If you are planning a trip to Thailand you cannot miss its beautiful islands with crystal clear sea and palm-fringed beaches. After Koh Samui, today I want to tell you about one of my favorite islands, the enchanting Koh Tao.
It is incredible, but many of you have doubts about where to stay on Koh Tao, despite the island being so small, only 21 square kilometers.
In this article I want to clarify all areas of the island and which are the best beaches, to better understand how to choose the right place to sleep in Koh Tao.
Where to Stay on Koh Tao
Actually choosing where to stay on Koh Tao shouldn't be that difficult, not least because there aren't many options.
First let's say that the main centers are Sairee e Mae Haad, here you will find most of the accommodation facilities and a good choice of clubs and restaurants. The problem is that the sea is not among the best on the island, not suitable for snorkelers.
On the contrary, if you decide to stay in other places with the most beautiful beaches and crystal clear sea, you will find only a few resorts and you will be quite isolated.
So first of all you will have to decide whether to go around during the day to visit the most beautiful beaches and in the evening stroll among restaurants and shops, or stay on a beautiful beach but have nothing nearby.
Also keep in mind that the roads are not improvements and in the evening it is not recommended to travel them by scooter, taxis are quite expensive.
Having made these considerations, in my opinion the best area where to stay on Koh Tao is Sairee, which is the main center of the island and has clubs and restaurants.
The most beautiful part of the beach, where the sea is less affected by low tide, is the south one.
Also Mae Haad it has a good choice of restaurants and shops and is not far from Sareee, so to evaluate if you find a good offer for the hotel.
If, on the other hand, you are looking only for peace and relaxation, the most beautiful beaches on the island, Aow Leuk, Tanote Bay and Ao Thian Og, are the ideal choice where to stay in Ko Tao.
Aow leuk is the real jewel of Ko Tao, transparent sea, many fish, perfect for snorkelers.
To enter you pay 100 bath (about 2,60 €) unless you stay here. Aow luk is ideal for families and couples looking for relaxation and stunning views.
The downside is the isolated location and the rough road to get there. Be careful with the scooter, especially the last 300 meters.
Very beautiful too Tanote Bay, with a few more resorts than Aow Leuk. Here, too, the sea is crystal clear and excellent for snorkeling.
Another postcard beach is Ao Thian Og (Shark Bay), with fine white sand and transparent sea. The bay is entirely occupied from the luxurious Resort Haad Tien.
Another very nice area, especially suitable for families, is Chalok Baan Kao, a village with a beautiful beach and a few restaurants. Less isolated than Tanote Bay and Aow leuk.
Finally there is the private beach of Jansom bay, located in a good position approx 15 minutes walk from Mae Haad harbor.
In summary: Where to Stay in Ko Tao
- Restaurants and shops for the evening and a tour of the beaches during the day: Neighborhood Sareee
- Holiday dedicated to pure relaxation but in more isolated areas: Aow Leuk, Tanote Bay, Ao Thian og
- Quiet and relaxing area with beautiful sea and a few restaurants and bars, ideal for families: Chalok Baan Kao
- Nice beach not far from Mae Haad: Jansom bay
Some Recommended Hotels to Stay in Koh Tao
In touch Resort
1/16 Moo 1, South Sairee Beach, Koh Tao 84360, Thailandia
Conveniently located in a quiet area yet close to Sairee's restaurants and bars. The beach is also nice, right at the beginning of Sairee, therefore at the best point, with fewer people and without the passage of boats.
Also nice Palm Leaf, a nice resort located at the end of Sairee, a nice beach just 10 minutes walk from the center.
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Haadtien Beach Resort - Thian Og Bay
19/9 Moo 3 (Shark Bay), Koh Tao 84360, Thailand
Beautiful resort, located on one of the most beautiful beaches on the island, Than Og Bay, also known as Shark Bay.
Perfect for those looking for a place for a relaxing holiday, also ideal for a honeymoon.
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Charm Churee Villa
30/1 Moo 2 Jansom Bay, Koh Tao 84360, Thailand
Conveniently located, not far from Mae Haad harbor, yet surrounded by nature. The hotel is perched on a hill and the beach, reachable in 5 minutes, is a real jewel, clear sea, ideal for snorkelers.
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Montalay resort
53 Moo 3, Tanote Bay, Koh Tao 84280, Thailandia
The hotel is located in one of the most beautiful bays of Koh Tao, Tanote Bay, perfect for those who want to relax and for those who love to swim among tropical fish and black tip sharks. For the evening there is absolutely nothing, but it will not be a problem if you are looking for peace and relaxation.
View Price on Booking
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