Where to stay in Koh Tao

Koh Tao is small, hilly and built around the sea. It's one of the most popular places in the world to learn to scuba dive, and dozens of dive schools line its west coast, but you don't need to dive to enjoy it: the snorkelling is excellent, the viewpoints are worth the climb and the evenings on Sairee Beach are hard to beat.

The island is only about 21 square kilometres, so where you stay is less about distance and more about atmosphere. Most of the places we list are around Sairee and Mae Haad on the west coast, from social hostels to family bungalows and resorts with pools. Compare them below, or read the area guide first.

Arriving
Boats to Mae Haad pier from Chumphon, Koh Phangan and Koh Samui
Nearest airports
Koh Samui, or Chumphon on the mainland
Getting around
On foot, by taxi pick-up truck, or scooter for confident riders on steep roads
Rainiest spell
Usually October to December

Places to stay in Koh Tao

18 hotels

"Our order" puts hotels we have fully written up first. Commission doesn't affect the order.

Koh Tao, area by area

Sairee and Mae Haad sit next to each other on the west coast and are linked by a walkable beach path and road. The south and east are quieter and hillier.

Sairee

Best for sunsets, dive schools and nightlife

Sairee Beach is Koh Tao's longest beach, running for well over a kilometre up the west coast. It's where most dive schools, beach bars and restaurants are, and the sunsets draw a crowd every evening. The southern end is livelier; the northern end towards Koh Nang Yuan is calmer. A path behind the beach links everything on foot.

Mae Haad

Best for arrivals and easy island-hopping

Mae Haad is Koh Tao's port and small main village, a short walk south of Sairee. Ferries and speedboats arrive here, so staying nearby makes arrival and departure days simple. There's a small beach, a good choice of cafes and restaurants, and boats out to Koh Nang Yuan and the dive sites.

Chalok Baan Kao and the south

Best for a quieter, local feel

The sheltered bay of Chalok Baan Kao in the south has a handful of dive schools, beach restaurants and a slower pace than Sairee. Nearby viewpoints and coves such as Freedom Beach and Shark Bay make good outings, and Mae Haad is about ten minutes away by road.

The east and north bays

Best for snorkelling and seclusion

Tanote Bay, Ao Leuk, Hin Wong and Mango Bay are reached by steep, sometimes unpaved roads, which keeps them quiet. The snorkelling is among the best on the island. Stay here for peace; stay on the west coast if you want restaurants on your doorstep.

Questions about staying in Koh Tao

Is Sairee or Mae Haad better for a first stay on Koh Tao?

Sairee if you want the beach, sunsets and nightlife right outside; Mae Haad if you want to be near the pier and slightly away from the busiest strip. They're only 10 to 15 minutes apart on foot.

How do I get to Koh Tao?

Catamarans and speedboats run from Chumphon on the mainland and from Koh Samui and Koh Phangan. Many travellers combine a bus or train to Chumphon with the boat on a single ticket.

Can I visit Koh Nang Yuan from Koh Tao?

Yes. Taxi boats and tours run from Sairee and Mae Haad to Koh Nang Yuan, the three small islands joined by sandbars off the north-west coast. An entrance fee is charged on the island.

Do I need to be a diver to enjoy Koh Tao?

No. Snorkelling, hiking to viewpoints, kayaking and beach days are all good reasons to visit, and many people take a first try-dive while they're there.

More destinations in Thailand