A small resort above the water between Sairee and Mae Haad, with a pool facing the bay and balconies for the sunset - but rocky sea access, steps and uneven maintenance from room to room.
Review based on research and guest reviews
We took the photos in this article ourselves when we visited.
Traveller ratings · October 2026
Agoda rating breakdown
The Agoda sample is much smaller than Booking's, so it is worth looking at the gaps between categories and at reviews of the specific room.
Clear View Resort is a small resort on Koh Tao, set on a rocky stretch of shore between Mae Haad and Sairee Beach. It offers bungalows and rooms with private balconies, an infinity pool overlooking the bay and access to the water from the rocks. Its big strength is the combination of an open sea view, a sense of privacy and a short walk to restaurants and the main tourist areas. But not every room offers the same level of comfort or the same view, the sea access does not suit everyone, and maintenance and service are uneven.
Clear View Resort sits on the west coast of Koh Tao, on sloping ground where paths and steps link the rooms, the pool and the waterline.
Unlike hotels built along a wide strip of sand, the property is tucked in among rocks and greenery, and some of the bungalows sit right above the water.
Being this close to the sea is one of the defining features of the place. In some rooms the balcony faces straight out over the bay, so you can enjoy the view and the sunset without leaving your room.
The design is not uniform. Some units have a simple, tropical look, while others have more modern furniture, large windows and roomy balconies.
The terraced layout gives the sea-facing rooms an advantage, but it also creates big differences in access and position.
So before booking, it is important to understand which part of the property your room is in and what you will actually see from the balcony.
One of the advantages of Clear View Resort is its position between the two main areas of Koh Tao.
Mae Haad is the harbour area, home to the ferry pier along with restaurants, shops and services for travellers.
Sairee Beach is the island's main tourist hub, with a long beach, cafés, bars, shops and dive centres.
Clear View lies between the two, so you can walk to both.
According to the hotel's details, Sairee Beach is about a four-minute walk away and Mae Haad pier about eight minutes.
The actual walking time of course depends on where you are heading and where your room is within the property.
Absolutely.
If you plan to spend most of your time in Sairee and Mae Haad, the location lets you walk to restaurants, cafés and dive centres.
That is a real advantage compared with hotels in remote bays or on steep hills.
Bear in mind, though, that getting around inside the resort itself involves steps and slopes.
So if you prefer completely level walking, you may find the way to some of the rooms less comfortable.
Clear View Resort offers several types of rooms and bungalows, and the differences between them show in size, design, view and position.
The categories include rooms with a garden or mountain view, rooms for three and four people, and sea-facing suites.
Not all the rooms are right on the waterline, so check the room category carefully before you book.
The garden-facing rooms are an option if you want to enjoy the hotel's location and pool without necessarily paying for a direct sea view.
They have a private bathroom, air conditioning and the basics for a comfortable stay.
Some categories have a balcony or a seating area.
The view from these rooms is more limited, however, and does not give you the experience associated with the bungalows facing the bay.
If the view is your main reason for choosing this hotel, check whether the price difference justifies upgrading to a higher category.
Clear View also offers options for families and small groups.
Some rooms have a double bed and a single bed, others two double beds.
These can work for families or for three friends who prefer to share.
But check the room size and how much space is left for suitcases and gear.
Not every room with three beds or extra sleeping spaces has comfortable room for several people to move around.
The sea-facing categories are among the most interesting options at the resort.
Some rooms have a large balcony, windows facing the bay and a seating corner where you can enjoy the view throughout the day.
From the balconies you can see the boats anchored off Koh Tao and the changing light on the water.
Towards sunset, the view becomes one of the place's main attractions.
But even among the rooms listed as sea view, there are differences.
In some units the view is especially open, while in others it may be partial or blocked by greenery and nearby buildings.
It is worth looking at photos of the exact room category rather than relying on the general photos of the resort.
The balconies are an important part of the experience here.
In the rooms facing the bay you can sit outside with a coffee, read a book or simply watch the sea.
Some balconies are spacious with large seating areas, while others are smaller and more basic.
The real advantage is being able to enjoy the view in relative privacy.
Koh Tao has plenty of restaurants and bars with lovely sea views, but a room with a private balcony gives you the same feeling at times when you do not want to leave the hotel.
For couples looking for a quiet holiday, this can be a major factor in choosing a room.
