Where to Stay in Koh Tao?
A guide to the areas, beaches and hotels
Koh Tao is a fairly small island, but here your choice of hotel has a huge effect on your holiday. This guide will help you understand how Koh Tao is laid out, where the areas to stay are and which hotels are worth knowing.
Read the full guideKoh Tao is a fairly small island, but here your choice of hotel has a huge effect on your holiday. You can sleep in a bungalow on Sairee Beach, walk out in the evening to restaurants and bars and watch the sunset from the beach. You can also choose a hillside resort with panoramic sea views, or a hotel in a secluded bay where most of your holiday revolves around swimming, snorkelling and rest.
Distances on the map can be misleading. Koh Tao has steep roads, bays separated by hills, and beaches you can only reach by driving or by walking along footpaths. Two hotels that are a short distance apart as the crow flies can offer completely different experiences.
During our visit to Koh Tao we stayed at two hotels - Seashell Resort and The Tarna Align Resort - and visited and photographed the grounds of 12 more. That let us get to know the Sairee strip up close, along with the bungalows on the beach and the differences between staying at the water's edge and staying at a hotel further up the hill.
This guide to where to stay in Koh Tao will help you understand how the island is laid out, where the accommodation areas are, what you can do on foot, which hotels are worth knowing and what to check before you book.
How is Koh Tao laid out? Four main areas to stay
Koh Tao is in the Gulf of Thailand, north of Koh Phangan and Koh Samui. The island is especially well known for its dive sites, bays and clear water, and it draws travellers who come to learn to dive, snorkel and enjoy the beaches.
The island is hilly, and most of the villages and hotels are along the west coast, in the south and along the roads leading to the eastern bays.
When it comes to choosing where to stay, you can divide Koh Tao into four main areas:
Sairee Beach - the west and north-west of the island: the main tourist beach strip, with restaurants, bars, dive schools, shops and lots of hotels. This is the most convenient area if you want to walk out in the evening.
Mae Haad - the west of the island: the main pier area where the ferries arrive, with shops, restaurants, services and hotels. It suits those looking for convenience and easy access to transport.
Chalok Baan Kao - the south of the island: a bay with a calmer atmosphere, dive schools, restaurants and places to stay. It suits those who want to be in a lived-in area that is less busy than Sairee.
The remote bays - the east, south and north of the island: areas such as Tanote Bay, Aow Leuk, Shark Bay and Hin Wong. They offer beautiful beaches, snorkelling and quiet resorts, but sometimes mean a drive every time you go out.
The most important difference is between staying in an area you can get around on foot and staying at a hotel reached by a steep climb or a drive.
Koh Tao's accommodation areas compared
| Area | Type of holiday | The advantage | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central Sairee | Restaurants, evenings out and diving | Easy to go out on foot | Can be noisy |
| North Sairee | Bungalows, beach and sunsets | Calmer than the centre | A longer walk to nightlife |
| Sairee hills | Views and pools | Privacy and sea views | Climbs and reliance on shuttles |
| Mae Haad | Convenience and transport | Close to the pier and services | Boat traffic in the area |
| South Sairee-Mae Haad | An in-between location | Close to both centres | Some hotels are on a slope |
| Chalok Baan Kao | A relaxed holiday and diving | Restaurants with a laid-back feel | Less nightlife |
| Tanote Bay | Beach and snorkelling | A beautiful bay and nature | Hilly road and less straightforward access |
| Aow Leuk | Swimming and snorkelling | A tropical bay | Few services nearby |
| Shark Bay / Thian Og | Resorts and views | Snorkelling and a couples' holiday | Access varies from hotel to hotel |
| The northern bays | Nature and quiet | A sense of seclusion | Transport needs planning |
1Sairee Beach - the most convenient area for most travellers
Sairee Beach is the longest and best-known beach on Koh Tao, and it is on the western side of the island.
This is the main tourist strip, with a mix of hotels, bungalows, restaurants, cafes, dive schools, massage places and bars.
Sairee's advantage is that you can enjoy a tropical beach and be close to places to go out at the same time.
