Koh Tao – a favourite in Thailand amongst every backpacker I seem to pose the question to and I still haven’t the faintest reason why. My favourite? Koh Tao of course. Why? I’m not quite sure – there’s some underlying magic to the place that I haven’t quite worked out yet.
It might be something to do with the world class diving, the cheapest in the world to get certified. Or it might be something to do with the laid back barefoot nature of the place – the unpretentious living that allows locals and backpackers alike to slooooooooow down and take a look around them. Pair that with the best party scene I’ve experienced in the country, insane beaches, cheap food, and you’ve got a recipe for a Koh Tao hole in your heart that might seemingly struggle to be filled by any other place for the rest of your life.
This island is one of the smallest on backpacker’s banana pancake trail yet is the most booming with tourism – so you might expect your hostel hunt to be trickier here than in other parts of South East Asia. Don’t worry – I’ve got you covered. After many a month on the island scouring the hostel scene, I feel pretty confident in my accolades to present to you my ultimate guide to the best hostels in Koh Tao.
Because the sooner you sort your digs, the sooner you get to doing the stuff that matters – diving, beach hopping, and consuming many a Chang. So many Changs….
Are you ready? Let’s get this hostel hunt started!
Photo: @taya.travels
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My favourite hostels in Koh Tao at a glance
The 5 Best Hostels in Koh Tao
If you are backpacking Thailand then you will probably run the full gauntlet of hostel standards. From sublime to shitty, there are hostels in Thailand that can cater to any type of traveller.
Lucky for you I’ve picked out the the crème de la crème of Koh Tao’s hostels, neatly split into travel niches just for you. Picking a place has never been easier, so you can get out exploring this beautiful island ASAP.
1. Wonderland Jungle Hostel: Best Overall Hostel
- Price: $$$
- Best for: Solo travelers who want a social, community-driven base in the jungle without the chaos of a full party hostel
- Highlights: Rooftop bar with jungle views, pool, nightly events (quiz nights, Werewolf, Thai culture workshops)
- Dorms from: $30
- Private rooms from: $60
- Location: Hillside in Chalok, Koh Tao. Set in the jungle away from the main strip, around a 5-minute scooter ride or 20-minute walk into town. A scooter is strongly recommended.
Wonderland Jungle Hostel holds a very, very special place in my heart. If there were a Spotify Wrapped for hostels, this would be at the top of my bill. And as someone who’s been travelling full-time for three years, it’s a huge accolade I’m very happy to dish out. Wonderland is one of those magical places where people show up for a few nights and end up staying… well, forever. It just has that pull. This spot proves that social hostels don’t have to be raging party hubs, it just needs good vibes and good company.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Daily events from games, quizzes and Latin dance nights
- The loveliest staff and volunteers that I’ve met on my travels
- A social vibe that DOESN’T rely on alcohol which is weirdly hard to find in Koh Tao
The hostel itself is a real life jungle oasis. Perched on a hill with panoramic views, it gives you a proper feel for the island, with morning light illuminating the space all the way to the amber glow of sunset. Koh Tao’s backpacker scene can sometimes feel overwhelming, and this is the antithesis of that. Every detail feels designed to feel like home, from the soft furnishings in the dorm to the plants and sofas in the common area.
Just a word of warning: Wonderland Jungle Hostel is out of the main Sairee strip on a pretty mega hill. The benefits of this are some all-round stunning views, but if you don’t drive a motorbike then this place might not be for you as it’s a bit of a bitch to get to.
2. Taco Shack Diving Hostel & Restaurant: Best for Diving
- Dorm (mixed): From $12
- Private Room: From $30
- Address: 27/11 Moo 1, Koh Tao, Thailand
Taco Shack, a hostel and dive school, has earned a special place in my backpacker heart. It’s one of those rare gems that hits the sweet spot between having a killer social vibe without turning into a non-stop party. Which, trust me, on this island is pretty hard. The secret sauce? Probably the steady stream of divers who crash here. They’re up at the crack of dawn, ready to hit the water, but by night, they’re all about chilling rather than going full throttle. Don’t worry though, there’s still plenty of fun – daily events run every evening, so you can dive into the social scene as much or as little as you like.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- The FRIENDLIEST staff
- The pool table that is the heart of the social space
- Mega Mexican food…the perfect cure to post-diving hunger
And, of course, there’s the tacos. You don’t slap “taco” in the name and then not deliver, and Taco Shack Diving Hostel & Restaurant goes all out with some surprisingly solid Mexican grub. Tacos, burritos, quesadillas – the works. The portions are HUGE. Seriously, even the “mini quesadillas” could feed a small village. It’s exactly what you need after a day of diving. You’re not just diving – you’re living with your dive buddies, doing nightly homework (yeah, really), and running those buddy checks like your life depends on it (because, well, it kinda does). By the time you’re done, you’ve not only earned your dive certification – you’ve probably bagged some friends for life.
3. Islander Hostel & Dive School: Best for Solo Travellers
- Price: $
- Best for: Divers and first-timers to Koh Tao who want an easy, social base steps from the ferry pier with an on-site dive school
- Highlights: Free pool table, communal outdoor area, live music nights
- Dorms from: $12
- Private rooms from: N/A
- Location: Mae Haad, Koh Tao. Less than a two-minute walk from the main ferry pier.
