Where to stay in Koh Tao, you ask? Well, Koh Tao is one of those magical islands that you could stay for a week without noticing time passing by. Between its fantastic diving, pristine beaches, and the vibrant nightlife, it’s pretty hard to leave this island.
We spent a good couple of days exploring the island a couple of years ago and we simply cannot wait to go back! Here, we’ve compiled a list of our personal recommendations for the best places to stay in Koh Tao for both hotels and hostels.
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The Best Budget Places to Stay in Koh Tao
Good Dream Hostel
Room Type: Dorms | Double | Deluxe Double | Triple | Family
WI-FI: Yes
Near: 3-minute walk from Sairee Beach
Price Range: $11-$80 a night
With a range of rooms available, Good Dream Hotel is a solid budget choice for any type of traveler. Budget travelers can opt for their simple but comfortable dorm rooms, while couples, groups, and families have their pick of various sized private rooms.
Regardless of which room you pick, the hotel has modern furnishings and is clean and well-maintained. The friendly staff is also on hand to help you with any assistance you need.
Sairee Beach is a mere three minutes away, which is perfect for those who want to go out yet still slip in a good night’s sleep.
Compare prices and reviews, check: Booking.com | Agoda
Moov Inn Garden Hostel
Room Type: Dorms
WI-FI: Yes
Near: 5 minutes walk from the beach
Price Range: $9 a night
If you are traveling by yourself and on a budget, this hostel comes highly recommended.
This rustic-style hostel has walls full of art and comfortable dorm beds. Their common area is a nice place to meet people and socialize. They have a garden area and a pool table to match! For a laid-back evening, enjoy the island sunset from their rooftop bar.
This hostel is also centrally located, making it an ideal place to stay when exploring everything that Koh Tao has to offer.
Compare prices and reviews, check: Â Booking.com |Â Agoda
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Infinity Guesthouse
Room Type: Double Rooms
WI-FI: Yes, only in public areas
Near: 5-minute walk from Mae Haad Bay
Price Range: $36 a night
Conveniently located in the central part of Koh Tao, Infinity Guesthouse is a great budget pick if you’re looking for a private room.
While the rooms are fairly basic, they’re clean and have everything that you need. They also have apartment-type rooms perfect for those that are looking to stay in Koh Tao for a little bit longer than usual.
The staff are friendly and approachable and will help you sort out activities and tours if you want to.
Compare prices and read reviews, check: Â Booking.com | Agoda
Other Top-Rated Hostels in Koh Tao
Transportation: We recommend downloading the Skyscanner App and using Bookaway or 12Go website to view bus, boat, and train schedules ahead of time. We’ve used these websites all over Asia and it saves us the hassle of lining up in travel agencies or bus stations.
Best Mid-Range Places to Stay in Koh Tao
Aukotan Place Hotel
Room Type: Double | Twin Rooms
WI-FI: Yes
Near: 1.2km from Shark Bay
Price Range: $40 a night
Aukotan Place is a hidden gem for those that are looking for a decent place to stay that won’t bust a hole through your budget.
The rooms are spacious, clean and very well decorated. Although it isn’t directly located in front of a beach, everything is nearby. If you are staying here, it would be best to rent a motorbike although the hotel does provide for a free shuttle to the main beaches and pier.
Compare prices and read reviews, check: Booking.com | Agoda
Mango Bay Boutique Resort
Room Type:Â Villas | Sea View
WI-FI: Yes
Near:Â Mango Bay
Price Range: $66 a night
If you want to get away from it all, Mango Bay is the perfect place as it is very secluded and private.
The location is unbeatable! Due to its isolation, the hotel provides a boat to the pier twice a day. You can stock up on things that you may need, and just enjoy your time relaxing and taking in the beautiful scenery around you. The rooms are stellar, with wood furnishing to suit the island feel. The sea view villas are stunning and they’re our personal favorites!
The resort offers plenty of activities that goes from snorkeling, fishing and plenty more in one of the most beautiful beaches of Koh Tao.
Compare prices and read reviews, check: Booking.com | Agoda
Dusit Buncha Resort
Room Type: Suites | Family Suites | Villas
WI-FI: Yes
Near: 9-minute walk from the beach
Price Range: $70 a night
The Dusit Buncha Resort is beautifully situated in front of the beautiful Thailand gulf and the spectacular Koh Nang Yuan islands.
