Koh Tao is a small and popular island in the western Gulf of Thailand, right next to Koh Phangan and Koh Mui. The island is best known as a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. It attracts lots of divers due to its affordable diving certification (PADI/SSI), clear waters and vibrant coral reefs.
If you are not coming to Koh Tao for diving or snorkeling, don’t worry, the island has plenty of other things to do and see. It is surrounded by both beautiful beaches and lush jungle, so you can enjoy both the beach and jungle activities such as swimming, sunbathing, and hiking to the viewpoints.
In this article, I will share the best places to stay in Ko Tao, including the best areas and beaches and the best hotels in each area. If you are looking for Where to Stay in Koh Tao, keep reading.
I’ve traveled extensively across Thailand, and Koh Tao has become one of my favorite spots. Having explored most of the island by scooter and on foot, I’m sharing these recommendations based on firsthand experience, so you can trust you’re getting real, reliable advice.
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Best Areas to Stay in Koh Tao
Some of the most popular areas to stay in Koh Tao include Sairee Beach, Mae Haad Pier, Chalok Baan Kao Bay, and Tanote Bay.
Mae Haad Pier, on the west coast of Koh Tao, is a good choice if you want budget-friendly accommodations and within walking distance to the pier. Sairee Beach, north of Mae Haad Pier, is a popular location for access to the beach, the pier, and the nightlife.
There are also many resorts and hotels on the south part of the island. These areas offer a quieter atmosphere compared to the main pier and main town area. You can book hotels in Chalok Baan Kao Bay, Shark Bay, Freedom Bay, and Sai Nuan Beach.
The east coast is less populated than the west coast. You can find a cluster of hotels around Tanote Bay. If you are looking for somewhere a bit remote and quiet, this area is a good base.
One important note is that Koh Tao Koh Tao features mountainous terrain, with steep hills and rugged landscapes. Many resorts and hotels are located on the hillside, surrounded by nature and offering stunning ocean views.
However, one downside is that getting around often involves a lot of climbing up and down the property, which can sometimes be exhausting.
It is possible to explore the whole island on foot, especially if you are fit and love hiking. Otherwise, you can take boat tours and rent a scooter for explorations. The terrain is hilly and features many sharp curves, so it’s important to ensure that you are an experienced rider before attempting it.
I stayed at a couple of hotels in Koh Tao. You can check the details of my stay in Koh Tao at the end of this article.
My top hotel picks in Koh Tao:
- Mid-range: Koh Tao Heights Pool Villas
- Budget: Sensi Paradise Beach Resort
Best Places to Stay in Koh Tao
1. Mae Haad Pier
Mae Haad Pier is the main pier of Koh Tao, where ferries arrive from the mainland and other islands like Koh Tao and Koh Phangan.
If you want to stay close to the pier, there are dozens of hotels in the Mae Haad village. This area is home to many budget-friendly hostels and guest houses, which is good for budget travelers and backpackers.
Mae Haad is packed with tourist amenities like restaurants, bars, massage shops, travel agencies, scooter rental, and diving centers. There are several 7-11 in Mae Haad, which is convenient to have daily essentials and withdraw the cash.
Mae Haad has its own beach, which is a lovely place to relax, sunbathe, and watch the sunset. There is a big statue of a turtle at the east side of the beach near the pier.
Koh Tao literally means Turtle Island in Thai. The name is said to come from the shape of the island resembling a turtle when viewed from the sea. It was once also home to many sea turtles and still plays a role in turtle conservation today.
The beach is lined with tall swaying palm trees, and several resorts. You can catch boats from here to the beautiful Koh Nang Yuan island and viewpoint. You can also book boats to other secluded beaches on Koh Tao like Mango Bay, Ao Hin Wong, Shark Bay, or Tanote Bay for snorkeling.
From Mae Haad, you can walk for 10 minutes to the popular Sairee Beach and 20 minutes to reach tranquil Jansom Bay. These beaches have better swimming conditions than in Mae Haad.
Mae Haad is a good starting point for the hike along the west coast. You can visit Jansom Bay, Sai Nuan, Tao Thong, Aow June Juea, and Chalok Baan Kao Bay.
Where to stay on Mae Haad Pier:
Sunrise Koh Tao
Sunrise is a popular and budget-friendly hotel in Koh Tao located right on the beach near Mae Haad Pier. It is a good base for both solo travelers, couples, and families who want a convenient location close to the ferry.
