Koh Tao, which means “Turtle Island”, lives up to its name and is Thailand’s favourite diving destination. The perfect white sand beaches surrounding the 21 km² mountainous island are surrounded by the crystal clear waters of the Gulf of Thailand. The vibrant coral reefs are home to a wide range of exciting and colourful sea creatures, including turtles of course.
The compact island is 55 km north of Koh Samui and was only really “discovered” in the early 1980s, but now supports a varied selection of hotels, from inexpensive guest houses and beach bungalows to five-star luxury resorts.the choice of restaurants and nightlife establishments has also been steadily growing, to the point that there is now something for almost every taste.far from civilization, though still relatively easy to reach, is the tropical island paradise.
10 Best hotels to stay in Koh Tao
1.Ananda Villa Koh Tao ⭐⭐
Super convenient, ultra friendly and surprising valueThis bright white family run block of rooms (not really “villas”) is a 2 minute walk from the ferry and cargo terminals, but not too close to be affected by noise. The rooms are surprisingly modern and elegant, with many windows offering lots of light and sunshine.The rooms face each other through the windy gardens, but the balconies are large enough to offer side views of the sea, while those on the corners have views of the sea through which Western-owned resorts would charge for land.no swimming pool is expected, but 5m away is a wonderful stretch of white sand, sloping palms and calm waters, although shared by some fishing boats.Along with some cafes, shops and boat company offices, other facilities in Sairee are a 30 minute walk along a lovely beachside trail.
2.Beach Club by Haadtien Koh Tao ⭐⭐⭐
Serene, modern, beachside but secluded.The rooms are located in attractive blocks of 3 and 4 levels, although only those on the 2 upper floors will get sea views. The exception is the block that looks directly at the ocean, but these would be affected by the noisy beach cafeteria.All rooms are attractively decorated with wooden furniture and seascape prints and, unlike other resorts, do not have a steep slope, so walking between the street-level lobby and the beach will not stretch your hamstrings. The sparkling pool is elevated but surprisingly closer to the lobby than the beach, which is photogenic: a curved bay of bleached sand, sloping palms, blue-green waters and granite rocks.The resort is located along Thian Og (also known as Shark Bay), at the southern tip of the island, and is only accessible by rental car and the hotel shuttle bus. There are beautiful beachside cafes at this and other nearby resorts, but nothing else within walking distance.
3.DD Hut Koh Tao Hotel ⭐⭐
Affordable 2 star and 5 star setting.One of the best value for money options in the quieter part of Sairee, this mix of bungalows and rooms on 1 and 2 floors is located on a rocky outcrop between the path and the beach. Most rooms are functional and comfortable, but uncomplicated, while one couple boasts a perfect seafront setting. But this is the overall setting, which offers welcome breezes and great views from everywhere.Surprisingly, there’s a pool with edges that look like they’ve been blurred into the ocean.just a few steps from the lovely café on a cliff, you reach a sandy beach area dominated by granite rocks, ideal for snorkeling.with many facilities along the charming beachside path, it’s just south of the promontory that separates the main tourist area of Sairee and Mae Haad Bay.It’s about a 15 minute walk from the ferry terminal; faster by car along a nearby access road.
4.Jamahkiri Resort Koh Tao ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Quiet and amazing but remote, steep and beach-less views.the villas are spread out on a rocky promontory, with steep steps linking the rooms to the pool, beach and lobby.The overall design, with stone walls and thatched roofs is attractive, and the surroundings offer plenty of breeze, views and granite rocks, so immobile that they blend in (albeit interestingly) with the design of some of the rooms.they are all spacious, with colorful Thai artwork and large balconies and windows.there is no direct beach, but the man-made sections by the shallow turquoise waters are just as attractive, and there is sand in the lounger area.Along Thian Og (also known as Shark Bay), at the southern tip of the island, it is secluded, with a couple of beachside cafes within walking distance of this and other nearby resorts, but everything else requires a rental car or hotel shuttle bus.
5.Koh Tao Cabana Resort ⭐⭐⭐
Vast grounds, magnificent beach, secluded but not isolated.The impressive name conceals an elegant collection of spacious villas, studios and bungalows scattered among huge plots of land facing a beautiful beach. All are separated by up to 30 m, and accessible by winding paths and wooden bridges from the lighthouse-shaped lobby. Most have a curious circular design with a wrap-around veranda, while some are hidden behind doors for greater isolation and privacy.The villas feature polished floorboards, many windows (though not full length) and funky furniture, the extensive gardens dotted with coconut-laden palms are enjoyed by birds and the pools are attractive. The photogenic beach is located along the northern edge of Sairee Bay, with stunning views in all directions and granite rocks in shallow, greenish-blue water, though the sand is a bit gravelly.Distant from the crowds and jet skis, it is only 400m from the centre, but to reach the ferry terminal you can hire a vehicle.
6.La Cigale B&B Koh Tao ⭐⭐⭐
Remote forest environment, self-service and unconventional design.La Cigale (“La Cigarra”) offers a handful of villas that blend perfectly with the trees, streams and hills, even the huge granite rocks are incorporated into the design of the rooms.Each villa is different, but features a large outdoor entertainment area with a fully equipped kitchen, dining table, sofas and hammocks, and a colorful and pleasantly modern interior with a window-side sofa, bamboo furniture and plenty of Thai handicrafts.The bathroom is semi-outdoor, with an outdoor shower and lots of granite. The downside is the general lack of windows and the garage style sliding door that seals the room in a claustrophobic manner. Being so rustic, ants and mosquitoes are also a problem.And it is isolated: about 500m up a steep path to the main road, and another 100m to the beach and another 700m to the edge of the Sairee village. However, breakfast and coffee are available at the reception.
7.Monkey Flower Villas Koh Tao ⭐⭐⭐
Quiet and luxury on a remote hillside.This incredible collection of 2, 3 and 5 bedroom villas stretches across rugged terrain, offering sweeping views of Sairee Bay and beyond, though partially blocked by trees. Ground level villas are built around giant, immobile granite rocks, which add a special character, while those on the upper levels enjoy better views and finer breezes.Each villa is individually named after a local flower, is spacious and tastefully decorated, with a private pool and fully equipped kitchen. All amenities are provided, but some are a little dark because they are integrated into the hillside.Access is by a very steep road, which can only be reached by 4WD from the resort (some taxis are too scared to try). transfers to/from the ferry terminal and the centre of Sairee are provided by what is essentially a personal driver.Koh Tao Montra Resort ⭐⭐⭐
Classy, convenient, fabulous pool and shady beach.hidden among affordable family homes, the rooms are located in elegant 3-story blocks.some may be dark inside but all are spacious.the 2nd and 3rd floors have a balcony with a small couch that seems too precarious to sit on.Some offer a perfect beach front, while the larger villas are also available.the beach is adequate, with lots of shade from the pines, not palms, and lined with jet skis.the pool is double-layered and bright blue, and has one of the best swim-up bars imaginable.Accessible by the charming beachside path lined with shops and cafes, or by a nearby driveway, it is just south of the rocky promontory that separates the tourist area of Sairee and Mae Haad Bay, where the ferry terminal is located (just 200m away).
