Where to Stay in Koh Tao: Best Areas Based on Your Travel Style
- Mar 8
- 3 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
Where to Stay in Koh Tao
As we always say, when choosing accommodation it’s key to think about what kind of trip you’re looking for: peace and quiet, nightlife, social atmosphere, nature, or saving money.
That’s why in this guide we’ll show you the best areas to stay in Koh Tao, so you can easily decide where to base yourself.
Quick Guide: Where to Stay in Koh Tao
Sairee Beach
This is the liveliest area on the island. If you’re looking for social life, bars, a backpacker vibe and a bit of noise at night, you’ll definitely find it here.
It’s ideal if you want to combine beach time, meeting people and convenience, with everything within walking distance.
Our experience Staying in Sairee Beach
We stayed very close to Sairee, but not right in the middle of the chaos. The place is called Koh Tao Heritage, and we highly recommend it: buffet breakfast, a pool, and a detail we loved (every morning they left little bottles of water outside our room).
The area is super quiet, but you’re still just steps away from all the action.
⭐️ Huge bonus points for the breakfast — it was amazing!
Mae Haad
This is the main pier area, where the ferries arrive and depart.
We’d mainly recommend this area if you plan to use Koh Tao as a base and move frequently to other destinations, since it’s not the most charming area and the beaches nearby aren’t the best.
The good thing is that here you’ll find many useful services, such as:
• Shops
• Restaurants
• Diving schools and tour agencies
• Scooter rentals
Chalok Baan Kao
Perfect if you’re looking for peace, nature and a much slower pace. It’s located in the south of the island and has a relaxed atmosphere, much quieter than Sairee.
That said, you’ll still find bars and restaurants by the beach, just with a more chill vibe.
From this area you can easily reach some of the best beaches in Koh Tao, including:
• Shark Bay
• Freedom Beach
• Sai Nuan Beach
If you decide to stay in this area, we recommend Taatoh Seaview Resort - SHA Plus.
Nang Yuan Island
Located just off the northwest coast of Koh Tao, this small island is made up of three small islets connected by a strip of white sand, with incredible beaches and amazing snorkeling.
Most people visit it as a day trip, but it’s also possible to stay overnight at the only accommodation on the island: Nangyuan Island Dive Resort.
⚠️ IMPORTANT TIP
The island has exclusive hours for guests (before 8 AM and after 5 PM), which means you can enjoy it without the crowds, something pretty unique!
That said, staying here is much more expensive than staying in other parts of Koh Tao.
💸 Best Areas to Stay in Koh Tao by Budget 💸
Although there are options for every budget, these are the general differences:
💸 More budget-friendly areas: Chalok Baan Kao and Mae Haad, plenty of guesthouses and hostels.
💸 More expensive / exclusive areas: Sairee Beach and isolated beach areas with resorts (like Shark Bay or Ao Thian Og), ideal if you're looking for more tranquility and a bit of luxury.
Still Planning Your Trip to Koh Tao?
Where you stay in Koh Tao will really shape the rhythm of your trip, whether you're looking for more social life, quiet beaches, hidden spots, or easy access to transportation.
To keep planning your itinerary, we recommend checking these guides:
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