Best Area To Stay In Koh Tao
Finding the best area to stay in Koh Tao depends on the type of trip you want. Sairee Beach is perfect for nightlife and diving, Mae Haad is ideal for convenience while Chalok Baan Kao and the quieter bays are better for a more relaxed island stay.
Which Area Should You Stay In?
From lively Sairee Beach and convenient Mae Haad to relaxed Chalok Baan Kao, secluded Tanote Bay and the resort style stays around Shark Bay. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you find the best area to stay in Koh Tao.
Sairee Beach
Koh Tao’s liveliest area, with a long beach, dive schools, restaurants, beach bars and the island’s main nightlife. Great if you want plenty happening within walking distance.
Mae Haad
The island’s main port area, with the ferry pier, shops, restaurants and plenty of useful services nearby. A convenient base for getting around and exploring Koh Tao.
Chalok Baan Kao
A more relaxed area in the south of Koh Tao, with a quieter atmosphere, local restaurants and easy access to beaches, snorkelling spots and viewpoints.
Tanote Bay
A secluded bay on Koh Tao’s east coast known for its clear water and excellent snorkelling straight from the beach. Best if you want peace, nature and fewer crowds.
Southern Koh Tao / Shark Bay
A beautiful and quieter part of southern Koh Tao with clear water, resort style accommodation and a more private feel. A particularly good choice for couples and relaxed stays.
My Experience Exploring Koh Tao
I’ve visited Koh Tao twice now and both trips were completely different. Having stayed in both a lively part of the island and somewhere much quieter has definitely helped me understand how much choosing the best area to stay in Koh Tao can change your trip.
On my first visit, I stayed in a hostel around Sairee Beach. For that type of trip, the location was perfect. I was close to the beach, restaurants, bars and the main nightlife. Pretty much everything I needed was within walking distance. Sairee is definitely the area I’d recommend if you’re travelling solo, staying in hostels or want to meet people and have a few nights out.
While I was there, I also met up with my friend’s brother and his girlfriend, who happened to be on Koh Tao at the same time. They were doing their diving licences while visiting. We ended up spending one of the days at Koppee Beach Club, drinking by the sea and carrying on well into the evening. It was one of those unplanned days that ended up being one of my favourites from the trip.
My second visit was completely different. I came back with one of my mates from England towards the end of a month travelling around Thailand and my partner joined us on Koh Tao as well. She absolutely loves scuba diving and has been to Koh Tao for diving more times than I can count. So while she was there for the diving, me and my mate were more than happy to slow things down after a busy month of travelling.
This time we stayed at Pinnacle Koh Tao Resort, which had amazing views looking out over the sea and gave us a much quieter base than Sairee. We spent most days travelling between different bays, snorkelling, relaxing on the beaches and having a few beers. I even took them back to Koppee one evening for my birthday, where we had food and cocktails before heading down to Sairee for some late night drinking.
Having experienced both sides of the island, I don’t think there’s one best area to stay in Koh Tao for everyone. If you want nightlife and everything on your doorstep, I’d choose Sairee. If you’re coming to relax, snorkel or dive and don’t mind being a little further from the action, some of the quieter parts of Koh Tao are brilliant.
Where Are the Best Areas to Stay in Koh Tao
Koh Tao may be a small island, but choosing the best area to stay in Koh Tao can make a big difference to your trip. The map below shows the main areas covered in this guide and gives you a quick idea of where they are in relation to each other.
Map Key
🟥 Sairee Beach
🟦 Mae Haad
🟩 Chalok Baan Kao
🟨 Tanote Bay
🟪 Southern Koh Tao / Shark Bay
The highlighted areas are approximate and are intended as a simple guide to the main areas covered on this page.
Whats On This Page
Jump straight to any of the areas below or keep scrolling to compare each location and find the best area to stay in Koh Tao for your trip.