The common area of the hotel has stunning views of the sea. The beachfront is a nice place to hang out, watch the sunset, and see the boats go by. You can easily walk to a Seven Eleven and many restaurants, bars, and coffee shops. You can choose rooms that have fans or air conditioning.
Lücke Boutique Hotel – Adults only
Lücke is a popular place to stay in Koh Tao for couples. It is a beachfront hotel located on the quiet part of Mae Haad Beach. It is just a 5 minutes walk from the pier, as well as many restaurants, massage places, diving schools and bars.
You can book Beachfront Deluxe with Balcony for the best experience. All rooms have a comfortable bed and good bathroom with a hot shower. They have free use of paddle boards and snorkel equipment, as well as complimentary snacks.
Blue Wave House
This budget-friendly good value for money hotel is located in the central area of Koh Tao, 10 minutes walk from the island’s main pier. The hotel ground is surrounded by greenery with hammocks, tables, and chairs to sit and relax.
You can easily walk to both Mae Haad Beach and Sairee Beach. Lots of tourist amenities near the hotel, so you can easily get around on foot. It is located near the main road, which can be noisy from busy traffic, so you can ask for the back rooms for a quiet atmosphere.
2. Sairee Beach
Sairee Beach is one of the most popular areas to stay in Koh Tao. This area has a great location with just 5 minutes drive from the island’s main pier, Mae Haad. The beach is also beautiful and the village is packed with tourist amenities.
Sairee Beach is around 2km long, located on the western coast of Koh Tao, just north of Mae Haad Pier. The beach has white sand and calm water, which is a great place for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling.
There are various resorts, dive schools, beach bars and restaurants on the shore. In the late afternoon, many tables and chairs from the beachfront bars are set up on the sand for dinner and sunset.
The village and the beach road behind Sairee are packed with tourist amenities. You can find everything you need for your stays like restaurants, bars, massage places, bike rental, travel agencies, and souvenir shops.
Sairee is a good starting point for several hiking routes to the east coast of Koh Tao. If you love hiking and are an active walker, you can check out the route from Sairee to Tanote Bay, Sairee to Mao Bay & Laem Thian, Sairee to Fraggle Rock Viewpoint, Sairee to Lighthouse Bay Koh Tao.
Sairee to Tanote Bay is around 4km long with both paved, dirt, and jungle roads and lots of up and down hills. Along the way, you can check out several viewpoints like West Coast Viewpoint, Tanote Peak, or Love Koh Tao.
Where to stay in Koh Tao on Sairee Beach:
Koh Tao Cabana
Cabana is a 3-star beachfront hotel located in the quiet area in the north of Sai Ree Beach. The resort is surrounded by nature and Ideal for couples and families who want a secluded location but still close to major tourist amenities.
You can walk to the main street where you can find a range of nice restaurants and shops. The resort has a village and cottages with a private wood deck and stunning views of the sea.
The Plantation Koh Tao
The Plantation is a 4-star mid-range hotel located within 5 minutes walk to Sairee beach, 10 minutes walking distance to Main Street with lots of restaurants, bars, and shops.
It has villas with a private pool and apartments that have a kitchenette and a private balcony with ocean views. This is an overall good base for couples. It is located on the hill and offers stunning views but be mindful that you will need to climb up stairs to reach the rooms.
Aiya Resort Koh-Tao
This is a lovely family-run resort, located inside Sairee Village, within walking distance to Sairee Beach, and a range of restaurants and shops. They have a nice pool area and pick up/ drop off services from Mae Haad Pier.
3. Chalok Baan Kao Bay
Chalok Baan Kao Bay is a quiet bay located on the south west coast of Koh Lanta, 10 minute drive from the island’s main pier, Mae Haad Pier. It is close to Shark Bay and Freedom Beach.
Chalok Baan Kao is a good base if you want a peaceful location with beautiful surroundings but still easy access to all attractions and amenities.
If you want to stay in the beachfront area, you need to pay a little more. There are also several good-value hotels in the village, all within a short walking distance of the beach.
Chalok Baan Kao Bay is a good starting point to take a walk along the coast to June Juea, Tao Thong, and Sai Nuan Beach. It is a nice coastal walk with stunning views of the ocean and the mountains.
Chalok Baan Kao Bay has white sand, shallow water, which is a great place for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the stunning views of the surroundings. There are resorts, dive centers, restaurants, and bars along the beach.
The village behind the beach is home to lots of tourist facilities like restaurants, bars, and shops. It is a good base to explore south of Koh Tao. You can walk or take a short drive to John-Suwan Viewpoint, Freedom Beach, Taa Toh Lagoon Beach, and Shark Bay.
