Koh Tao: Where to Stay/Eat

There are many bungalow resorts with varied prices starting at 100 Bht upwards.  Most of the accommodation is located on Sairee, the largest beach on the island, near Mae Haad, the main village, and at Chalok Baan Kao which is about 2 kms by road south east of Mae Haad.

During peak seasons, December to March and July to August, you may encouter some difficulties in finding a place on your own due to the great demand.  Take advice from the representatives at Mae Haad pier or try booking prior to arrival.

It is very important to know the difference between a dive resort and a holiday resort.  A dive resort will offer packages including accommodation to divers, but is often unable to accommodate non-divers.

Cheap rooms-bamboo hut, shared showers and toilets can be found at 100 Bht.  From 200 Bht you can expect to have your own fan, shower and toilet.  Air-conditioned rooms start at 500 Bht, and then prices rise with the amenities offered.

The electricity on the island is still provided by local resort generators and is sometimes off during the night or daytime.  If constant electricity is a necessity for you, please check with the resort before booking.

Sairee Beach  

Sairee beach was the first inhabited part of the island due to its flat and long stretched coconut groves and protected area for fishing & farming. It remains for the tourist the most convenient place to stay. Offering about 50% of the island accommodation, this bay of 1.7 kms is a real paradise for sunset lovers and late risers.  Not to forget party animals.  Here you may find many kinds of bungalows, restaurant, clubs, bars, shops, email services, dive resorts and centers.  Sunset side. [Koh Tao Coral Grand, Koh Tao Palace, Tipwimarn]

Mae Haad  

This is where you arrive.  The main village has a lot to offer, great shopping, some of the best restaurants, and an expanding night life. Money exchange, post office, tour operators and travel agents, dive shops and resorts.  Great sunsets as well.

Chalok Baan Kao

Located on the south-east coast of the island, this bay is the third most popular area.  Much smaller than Sairee, but  with a great view to the Buddha rock and a few neighboring little beaches like Tatooh and Saan Jao that give it its very own charm.  Also quite a few great party spots around. [Koh Tao Cottage International Dive Resort]

Tanote Bay

If you are looking for the real thing, a peaceful holiday in a natural ambience and if being remote does not scare you, this is the one for you.  With only 6 bungalow resorts, and about 80 rooms available.  It offers some of the best snorkeling and many kinds of watersport.

Ao Luk, Rocky Bay, Ao Hinwong

One step beyond Tanote, you can experience real solitude and serenity.  Three little bays, best reached by boat, with no more than two resorts each.  Don’t expect any luxury.

Sai Daeng Beach

Next to Rocky Bay, with only two resorts nestled into an idyllic landscape and a sandy beach, needs a special recommendation, not only for its beauty but also because it is right in front of one of Tao’s prime dive & snorkel sites.

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Where to Eat

Since Koh Tao has developed very quickly over the last eight years or so, the expectations and needs of the visitors have also changed.

The influence of other nationalities has effected the culinary scene, so lots of different excellent restaurants are found, ranging from European to Mexican cuisine.

Original Thai food can be favored at many places, from simple street stalls and little seafood restaurants, to the more sophisticated Thai restaurants and Resorts.

They cover the whole range of delicious Thai food, from real hot to moderate taste, the choice is yours.

There are also good bakeries which sell fresh bread and pastries, and there are even pizza home delivery services for the exhausted travelers!

Tuk Ta Rrestaurant: Thai Traditional Food & Seafood

Left hand side from the Mae Haad Pier on the way to Jansom bay.  Fair price, good taste.

AC Rrestaurant: Seafood (Thai Style) Located at Sairee, beside AC resort. Good taste, Thai-style Cafe Del Sol-cocktail Bar, Grill & Restaurant-Mae Haad Exquisite & wide range of breakfast sets, sandwiches, brochettes, coffees & wine, first choice steaks, smoked salmon.  Mae Haad Square, open daily 8:00-23:00.

Escobar-Tex/Mex Bistro-Mae Haad

Spicy Mexican delights including nachos, enchiladas, fajitas, imported steaks & vegetarian dishes.  Hot music & cool drinks on the open air terrace. Pier road, noon-late

Farango Pizzeria (est 1995)-Mae Haad

Koh Tao’s first pizzeria.  Latin atmosphere, excellent Italian and Mediterranean specialities, homemade pasta.  Pier road, open 12:00-15:00 & 18:00-22:00.

Puk's Thai Kitchen-Mae Haad Square

Traditional, delicious Thai cuisine, full English breakfast, roast dinner every Sunday, open 8:00h-late

Suthep Restaurant

Cozy place with garden patio.  Exquisite range of Thai & Western dishes, excellent steaks, check out the mashed potatoes, biggest variety of cocktails around. 19:00-23:00

The Raft Cafe-Rocky Bay

This unique floating pub (12mx8m) is located 500m offshore, the perfect stop for the exhausted snorkeled.  Simple dishes, live fish, party service, 10:00 – late.

Site Map: Suratthani

::: Introduction

::: Festival

::: Useful Advice to Koh Tao

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