1. Sairee Beach
2. Mae Haad
3. Chalok Baan Kao
4. Tanote Bay
5. Southern Koh Tao / Shark Bay
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Sairee Beach
Best For Nightlife, Diving & First-Time Visitors
Sairee Beach is in my opinion the best area to stay in Koh Tao for first-time visitors, especially if you want to be close to the beach, restaurants, dive schools and nightlife. It’s the liveliest part of the island and one of the easiest places to stay without feeling like you need transport every time you want to go somewhere.
I stayed in a hostel around Sairee on my first trip to Koh Tao and loved the location. Everything I needed was close by, I could walk to the beach during the day and there were plenty of places to eat, drink and go out at night. If you’re travelling solo or backpacking, it’s also one of the easiest parts of Koh Tao to meet other travellers.
Sairee gets much livelier towards the evening, with beachfront bars, restaurants and places to drink running along and around the beach. However, you don’t necessarily have to be right in the middle of the nightlife. Staying slightly back from the busiest beachfront areas can give you a quieter base while keeping everything within easy reach.
👥 Best For
First-time visitors & backpackers
🚶Walkability
Excellent
🌙 Nightlife
Excellent
💻Digital Nomad Friendly
Very Good
🔊Noise Level
Medium–High
📅Best Stay Length
3 - 7 days
✅ Pros
✔ Long beach with plenty happening nearby
✔ Best nightlife on Koh Tao
✔ Huge choice of dive schools
✔ Excellent for solo travellers and backpackers
✔ Plenty of restaurants, cafes and bars
✔ One of the most walkable areas on the island
❌ Cons
✖ Can get noisy around the main nightlife spots
✖ Busier and more touristy than Koh Tao’s quieter bays
✖ Not ideal if you want a secluded island escape
✖ Popular accommodation can fill up during busy periods
✖ Beachfront areas can feel lively late into the evening
Best Places To Stay In Sairee Beach
Where I’d Recommend
If you’re looking for the best area to stay in Koh Tao with plenty of accommodation choice, Sairee Beach has everything from beachfront resorts and comfortable hotels to cheap hostels close to the island’s main nightlife.
BEST MID-RANGE HOTEL
The Tarna Resort, Koh Tao
Stylish hillside resort just behind Sairee with modern rooms, swimming pools, sea views and a quieter atmosphere while still being close to Sairee Beach.
🏷️Around 2,500 - 5,000 THB per night
👥 Best for couples, relaxed stays and travellers wanting something a little more comfortable
⭐ Large swimming pools, modern rooms, and elevated views across Koh Tao
Check Prices BEST MID-RANGE HOTEL
Simple Life Resort Koh Tao
Great value resort in the heart of Sairee, with comfortable rooms, a swimming pool, restaurants, dive schools, nightlife and the beach all close by.
🏷️Around 1,500 - 3,000 THB per night
👥 Best for first time visitors, couples and travellers wanting a central Sairee location
⭐ Excellent location within easy walking distance of Sairee Beach and nightlife
Check Prices
BEST BUDGET HOTEL
Ban’s Diving Resort
Popular resort in the heart of Sairee with affordable rooms, multiple swimming pools, restaurants, tropical grounds, easy access to the beach, nightlife and surrounding area.
🏷️Around 1,000 - 2,500 THB per night
👥 Best for budget travellers, couples, first-time visitors and divers
⭐ Great central Sairee location with swimming pools, restaurants and a well known dive centre on site
Check Prices
BEST HOSTEL
Revolution Koh Tao
Lively social hostel near Sairee Beach with dorms, organised events and a party atmosphere that makes it easy to meet other travellers on the island.
🏷️Around 350 - 800 THB per night
👥 Best for solo travellers, backpackers, groups and nightlife
⭐ Social atmosphere, regular events and a great location for enjoying Sairee nightlife
Check PricesSairee Beach Summary
For me, Sairee Beach is probably the best area to stay in Koh Tao if it’s your first visit and you want a bit of everything. You’ve got the beach, diving, restaurants, bars and nightlife all concentrated into one part of the island, and you can do a lot without constantly relying on taxis or a scooter.