Where to stay in Koh Tao in Chalok Baan Kao:
View Point Resort
View Point Resort is one of the best places to stay in Koh Tao. It is a beautiful resort located between Chalok Baan Kao Beach and Aow June Juea. This is a great choice for couples and families who want a quiet beach holiday close to beautiful beaches.
It has a small infinity pool overlooking the crystal clear sea. You can walk to shops, restaurants, massage parlors, 7-Elevens, and ATMs. The resort offers pick up drop off from Mae Haad Pier.
MAR24 Koh Tao Hotel
This is a good value for money hotel located inside the village of Chalok Baan Kao. it is within walking distance to the beach and a range of tourist amenities, making it overall a good base to explore the island.
The hotel offers free pick-up and drop-off buses from/to Mae Haad Pier. The hotel has clean comfortable rooms and a lovely outdoor pool. The staff can help arrange tours around the island and motorbike rental services.
Ko Tao Resort Paradise Zone
This beautiful resort is situated on top of the hill near Chalok Baan Kao Beach. It has stunning sunset and sunrise views. The resort offers free scheduled shuttle service from /to Koh Tao Pier and Sairee Beach, which is a bonus if you don’t plan to rent a scooter.
4. Shark Bay
Shark Bay, also known as Tien Og bay, is a nice beach located on the south eastern side of Koh Tao, near Chalok Baan Kao Bay and Freedom Beach. It is a 10 minutes drive from the island’s main pier, Mae Haad Pier.
This beach is a good place for relaxing, swimming, and snorkeling. If you are lucky, you can spot blacktip reef sharks and green turtles.
The beachfront is lined with several beach resorts, and if you access this beach via Haadtien Beach Resort, they’ll charge a fee (around 100 baht) to go past their property.
There is free public entrance on the way to Freedom beach and John-Suwan Viewpoint. There is a small parking lot on the side of the road, and from there you walk down to the beach.
There are a couple of beach bars and restaurants at the public access. They have sunloungers, tables, drinks, and meals under the shaded areas.
Where to stay in Koh Tao in Shark Bay:
Jamahkiri Dive Resort & Spa
This is a luxury resort located near Thian Og Bay (Shark Bay). The resort has a beautiful swim pool overlooking the crystal clear turquoise sea. Other facilities and services include a certified diving center, massage services, and free transfers to Mae Haad Pier.
The resort is located on the hill, which means it has stunning views. There is also the downside which is lots of stairs. If you are fit and don’t mind climbing up and down stairs up and down every day, this is an excellent choice.
Beach Club by Haadtien
This is a 4-star mid-range hotel located in the central area of Shark Bay. The hotel has rooms that have balconies overlooking the beautiful crystal clear water sea. It is a good place to relax.
Amenities at the hotels include a couple beach bars/ restaurants (In Sea Bar & Grill and Capri) serving traditional Thai and international dishes, like Italian pizzas and pastas.
Coral View Resort
This is a 3-star mid-range resort located on Haad Sai Daeng, near Shark Bay. They have a private beach, so you can relax in peace, swim without crowds. The resort is around 10-minute drive to Mae Haad Pier, and they offer free pick up from the pier.
If you want somewhere in the secluded location, Coral View resort is a good choice. Be mindful that Koh Tao is very hilly, and this resort has rooms located on the hillside. If you are a confident driver, you can rent a scooter or get a taxi to explore other parts of the island.
5. Freedom Beach and Taa Toh Beach
Freedom Beach and Taa Toh Beach are two neighboring beaches located at the southern tip of Koh Tao, around 10 minutes drive from the island’s main pier.
If you want a secluded beach holiday to relax and unwind, this place is a good choice. It is also a good base to explore the southern parts of Koh Tao like Chalok Baan Kao and Shark Bay.
Freedom Beach is a small white sandy beach with crystal clear water with lots of shades on the shore. The beach is ideal for swimming and snorkeling. There is a beach bar on the beach where you can order drinks and meals and enjoy stunning views of the ocean.
From Freedom Beach, you can walk along the concrete and wooden pathway for 10 minutes to reach Taa Toh Beach. Another beautiful spot for swimming with shades and sunbed along the beach.
Within the Freedom Beach resort complex, you can hike to John-Suwan Viewpoint. This is one of the most popular viewpoints on the island, offering stunning views of Shark Bay and Chalok Baan Kao Bay.