During the day the beach is busy with travellers, boats and dive centres. Towards sunset people gather on the beach and in the west-facing bars, and in the evening some places carry on with music and parties.
How is Sairee laid out?
The beach runs along a long stretch of the west coast, but not all of it looks or feels the same.
The central part has many of the bars, restaurants and places to go out. North of there the atmosphere gradually changes, with bungalows and hotels along the beach and close to the hills.
At the southern end of the strip you get closer to Mae Haad, where the main pier and transport services are.
Along much of Sairee there are footpaths running between the restaurants, dive schools and hotels, but the walk is not the same on every stretch. The width of the beach also changes with the tide.
Why is Sairee especially good for a first visit?
If you stay somewhere central, you can go out for dinner, sit in a bar facing the sunset, choose a dive or buy something in a shop without ordering a taxi every time.
That is a real advantage on an island where short journeys can be relatively expensive, especially by private taxi.
On the other hand, if you are looking for total quiet, check the distance between your room and the bars and music venues.
Seashell Resort - the hotel we stayed at
Seashell Resort is in the central part of Sairee, close to the beach and the tourist activity.
We stayed here during our visit to Koh Tao, so our review on the site is based on our own stay and on our photos from the hotel.
In terms of location, this is the kind of hotel that suits those who want to be close to the beach, the restaurants and the places to go out.
The advantage is not just access to the sea, but being able to enjoy the area without needing transport every time you go out.
Our full review of Seashell Resort - the rooms, the pool, the location and our experience
Sairee Cottage Resort - bungalows in the middle of the beach
Sairee Cottage Resort is in the heart of the Sairee strip, with different types of accommodation, including bungalows and rooms close to the beach.
It particularly suits those looking for the feel of a tropical island stay, with bungalows, greenery and restaurants and dive schools close by.
It is important to check the type of unit you are booking, because not every room on the grounds faces the sea directly.
Our photo review of Sairee Cottage Resort
Ban's Diving Resort - a hotel built around diving
Ban's Diving Resort is in the Sairee area and is especially associated with diving on the island.
The grounds include both accommodation and a dive school, so it can suit those coming to Koh Tao to learn to dive or to spend a good part of their holiday diving.
The hotel can also suit travellers who want to be in the main tourist area without necessarily taking a dive course.
Our photo review of Ban's Diving Resort
Lotus Paradise Resort - beach and nightlife
Lotus Paradise Resort is on the Sairee strip, in an area with restaurants and bars.
The advantage of the location is being close to the beach and the nightlife. If you want to be part of the lively atmosphere, you may enjoy that.
On the other hand, it is important to check where your room is in relation to the bars and the music, especially if a quiet night's sleep matters to you.
Our photo review of Lotus Paradise Resort
SB Cabana - bungalows on the beach
SB Cabana offers simpler-style accommodation on the Sairee strip.
The advantage is being able to stay very close to the sand and the sea, without having to choose a big resort.
But a central beachfront location can also mean being close to public footpaths, restaurants and bars.
Nat Resort - another option on Sairee
Nat Resort is in the Sairee area, close to the beach and the tourist activity.
It is a place to stay that suits those who prefer to be close to the area's restaurants and services.
Our photo review of Nat Resort
Who is central Sairee for?
This is the area we would look at first for anyone coming to Koh Tao for the first time, who loves restaurants, wants evenings out or is planning to dive.
If you like stepping out of your hotel and discovering places on foot, Sairee has a big advantage.
But not every hotel in the middle of the beach suits those looking for a quiet holiday. It is important to check how close the bars are and where your room is on the grounds.
2North Sairee - a beautiful beach, bungalows and a calmer atmosphere
The further north you go along Sairee, the further you get from the busy central part.
At the northern end there are bungalows and resorts set among the beach, the rocks and the tropical greenery.
The area suits those who want to stay on the Sairee strip but feel a little further from the bustle of the restaurants and bars.
The advantage is that you can enjoy sunsets and beach access, and from some locations still walk to the central area.
The downside is that the walk to the main restaurants is longer, and some hotels also have internal paths or steps.
Bow Thong Beach Resort - bungalows at the north end of the beach
Bow Thong Beach Resort is in the northern part of Sairee.
