Best Places To Stay In Koh Tao

If you’re thinking about the best places to stay in Koh Tao, you’ve come to the right place.

This beautiful island south of Thailand is blessed with world-class diving and spectacular white sand beaches, but each of its three main areas has its own unique appeal. In the north, there’s Sairee; Chalok Bay in the south, and Mae Haad in the centre.

Best Places To Stay In Koh Tao, Top Areas, Towns & Locations, Thailand

Sairee is the most popular and touristic area in Koh Tao. As the main tourist centre of the island, it’s home to both inexpensive and fancy restaurants, dozens of cafes, dive shops, yoga studios, a gym, and tons of adventure activities. If you’re looking to stay active and get a lot done during your trip, Sairee village is highly recommended.

There’s so much you can do on the beautiful stretch of beach, from yoga in the morning to diving in the afternoon, nightlife, and so much more. Stunning hiking trails are also just a stone’s throw away.

Chalok Bay is loved for offering a quiet escape on the island. Its charm lies in the absence of the crowds, and even at night, it tends to be pretty laid back. While here, check out the John Suwan Viewpoint and the breathtaking Freedom Beach.

Just a little further east is one of the most beautiful beaches on Koh Tao, Shark Bay, where you can swim with friendly blacktip reef sharks. The beaches itself are not crowded, clean, and offer plenty of opportunities to relax. Chalok Bay has everything you need for a fun tropical getaway, without the nightlife.

Mae Haad is the port town and city centre of Koh Tao. You will likely pass by here as soon as you arrive on the island, and you can see why many feel it’s one of the best places to stay in Koh Tao. The vicinity is generally very busy; the streets are lined with jewellery and clothing stalls, hostels and cafes, souvenir vendors, and more.

However, since it’s a port town, it lacks the presence of stunning beaches that are found on the rest of the island. But if you’re keen to do a lot of shopping, you may want to stay here for a night; otherwise, your time is best spent in other parts of Koh Tao.