com. I've included links to each of the options that will direct you to the best deals.
- Local Insights: Although I haven't stayed in all of these hotels, many of my recommendations come from close friends who live on the island. Additionally, I have incorporated my own experiences, and preferences of those from traveler forums and review sites to cull this list down to the best overall picks.
Read more about how I review & select hotels & accommodations.
I'm Olly, a full-time traveler for the past 5 years. Each accommodation option in this guide is handpicked by me. Read my travel review ethics statement.
FAQ About Koh Tao Accommodation
What's the best area to stay in Koh Tao for nightlife?
Sairee Beach is the go-to spot for nightlife on Koh Tao. It's bustling with beach bars, nightclubs, and restaurants, making it perfect for travelers looking to enjoy the island's vibrant night scene.
Can I find budget-friendly accommodation on Koh Tao?
Koh Tao offers a variety of budget-friendly options, especially around Mae Haad and Sairee Beach. Hostels like The Dearly Koh Tao Hostel and my top choice Summer Hostel provide affordable, clean, and sociable accommodation.
How far in advance should I book my accommodation?
It's wise to book your accommodation at least 2-3 months in advance, especially during the high season (December to March) when the island sees the most visitors. For the low season, booking a few weeks in advance is ok.
Can I stay on Koh Tao if I'm coming for diving?
Koh Tao is a diver's paradise, and many accommodations cater specifically to divers. Ban's Diving Resort is renowned for its dive courses and has accommodations ranging from budget to luxury, making it an ideal choice for divers.
What's unique about staying in Koh Tao compared to other Thai islands?
Koh Tao is renowned for its world-class diving sites, intimate and laid-back atmosphere, and stunning natural beauty. Its smaller size creates an ease of exploration that's unique compared to Thailand's larger islands. Plus, the opportunity to see marine life like reef sharks and occasional whale sharks up close is awesome.
What's the best time to visit Koh Tao?
The best time to visit Koh Tao is during the dry season from February to April when the weather is sunny and the sea conditions are ideal for diving and snorkeling. However, the island is beautiful year-round, with the wet season (September to November) offering quieter beaches and lower prices.
How many days do you need on Koh Tao?
To fully enjoy what Koh Tao has to offer, including diving, exploring beaches, and taking part in island activities, you'll need at least 3 to 5 days.
Here Are The Top 3 Activities On Koh Tao
My top picks for the best activities and day trips for your stay on Koh Tao.
1. Koh Nang Yuan & 5-island Day Trip Top Pick
An epic speedboat island hopping trip to Koh Nang Yuan (a must-visit island near Koh Tao), and nearby snorkeling & swimming spots.
Koh Tao is one of the cheapest & best places in the world to get your PADI license & this school has some of the best prices.
3. Full-day snorkeling adventure
An epic snorkeling day trip visiting some of the best spots on the island, including Shark Bay, Aowe Leuk, and Mango Bay.
I hope that this Koh Tao accommodation guide has helped you find an awesome place to stay during your visit to this incredible gem!
For more options for the best things to do on Koh Tao, check out the guides below!
- Best lookout on Koh Tao - The best views from John Suwan across Koh Tao Island
- 8 best beaches - Discover the best Koh Tao beaches!
- Tanote Bay cliff jumping - The best cliff jumping locations on Koh Tao
- Secret Koh Tao sunset viewpoint- Epic location to watch the sunset on Koh Tao