It offers bungalow accommodation in tropical surroundings and suits those who prefer a calmer beach atmosphere than the central area.
We visited the grounds and photographed them, including the bungalows and the surroundings.
Before booking, check the type of unit, the distance from the sea and whether you can walk from it to the restaurants.
Our photo review of Bow Thong Beach Resort
Koh Tao Cabana Resort - a resort between the beach and the hill
Koh Tao Cabana is at the northern end of Sairee, where the beach meets a rockier, more wooded area.
The resort combines villas and bungalows set among the greenery, the beach and the slope.
It is a hotel worth knowing if you are looking for romantic, natural surroundings but still want to stay in the Sairee area.
Note that some of the units are higher up the slope, so the experience is different from a room right on the beachfront.
Our photo review of Koh Tao Cabana Resort
Mama O Chai 2 Bungalows - simple accommodation on the Sairee strip
Mama O Chai 2 Bungalows is a bungalow-style place to stay in the Sairee area, with a fairly simple atmosphere compared with the big resorts.
It suits those looking for accommodation close to the beach who do not necessarily need the facilities of a large hotel.
Our photo review of Mama O Chai 2 Bungalows
Who should stay in North Sairee?
Couples, anyone who loves beach bungalows and travellers who want a mix of relative quiet and access to the main tourist area.
It is an interesting middle ground: not a stay in a secluded bay, but not necessarily right in the middle of the nightlife either.
3The hills above Sairee - sea views, pools and privacy
One of the things that sets Koh Tao apart is its terrain.
Not far from the beaches the land starts to climb steeply, and some of the hills have hotels with sea views.
The advantage of staying on the hill is clear: you get an impressive view, a sense of privacy and a quieter atmosphere.
But there is also an important downside: the way from the hotel to the beach or the restaurants is not always an easy walk.
The Tarna Align Resort - the second hotel we stayed at
The Tarna Align Resort is on the hill above Sairee, not on the beach itself.
We stayed here during our visit to Koh Tao, so we have a review based on our own stay and photos of the grounds.
The key difference between it and Seashell Resort is the type of location.
While at Seashell you are right in the middle of the lively beach area, Tarna offers the experience of a hilltop hotel.
That means that to get to Sairee's restaurants and bars, you also need to think about the uphill trip back.
The hotel runs a shuttle to Sairee on a fixed timetable. Before booking, check its hours and whether you can get back in the evening.
Our full review of The Tarna Align Resort - the rooms, the pool, the view and the location
Who is a hilltop hotel for?
Those looking for a view, a pool and a resort atmosphere, who are not necessarily planning to walk to and from the beach several times a day.
It is a kind of stay that can suit couples very well, but less so those who want complete freedom to wander without planning transport.
4Mae Haad - the pier area and Koh Tao's practical hub
Mae Haad is on the west coast of Koh Tao, south of Sairee.
This is where most of the ferries arrive, and around the pier there are restaurants, shops, tourist services, travel agencies and places to stay.
In terms of convenience, it is one of the most practical areas on the island.
Why stay in Mae Haad?
The main advantage is being close to the pier and to services.
If you are coming to Koh Tao for a short time or plan to catch an early ferry, you will appreciate being able to reach the pier fairly easily.
The area also has restaurants and places to eat, so you do not necessarily need to travel to Sairee every evening.
And the downside?
Mae Haad is a working harbour area.
Not every part of the beach is ideal for swimming, and the atmosphere is different from that of a secluded bay or a quiet strip of bungalows.
If you are after the classic Koh Tao beach experience, Sairee or one of the other bays may suit you better.
5South Sairee and the stretch to Mae Haad - between the two centres
Between Mae Haad and Sairee there is an interesting stretch of hotels, bungalows and resorts along the beach and on the slopes above it.
It is an area that can suit those who want to be fairly close both to the pier and to Sairee's restaurants and bars.
The advantage is a combination of easy access and closeness to the sea. On the other hand, some hotels are built on rocks or slopes, so check carefully how you get from your room to the footpaths.
Clear View Resort - between the beach and the pier
Clear View Resort is in the stretch between Mae Haad and South Sairee.
