While the accommodation options may not be a glaringly obvious as they are in Sairee and Chalok Baan Khao, there are still many options. Since Mae Haad was early to develop due to the pier location and the bad roads anywhere else on the island, a few long running higher end resorts were built. A highly recommended one is the Charm Churee Resort. If you follow the windy roads slightly outside of Mae Haad, you will come across Charm Churee. Built around the small but secluded Jamsom Bay, this resort has a large variety of villas that can accommodate couples and families. Built to incorporate the breeze from the sea, guests can fully enjoy their tropical surroundings in comfort.

Another resort that comes with high regards is the Ananda Villa. Located just outside of Mae Haad, Ananda offers hotel rooms as well as bungalows. This accommodation offers people a comfortable and affordable place close to the town but off the path enough to enjoy some quiet and a clear beach. In addition to those mentioned resorts, the long standing Sensi Paradise has provided guests with modern villas designed with Asian décor. Located ten minutes from the town, this resort has its own massage parlor, restaurant on the beach and quiet bar for sunset drinks.
-
Budget Accommodation:Close Budget Accommodation

Mid-Range Accommodation:Close Mid-Range Accommodation
High End Accommodation:Close High End Accommodation

Mae Haad is a center point for activities on the island. Naturally, you will find dive schools that offer everything from beginner diving courses to becoming a diving instructor. There are also tours for fun dives daily. Even thought Mae Haad is a bit more congested, most dive schools make good use of their space and have hangout for students and other divers to debrief during the day about the diving. You have the choice of larger dive schools or smaller ones that can offer one-to-one tuition.

Scuba Diving Schools in Mae Haad:Close Scuba Diving Schools

Within the town, there are plenty of bars to spend a lazy afternoon. There are also a few places to play pool. Captain Nemo’s is a popular spot for a game and a drink. If you are looking for something a bit more wholesome, there are plenty of spas and places to get a massage. Additionally, there are plenty of yoga spots where you can go and relieve some stress and find your center. There is also a fitness center on the main road where exercise classes are offered daily done by trained professionals. Drop-in’s are always welcome – it is also a great way to meet some of the locals when they are not diving!

If you are looking for an adventure off the island, you may want to consider a sailing trip to the beautiful Angthong Marine Park. Island Cruises can provide passengers with a personal sailing journey on the SY Freedom Fargo into the untouched nature that few travelers ever have the opportunity to see. Over the four-day journey, passengers will have the chance to spend time on unspoiled beaches, jungle tours and hikes as well as swimming and snorkeling over healthy reef. The Island Cruise office is conveniently located next to Zest in Mae Haad. Feel free to stop by and hear about the tours or visit our website at www.island-cruises.org.

Activity Companies in Mae Haad:Close Activity Companies

Mae Haad has a mix of just about any type of cuisine you could want. From French bakeries to Italian pizzerias, to Chinese restaurants and Japanese sushi, to Thai food to burgers and fries, if you want to eat it, you most likely will find it in Mae Haad. The options of restaurants may seem over-whelming but remember not to limit yourself to the main street. Down the side alleys are excellent dining choices.

Whitening Restaurant is a popular choice. Located near the Songserm pier, this elegant beachfront restaurant has a strong menu of western favorites and Thai fusion dishes. Paprika Restaurant & Lounge also offers a good choice of Thai food and European dishes, such as goulash and meatballs with mash. In terms of cafes and bakeries, Zest has a long-standing reputation as being one of the best places for breakfast or simply a cup of coffee. Open early and closing in the late afternoon, the sandwiches, shakes, salads and breakfasts will keep you satisfied all day.

Restaurants in Mae Haad:Close Restaurants in Mae Haad

There are plenty of bars and meeting spots in Mae Haad. They range from beach front and classy to small and full of character. There are a few venues that are larger and have DJs or live music. The newly renovated Moov located in southern Mae Haad is excellent place for both food and drinks. It has been designed so that there is a dance floor and sitting lounge inside and a garden area for socializing. There is even a tree house!