I stayed around Sairee on my first trip and it suited that trip perfectly. I was staying in a hostel, wanted to meet other travellers and wanted somewhere where I could spend the day at the beach before going out at night. Having so much within walking distance made it incredibly easy.
I’d especially recommend Sairee for solo travellers, backpackers, divers and anyone who wants a social trip. If your priority is complete peace and quiet. Somewhere like Tanote Bay or Shark Bay will probably suit you better but for convenience, atmosphere and nightlife, Sairee is hard to beat.
Mae Haad
Best For Ferry Access, Convenience & Short Stays
Mae Haad is Koh Tao’s main arrival point and one of the most convenient choices when deciding on the best area to stay in Koh Tao. This is where the main ferry pier is located, with plenty of restaurants, cafes, shops, dive centres and accommodation within walking distance.
For travellers who value convenience, Mae Haad could easily be the best area to stay in Koh Tao. It’s noticeably less focused on nightlife than Sairee but that can be a positive if you want somewhere central without being right in the middle of the party scene. Sairee is still close enough to reach easily by walking along the beach, while Mae Haad itself has everything you need for day to day travel.
I think Mae Haad makes particular sense if you’re only staying on Koh Tao for a few nights, have an early ferry or simply don’t want the hassle of travelling across the island with your bags when you arrive.
👨💻 Best For
Convenience & short stays
🚶Walkability
Excellent
🌙 Nightlife
Low - Medium
💻 Digital Nomad Friendly
Good
🔊Noise Level
Low–Medium
📅Best Stay Length
2 - 5 days
✅ Pros
✔ Walking distance from the main ferry pier and Sairee Beach
✔ Plenty of restaurants, cafés and shops
✔ Good choice of accommodation
✔ Easy access to taxis and transport
✔ Sairee Beach is still close by
✔ Convenient base for exploring the island
❌ Cons
✖ Doesn't have Sairee's nightlife and social atmosphere
✖ The main pier area can get busy when ferries arrive
✖ Less of a secluded tropical island feel
✖ Mae Haad Beach isn't one of Koh Tao's standout beaches
✖ Can feel more functional than the quieter bays
Best Places To Stay In Mae Haad
Where I’d Recommend
Mae Haad has a good mix of comfortable resorts, affordable hotels and hostels, with many within walking distance of the ferry pier. If convenience and easy transport are your priorities, Mae Haad is the best area to stay in Koh Tao. Especially for shorter trips or early ferry connections.
BEST BOUTIQUE STAY
Lücke Boutique Hotel
Stylish beachfront boutique hotel in Mae Haad with modern rooms, beautiful sea views and a quieter atmosphere, while still being within easy walking distance of the ferry pier, restaurants and shops.
🏷️Around 3,000 - 5,500 THB per night
👥 Best for couples, boutique stays and travellers wanting something more comfortable
⭐ Beachfront location, modern design and excellent sea views
Check Prices BEST MID-RANGE HOTEL
Koh Tao Montra Resort
Spacious beachfront resort close to Mae Haad Pier with comfortable rooms, a large swimming pool and easy access to the restaurants, shops and services around the area.
🏷️Around 2,000 - 4,000 THB per night
👥 Best for couples, families and travellers wanting a full resort with a convenient location
⭐ Large swimming pool, beachfront setting and easy access to the ferry pier
Check Prices BEST BUDGET HOTEL
Ananda Villa
Simple, comfortable and great value accommodation right by Mae Haad Beach, with the ferry pier, restaurants, shops and dive centres all just a short walk away.
🏷️Around 1,200 - 2,000 THB per night
👥 Best for budget travellers, couples, short stays and anyone wanting to stay close to the pier
⭐ Excellent location just minutes from the ferry with clean, comfortable rooms
Check Prices BEST HOSTEL
White Jail at Koh Tao Hostel
Affordable and relaxed hostel close to Mae Haad Pier with dorms and private rooms, clean facilities and a convenient location for exploring the surrounding area.