From here you can walk to both areas, so it can suit those who want to combine easy access to the pier with nights out in Sairee.
Our photo review of Clear View Resort
DD Hut - bungalows and sea views
DD Hut is in the Mae Haad area, close to the stretch of beach leading towards Sairee.
It offers accommodation overlooking the sea, with some of the units and facilities in a raised position.
It is the kind of place where you should check the number of steps and the access to your room, especially if you plan to go out several times a day.
Ocean View Resort - close to both areas
Ocean View Resort is at the southern end of the Sairee strip, near the stretch to Mae Haad.
Its advantage is its location between the beach area and the pier.
Our photo review of Ocean View Resort
Who is this in-between area for?
Those who prefer somewhere a little less central than Sairee but do not want to be far from restaurants, shops and services.
It is also an area worth checking if you are arriving on the island with suitcases and prefer to stay within reasonable distance of the pier.
6Chalok Baan Kao - a calm atmosphere in the south of the island
Chalok Baan Kao is a bay in the south of Koh Tao, with restaurants, dive schools, bungalows and hotels.
The atmosphere here is calmer than in Sairee, but it is not a completely isolated area.
There are restaurants and places to stay nearby, so it suits those looking for a compromise between convenience and quiet.
Why choose Chalok?
The bay suits travellers who prefer a more laid-back atmosphere.
You can combine a beach holiday with diving and snorkelling, and visit beaches and viewpoints in the south of the island.
That said, swimming conditions in the bay change with the tide, and in parts of it the water is shallow.
Hotels worth knowing
Who it suits: travellers who love diving, couples and those looking for a fairly calm atmosphere without choosing a secluded bay.
7Shark Bay and Thian Og - a beach and snorkelling holiday
Shark Bay, also called Thian Og Bay, is in the south-east of Koh Tao.
It is one of the best-known bays on the island thanks to its clear water and the chance to see marine life in the right conditions.
The area is especially associated with snorkelling, and you can sometimes encounter sea turtles and small reef sharks here.
But remember that these are wild animals, so there is no guarantee of seeing them on every visit.
What does staying in this area mean?
Some of the hotels are on the slopes above the bay rather than right on the sand.
The view can be very impressive, but getting to the beach may involve steps or a steep descent.
Staying here also puts you further from Sairee's restaurants and nightlife.
Hotels worth knowing
Who it suits: couples, snorkelling fans and those looking for a fairly quiet holiday centred on the hotel and the sea.
8Tanote Bay - a beautiful bay in the east of Koh Tao
Tanote Bay is on the eastern side of the island, far from Sairee's main tourist strip.
It is one of Koh Tao's best-known bays thanks to its clear water, large boulders and snorkelling.
The scenery here is different from the west coast, and it feels like a holiday closer to nature.
Why stay in Tanote Bay?
If you love swimming, snorkelling and spending hours in the bay, you can really enjoy this area.
But it is not the place for you if you plan to go out to Sairee's restaurants and bars every evening.
The road to the bay crosses hilly terrain, and the drive calls for care and attention to road conditions.
Hotels worth knowing
Who it suits: snorkelling fans, couples and those who prefer a natural, quiet bay to nightlife.
9Aow Leuk - a bay for swimming and snorkelling
Aow Leuk is in the south-east of Koh Tao.
It is a sandy bay where the water can be very clear, and it is considered one of the best-known snorkelling spots on the island.
It particularly suits those looking for a sea-and-nature experience.
But in terms of accommodation, it is an area with fewer restaurants and nightlife options than Sairee or Mae Haad.
Who should choose this area?
Those planning a relaxed holiday focused mainly on the sea.
If you intend to go out to the tourist centre every evening, allow for the travel time and the road conditions.
10Sai Nuan and the south-west beaches - the feel of a quiet island
South of Mae Haad there are smaller bays and beaches, including Sai Nuan and June Juea.
The area is characterised by greenery, rocks and small strips of beach, and offers a fairly relaxed experience.
In some places, getting there means walking along a path or driving on a road that is not as easy as the main roads.
Who is this area for?
