Where to Stay on Koh Tao: 5 Most Popular Areas & BEST Hotels

You may have heard of the more popular destinations in Thailand like Bangkok and Phuket, but trust me when I say that Koh Tao is a must-visit destination that should be at the top of your bucket list.

Often referred to as “Turtle Island”, Koh Tao is a paradise for all who chase crystal-clear waters and incredible marine life.

Whether you're a sun-seeker, a diving enthusiast, or just looking for a peaceful beach getaway, Koh Tao has got you covered.

Find Accommodation in Koh Tao

Main Areas to Stay on Koh Tao

1. Where to Stay on Koh Phangan for the First Time: Sairee Beach

When it comes to where to stay in Koh Tao, this long stretch of sand is one of the island's most popular destinations.

With a lively atmosphere, plenty of restaurants, bars, and beach clubs, and a great location for snorkelling and diving, it attracts many visitors.

If you choose to stay here, make sure to plan a night to watch the sunset at Nang Yuan Terrace– just a 10-minute boat ride from Sairee beach! It's one of the best sunset spots on the island.

The Best Hotels to Stay in Koh Tao for First-Time Visitors

Best Value Beachfront Hotel: Blue Tao Beach Hotel

One of the best places to stay in Koh Tao is on Sairee Beach, and the Blue Tao Beach Hotel has everything you need for a perfect stay!

Rooms are modern and comfortable, with beautiful sea view rooms available.

Guests love the location for its convenience, being right in the centre of all the bars, restaurants, and tour organisations you’ll want to check out!

Best Hotel With Views in Koh Tao: The Plantation

Just a short walk from Sairee Village is the beautiful villas of The Plantation Hotel.

This Koh Tao accommodation offers a private pool with each unit, featuring hot showers and free toiletries in every ensuite.

The hotel is located up some steep stairs, but is well worth it for the incredible view and amenities!

Best Mid-Range Hotel in Koh Tao: Simple Life Cliff View Resort

One of Koh Tao’s hotels on the beach is the beautiful Simple Life Cliff View Resort. Just steps away from the resort you find easy access to a beach with an amazing snorkelling spot!

The resort is situated between the ferry pier, at the tip of Sairee Beach offering sweeping ocean views and plenty of nearby restaurants.

Each room comes with a desk, minifridge, flat-screen TV, and own balcony.

Best Hotel With Central Location: Koh Tao Heritage

Located between the action of Sairee and Mae Haad beach, without being too close to either, is the Koh Tao Heritage Resort.

Rooms are spacious, clean and filled with natural light.

There is a little private beach at the doorstep of this hotel, where they provide snorkelling gear making it even more convenient for guests to enjoy!

Best Hostel in Koh Tao: Savage Hostel Koh Tao

The Savage Hostel is a great budget accommodation option in Sairee Beach, which features a rooftop pool and bar overlooking the island.

There is the option of pod-styled shared dorm accommodation, as well as private rooms available to book.

The hostel is very modern, where you are guaranteed to find all the amenities you need for your comfort!

2. Where to Stay on Koh Tao Within the Main Town: Mae Haad

Mae Haad is a small and laid-back area in Koh Tao, known for its bustling market street, and affordable guesthouses and hotels. It's also the first place where you'll arrive in Koh Tao as it's where the pier is. 

Chumpon is the closest airport on the mainland of Thailand. Koh Tao itself doesn't have an airport.

The best way to get to the island is to buy a combined ticket of bus + ferry from Chumpon or Surat Thani. Make sure you pre-book so you definitely get the connection and don't have to wait around.

Mae Haad is a charming area that is the perfect place to experience local life and culture, with plenty of opportunities to taste delicious Thai food or shop for handmade crafts.

Check out Koh Tao Walking Street, where you can find street food stalls, local markets, and live music!

The Best Hotels in Mae Haad, Koh Tao

Best Hotel Near The Koh Tao Pier: Sunrise Koh Tao

Situated right along the beach and pier is the Sunrise Koh Tao, featuring accommodation with free parking, a shared lounge, and bar onsite.

The staff at Sunrise Koh Tao are sure to go above and beyond to make your stay memorable, and are available to help organise any tours you desire!