🏷️Around 350 - 800 THB per night
👥 Best for solo travellers, backpackers, budget travellers and short stays
⭐ Great value accommodation within easy walking distance of the ferry pier
Check PricesMae Haad Summary
For me, Mae Haad is one of the most practical choices when deciding on the best area to stay in Koh Tao. You arrive right here at the island’s main ferry pier, with restaurants, cafes, shops and plenty of accommodation within walking distance, so it’s an especially easy place to base yourself if you don’t want to rely on taxis or a scooter.
Mae Haad doesn’t have the same nightlife or social atmosphere as Sairee but you’re still close enough to head there when you want something livelier. It’s a particularly good choice for shorter stays, first-time visitors, anyone arriving late or catching an early ferry and travellers who simply want everything they need close by.
If convenience is your main priority, I think Mae Haad is the best area to stay in Koh Tao. You sacrifice some of the secluded island atmosphere you’ll find around the quieter bays, but in return you get a well connected base that makes arriving, leaving and exploring the rest of Koh Tao incredibly straightforward.
Chalok Baan Kao
Best For Relaxed Stays, Couples & Quieter Island Life
Chalok Baan Kao is one of the best area to stay in Koh Tao if you want a more relaxed side of the island without completely isolating yourself in one of the smaller bays. Located in the south of Koh Tao, it has a much slower atmosphere than Sairee while still offering restaurants, cafes, accommodation and everything you need for a comfortable stay.
The area also puts you close to some of my favourite parts of southern Koh Tao. Freedom Beach, Shark Bay and John-Suwan Viewpoint are all nearby, while there are plenty of smaller beaches and places to stop as you explore this end of the island.
I’ve spent quite a bit of time around this part of Koh Tao on my visits. On my second trip we stayed further around the coast at Pinnacle Koh Tao Resort and Koppee Beach Club around Chalok is somewhere I've visited on both trips. I really like this side of the island when you want to slow things down, spend your days exploring different bays and still have somewhere nearby for food and drinks in the evening.
👥 Best For
Couples & relaxed stays
🚶Walkability
Good locally
🌙 Nightlife
Low
🤿 Beach & Snorkelling
Very Good
🔊 Noise Level
Low
📅 Best Stay Length
3 - 7 days
✅ Pros
✔ Much quieter and more relaxed than Sairee
✔ Good choice of restaurants and cafes
✔ Close to numerous southern beaches and snorkelling spots
✔ Easy access to John-Suwan Viewpoint
✔ Great for couples and longer stays
✔ Still has enough around you without feeling isolated
❌ Cons
✖ Very limited nightlife compared with Sairee
✖ A scooter or taxi is useful for exploring further afield
✖ Chalok Bay can become very shallow at low tide
✖ Less convenient for arriving and leaving than Mae Haad
✖ Not ideal if you want everything within walking distance
Best Places To Stay In Chalok Baan Kao
Where I’d Recommend
Chalok Baan Kao has a good selection of smaller resorts, bungalows and affordable accommodation, with some more impressive stays around the neighbouring southern bays. If you value peaceful beaches and a relaxed atmosphere over nightlife, Chalok Baan Kao could be the best area to stay in Koh Tao.
BEST LUXURY HOTEL
View Point Resort
Beautiful hillside resort overlooking Chalok Baan Kao with sea view cottages, private pool villas, tropical surroundings and a peaceful setting away from the busier parts of Koh Tao.
🏷️Around 3,500 - 7,000+ THB per night
👥 Best for couples, romantic trips and travellers wanting a more peaceful upscale stay
⭐ Stunning sea views, private pool villas and a beautiful waterfront setting
Check Prices BEST MID-RANGE HOTEL
Koh Tao Relax Freedom Beach Resort
Relaxed resort surrounded by nature near Freedom Beach, with sea view bungalows, direct access to beautiful beaches and some of southern Koh Tao’s best snorkelling close by.