The whole resort premise promises you a peaceful and enjoyable stay as their cottages span out in front of the ocean. The rooms have some of the most spectacular views we have seen! Imagine enjoying a stunning seaview every morning at breakfast…
One thing to note is that this is a bit far from everything but it is perfect for those that want to just relax and enjoy the resort. Relax by the pool, take in the sunset, and walk in nature — it’ll be a laid-back stay for sure! The snorkeling right outside the hotel is awesome and is worth doing for those that choose to stay here.
Compare prices and read reviews, check:  Booking.com | Agoda
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Best Luxurious Places to Stay in Koh Tao
Pinnacle Koh Tao Resort
Room Type:Â Doubles | Twins | Villas
WI-FI: Yes
Near: 5km from Ban Mae Hat
Price Range: $91 a night
If you have a larger budget, you can take a look at the Pinnacle Koh Tao Resort which is expensive but it worth every penny.
Everything here is pretty much perfect but our favorite thing about this place are its impressive sunsets and sea views. Their rooms and bungalows have a private balcony, with a panoramic view overlooking the ocean. You can enjoy the views without even leaving the comfort of your room!
Although it is located a little bit further from where the action is, it doesn’t really matter as you would really never want to leave when staying in a place like this.
Compare prices and read reviews, check:  Booking.com | Agoda
Jamahkiri Resort & Spa
Room Type: Double Rooms| Bungalows | Family Bungalows
WI-FI: Yes
Near: Thian Og Bay
Price Range: $201 a night
If you don’t mind the steep stairs and a bit of a climb, Jamahkiri Resort is one of the best places to stay in Koh Tao.
Located on top of a hill, this resort promises stellar views from the balcony of your room. Have a beer while you take in the beauty of your surroundings! The rooms are luxurious, and the entire resort premises is pretty immaculate. Lounging by the pool while looking out over the ocean is the best way to spend your time here.
Since it is located a bit further away from the center, the hotel has a shuttle twice a day that can take you back and forth.
Compare prices and read reviews, check:  Booking.com | Agoda
The Tarna Align Resort
Room Type: Double Rooms | Suites | Pool Villas
WI-FI: Yes
Near: 1.4km from Mae Haad Pier
Price Range: $105 a night
This stunning resort is one of the best luxury places to stay in Koh Tao.
The entire resort compound is pretty impressive, and is a mix of modern and contemporary furnishings. The rooms are luxurious and you can enjoy beautiful views of the ocean. Some of the rooms even access to a private pool which is accessible right at your doorstep.
Mae Haad Pier is situated 1.4km from this property whilst Tanote Bay is 1.7km away, so getting a taxi or availing of the hotel shuttle is definitely recommended. If you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of life and completely chill out in the lap of luxury, this is your spot.
Definitely worth every penny!
Compare prices and read reviews, check: Booking.com | Agoda
Hopefully, this list has helped you narrow down your choices on where to stay in Koh Tao! To check out more accommodation options, click the button below.
If you’re looking for things to do in Koh Tao, check out our guides!
- Koh Nang Yuan Island: Everything You Need to Know
- Amazing Diving in  Koh Tao
- The Best Dive Spots in Thailand: Must Dive Places!
- Ultimate Guide to Koh Tao Island
So many great ones to choose from! Thanks for sharing and happy travels 🙂
Ahh I planned to go to Koh Tao but then found out it was not the right season (we just booked a cheap ticket to Thailand) so went to Koh Chang instead. Am forever sad that I didn’t get to visit this little paradise. Maybe one day …
My favourite is Aukotan place, love the pop of colour and that it doesn’t blow the budget. It’s crazy cold here in at the moment, totes dreaming of sunshine and warmth and holidaying by the beach.
I always enjoy these lists you compile, everything looks so good. The Tarna Align Resort’s private pool looks perfect for a morning swim with a view!
Koh Tao looks like a place where it’s worthwhile to splurge! The Tarna Align Resort looks stunning – it’s super cold where I’m at in Canberra right now, so I’m going to spend today dreaming I’m there instead!
I always find the hostel ‘private rooms’ are really good value and an excellent option – usually better than budget hotels
This is a great comprehensive guide. When I went to Kao Tao I just booked a guesthouse when I arrived in Sairee beach. There was only one hostel there at that time so it’s good to see that there are more hostels now.
The top level resorts are definitely my scene. Always looking for great reviews – thanks.
I just love looking at the top end accommodation and dreaming – whilst being really glad that I am can afford the next level up from the hostel accommodation now! Great choices all round!
Nice list with good info. Will Surely help in planning the hotels in Koh Tao 🙂