Koh Tao, (also known as Turtle Island) is a haven for divers and beach bums. Days spent diving in the warm waters of the Gulf of Thailand and nights spent chilling out with a beer by candlelight on the breezy sands. It’s a lifestyle that attracts many backpackers – some who never end up going home! There is a range of accommodation, many of which are attached to dive resorts that offer rooms inclusive in the price of a PADI course. Dorms, wooden bungalows, fancy hotels are all available on this gorgeous island paradise.
- TOP TIP: Koh Tao fills up every month as hungover (or still drunk) backpackers flock from nearby island Koh Phangan after the Full Moon Party. Rooms get booked up fast during this week, so be sure to book in advance if you don’t want to sleep on the beach!
- TOP TIP: Many of the Dive Schools offer discounted accommodation along with Dive Courses. Many backpackers take a PADI Course and save a lot of money on accommodation this way.
CHEAP CHEAP FOR YOU! Accommodation 300 baht ($10) & under:
There is one backpacker dorm on Koh Tao ‘Koh Tao Backpackers’ with prices starting at 300 baht per night. (200 baht if you are diving) Apart from this it may be hard to find bungalow style accommodation cheaper than 300 baht in Koh Tao unless you are diving and can take advantage of highly discounted accommodation. Most places start at 700 baht and up, especially in Sairee Beach area.
WON’T BREAK THE BANK: Accommodation 500-750 baht ($15) & under:
There are many decent mid-range options that start around 700 baht. Most of the accommodation you will find is attached to dive schools – i.e. Sairee Cottage Resort, Ban’s Diving Resort, Lotus Paradise Resort, Big Blue Diving Resort etc. Most of the dive resorts have accommodation that ranges from fan bungalows to fancy deluxe rooms as expensive as 4,000 baht. Again, if you are diving you can sleep in a decent room for around 400 baht / night. Insom Hotel in Mae Haad is another mid-range option with rooms around 600 baht / night.
SPLURGE: Accommodation 1000 baht ($25) & above
Koh Tao isn’t the cheapest place and for 1000 baht you won’t be living in the lap of luxury like 1000 baht would offer in other parts of Thailand. 1000 baht will get you a very decent air-conditioned room with hot shower. Ananda Boutique Hotel in Mae Haad is a good option with Cable TV and free wifi.
AREAS TO STAY IN KOH TAO
Sairee Village & Beach:
This is the longest beach on the island and the most popular spot for backpackers, divers and sunbathers. The village consists of delicious bakeries, international restaurants, beach massage, backpacker pubs and a scattering of atmospheric beach bars and nightspots that line the beach. There is a range of accommodation here, most offered by the nearby dive-schools. It’s obvious to see why Sairee is a popular spot.
Mae Haad:
This is the main pier where boats arrive from Koh Phangan and Chumphon. The beach isn’t as nice here as Sairee, but you will find cheaper accommodation as a result and the nightspots are only a short walk away.
Chalok Baan Kao:
The far North of the island lies the quieter Chalok Baan Kao – which is more of a family beach with shallow waters and a sheltered bay. There are fancy to mid-range resorts around here and just a motorbike ride away you can find private ‘remote’ beaches such as ‘Freedom Beach.’
The Wild East:
Only a dirt track connects East Koh Tao with the rest of the island meaning that not as many people venture this far. The beaches of Laem Thiem, Ao Tanote and Ao Hin Wong are well worth the drive and the stunning rocky scenery, white sandy beaches and fantastic snorkeling will have you yearning for more. Cheap bungalows are scattered around the coast.
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