Travellers looking for quiet, nature and a holiday centred on the beach.
If you love nightlife and a varied choice of restaurants, you will usually prefer the central west side of the island.
11The northern and north-eastern bays - Hin Wong and Mango Bay
In the northern and eastern parts of Koh Tao there are more remote bays, including Hin Wong and Mango Bay.
They are known mainly for their water, rocks and snorkelling.
But getting there is not always simple. Some roads are steep, and in some areas access by sea is easier in the right conditions.
Staying in these bays is better suited to those who want to switch off and spend a lot of time at the place they are staying.
If you plan to go out to Sairee every evening, think carefully about the distance and the transport options.
How long does it take to get between Koh Tao's areas?
Koh Tao is not big, but the hilly roads affect travel times.
The times below are estimates for planning a journey in a suitable vehicle, depending on the road and traffic conditions.
| Route | Estimated travel time |
|---|---|
| Mae Haad pier - central Sairee | 5-10 minutes |
| Mae Haad pier - North Sairee | 10-15 minutes |
| Central Sairee - the hills above the beach | 5-10 minutes |
| Mae Haad pier - Chalok Baan Kao | 10-15 minutes |
| Central Sairee - Tanote Bay | 15-25 minutes |
| Central Sairee - Aow Leuk | 15-25 minutes |
| Central Sairee - Shark Bay | 15-25 minutes |
| Central Sairee - Hin Wong | 15-25 minutes |
Travel times vary with the hotel's location, the type of vehicle, the road conditions and the weather.
It is just as important to check the walking time. Two points that are a short distance apart on the map can be separated by a steep climb or a road with no proper pavement.
How do you get around Koh Tao?
On foot
In central Sairee and parts of Mae Haad you can manage very well on foot.
That is one of the reasons these areas suit those who want a spontaneous holiday and do not want to depend on transport.
Getting between remote bays or up to the hilltop hotels, on the other hand, can be much harder.
Taxis and transfers
Koh Tao has taxi and transfer services, including vehicles suited to the island's roads.
Prices can be high relative to the distance, especially for a private ride.
So if you plan to leave your hotel several times a day, factor the cost of transport into your budget.
Scooters
Scooters are very common on Koh Tao, but it is important to take the riding conditions seriously.
Some areas have steep roads, sharp bends and surfaces that can be slippery after rain.
If you do not have the right experience, it is better to use transfers or choose a place to stay where you can manage on foot.
Longtail boats
You can reach some of the bays by longtail boat.
They are especially useful for snorkelling trips and for getting to beaches that are harder to access.
That said, the sea and the wind affect whether boats can run, so do not assume a service will be available at any hour.
How to choose a hotel on Koh Tao by type of holiday
For a first visit to Koh Tao
Central Sairee is the most convenient starting point for most travellers.
It has restaurants, dive schools, shops, bars and a big choice of places to stay.
For a romantic couples' holiday
North Sairee, the hilltop hotels and bays such as Shark Bay and Tanote Bay can suit those looking for a view and relative quiet.
If you are coming to learn to dive
Sairee and Chalok Baan Kao have a concentration of dive schools and places to stay that suit those coming for courses.
It is worth choosing your accommodation according to where your dive school is too, especially if you head out early in the morning.
If you are after nightlife
Central Sairee is the natural choice.
Just make sure your room is not right next to a bar or party venue if quiet at night matters to you.
If you are looking for a beach bungalow
Check out the places to stay in North Sairee, such as Bow Thong, Koh Tao Cabana and Mama O Chai 2.
It is important to distinguish between a bungalow right on the sand and a unit behind it or on the slope.
If you are looking for snorkelling
Tanote Bay, Aow Leuk and Shark Bay are areas worth knowing.
But bear in mind that staying there may be less convenient if you want to get around the island without transport.
If you prefer to be close to the pier
Mae Haad and the stretch towards South Sairee can be a convenient choice.
Especially if you are coming for a short stay or leaving on an early ferry.
What to check before booking a hotel on Koh Tao
Can you really walk out in the evening?
If you love restaurants, shops and bars, check the route from the hotel to the nearest centre, not just the distance in kilometres.