Best Bungalow-Style Accommodation in Koh Tao: Blue Diamond Resort

The Blue Diamond Resort is perfect for a laid-back stay, within walking distance of the pier, shops, and restaurants.

The bungalows are very spacious and clean with traditional Thai-designed interiors.

If you’re not diving at a nearby beach, the resort’s pool is the perfect place to spend a day relaxing.

Best Accommodation for Solo Travelers in Koh Tao: Isla Tortuga Diving & Hostel

If you’re in search of great value for money, and where to stay in Koh Tao by yourself, the Isla Tortuga Hostel provides the perfect place!

From the moment you arrive, you’ll be greeted by a wonderful welcoming community, making it a great option for solo travellers who are looking to be social.

3. Where to Stay on Koh Tao for Families & Luxury: Chalok Bay

Home to the third largest beach on Koh Tao, Chalok Baan Kao Bay is a secluded and luxurious area, renowned for its stunning beaches, stunning views, and peaceful atmosphere.

The village itself is quite small with nothing more than a dive shop and some snack shops.

However, the beach itself is stunning and worth going out of your way for!

The Best Koh Tao Luxury Resorts

Best Resort in Koh Tao: Relax Freedom Beach Resort

One of the best resorts in Koh Tao would have to be the Relax Freedom Beach Resort!

The name itself says it all. Just a 2-minute walk from Freedom and Taatoh Yai beaches is this stunning resort offering exceptional views.

Onsite guests will find a restaurant featuring Thai and European dishes, along with plenty of other local dining options nearby.

Best Koh Tao Resort With Ocean Views: Koh Tao Resort Paradise Zone

Located on top of a hill, the Koh Tao Resort Paradise Zone offers amazing sunset views and offers free round-trip shuttles for guests' convenience.

Each room is air-conditioned, with a balcony and free wifi.

There are 2 infinity pools, a hot tub, and the Moon Stone Bar onsite featuring a variety of imported beverages.

Best Luxurious Resort in Koh Tao: View Point Resort

Just steps away from Chalok Baan Beach is another Koh Tao luxury resort, the View Point Resort.

Here you’ll find all the comforts of a modern hotel while blending perfectly into nature’s surroundings.

They serve a delicious daily breakfast and offer a cool towel and refreshing iced tea upon arrival.

4. Where to Stay on Koh Tao for Diving: Tanote Bay

Tanote Bay is where to stay in Koh Tao for diving, with its crystal clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and diverse marine life.

It’s one of the more popular destinations for snorkelling and diving. Some of Koh Tao’s best hotels are found in Tanote Bay!

There’s also a great spot here to go rock jumping if you’re looking for an adrenaline rush.

The Best Diving Hotels in Tanote Bay

Best Koh Tao Villa: Tanote Villa

The Tanote Villas are located in a lush jungle setting, just a 10-minute walk through the trees down to the beach.

The hotel offers 3 fixed daily rides to the other side of the island free of charge for guests!

Each villa comes with a tea and coffee maker, flat-screen TV, and a private balcony to take in the island’s sweeping views.

Best 4-Star Hotel in Koh Tao: Eco Tao Lodge

From the moment you arrive, the Eco Tao Lodge is sure to exceed all expectations with its beautifully designed and extremely well-maintained grounds.

This eco-conscious property features large rooms with a private balcony and hammock to enjoy a morning sunrise.

Guests say the restaurant on site offers some of the best food on the island!

Best Koh Tao Cabana Accommodation: Diamond Beach Resort

Located only 700m from Sunken Ship in Koh Tao is Tanote Bay’s Diamond Beach Resort.

This is the perfect place for a restful retreat in a quiet setting away from the busier side of the island.

You can find some of the best diving snorkelling on the island here right outside your room!

5. Where to Stay on Koh Tao for Couples: Ao Than Og

Ao Than Og, also known as Shark Bay, is a stunning bay located on the island of Koh Tao, Thailand.

The bay is largely untouched and famous for its shallow turquoise waters and its large population of black-tip reef sharks, which you can usually spot swimming near the shore. If you don’t have your own snorkel gear there are plenty of places to rent some along the beach.

Situated on a paradise of powdery white sand and crystal-clear water, the resorts here are simply captivating – each one presenting its own unique blend of breathtaking beauty.

