I may be slightly biased because Koh Tao is my favourite island in the world but it is a great place! Koh Tao is also home to the cheapest diving in the world, great parties, stellar lookouts and private coves where you can practically have a beach to yourself for the day.
It is an island so it is slightly more expensive but it’s Thailand so getting around, finding things to do and food are still cheap (but can be expensive if you choose to be fancy). It won’t harm your backpacking budget for your Thailand trip. That being said there are quite a few Koh Tao hostels to choose from that range in budget, giving you plenty of options for your travel style, needs, and wants.
I’ve listed the top 10 best hostels in Koh Tao so you can easily scan and find where to stay in Koh Tao in a breeze!
Tips for Choosing the Best Koh Tao Hostel
When it comes to picking a hostel is all comes down to what you want and need. Some key things to keep in mind that will help you have the best stay are the following:
How Much to Budget
Generally most hostels in Koh Tao are $11-12 a night but you can find a few for as cheap as $6 and as much as $15. Unfortunately, none have breakfast so don’t let that be a deciding factor!
Where to Stay in Koh Tao
Koh Tao is a relatively small island but it can still take a while to get around. The prime location is around Sairee beach which is the largest and most popular beach on the island and also the closest beach to where the ferry comes in. All of the bars and dive shops are around here as well. That being said some further out locations are perfect if you’re looking to get away for a bit.
Atmosphere
Koh Tao is a bit of a party island but there are hostels that don’t have a party atmosphere and are still social!
Reviews
Read the most recent reviews to determine if it’s the best hostel for you. I recommend reading these to find out what the atmosphere is like as well.
Must-Read Hostel Tips
- Hostel Tips You Need to Know Before Booking
- 8 Things You Need to Pack for Hostel Travel
- 32 Tips for Backpacking Thailand
Top 10 Hostels in Koh Tao
Good Dream Hostel
Good Dream Hostel Koh Tao is an amazing price for what you can get. It ranges from budget to luxury with deluxe dorm rooms that have more modernized amenities. The location is perfect as it’s only a 2-minute walk from the beach and has everything around that you could ever need. Wi-Fi works on the entire property and 6 to 8 bed dorms and private rooms are available.
White Jail at Koh Tao Hostel
Once used as a political prison, guests can now stay in this prison converted into a hostel with jail-style decor to match. Just a 3-minute walk from the Mae Haad Pier, this ideally located hostel is in a prime spot to visit the beach daily. Both dorm and private rooms are available, with some offering access to a terrace and mountain views.
The Dearly Koh Tao Hostel
A relaxing and serene hostel, The Dearly Koh Tao Hostel offers modern amenities with a touch of luxury for a hostel. You have the option to book a private or a bed in a dorm room and have access to a lovely pool, a shared lounge, and a rooftop area to chillout between Koh Tao sightseeing.
Koh Tao Central Hostel
Koh Tao Central Hostel offers dorm rooms and is, like the name suggests, centrally located. It’s just a 50 metre walk to the beach and pier and the popular Sairee Beach is less than 10-minutes walking distance. Each bed offers privacy with curtains, an electricity socket for charging, and a reading light.
Summer Hostel Koh Tao
Summer Hostel Koh Tao offers 6 to 8 bed dorms with air conditioning or fan only. Guests can enjoy the nightly yoga classes on the rooftop terrace and book any island activities at the hostel. Each bed is equipped with an indiviual power outlet and light.
Gecko Republic Jungle Hostel
Gecko Republic Jungle Hostel is a clean and welcoming hostel that offers dorm room accommodation with a few little luxuries that hostel travellers will love. Each bed is equipped with a reading light, small fan, and your choice of hard or soft pillow. Your belongings can be stored in a locker with an electronic lock and rooms have a full-length mirror.
Sawasdee Koh Tao Hostel
Sawasdee Koh Tao Hostel is a simple hostel that offers dorm rooms with ensuite bathrooms, patio, and city views. A buffet breakfast is served every morning and there is free parking for your scooter so you can go on and explore the nearby beaches such as Mango Bay.
V Hostel
Less than 1km from Jansom Bay Beach, V Hostel offers air-conditioned dorms room and one private room. A terrace, shared kitchen, and a BBQ are also available for guests. There is staff on-site with entertainment options too, plus a buffet breakfast daily.
8 homestel
8 homestel has a great location, just a 3-minute walk from the beach and pier so you don’t have to drag your luggage far. This modern hotel has all of the basic amenities you need plus a few small luxuries such as privacy curtains and a reading light for each bed.
AVA Hostel & Guesthouse
This hostel and guesthouse offers mostly private rooms but also a 10-bed dorm room. It’s less than 1km from Jansom Bay Beach and has a bar and restaurant on-site, plus a shared lounge and terrace.
Continue planning your trip to Thailand!
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