Where to stay in Koh Tao in Freedom Beach:
Koh Tao Relax Freedom Beach Resort
This resort is a popular place to stay in Koh Tao, especially for couples. It is located within walking distance to several beaches including the Freedom Beach, Taatoh Yai Beach, and Taatok Lek Beach. When you book the hotel there are options for free pick up and drop off from the island’s main pier.
If you want a quiet and relaxing location right at the beach, this is the place for you. Just be mindful that this property has lots of steps between places, so it might not be the best choice for those who have mobility problems. It is a 10 minute taxi ride into the town center.
6. Tanote Bay
Tanote Bay is one of the most popular beach towns on the east coast of Koh Tao, 10 minutes drive from Mae Haad Pier. This is a good quiet place for relaxing, and snorkeling.
The beach has fine sand, crystal clear water, and is a good place for swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling, cliff-jumping, and sunbathing. You can chill and enjoy the views of the large boulders around the bay.
There are a few resorts, beach bars, restaurants, and dive centers along the beach. These establishments provide seating with tables and chairs set up on the sand. There isn’t much shade on the shore, so it can get very hot.
There are several good hiking trails from Tanote Bay like the Love Koh Tao, Tanote peak, West Coast Viewpoint. You can even hike to Sairee Beach within around 1 hour and there is also a path to Ao Laem Thian and Mao Bay Beach. Laem Thian can also reach from Tanote by 30 mins kayaking.
Tanote Bay is a 10-minute drive from the main town, Sairee, and the road to the beach is hilly with several sharp turns. It is best to have a scooter when staying in Tanote Bay to get around the island. You can also use a taxi or walk if you are an adventurous traveler.
Where to stay in Koh Tao in Tanote Bay:
Tanote Villa
Tanote Villa is a beautiful 3-star resort located on a hill, offering stunning views of the jungle and the ocean. The resort is surrounded by nature. It has spacious villas and rooms which are comfortable for families, groups of friends, and couples.
The hotel offers free pick up/ drop off from the pier. The beach can be reached within 10 minutes walking down the hill. It is overall a good place for snorkeling and relaxation. It is best to rent a scooter or use a taxi to get to shops and convenience stores.
Lub d Koh Tao Tanote Bay
Montalay is a great accommodation located right on the beach and is a 10 minute drive from the island’s main pier and town. The beach is a great place for snorkelers to see turtles, baby sharks, and a range of fish. Best suited for those who plan to rent a scooter to explore the island.
Mountain Reef Beach Resort
This family-run resort is conveniently located on Tanote bay, which is a great place for snorkeling. This is a great choice for families and couples who just want a quiet place to relax and snorkel. You can rent snorkeling and kayak gear at the resort and go snorkeling everyday.
7. Tao Thong Bay
Tao Thong Bay is a secluded bay located on the west coast of Koh Tao, between Sai Nuan Beach and Aow June Juea. The bay is a great place for swimming and snorkeling, and enjoy stunning views of the surroundings.
You can reach this beach from the island’s main pier within a 15 minutes drive. It is possible to walk to Mae Haad along the west coast reaching Sai Nuan and the Tao Thong. You can also start the trail from Chalok Baan Kao Beach, passing Aow June Juea, then Tao Thong.
This area is home to Cape Ja Te Kang, where you can climb up to the big boulders and enjoy magnificent views of the island.
Tao Thong Bay has beautiful nature and is a perfect place to unwind on the beach. The downside of this area is that it is surrounded by hills, so getting around will involve climbing up and down a lot. This may not be suitable for everyone.
Where to stay in Koh Tao in Tao Thong Bay:
Tao Thong Villa 2
This is good accommodation in Tao Thong Bay, perfect for those who want an isolated location for relaxing , unwind, and enjoy snorkelling. They have comfortable bungalows with stunning views of the sea.
The downside is that the hotel is surrounded by hills, steps and steep paths, which may be challenging for some guests. It is best to have a scooter when staying here, but you need to be a skilled driver.
Tao Thong Villa 1
This hotel is located in a secluded area, away from the busy area of Koh Tao. It offers a peaceful atmosphere and easy access to fit snorkeling spots for colorful coral, sea turtles and fish. The hotel has beautiful bungalows with sea views and an onsite restaurant with good food.
8. Nangyuan Island
Nangyuan Island is a small but beautiful island located right next to Koh Tao. It is a popular day trip from Koh Tao. Lots of people take boat tours to visit this island for snorkeling, swimming, and little hiking.
The charter a longtail boat (300 THB round trip), usually via Sairee Beach or Mae Haad Pier. The boat ride is around 15 minutes.
