The 10 Best Hotels in Koh Tao
1. Ananda Villa
Positively punctilious yet pleasingly priced, this cordial configuration of rooms resides within a leisurely lakeshore leg-stretch of the shipping heartland, shielded from most rumblings. Daylight floods in through numerous windows, naturally illuminating interior equally elegant and modern as the exterior happens to be. Facing one another across leafy lanes, balconies afford sweeping sea vistas whether on the corners capturing the coast or down the center catching the cascading canopy. A pool proves unnecessary thanks to the fine-grained sands and soothing waters merely a minute away, only occasionally encountering angling boats. Situated beside eateries, emporiums, and transportation terminals, further facilities lie a half-hour hike along the hedonistic shoreline route.
2. Beach Club by Haadtien
Calm and trendy, this beachside resort offers isolation alongside natural attractions. Guest rooms are arranged in attractive multi-level structures, with only the upper floors granting scenic ocean views. The sole exception lies in the building facing directly towards the coastline, though noise from a nearby café may disrupt the serenity. All accommodations feature appealing décor and furnishings centered around watercolor seascapes. Unlike some other local properties, flat land allows relaxed passage between the lobby and shoreline without undue strain. The sparkling lagoon, surprisingly nearer the entrance than the shore, raises visual enjoyment, as does the curved bay`s blending of pale sands, leaning palms, and crystal waters dotted with boulders. Accessible solely via chartered car or shuttle from the far south of the island, tranquility comes without extraneous distractions in this secluded area, bar scenic cafés at neighboring spots.
3. DD Hut Koh Tao
2-Offering affordability and natural beauty, this beachside accommodation presents a fine budget option in the peaceful side of Sairee village. Occupying a rocky promontory between the path and shoreline, the assortment of one and two-story bungalows and rooms demonstrate functionality and comfortableness, with a select few enjoying breathtaking ocean vistas. However, the true highlight lies in the idyllic surroundings, bringing refreshing breezes and sweeping panoramas from all angles. Surprisingly, there is also a pool merging seamlessly into the waters below. Steps from the charming cliffside café descend to a patch of sandy beach home to intriguing granite formations, ideal for snorkeling. With plenty of amenities along the delightful seaside walkway, it resides just south of the promontory separating busy Sairee town from tranquil Mae Haad Bay. Approximately a 15-minute stroll from the ferry terminal or a more expedient vehicle trip along a nearby access road.
4. Jamahkiri Resort & Spa
Secluded villas perched magnificently along a stark rocky promontory, connected by steep steps to the pool, beach, and lobby against breathtaking panoramas. An attractive stone and thatch design harmonizes with the landscape`s breeze, boulders, and vistas, inherently integrated into some rooms. Spacious interiors include colorful Thai art, expansive balconies, and windows. No direct beach access, though the man-made shore and calm turquoise waters alongside are equally inviting, with lounge areas on sand nearby. Remote in southern Phuket`s Thian Og region, beacheside cafés require a short walk while other services necessitate transportation from this isolated locale.
5. Koh Tao Cabana
Sprawling grounds, a superb shoreline, ensconced yet not isolated. The understated name belies an elegant assemblage of expansive villas, studios and bungalows spread amidst massive domains fronting a lovely beach. Each are spaced by up to 30 meters, and accessible along meandering routes and wooden walkways from the lighthouse-modeled lobby. Most highlight a peculiar round architecture with an enclosing veranda, while some are hidden behind gates allowing further seclusion and privacy. Villas feature polished hardwood floors, abundant windows (though not full-length) and appealingly eccentric furnishings. The extensive gardens dotted with coconut-heavy palms are thoroughly enjoyed by the indigenous birds, and the swimming pools are inviting. The photogenic beach runs along the northern edge of Sairee Bay, with stunning panoramas in all directions and rocky granite formations in shallow azure-green waters, although the sand contains some pebbles. Removed from crowds and jet skis, it lies only 400 meters from downtown, yet to reach the ferry terminal one must charter transport.