🏷️Around 2,000 - 4,000 THB per night
👥 Best for couples, beach lovers, snorkelling and peaceful island stays
⭐ Fantastic location for Freedom Beach, John-Suwan Viewpoint and exploring southern Koh Tao
Check Prices BEST BUDGET HOTEL
MAR24 Koh Tao Hotel
Excellent value hotel in the Chalok area offering clean modern rooms, a swimming pool and a quieter location while keeping restaurants, beaches and southern Koh Tao within easy reach.
🏷️Around 1,000 - 2,000 THB per night
👥 Best for budget travellers, couples and anyone wanting comfort without resort prices
⭐ Excellent reviews, swimming pool and consistently praised for its cleanliness and friendly service
Check Prices BEST HOSTEL
Wonderland Jungle Hostel
Chilled and social hostel surrounded by tropical greenery, with comfortable dorms, a swimming pool and regular activities that make it easy to meet other travellers.
🏷️Around 350 - 700 THB per night
👥 Best for solo travellers, backpackers and travellers wanting a social but more relaxed hostel
⭐ Excellent reviews, social atmosphere and a pool surrounded by Koh Tao’s jungle scenery
Check PricesChalok Baan Kao Summary
Chalok Baan Kao could be the best area to stay in Koh Tao if you want to slow things down while still having restaurants, cafes and places to explore nearby. It feels noticeably more relaxed than Sairee without becoming as isolated as somewhere like Tanote Bay.
I particularly like its location for exploring southern Koh Tao. You have Freedom Beach, Shark Bay and John-Suwan Viewpoint nearby and this is the kind of part of the island where you can spend a day moving between beaches, snorkelling and stopping somewhere for food or a few drinks without needing much of a plan.
If nightlife and meeting other travellers are your priorities, I’d still choose Sairee. But for couples, repeat visitors or anyone wanting a quieter island experience, Chalok Baan Kao is a really strong choice when deciding on the best area to stay in Koh Tao.
Tanote Bay
Best For Snorkelling, Nature & Secluded Stays
Tanote Bay has the potential to be the best area to stay in Koh Tao if your idea of island life is clear water, snorkelling and spending most of your day around the beach. Located on the quieter east coast, it feels completely different from Sairee and Mae Haad, with far less development and a much more secluded atmosphere.
The biggest reason to stay here is the bay itself. Tanote is well known for snorkelling straight from the beach, with coral and marine life accessible without needing to book a boat trip every time you want to get in the water. There’s also the large rock in the middle of the bay that people climb and jump from, although you certainly don't need to do that to enjoy the place.
The trade off is convenience. There aren't anywhere near as many restaurants, shops or bars as you'll find around Sairee and the roads getting down towards Tanote are steep in places. I'd stay here because you specifically want a peaceful beach focused few days rather than using it as the most convenient base for constantly travelling around Koh Tao.
👥 Best For
Snorkelling & nature
🚶Walkability
Limited
🌙 Nightlife
Very Low
🤿 Beach & Snorkelling
Excellent
🔊Noise Level
Very Low
📅Best Stay Length
2 - 5 days
✅ Pros
✔ Some of the best shore snorkelling on Koh Tao
✔ Beautiful secluded east coast setting
✔ Much quieter than Sairee and Mae Haad
✔ Great for couples and nature lovers
✔ Clear water and marine life close to shore
✔ Ideal if you genuinely want to switch off
❌ Cons
✖ Limited restaurants, shops and nightlife
✖ Isolated compared with the main villages
✖ Steep roads getting in and out of the area
✖ Taxis can add considerably to your costs
✖ Not ideal if you want to explore different parts of Koh Tao every evening
Best Places To Stay In Tanote Bay
Where I’d Recommend
Tanote Bay has a much smaller accommodation selection than Sairee or Mae Haad, with most options focused around beachfront resorts and hillside bungalows overlooking the bay. Staying here is less about having everything on your doorstep and more about waking up somewhere beautiful with the beach and snorkelling right in front of you.