The vibrant Dragon Bar goes through phases of being open and being closed for a bit. However, when it is open, there are often theme parities, DJs and signature cocktails and shots. If you are looking for something a bit calmer, Whitening also has a small bar with a good variety of drinks and wines. The seaside location and the lounge music make for a nice choice at the end of a busy day.

Bars and Pubs in Mae HaadClose Bars and Pubs in Mae Haad

Although Chalok baan Kao is smaller than Mae Haad and Sairee Beach, travelers are not limited to their accommodation options. Many resorts and bungalows are connected with dive schools, so during the high season the places may be booked with those connected with diving courses. With that said, it is best to book early if you plan on traveling during the busiest months.

Some people opt for the classic Koh Tao style wooden bungalows. This style has been fading out for more modern options, but there are still places that have them. There are a few hotels that are many single and double bed options. Almost all accommodations are connected to restaurants and bars, so there are chances to exchange stories and experiences with other travelers.

Some of the ones that we at Accommodation Koh Tao recommend are Chintakiri Resort, View Point Resort and New Heaven Resort. Chintakiri has been built spread out over a small hill over looking Chalok baan Kao Bay. These modern rooms come with air-conditioning, television and a hot water shower. Designed in a tasteful Asian fusion décor, these rooms provide comfort and cleanliness in garden surroundings. New Heaven Resort is nestled near Shark Bay. The emphasis that has been put on this resort is a blend into nature. The resort has been built within the jungle and rocky surroundings in order to give the guests the feeling of seclusion. The beautifully designed View Point Resort is located at the edge of the Bay with a view of Buddha Rock. The villas are all equipped with a sturdy but creative build and nestled in the tended garden and jungle. With just a 2-minute walk to the beach and a 10-minute into town, View Point has been an increasingly popular choice for travelers. The high-end villas have large balconies and private swimming pools. For more information about each of these resorts, please see the more detailed section of this website.

Budget Accommodation:Close Budget Accommodation

Mid-Range Accommodation:Close Mid-Range Accommodation
High End Accommodation:Close High End Accommodation

Although Chalok baan Kao may seem a bit on the quiet side, there are still plenty of activities to partake in. Koh Tao and diving seem to go hand in hand for travelers coming to this island. There are a number of dive schools on the island, most of them of the smaller more intimate variety. They are all closely located, so it would not take much time to visit each one and select the one that you feel the most home with.

Scuba Diving Schools in Chalok baan Kao:Close Scuba Diving Schools

Within this region of Koh Tao, most people are either content to dive, snorkel, swim, lay on the beach or drink banana shakes and watch the water. In terms of other activities, hiking to the other spots in the south part of the island is popular. Shark Bay, Freedom Beach or June Juea Beach are easy treks to make. There is a 15 minute hike up the small mountain hill near Freedom Beach called the ‘John Suwan Trek’ which leads you to an amazing view point of the island. It is a sight not to be missed. Reef Riders also rents out kayaks for the day. Take the challenge of seeing how far you can get with a paddle and your own strength!

For other physical activities; New Heaven Dive Shop usually offers yoga lessons in the evenings. Stop by their dive shop should you want to inquire about specific times and the challenge level. If you feel that you want something a bit more ‘intense’, the newly opened gun range gives you a chance to test your shooting skills. (Naturally, being sober is a non-negotiable prerequisite!). In between Chalok baan Kao and Mae Haad, there is a mini golf course. In addition to the golfing, there is also a petanque court and small bowling alley. Should you tire of the sun and the surf, this is a nice getaway and an excellent way to spend the evening.

Another nice way to end your busy day of diving or simply doing nothing is a sunset cruise. Koh Tao has a sailing company named, Island Cruises, that owns and operates two sailing yachts that offer day cruises and sunset tours. Another interesting trip with Island Cruises is the 4 days Ang Thong Marine Park Safari. For a taste of something different, check out their website for more details.