Best Hotels for Couples & Honeymooners on Koh Tao

Best Luxury Villa With Pool in Koh Tao: The Fisherman’s Villas

The Fisherman Villas offer air-conditioned rooms with well-equipped kitchens including a refrigerator, stovetop, microwave, and cooking utensils.

Every amenity here has been considered including coffee, snorkel equipment, and beach towels for guests to have the most relaxed stay!

Jamahkiri Resort & Spa

Upon arriving at the Jamahkiri Resort you will instantly feel you’re in paradise.

The resort has its own private beach and features a variety of spa treatments to feel relaxed and pampered on your holiday.

The Jamahkiri Restaurant onsite offers seafood dishes and 2-for-1 happy hour cocktails!

Best Luxury Hotel With Private Beach in Koh Tao: Cape Shark Villas

Free shuttle services and private parking are available at the luxurious Cape Shark Villas.

Just a 15-minute drive from the Mae Haad Pier, this Koh Tao accommodation provides air-conditioned rooms with possibly the most breathtaking views in Koh Tao.

Each villa is equipped with its own private terrace, flat-screen TV, and sofa.

Where to Stay on Koh Tao – Frequently Asked Questions

Is It Worth Staying in Koh Tao?

Anyone who has been to Koh Tao will agree that it is definitely worth staying for a couple of days!

With its stunning beaches, clear waters, and lush landscapes, Koh Tao is not a destination you’ll want to miss on your trip to Thailand.

The island has so much to offer from adventure, and relaxation, to breathtaking beauty for everyone to enjoy. If you’re interested in snorkelling or diving, Koh Tao is the place to do it!

Where is the Main Town in Koh Tao?

The main town in Koh Tao is Mae Haad, which is also the main port of entry for ferries coming from the mainland.

This bustling area is home to a lively street market, some fantastic street food stalls, and a variety of shops, bars, and restaurants.

Being the gateway to Koh Tao, you should plan to spend some time exploring this part of the island!

How to Get to Koh Tao? And How Do You Get Around the Island?

Koh Tao can only be reached by ferry from either the neighboring islands of Koh Phangan or Koh Samui. From the mainland, Chumphon or Surat Thani are the closest ferry piers.

There are multiple different ferry operators you can choose from depending on where you’re travelling from.

Check all operators here & book safely.

Once on the island, getting around Koh Tao is easy with options like motorbikes, scooters, and songthaews (shared taxis) available for rent.

The roads in Koh Tao are fairly good and the towns are not very far which makes Koh Tao walkable as well. Just be careful that there are no pedestrian footpaths and you have to share the road.

How Many Days to Stay in Koh Tao?

Koh Tao is the smallest island in comparison to Koh Phangan and Koh Samui, which means you probably don’t need to spend as much time here.

Depending on your travel style and interests, I would plan about 3-5 days on the island.

This allows you to see and do enough to have a memorable vacation, but not so long that you start to feel restless!

Is Koh Tao Safe?

Koh Tao is considered to be a safe destination for travellers as long as people are using common sense and awareness of their surroundings.

Make sure you are cautious of theft and scams, but generally there are many other backpackers you can meet and enjoy the island with.

Remember to always keep an eye out for cheap alcohol, if it seems too cheap it probably isn’t safe.

Should you Choose Koh Tao or Koh Samui?

The choice between the islands of Koh Tao and Koh Samui depends on what you're looking for in a tropical getaway.

Koh Samui is more developed and commercialised, with a more vibrant nightlife scene and a wider range of shopping and dining options.

Koh Tao, on the other hand, is more laid-back and peaceful, with a focus on adventure activities like diving and snorkelling.

Ultimately, both are beautiful and the island you choose will depend on your personal preferences and travel style!

Final Words on Where to Stay on Koh Tao

From Koh Tao’s 5-star hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses, there is a wide range of accommodation options available on the island to suit all traveler's needs.

If you’re wondering where the best place to stay on Koh Tao is, there’s really no right answer!

Each location provides something different to cater to all travellers' needs. Whether you’re going for the stunning beaches or vibrant marine life, Koh Tao is sure to be nothing short of magical!