In a nutshell
- There are 3 areas on Koh Tao we recommend for your stay. Since the island is small, all three are great bases for exploring — the differences come down to atmosphere and budget.
- The most popular spot is Sairee Beach — the most dive schools, the best nightlife, and the longest stretch of sand. Our top pick here: the stylish Cactus Boutique.
- Want somewhere quieter? Chalok Baan Kao Bay in the south is seriously beautiful and way more relaxed. Our pick: the View Point Resort with stunning sea views.
Where to Stay on Koh Tao?
Koh Tao is a surprisingly compact island in Thailand. It’s about 7.5 km long and 3.5 km wide at its broadest point — from the southernmost to the northernmost tip, you’re looking at roughly 30 minutes by scooter.
There are three areas we recommend for where to stay on Koh Tao. Since the island is so small, all three work well as a base for exploring.
The main differences come down to atmosphere, value for money, and how close you are to the pier.
The 3 areas we recommend for Koh Tao accommodation:
- Sairee Beach: Central and great for those who want nightlife ➞ Palm Leaf Resort
- Chalok Bay: Beautiful bay in the south, ideal for peace and quiet ➞ View Point Resort
- Mae Haad: Right by the pier and the most affordable lodging on the island ➞ Blue Wave House
The 3 Best Areas on a Map
We’ve marked all three areas on the map above so you can get a feel for the layout. You’ll notice they’re really not that far apart from each other.
For orientation, we’ve also pinned the ferry pier, Shark Bay, the John Suwan Viewpoint, and the Koh Nang Yuan Viewpoint — three of the top highlights on Koh Tao.
A Hotel at Koh Tao's Sairee Beach
First time on Koh Tao and want a mix of sightseeing, diving, and nightlife? Then book a hotel at Sairee Beach.
Sairee Beach is the longest stretch of sand on the island — perfect for long walks, swimming, and catching a gorgeous sunset. The Walking Street runs parallel to the beach and is lined with restaurants, shops, and dive schools.
In the evenings, things really come alive here. Every other night, the biggest pub crawl in Asia kicks off along this strip — which is why Sairee Beach tends to attract a younger crowd.
The trade-off? Hotels here are pricier than elsewhere on the island, and you often pay more than what the room is really worth. On the plus side, many places are right on the beach.
We stayed at Sairee Beach on our first visit to Koh Tao, and the beach, solid tourist infrastructure, and buzzing nightlife totally won us over.
Advantages of staying at Sairee Beach
- Best base for sightseeing
- Wide selection of places to stay
- Great nightlife
- Most dive schools
Disadvantages of staying at Sairee Beach
- Worse value for money
- Can get very loud at night
- Little authentic island charm
Our Hotel Picks at Sairee Beach
A little away from the action and right on the beach, the Palm Leaf Resort is a solid choice. You stay in small, cozy bungalows with an Asian feel.
Good & affordable
Better
Luxurious
Accommodation in Chalok Baan Kao Bay
First time on Koh Tao and want sightseeing and diving without the party scene? A hotel in Chalok Baan Kao Bay is the right call.
The small village of Chalok Baan Kao sits in the south of Koh Tao, with the picturesque Chalok Bay just a little further south. This area is significantly quieter than Sairee Beach — perfect if you’re after relaxed days and early nights.
Around the bay you’ll find plenty of beautiful coves ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking. The water is clear and the beaches are really lovely.
There’s still a decent tourist setup here — it just feels a bit more authentic. A solid selection of local restaurants and bars means you won’t go hungry or thirsty.
Koh Tao hotels in this area cover every budget. Many are right on the beach or perched on the hillside with stunning views over the bay. The pier is about a 15-minute drive away.
Advantages of staying in Chalok Baan Kao
- Good base for sightseeing
- Quiet, relaxed atmosphere
- Beautiful, less crowded beach
- Lots of nature and viewpoints nearby
Disadvantages of staying in Chalok Baan Kao
- Slightly less central
- Very little nightlife
- Smaller selection of accommodations
- Beach is tide-dependent
Our Hotel Picks in Chalok Baan Kao
For something really stylish, the View Point Resort is hard to beat — it has probably the most chic bungalows on Koh Tao, plus a breathtaking view over the sea.
If you’re watching your budget, the Assava Dive Resort is a great pick. Rooms are modern, and the resort has a lovely private beach and its own dive school.
Good & affordable
Better
Luxurious
A Hotel in Koh Tao's Main Town, Mae Haad
Want to be close to the ferry pier or need budget-friendly Koh Tao accommodation? Mae Haad is your best bet.
Right next to Sairee Beach is Mae Haad, Koh Tao’s main town. This is where the pier is located — where you arrive by ferry from Koh Phangan, Koh Samui, or Surat Thani.
The tourist infrastructure is solid here too. Supermarkets, restaurants, and scooter rentals are all easy to find. It’s noticeably quieter than Sairee Beach, though.
The biggest draw of Mae Haad is the value for money. You’ll find the most affordable hotels on Koh Tao here — genuinely good deals compared to the rest of the island.
The one downside: there’s no great beach right on your doorstep. But Sairee Beach is only a 10-minute walk away, so it’s really not a dealbreaker.
Advantages of staying in Mae Haad
- Most affordable accommodation on Koh Tao
- Good base for sightseeing
- Right by the ferry pier
- Lots of restaurants and shops
Disadvantages of staying in Mae Haad
- Less of a vacation vibe
- No great beach nearby
- Can feel hectic around the pier
Our Hotel Picks in Mae Haad
The Blue Wave House is seriously great value. Rooms are simple, but the location is excellent — and free snorkels are included, which is a nice touch.
Want to stay in Mae Haad without giving up a pool and beach access? The Sensi Paradise Beach Resort is a lovely option with plenty of Thai flair.
Good & affordable
Better
Luxurious