6. La Cigale
Secluded natural environs, self-catering accommodation and unconventional architectural fusion. “La Cigale” (“The Cicada”) provides a scattering of villas expertly integrated with the surrounding flora, waterways and topographical features – even sizable granite boulders form part of the floorplans. Each abode varies yet features expansive al fresco areas fully equipped for cooking, dining under the stars and relaxation. Inside, colorful eclectic designs include window-side sofas, bamboo furnishings and local artworks. The lavatory adjoins nature with an open-air shower amidst granite. Remote means fewer amenities yet harmony with lush habitats; ants and mosquitoes occasionally disrupt. Distanced down a moderately steep lane then brief walks to beach and village, it suits those valuing seclusion. Breakfast and coffee nearby assist transitions.
7. Monkey Flower Villas
Seclusion and refinement await on a remote hillside locale. This picturesque collection of two-, three- and five-bedroom villas are scattered amidst steep grounds, providing sweeping perspectives of Sairee Bay and the surroundings, albeit partially screened by surrounding vegetation. Lodgings nestled at the base incorporate gigantic unavoidable granite boulders into their design, contributing an original aesthetic, while upper-level units offer superior vistas and cross-breezes. Each villa named after a regional blossom presents ample and tastefully appointed interior space including a private swimming area and fully equipped kitchen. All modern amenities are furnished yet interiors accessible directly from some hillside units are rather dimly lit. With no on-site eatery, repasts must be self-prepared or delivered. Vehicle access involves an acutely angled road negotiable solely by the resort`s all-terrain transports. Transfers to and from the ferry terminal and downtown Sairee are provided via a personal chauffeur.
8. Koh Tao Montra Resort
Elegantly situated along a scenic beachfront walkway lined with shops and cafés, this hidden gem offers comfortable lodgings near the ferry terminal at a reasonable price. The duplex-style buildings contain spacious, well-appointed rooms spread across multiple floors and arranged with an eye toward aesthetics and guest enjoyment. While interior lighting is imperfect in some areas, most rooms feature private balconies outfitted for relaxing with soothing ocean views. Those on higher levels provide a picturesque perch for taking in vistas of the crystalline pool and sapphire waters beyond. Speak with staff about accommodations offering direct beach access for an authentic seaside experience. In addition to first-rate swimming and water sport facilities, discerning travelers can partake in cultural activities like cooking lessons or scuba outings arranged on-site. Just south of a rocky headland separating the developed tourist sector from a scenic adjacent bay, this family-friendly property provides an accessible home base for exploration on foot or by vehicle.
9. Palm Leaf Resort Koh Tao
This affordable mid-range resort offers a selection of standalone yet closely positioned bungalow accommodations. Some older units maintain a basic appeal through features like rattan wall decor, while most have received updates including tile floors and expansive windows overlooking verandas. Scenic sea vistas are available from a few rooms, though many face paths separating other bungalows by 10 to 15 meters, despite intervening garden areas providing some seclusion. Notably, there is no swimming pool on site, but the tranquil turquoise waters and granite boulders of the private beach offer an alluring alternative located just meters away. The sand takes on a somewhat pebbly texture in places. Situated at the quiet northern edge of the beach town, it is only a short400 meter walk into the city center, while transportation to the ferry terminal requires a chartered vehicle.
10. The Plantation Koh Tao
Picturesquely nestled on a hillside amidst a coconut grove populated by playful monkeys, this intimate collection of one to four bedroom villas and apartments provides panoramic vistas of Sairee Bay and the surrounding hills from its elevated perch overlooking the scene from approximately 300 meters away. The polished concrete interiors and rustic wooden furnishings strike a stylish yet relaxing tone, perfect for taking in the exceptional perspectives afforded by the spacious lounging areas both indoors and out on the expansive balconies. Private swimming pools appear to float magically beyond the edge of some balconies. fully-equipped kitchens allow residents to enjoy home-cooked meals while entertainment can be found on portable media drives loaded with film selections to supplement the lack of cable television. Unlike some neighboring resort options, this one can be easily reached on foot, with only brief 300 meter strolls connecting it to the main road and the edge of the nearby Sairee village.