Activity Companies in Chalok baan Kao:Close Activity Companies

Even though you can walk the whole of Chalok baan Kao in less that an hour, it would take you a much longer time to sample something at all the restaurants. There are only a few solely Western style restaurants but with the amount of good Thai food available, most people do not miss it! Tropicana Resort has two restaurants – one on the beach and one on the main road. They have an extensive menu of the dishes that Thailand is known for. Taraporn has a simple restaurant on stilts over the water that creates a relaxed atmosphere for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Ko Tao Resort has large restaurant with a sea view. There menu contains both Asian and Western entrees. Buddha View has a large barbeque every evening that has a wide variety of fresh fish, steak, chicken and pork kabobs as well as many side dishes. You serve yourself so you can choose exactly what you want and how much you want.

There are some cozy cafes for the travelers who need a cup of well-prepared coffee in the morning. Cappuccino Bakery is run by a French pastry chef and is open early. The menu contains coffee served how you like it along with freshly baked breads and pastries as well as sandwiches and pastas. Koppee is another bakery that should not be missed. A small but warm atmosphere, Koppee serves sandwiches, fruit shakes, pancakes and ice cream. And with the air-conditioning and stack of National Geographic magazines, you may feel at home. Fishy’s Burger Island serves breakfasts, burgers, steaks, Thai foods, coffee and alcohol 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There are books for readings and the television plays sporting events or new movies. Feel free to drop it – at any time at all!

Restaurants in Chalok baan Kao:Close Restaurants in Chalok

Chalok tries to maintain its relaxed atmosphere, so you will not find too many of the larger venues that Sairee has; however, there are a several bars that line the beach that provide travelers with a place to sit among like minded people and listen to music with the mountain backdrop. Eazy Bar is one the long standing hangouts that has been a symbol of Chalok for many years. A small wooden hut built within a long wooden platform covered with Thai triangle cushions, the extensive drink menu (listed alphabetically) is painted with neon colors and nothing is ever rushed. Babaloo Beach Bar Chalok baan Kao is one of the oldest bars in the bay. Babaloo Bar is located at the further end of the beach. The place has been decorated with small statues, lights, bits of painted wood and enough ribbons neon ribbons to make any ‘hippy at heart’ feel right at home. The more modern Buddha Bar is connected with the larger dive school Buddha View Dive Resort. During the early evenings, the place gets crowded with dive students who have just finished their course and want to celebrate with music and the signature buckets of Sangsom, Red Bull and coke. Occasionally, there are larger parties located about a 15-minute walk away from the beach at the complex and slightly imposing Castle.

About two to three times a month, the Castle throws parties with DJs that last until 6 or 7am the next day when the people leave the bar with glow paint covering their bodies and clothes. If you are an early-riser, this makes for an interesting display to watch. Less frequently there is a party in the mountains at a place called the Blue Moon. A long trek up a windy hill, the Blue Moon provides a large variation of music, neon and psychedelic images in the trees and on rocks and plenty of space to simply let your body find its own rhythm.

Bars and Pubs in Chalok baan KaoClose Bars and Pubs in Chalok

Once you get off the boat and find yourself on the pier, Sairee Beach is often the best bet in terms of finding accommodation if you have not booked anything earlier. There are hostels with like-minded people traveling on a budget, small hotels with cable TV and air conditioning, rustic bungalows on the beach and high-end villas with swimming pools and sunset views. To summarize, you will have a choice of how and where you want to spend your time. Here are some of our personal recommendations of well-kept villas and resorts at Sairee Beach Koh Tao:

The Monkey Flower and the Koh Tao Star Villa are an excellent choice of accommodation for couples that are looking for staying on Koh Tao a bit longer and want some more privacy. These villas are located a bit further from the hustle and bustle that is Sairee Beach, but the views and the comforts that these villas have to offer. Each villa has all the modern amenities of home with an Asian twist to the décor. These villas are run by long term Koh Tao locals; with that said, you have many years of experience at your fingers tips. The owners can provide you with information about the island that you may not be able to get on your own. Experience Koh Tao and Sairee in a way that few have done. For more information about these villas, please see our more detailed and descriptive section within our website.