The island is privately owned, so you need to pay an entrance entry fee around 250 THB for foreigners. Island opens around 9 AM and closes at 5 PM to non‑resort guests.
From Koh Tao, you can enjoy the views of Nangyuan Island from various locations like at the Grape Viewpoint or Riya Terrace Restaurant at Dusit Buncha resort.
Where to stay in Nangyuan Island:
Nangyuan Island Dive Resort
This is the only resort on Nangyuan Island. Staying here means you can enjoy the private island peacefully with beautiful beaches and viewpoints. You literally have the island for yourself when all the tourist boats and divers arrive in the late afternoon around 4pm.
Where did I stay in Koh Tao – my personal experience
I traveled to Koh Tao in late December, during the Christmas season, which is one of the busiest times of the year. Accommodation prices are significantly higher compared to the low season, and places tend to sell out quickly.
As a solo female traveler on a budget, I was looking for a reasonably priced and safe place to stay. However, I only booked my accommodation in Koh Tao a few days in advance while I was still in Hua Hin, so there weren’t many options left to choose from.
Nirvana and Nadapa were available and on my budget, so I booked them both. Since neither was available for the entire length of my stay, I had to split my visit between the two hotels.
They are just 5 minutes walk from each other, so I could easily move between them without needing to take a local songthaew taxi. This also saved me some money, as those rides can be quite expensive.
So, my advice is that if you travel to Koh Tao in the high season, make sure to book hotels in advance at least a couple of weeks to have good deals and many options to choose from.
These weren’t the best places to stay on the island, but they were safe, and I had a roof over my head, so overall, it wasn’t too bad. Here are my reviews about Nirvana and Nadapa.
Nadapa Resort Koh Tao
Location
Nadapa is budget-friendly accommodation located near Mae Haad Pier. It was just a 5-minute walk from the pier, which made it convenient for getting to and from the speedboats.
There are dozens of tourist shops near the hotel. There are scooter rental shops, dive centers, convenience stores, massage parlors, and a range of restaurants and bars. You can easily walk to Mae Haad Beach.
Amenities
My room was an economy room with two bunk beds inside the room. I had a private room with a private bathroom which is good. There was a small window, which allowed some fresh air in.
The ground of the hotel is quite big with trees and colorful statues. I was able to park my scooter in front of my room, which added to the sense of safety during my stay.
My room is a fan room, but it is overall a good stay, especially when I book at the last minute when nothing much is available.
Nirvana Guesthouse & Hostel
Location
The hostel is located in Mae Haad, just 5 minutes walk from the pier. When I arrived at the island from the Chumphon (Lomprayah Pier) on the mainland, I just walked to the hotel. When I left the island to Koh Phangan, it was also convenient to just walk to the pier for a speed boat.
Nirvana is within walking distance from many restaurants, bars, massage parlors, souvenir shops, 7-11, ATMs, dive shops, scooter rental, and travel agencies. I would rate the location 10/10 for its close community to the pier, Mae Haad Beach, and all tourist amenities.
Mae Haad Beach is around 5 minutes walk from Nirvana, which is a nice place for watching the sunset, swimming, and taking the boat ride to nearby Koh Nang Yuan island.
Amenities
I booked the mixed dorm room which is the last available room during my stay. The shared bathroom outside of the room. The bed had a curtain for privacy and a place to charge electronic devices.
The highlight of the hostel is the rooftop where you can chill and enjoy the beauty of the village and the ocean. There are hammocks, high chairs, and tables on the rooftop. There can be mosquitoes in the evening, so bring insect spray with you.
The hotel has around 5 floors, with no lift. I stayed on the 2nd floor, so it was easy to carry my suitcase to the room. If you stay on the higher floor, it can be a problem going up and down if you have a suitcase.
They have motorbike rental services and if you want a private room, you can book their double rooms for a better experience.
There you have it, the best places and beaches to stay in Koh Tao. I hope you found my article useful and have found a place that you want to stay on the island. In general, if you want budget friendly hotels, and close distance to the pier, stay somewhere in a more inland area, around Mae Haad Pier.
See more:
- Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, or Koh Tao
- Which is Better, Koh Tao or Koh Phangan?
- Is it better to stay in Koh Tao or Koh Samui?
- Best Places to Stay in Thailand
If you want a good central beach with vibrant nightlife, Sairee Beach is a popular choice. You can find a good selection of hotels and resorts on the south coast at Chalok baan kao bay, Shark Bay, and Freedom Beach. There are also several resorts scattered around the east coast, which is a good area to stay if you want a more remote atmosphere.