BEST OVERALL RESORT
Lub d Koh Tao Tanote Bay
Modern beachfront resort surrounded by the peaceful scenery of Tanote Bay, with comfortable rooms, a swimming pool, restaurant and easy access to some of the best shore snorkelling on Koh Tao.
🏷️Around 2,000 - 4,000 THB per night
👥 Best for couples, snorkellers, beach lovers and travellers wanting a peaceful island stay
⭐ Fantastic location for Tanote Bay with excellent snorkelling straight from the beach
Check PricesTanote Bay Summary
Tanote Bay could be the best area to stay in Koh Tao for you if beaches and snorkelling are much more important to you than nightlife or convenience. It's somewhere I'd choose when the plan is to slow everything down, spend plenty of time in the water and enjoy a quieter side of the island.
The ability to snorkel directly from the beach is one of Tanote's biggest advantages. You don't necessarily need to organise an excursion every day to experience Koh Tao's underwater life and the relatively undeveloped surroundings give the bay much more of that secluded tropical island feeling.
I wouldn't choose Tanote if you plan on going into Sairee every night or constantly moving around the island. But for couples, snorkellers and anyone looking for a peaceful few days surrounded by nature, Tanote Bay has a very strong argument for being the best area to stay in Koh Tao.
Southern Koh Tao / Shark Bay
Best For Peaceful Stays, Snorkelling & Couples
Southern Koh Tao has potential to be the best area to stay in Koh Tao if you want to escape the busier atmosphere around Sairee and spend more of your trip surrounded by beaches, viewpoints and tropical scenery. This part of the island includes Shark Bay and the quieter coastline around the south, where accommodation tends to be more spread out and peaceful.
Shark Bay itself is particularly well known for snorkelling, with blacktip reef sharks and green turtles sometimes spotted in the surrounding waters, although sightings are never guaranteed. You’re also close to places such as Freedom Beach, John-Suwan Viewpoint and several smaller bays that make southern Koh Tao worth exploring.
Staying down here does mean sacrificing some convenience. Restaurants, shops and nightlife are much more spread out than around Sairee or Mae Haad, and having a scooter or using taxis makes exploring considerably easier. But if you’re coming to Koh Tao for beaches, snorkelling and a slower island experience, that can be exactly what you're looking for.
👥 Best For
Couples & resort stays
🚶Walkability
Limited
🌙 Nightlife
Very Low
🤿 Beach & Snorkelling
Excellent
🔊 Noise Level
Very Low
📅 Best Stay Length
3 - 5 days
✅ Pros
✔ Beautiful and peaceful southern setting
✔ Excellent snorkelling opportunities
✔ Some of Koh Tao’s best upscale resorts
✔ Great choice for couples and romantic trips
✔ Close to other southern beaches and viewpoints
✔ Much quieter than Sairee and Mae Haad
❌ Cons
✖ Very little nightlife
✖ Limited choice of independent restaurants and cafes
✖ Accommodation tends to be more expensive
✖ Scooter or taxis are useful for exploring the island
✖ Not ideal if you want everything within walking distance
Best Places To Stay In Southern Koh Tao / Shark Bay
Where I’d Recommend
Southern Koh Tao has some beautiful places to stay, from peaceful hillside resorts with sea views to smaller stays close to the beaches and bays. It’s a great part of the island for couples and anyone looking to relax, with some of Koh Tao’s best snorkelling, beaches and viewpoints nearby.
BEST OVERALL RESORT
Sai Daeng Resort
Beautiful beachfront resort on the quieter southern coast of Koh Tao, with sea view rooms, a private beach, swimming pool and excellent snorkelling around Sai Daeng Beach and nearby Shark Island.
🏷️Around 2,500 - 5,000 THB per night
👥 Best for couples, beach lovers, snorkelling and peaceful island stays
⭐ Fantastic beachfront setting with excellent sea views, snorkelling and consistently strong guest reviews
Check Prices BEST PRIVATE VILLA
Villas Sabai Jai
Beautiful private villas overlooking the sea in southern Koh Tao, with spacious living areas, incredible views and private infinity pools for a more secluded island stay.