If you desire to get further off the beaten path, the new Dusit Buncha Resort located above north Sairee Beach is an option. Although it may seem like it is in an area all its own, Sairee is still accessible by taxi or a ten minute motorbike ride. With a wide variety of villas suitable for individuals, couples, small groups and families, Dusit Buncha provides their guests with a quiet jungle surroundings, a beautiful swimming pool and dining with a sea view. You can find more information about this resort and other in more detail with our section on specially featured accommodations.

With accommodations stretching from each end of Sairee Beach, the choices are up to you. Whether it be wooden huts on the beach or air-conditioned units in the center of town, you are sure to find a place that suits you needs and budget.

Budget Accommodation:Close Budget Accommodation

Mid-Range Accommodation:Close Mid-Range Accommodation
High End Accommodation:Close High End Accommodation

Once you have gotten your tan on the beach and want something more exciting to do, you have plenty of choices. Naturally, scuba diving is something that the majority of the people who come to Koh Tao partake it in. With over 15 dive schools located all over Sairee Beach, travelers can find the one that fits their needs – they range from smaller and more intimate schools to larger ones that can help add to your social circle or traveling party. All the schools offer a wide range of courses for those who want to learn as well as fun dives for those who want to put their skills to the test in the Gulf of Thailand.

Scuba Diving Schools in Sairee:Close Scuba Diving Schools

However, if diving does not suit you, many schools can rent snorkeling equipment or kayaks if you still want the ocean experience (but just on the surface). Sairee Beach has plenty of reefs to explore just a few meters out. For those who want to be a bit more adventurous, the normally calm seas are ideal for paddling out towards the less developed northwestern side of the island where you can do a bit of rock climbing and snorkeling.

If you want to stay dry, check out the daily yoga schedule at some resorts and dive schools. Getting stretched out and more flexible with a certified yoga teacher is a great way to relax after being crammed on a boat, a bus, a train, a taxi or a mini-van in hot temperatures. If you want other ways to stay in shape after too many Singhas or plates of pad thai with prawns, there is a Muay Thai school that has regular classes for beginners and advanced level students. The facility is a training center for the professionals on Koh Tao and they offer their services to travelers so people can see what it takes to be a kick-box champ!

For activities off the beaten track, there is a Flying Trapeze school where you can defy gravity with other beginners. Lessons are everyday so feel free to just drop by. Of course, if you prefer your feet on the ground, grab a beer and simply watch the show! Goodtime Adventures in central Sairee Beach has rock climbing lessons and expeditions as well as the worlds only ‘island-to-island’ zip line. Get to Koh Nangyuan from Koh Tao in no time flat – on a sturdy zip line over the sea and into the jungle.

Additionally, there are ways to educate yourself with Thai culture in between the parties and socializing. A newly opened Thai language school can help you move past just ‘Sawatdee ka/krap!’ and get you practicing more local phrases to impress the Thais you meet on your journey. There are also Thai cooking classes where you can test your Asian culinary skills and make some of the signature dishes Thailand is known for.

If you have enjoyed happy hour drinks while watching the marvelous sunset of Koh Tao, you may want to consider seeing that same view from a different angle. Island Cruises, the sailing company of the island, will provide a sailing cruise from two to ten people for a sunset cruise on one of their sailing yachts. Feel free to step by at our office in Mae Haad and get more details on the tours, we are right next to Cafe Zest, or simply visit our website at www.island-cruises.org.

