Where to Stay in Koh Tao – Best Areas & Accommodation Guide
Koh Tao offers a wide range of accommodation, from budget hostels and beach bungalows to boutique resorts and private villas. Choosing the right area to stay can make a big difference to your experience on the island.
Here’s a guide to the best areas in Koh Tao and what to expect from each.
1. Sairee Beach – Best for Nightlife & Convenience
Sairee Beach is the most popular area to stay in Koh Tao. It offers the widest range of accommodation, along with restaurants, bars and nightlife.
This is a great choice if you want to be in the centre of the action and close to everything.
Recommended places to stay in Sairee
Savage Hostel Koh Tao is a modern social hostel in central Sairee, with dormitory pods, private rooms and suites. It suits solo travellers, backpackers and anyone who wants nightlife close by, but the lively central location may not suit people looking for quiet evenings.
Silver Sands Resort is a practical central Sairee resort with nightly rooms, bungalows and monthly accommodation options. It works well for couples, divers, longer stays and travellers who want the beach, restaurants and nightlife within easy reach.
Sairee Cottage Resort is a central beachfront resort with bungalows, rooms and family-friendly accommodation. It suits first-time visitors, couples and families who want the beach, restaurants, nightlife and dive centres within easy walking distance.
Simple Life Resort is the original Simple Life property in central Sairee, close to both Sairee Village and the beach. It is a useful mid-range option for couples and first-time visitors who want a swimming pool and a convenient base; this recommendation is for Simple Life Resort, not Simple Life Talay or Simple Life Cliff View.
Koh Tao Cabana is a quieter higher-end resort at the northern end of Sairee, with villa-style accommodation including pool villas, cottages and treehouse options. It suits couples and special trips where access to Sairee is useful, but being away from the busiest central nightlife is part of the appeal.
2. Mae Haad – Best for the Pier, Budget Stays & Convenience
Mae Haad is the island’s main arrival point and one of the most practical areas to stay in Koh Tao. It has plenty of budget hostels, guesthouses and resorts, making it popular with travellers arriving or departing by ferry who want everything within easy walking distance.
It is not the best choice for nightlife or a classic beach holiday, but it is very convenient. There are shops, restaurants, cafés, dive centres, pharmacies and other useful services within easy walking distance.
Mae Haad is especially suitable for short stays, early ferry departures, late arrivals, budget travellers and people who prefer convenience over nightlife.
Recommended places to stay in Mae Haad
Koh Tao Montra Resort is a larger beachfront resort near Mae Haad pier, towards the Sairee side, with a pool, family accommodation and diving facilities. It suits families, divers and travellers wanting a more full-service stay while still being close to the arrival point.
Lücke Boutique Hotel is a small adults-only beachfront hotel in Mae Haad Bay, currently welcoming guests aged 16 and above. It suits couples and adults wanting a stylish stay close to the pier, restaurants and bars; the property notes that some nearby noise can be expected.
Simple Life Cliff View Resort sits between Mae Haad and southern Sairee, with suites and resort accommodation overlooking the bay. It suits couples, families needing larger units and travellers who want access to both Mae Haad and Sairee, with a quieter edge-of-area feel than central Mae Haad.
3. Chalok Baan Kao – Relaxed & Close to Diving
Chalok Baan Kao offers a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere compared to Sairee. It’s popular with divers and those looking for a more laid-back stay.
This area is close to several dive centres and offers easy access to some of Koh Tao’s best dive sites.
Recommended places to stay in Chalok
Woodlawn Villas is a peaceful option set slightly inland from Chalok Bay, with rooms, villas, family accommodation and a swimming pool. Chalok Reef Divers, an SSI dive centre, is based there, making it a good choice for travellers who want a quieter base with diving close at hand.
Assava Dive Resort is a beachfront resort directly on Chalok Bay with accommodation, a swimming pool, restaurant and an on-site PADI dive centre. It suits travellers who want to stay and dive in one place without needing to travel around the island.
Hydronauts Diving Resort is a beachfront RAID dive resort offering accommodation, a training pool, restaurant, beach bar and diving packages. It suits divers looking for a dive-focused stay in Chalok Bay.
Accommodation recommendations on this page are based on location, accommodation style and local knowledge. Some businesses mentioned may be clients, partners or businesses we know personally.
4. Tanote Bay & East Coast – Scenic & Peaceful
The east coast of Koh Tao, including Tanote Bay, offers stunning views, quieter beaches and a more remote feel.
It’s ideal if you want to escape the crowds and enjoy nature.
5. South Koh Tao – Quiet & Secluded
The southern part of Koh Tao offers a more peaceful experience, with smaller resorts and quieter beaches.
This is a good option if you want to relax and enjoy a slower pace of life.
Featured Stay in Koh Tao
For a comfortable and relaxing stay in Koh Tao, Silver Sands Resort offers a great combination of location, comfort and value.
Located close to the beach and local amenities, it’s a great base for exploring the island or combining your stay with diving and other activities.
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Looking for more ideas? Explore our guides to things to do in Koh Tao, the best beaches or scuba diving.