🏷️Around 5,000 - 10,000+ THB per night
👥 Best for couples, romantic trips, families and travellers wanting privacy
⭐ Private infinity pools, spectacular sea views and a peaceful location close to Sai Daeng Beach
Check PricesSouthern Koh Tao / Shark Bay Summary
Southern Koh Tao the best area to stay in Koh Tao if you're looking for beaches, snorkelling and a much quieter atmosphere than you'll find around Sairee. Rather than having one busy centre, this part of the island is made up of smaller bays, beaches and hillside accommodation spread around the southern coastline.
Shark Bay is one of the main reasons to explore this part of Koh Tao, particularly for snorkelling, but you're also well placed for Freedom Beach, John-Suwan Viewpoint and various other beautiful spots around the south.
I'd choose southern Koh Tao for a couples trip, a relaxing few days at the end of a longer Thailand journey, or simply if nightlife isn't important to you. You lose some walkability and convenience but you gain a much quieter side of island life.
What is the best area to stay in Koh Tao?
The best area to stay in Koh Tao for most first-time visitors is Sairee Beach. It has the island’s biggest choice of restaurants, bars, dive schools and accommodation, with plenty within walking distance. If you prefer somewhere quieter, Chalok Baan Kao or southern Koh Tao may suit you better.
What is the best area to stay in Koh Tao for nightlife?
Sairee Beach is easily the best area to stay in Koh Tao for nightlife. Most of the island’s popular beach bars and late night spots are concentrated around Sairee, making it particularly good for solo travellers, backpackers and anyone who wants a more social trip.
What is the best area to stay in Koh Tao for couples?
Chalok Baan Kao and southern Koh Tao are both excellent choices for couples. Chalok gives you a relaxed atmosphere while still having restaurants and cafes nearby, while the southern coastline is better for peaceful resorts, sea views, beaches and more private stays.
What is the best area to stay in Koh Tao for snorkelling?
Tanote Bay is one of the best areas to stay in Koh Tao for snorkelling, with clear water and marine life accessible directly from the beach. Southern Koh Tao is another great option, particularly around Shark Bay, Sai Daeng Beach and the surrounding coastline.
What is the best area to stay in Koh Tao without a scooter?
Sairee Beach is probably the best area to stay in Koh Tao without a scooter because restaurants, bars, shops, dive schools and the beach are all within walking distance. Mae Haad is another convenient option, particularly if you want to stay close to the ferry pier.
What is the best area to stay in Koh Tao for diving?
Sairee Beach is a great choice for diving because you'll find a huge selection of dive schools and accommodation nearby. Mae Haad is another good option, with several dive centres around the main pier. Where you stay matters less if your chosen dive school provides transport and boat transfers.
What is the best area to stay in Koh Tao for families?
Chalok Baan Kao is one of the best areas to stay in Koh Tao for families looking for a quieter atmosphere away from Sairee's nightlife. There are restaurants and beaches nearby, while southern Koh Tao also has some excellent resort style options for families wanting a more peaceful stay.
What is the best area to stay in Koh Tao for a quiet holiday?
Tanote Bay is one of the best choices if peace and quiet are your priorities. It has a secluded east coast setting, excellent snorkelling and very little nightlife. Southern Koh Tao is another good choice if you want quiet beaches while having a slightly wider choice of accommodation.
Is Sairee Beach the best area to stay in Koh Tao?
For many travellers, yes. Sairee Beach is the best area to stay in Koh Tao if you want nightlife, restaurants, diving and plenty happening around you. However, it wouldn't be my first choice for someone specifically looking for seclusion, quiet beaches or a relaxing couples trip.
How many days should I stay in Koh Tao?
I'd recommend at least three to five days in Koh Tao, although staying for a week gives you much more time to explore different beaches, snorkel, dive and enjoy the island without rushing. Choosing the best area to stay in Koh Tao for the type of trip you want will also make a big difference, particularly if you don't plan on hiring a scooter.
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