Activity Companies in Sairee Beach:Close Activity Companies

What better way to experience a place is to get a taste of the local flavor? Even though Koh Tao is a small place, there are a great variety of dishes to experience – ranging from lighter northern cuisine to the rich spicy curries of the south. Experiment with some of the smaller stands and carts that offer noodle soup, papaya salad with sticky rice, barbeque chicken and pork on bamboo skewers, fried chicken and Thai style pancakes with banana and chocolate or tuna and chili sauce. In addition, there are carts stocked with fresh fruit that come with a chili shrimp paste and a spicy sugar dip if you fancy eating a green mango or pineapple in another fashion. With some of the snacks and meals ranging from 20baht to 60baht, you do not have to break your budget in order to taste a variety of foods.

In terms of other sit-down Thai restaurants, there are many of excellent options. Simply walk down the beach road or the main road and follow your nose. Most restaurants open at 7am and close at 10pm so there is no shame if you crave fried rice for breakfast or a fruit shake for dinner. If you want something a bit more indulgent, most resorts have fresh barbeques in the evening. There is a wide variety of fresh fish (caught far off of the dive sites and no endangered species served), chicken kabobs, steaks and plenty of side dishes.

Since Koh Tao has had a strong Western influence, you can indulge in some home style cooking if you simply cannot look at another prawn or plate of rice noodles for a few days. There are many bakeries that service a full English breakfast or the healthier Muesli with yogurt and fruit. The cafes also offer a wide range of sandwiches with imported cheeses and meats, baked goods often made by international chefs and plenty of coffee options. Zanzibar and Zest Coffee House are some of the most popular ones in Sairee.

There are plenty of other Western restaurants within walking distance on Sairee. The dining lounge Fizz is a hot spot for sunset drinks and dining. With beanbag chairs and classy outdoor atmosphere, this is a great spot for relaxing, good quality food and good music. Portobello is also an excellent choice for Italian and Mediterranean food. With a great selection of pastas, meats and pizza, people will enjoy dining on high quality cuisine. Slightly off the beaten path is A Taste of Home, a restaurant that serves up authentic German dishes made by a professionally trained and experienced chef. It is rumored that she makes some of the best goulash this side of Thailand! If you want something a bit more rowdy, Choppers Sports Bar is one of the most well known spots on the island. A crowded bar that serves up pub-grub with the latest sporting event is a place that is both popular for travelers and locals. Sometimes, you simply have to watch the football with a burger and chips while having a cold beer on draft.

Restaurants in Sairee Beach:Close Restaurants

A tropical island would not be complete without an active nightlife and Koh Tao is no different. While Sairee Beach has not yet reached the seedy level has Chaweng in Samui or Patong in Phuket has, there are still plenty of places to grab a beer (or a bucket) and dance the night away. The evening usually begins with some sunset happy hour drinks on one of the many beach bars. The bars that are associated with dive schools usually get busy after 5pm when the fun dives and courses are completed for the day and people want to clean the salt from their mouths with a bottle of beer.

Once the evening progresses, the most popular spots to start the night with are Choppers or Diza Bar. Some people venture to Fishbowl operating at Ban’s Diving Resort for the happy hour specials and the live music. For dancing and excellent people watching, Lotus Bar is often so packed with people, it can be difficult to order a drink. The fire shows that go on are some of the best on the island and the music blares until early in the morning. When people want a different scene, they walk up the street to Office Bar, a tiny little hut on the beach road covered with graffiti and pictures of customers, both past and present. Usually, the crowd spills out on to the road (causing headaches for motorists) so do not expect to have much of a place to sit down. Maya Bar, Cave Bar and A/C bar are located at the southern end of Sairee Beach. A more spacious place for drinking and dancing, they usually do not generate a bigger crowd until 1am.

If the sloppy scene is not for you, there are plenty of places to go and simply enjoy yourself without the intense hangover in the morning. Fizz is one of those places. With a clean and sophisticated atmosphere, you can still have a drink and hold a conversation with the person next to you without having to shout over the blaring house music. The new Darawan restaurant, owned by Ban’s Diving, is also a lovely place for drinks, food and views of Sairee Beach in a serene setting.

Bars and Pubs in Sairee BeachClose Bars and Pubs