One of the most striking facilities at Clear View Resort is the outdoor pool.
It is built on a level overlooking the sea, and on the side facing the bay it creates an infinity-pool effect.
From here you can see the open sea and the boats around Sairee and Mae Haad.
In the afternoon the view looks west, and the pool is especially good if you like watching the sunset from the water.
The pool is one of the resort's strong points, but there are a few things to take into account.
There are relatively few sun loungers and chairs around the pool.
So at busy times there will not always be a free spot near the water.
In addition, some of the areas around the pool involve steps and changes in level.
If you plan to spend a large part of the day at the pool, it is worth checking the state of the property and how easy it is to find a seat.
The view itself is impressive, but the pool experience also depends on maintenance and how busy it is during your stay.
One thing to understand before booking Clear View is that the hotel sits on a rocky stretch of shore.
Booking sites describe it as having a private beach area, but there is not necessarily a wide, comfortable strip of sand here like the one in the centre of Sairee Beach.
You reach the water across the rocks, and at some points you can step straight down into the sea.
In the right conditions the area can be interesting for snorkelling, especially because of the rocks and marine life.
But it is less suitable if you are looking for an easy, gradual entry into the water from a sandy beach.
Yes, when sea conditions are right and at points where it is safe to get in.
However, the rocks can make getting in and out difficult, especially when the sea is choppy or the tide is low.
Families with young children, or anyone who finds walking on rocks hard, are better off using easier sandy beaches.
Sairee Beach is a short walk away and offers a longer stretch of sand.
If you are mainly after a view and beautiful surroundings, the rocky area is part of Clear View's charm.
But if you want to head down from your room at any moment and swim comfortably in shallow water, factor in the limits of the sea access.
The rocky area next to Clear View allows snorkelling in suitable conditions.
Around the rocks you can find fish and marine life, and being so close to the water means you can get in without going on an organised trip.
That said, the quality of the snorkelling varies with visibility, currents and the state of the sea.
Do not assume every day will be suitable for getting in.
Koh Tao also has better-known snorkelling bays, including Aow Leuk, Tanote Bay and Shark Bay.
If you are coming to the island mainly for the underwater world, combine your stay here with trips to other bays.
Cleanliness and maintenance are among the most important things to consider when choosing a room at Clear View Resort.
The hotel has pleasant, well-kept units, but also rooms in less good condition.
Some units show signs of wear in the furniture, the finishes and the bathrooms.
So although the hotel has a fairly good cleanliness score on Agoda, do not treat the overall score as necessarily representing every room.
The condition of the rooms can vary depending on their position, any renovations carried out and the maintenance at the time of your visit.
Especially in the older rooms, it is important to check the mattress, the bedding, the air conditioning and the bathroom.
Doors, windows and sealing that work properly can also affect comfort, particularly where rooms are exposed to humidity and wind from the sea.
If you are planning a stay of several nights, it is worth choosing a well-maintained category, even if it costs a little more.
Clear View is a relatively small resort, so the service can be more personal than at a large hotel.
Guests appreciate the staff's help with arranging arrivals, changing rooms and handling requests during the stay.
However, the quality of service is not consistent in every case.
At some times there are gaps in response times and in dealing with maintenance problems.
So if you plan to book a particularly expensive room or stay for several nights, check the cancellation policy and how to get in touch with reception.
Breakfast is something worth checking in advance.
Clear View advertises continental, American and Asian breakfast options, sometimes as a buffet.
However, at certain times breakfast is served in a separate location away from the rooms and the pool, and not necessarily in a restaurant on the property.
So when you book, find out exactly where breakfast is served, especially if you want to start the morning facing the sea without leaving the hotel.
In terms of quality and variety, it is a fairly simple breakfast that does not always justify a high surcharge.
Being close to Sairee and Mae Haad also means you can choose cafés and restaurants outside the hotel.
Clear View is in a relatively calm area between Mae Haad and Sairee, but that does not mean every room is completely quiet.
In some units you may hear music from Sairee's nightlife, depending on the room's position and the wind direction.
In addition, construction work nearby has affected the peace in parts of the property in the past.
The construction situation may change, so check before booking whether there is active work near the rooms.
If you are coming for a particularly quiet holiday, consider the hotel's surroundings as well, not just the view.
The property is built on sloping ground with steps linking the different levels.
