Where are the best places to stay in Koh Tao?
By William Davies. March 05, 2024
Nestled in the Gulf of Thailand lies Koh Tao - a microcosm epitomising the greatest aspects of exotic Thai islands. Boasting of a thriving biodiversity, emerald waters, and beaches beside coconut forest speckled mountains, Koh Tao - or “turtle island” in its native language - is a dream destination for each and every form of traveller. While its thriving marine life, and turtle or shark spotting opportunities make Koh Tao a popular destination for divers, it isn’t only defined by its aquatic activities. With thriving Muay Thai gyms, lucious hiking trails, beachfront cocktail bars, and a wide selection of authentic Thai and western food, Koh Tao caters to everyone’s personal preferences.
On the island of Koh Tao, Sairee Beach and Chalok Baan Kao are the best places to stay. Not only do they both provide close proximity to more secluded beaches, they offer myriad eateries, cafes, and leisure activities, catering to families and backpackers alike. While Sairee is the lively face of Koh Tao, rife with bars spilling onto the beach, fire shows, gorgeous Chalok Baan Kao is its laid back counterpart which lies closer to some of the island’s best diving sites.If you are interested in where to stay in Koh Tao, you may also be interested in where to stay in Koh Phangan and where to stay in Koh Samui.
Best places to stay in Koh Tao
Sairee Beach
Beaches / Nightlife / Friends
Sairee beach is Koh Tao’s hub - attracting families, solo backpackers, and more. Its sleepy mornings allow for a tranquil start to the day, before its fire shows and bars draw in the evening crowd. Additionally, its unrivalled sunset brings locals, expats and travellers alike together to embrace a picturesque ending to the day.
Sairee offers the most diverse experience in Koh Tao. Activities such as swimming, Muay Thai, rock climbing, abseiling, and more offer great stimuli for travellers. Or, if you’re looking for tranquillity, you can sunbathe, cafe hop, or navigate luscious green jungles.
Sairee’s northern stretch offers upscale resorts and relaxing bars, appealing to those who want space from the backpacker crowd, whereas south Sairee’s bars and diving resorts create a vigorous nightlife. Sairee also offers convenience through numerous hotels, bike rentals, taxis, and boats which frequently visits Koh Tao’s iconic and mesmerising Koh Nang Yuan.
Chalok Baan Kao
Beaches / Diving / Families / Couples
Tucked away on the southern side of the island lies Chalok Baan Kao - Sairee’s understated counterpart. In Thai, its name roughly translates to “old village”, and with dreamy translucent waters, excellent swimming conditions, and relaxed pace of life, it’s highly popular for families, couples, and travellers who want to experience a quieter side to Koh Tao.
The calmer, more tidal waters of Chalok also means less boat traffic, creating a tranquil base from which to explore Koh Tao. However, despite its calming aura, Chalok Baan Kao also offers one of the island’s most reputable dive schools, restaurants, cafes, bars, and other amenities which will optimise your Koh Tao experience.
Paradisiacal spots such as Freedom Beach, Ao Taa Toh, and Shark Bay are separated from Chalok by a rocky outcrop. In addition to experiencing these stunning beaches up close, the John-Suwon viewpoint offers the best views that the island has to offer.
Other places to stay in Koh Tao
Ao Thian Og
Privacy / Beach Resorts / Snorkelling
Only a stone’s throw away from Shark Bay, Ao Thian Og retains all the beauty of its famous neighbour without compromising tranquillity, presenting an optimal stay for those seeking solitude. While offering private beaches and sophisticated, high-end accommodation, travellers can embrace its more thrilling side by snorkelling with black-tip reef sharks and turtles with the backdrop of illuminating corals.
When you’re not snorkelling, you can visit some of the laid back beach bars or restaurants which offer a delicate selection of dishes. While the bay is frequented by mid-afternoon snorkelling tours, mornings and evenings on white beaches offer some a blissful beginning and end to your days on Koh Tao.
Mae Haad
Watersports / Lively Scene
As the welcoming frontier for visitors, Mae Haad crafts a picturesque first impression on behalf of Koh Tao, attracting those who seek an active and social scene. Lying between Sairee and Chalok, both geographically and in spirit, Mae Haad’s lively atmosphere creates a convenient and charming location.
Despite being a trade and transportation hub, Mae Haad offers a beautiful and quaint beach, trails to nearby beaches such as Sai Nuan beach and also close connection to both Sairee and Chalok, allowing travellers to experience Koh Tao’s multifaceted nature. Tucked away in the hills surrounding Mae Haad, you’ll find villas, jungle bungalows, and apartments away from the buzz of the port.
Tanote Bay
Relaxation / Watersports / Snorkelling
Koh Tao’s eastern coast harbours the pristine and secluded Tanote Bay, an area perfect for those who love sunbathing, watersports, and stunning hillsides scenery. Tanote - which means “palm tree” in Thai - is an area which thrives effortlessly due to its natural formation.
Tanote is renowned for its healthy, enchanted coral, making it one of the best snorkelling spots for those who want to experience thriving biodiversity. Gigantic boulders jut from its shallows, providing a haven for coral, shoals of fish, and cliff diving opportunities. You can kayak to nearby locations such as Laem Thian Bay, and nearby walks and views create a picturesque panorama of Koh Tao.
Shark Bay
Privacy / Beach Resorts / Snorkelling
For those who cherish privacy, sunbathing, and snorkelling, Shark Bay should be a top candidate. Shark Bay offers some of the most upscale accommodation options which boast of some of the greatest views on the island.
As the name suggests, Shark Bay is suited to thrill seekers who want to see sharks. Snorkelling in this bay will allow travellers to embrace its shark nurseries and different species of turtles in abundance, making Shark Bay one of the most sought after snorkelling spots on the island. Additionally, Shark Bay offers a pleasant and peaceful beach, whether you seek shade or sunbathing opportunities.
Our recommended hotels in Koh Tao
Use the interactive map to navigate through our recommended hotels in Koh TaoNote: Hotel prices can change daily due to promotions, seasons, and demand. Our $ - $$$$ scale shows the overall cost range rather than exact prices.