Is the hotel on the beach or above it?
Hilltop hotels can offer an impressive view, but the way to the beach may include steps and climbs.
Is there a shuttle service?
At hotels such as The Tarna Align Resort, check the shuttle times and how you get back to the hotel in the evening.
Is the beach good for swimming?
Sairee, for example, is a great beach for sunsets and atmosphere, but it has shallow areas at low tide and boat traffic.
If snorkelling is your main interest, you may prefer another bay.
Is the room next to a bar?
In central Sairee, where your room is in relation to the music and nightlife can make a big difference to how well you sleep.
How do you get from your room to the hotel's facilities?
At large resorts, especially those built on a slope, there may be a considerable distance between the room, the pool, reception and the beach.
How much will transport cost?
A remote hotel can be an excellent choice for a quiet holiday, but if you plan to go out every evening, include transport in your budget too.
Which area of Koh Tao would we choose next time?
Having got to know Sairee both by staying there and by visiting hotels along the beach, it is clear to us how convenient this area is if you want to combine the sea, restaurants and evenings out.
If we were coming to Koh Tao for a holiday with lots of going out, walking everywhere and enjoying the sunsets and the bars, we would start our search in Sairee.
If we were after a calmer holiday, with a beautiful view and a pool, we would consider a hotel on the hill or at the north end of the beach, after checking how accessible it is.
And if the main goal were snorkelling and rest, we would look at one of the eastern or southern bays.
Every option has its pros and cons.
The most important thing is to choose the area according to how you plan to spend your days and evenings, not just by the photos of the room.
FAQ: where to stay on Koh Tao
Where is the best place to stay on Koh Tao for a first visit?
Sairee Beach is the most convenient area for most travellers, thanks to its concentration of restaurants, bars, dive schools and hotels.
What is the difference between Sairee and Mae Haad?
Sairee is the centre of beach life and nightlife. Mae Haad is the pier area and practical hub, with shops, restaurants and tourist services.
Is North Sairee a good place to stay?
Yes, especially if you want to be on the beach but a little further from the busiest area. Check the walking distance to the centre.
Can you manage on Koh Tao without a scooter?
Yes, especially if you are staying in Sairee or Mae Haad. For trips to the remote bays you can use taxis and transfers.
Is Koh Tao worth it if you do not dive?
Absolutely. You can enjoy beaches, snorkelling, viewpoints, restaurants, sunsets and boat trips without taking a dive course.
Where should you stay for snorkelling?
Tanote Bay, Aow Leuk and Shark Bay are areas worth checking, depending on the sea conditions and how accessible the hotel is.
Should you choose a hotel on a hill?
It can be an excellent choice for the view and privacy, but check the road to the hotel, the number of steps and the shuttle options.
Where is the nightlife on Koh Tao?
Mainly around Sairee Beach, which has bars and places to go out along the beach and in the nearby streets.
Where can you find beach bungalows?
Along Sairee, and especially at its northern end, there are resorts with bungalows close to the water's edge.
Is it worth staying near the pier?
Staying in Mae Haad can be convenient if you are coming for a short time or leaving on an early ferry, but if you want a beach atmosphere you may prefer Sairee.
In short - where to stay on Koh Tao?
Koh Tao is small enough to enjoy several areas during your holiday, but hilly enough that your choice of location makes a big difference to your stay.
Central Sairee is the convenient choice if you want restaurants, nightlife and diving within walking distance.
North Sairee offers a mix of beach, bungalows and a calmer atmosphere.
The hills above Sairee suit those looking for a view and privacy who are willing to rely on transport.
Mae Haad suits those who prefer to be close to the pier and services.
Chalok Baan Kao offers a calmer holiday in the south of the island, while the eastern and southern bays particularly suit those focused on swimming, snorkelling and rest.
After staying at Seashell Resort and The Tarna Align Resort, and visiting other hotels along Sairee, the difference between a beachfront hotel and a hilltop hotel became very real to us.
Both can make for a wonderful holiday - but they are different experiences.
Before choosing a hotel on Koh Tao, think about how you want to spend your time outside the room. The answer to that question will usually lead you to the right area to stay in, too.