From some rooms you have to go down and up a number of steps to reach the pool, the shore or the hotel exit.
For anyone who struggles with climbs, families with pushchairs or travellers with limited mobility, this is a significant consideration.
The rocky areas by the sea are not suitable for everyone either.
So find out in advance where your room is, how many steps there are and how far it is to the main facilities.
Clear View can suit couples very well if they are looking for a sea-view room, a beautiful pool and a convenient location.
The balconies facing the bay and the chance to watch the sunset from the pool or your room are real advantages for a holiday for two.
Being close to restaurants and cafés also lets you enjoy the island without depending on a scooter.
But it is important to choose the room carefully.
A room with a partial view and basic maintenance can offer a very different experience from a well-kept suite with a private balcony looking straight out to sea.
It is also worth checking how private and quiet the unit is.
Clear View has family rooms and rooms designed for three and four guests.
The pool can work for families too, and it has a shallow area.
However, the steps, changes in level and rocky sea access call for caution with young children.
The property is less suitable if you are looking for a large family resort with a kids' club, an easy sandy beach and a range of facilities for children.
Families with older children who enjoy nature and snorkelling may love the location and the pool, provided they choose a suitable room.
Couples looking for a sea view: some rooms have private balconies with a lovely view of the bay.
Anyone who loves a pool with a view: the infinity pool is one of the hotel's big advantages.
Travellers who prefer to get around on foot: the location between Sairee and Mae Haad gives easy access to restaurants and shops.
Anyone looking for a small resort: the property is fairly intimate and does not feel like a big hotel.
Snorkelling fans: being close to the water by the rocks can be rewarding when sea conditions are right.
Clear View is less suitable if you are looking for a wide sandy beach with easy entry into the water.
If you struggle with steps or need full accessibility, you may find the layout of the property less comfortable.
Families with young children should also take into account the rocky sea access and the changes in level.
If you want a modern resort with brand-new facilities, consistent maintenance and very high service standards, compare it with other places too.
Value for money depends mainly on the room category and the view.
When you book a well-maintained room with an open balcony facing the sea, you get one of the hotel's biggest advantages.
But if the room does not face the sea, or the maintenance is not up to standard, the price may be less worthwhile compared with alternatives in the area.
The limited number of sun loungers around the pool and the need to leave the property for breakfast may also affect the experience.
So compare the room categories rather than choosing only on the basis of photos of the pool and the nicest rooms.
Clear View Resort offers a successful combination of sea views, an infinity pool, private balconies and a convenient location between Sairee and Mae Haad.
It can be especially good for couples looking for a relatively relaxed atmosphere and a beautiful view, without being far from Koh Tao's tourist centres.
But it is important to understand the limitations of the place.
The sea access is rocky, some rooms have maintenance issues, and the layout of the property involves steps and changes in level.
Privacy and quiet can also vary from unit to unit.
Clear View Resort can be a particularly good choice when you book a well-maintained room with an open sea view. If you are mainly looking for an easy sandy beach, full accessibility or luxurious resort facilities, you may find better-suited options on Koh Tao.
This review is based on Booking.com, Agoda and Tripadvisor. Facility details and distances were checked against the hotel's listing, and the differences between rooms and possible problems against detailed guest reviews.
The hotel is at 3/41 Moo 2, Koh Tao, between Mae Haad and Sairee Beach.
Yes. Some of the bungalows and rooms sit above a rocky stretch of shore, with balconies facing the water.
Yes. There is an outdoor pool overlooking the sea, with a shallow area.
The hotel has its own access to the sea, but it is rocky and nothing like a wide sandy beach.
Yes, when sea conditions are right and at points where it is safe to get in.
Yes, especially in the rooms with a balcony and a direct sea view.
There are family rooms, but the steps and the rocky sea access are less convenient for families with young children.
Yes. According to the hotel's description, Sairee Beach is about a four-minute walk away.
Yes. The pier is about an eight-minute walk away, depending on your route and pace.
Breakfast is offered, but it may be served in a separate location away from the rooms. Check in advance.
The room category, the state of maintenance, how much of the view you get, the number of steps, where breakfast is served and whether there is construction work nearby.
Same level of comfort and price - hotels we stayed at
The neighbour - also a small resort on the rocks above the sea, with a pool facing the bay
Also between Sairee and Mae Haad, simpler and without a pool