Islander Hostel & Dive School is a solid pick if you want to dive into both the island’s underwater world and its buzzing social scene. Right by the pier, it’s a dream for those early dive boat mornings, trips to Mango Bay or onward travel to Koh Samui and Koh Phangan. Plus you’ve got a load of bars and restaurants just a short stumble away. With daily happy hours and food that won’t break the bank, it’s a win for anyone trying to stretch that backpacker budget to the absolute limit.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- On-site diving school
- Weekly BBQs
- Epic Beer Pong Tournaments
For one of the cheapest hostels on Koh Tao, you get way more bang for your baht than you’d expect. There’s something going on every night – from BBQs a couple of times a week (perfect for making new mates) to beer pong tournaments and live music. The vibe’s always lively, so whether you’re a party fiend or just dipping a toe in, you’re in for a good time. And it’s not all about diving and drinking – Islander’s got you covered with discounted activities like Thai boxing, cooking classes, yoga, and massages. Whatever you’re into, they’ve got something to keep you busy.
4. Nomads Koh Tao Hostel: Best Party Hostel
- Price: $$
- Best for: Social travelers aged 18-35 who want a lively hostels with reps and free-flowing alcohol
- Highlights: Nightly events, bar, island boat tours, active rep team
- Dorms from: $25
- Private rooms from: N/A
- Location: Sairee, Koh Tao. A few minute’s walk from Sairee Beach
If Koh Tao’s got a rep for wild nights, then Nomads Koh Tao is its poster child. On Sairee Beach by day, party by night – you’re getting the full-on, classic Koh Tao experience here, and trust me, it’s a ride. They’ve got nightly events that double as pre-drinks for whatever party’s popping off on the island. This place pulls in a younger, party-loving crowd, so YES, someone WILL be doing that joss shot with you.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- All-you-can-drink deals on party nights
- Boat tours to explore the island
- Great location on Walking Street in Sairee (just expect some noise!)
The rooms are solid, with ensuite bathrooms and curtains on each bed which is a joy for nursing your hangover in the dark (I feel ya). They’re located smack bang on Walking Street so you’ll have the island’s bars and restaurants all at your finger tips. You’re less than a five minute walk away from Sairee, the island’s main beach, which is THE place to be come sunset. Just make sure you’re back in the evening, with all-you-can-drink nights to get you fuelled for Jungle Party and Leo beach. This one is for the travellers with a fully charged social battery.
5. Savage Hostel Koh Tao: Best for Flashpackers
- Price: $$
- Best for: Travelers who want a design-led, beach-facing base on Sairee without sacrificing the social hostel experience
- Highlights: Rooftop pool with ocean views, designer dorm pods with privacy screens, pool table
- Dorms from: $25
- Private rooms from: $85
- Location: Centre of Sairee Beach, Koh Tao. Directly beachfront, surrounded by bars, dive schools and restaurants. Around 3km from Mae Haad pier.
Savage Hostel Koh Tao is an oasis in the mad party that is this beautiful lil Thai island. Literally steps away from Sairee Beach, it’s centrally located from all of the best things to do in Sairee whilst still ensuring you have a good night’s kip if you’re escaping the party. Savage Hostel Koh Tao also sets up some pretty swanky events too. They’ve got yoga, movie nights, DJ sets on the rooftop, and hikes throughout the week too.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- The nicest hostel pool on the island in my humble opinion
- Daily events like yoga, movie nights and sunset DJs
- Hotel-like amenities
The amenities here are a serious level up from your typical hostel offerings. Think hotel vibes on a hostel budget – something that truly didn’t exist on the island prior to Savage’s opening. We’re talking pod-style beds, decent showers (a luxury on Koh Tao), and let’s not forget the rooftop swimming pool with panoramic views of Sairee Beach. Honestly, that rooftop swimming pool alone is worth the stay, but throw in the rooftop bar, happy hours, and a crowd that’s as cool as the sea breeze, and you’ve got a winner here.
Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Koh Tao
Unfortunately, things can go wrong when you least expect it. This is why good travel insurance is essential before you head on your trip to Koh Tao.
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
What Koh Tao hostel should you pick?
People rave about the infamous Pai hole, but I’ll die on this hill any day – the Koh Tao pull is stronger. Trust me, as someone who first visited three years ago…I’m still very much here.
Hostels here vary wildly. If you want to party, dive or escape into the jungle, there’s a hostel that fits the bill. Pick a hostel that suits what you want out of Koh Tao rather than the one constantly recommended to you.
Either way, you’re in for one hell of a time. Go too hard at Fishbowl, fry yourself on the beaches, attempt diving and realise snorkelling just doesn’t hit the same anymore. Pour your heart into this place, because Koh Tao has a funny way of rewarding whatever energy you throw its way.
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in Thailand for a wealth of info!
- Check out the best places to stay in Koh Tao before you arrive.
- Remember to grab yourself an international sim card for Thailand to avoid any issues.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
- Get ready for your next destination with our ultimate Southeast Asia backpacking guide.
I went to Wonderland Jungle Hostel because of your recommendation and my god it is good… So social without the party craziness. Super clean, very comfortable and spacious. Absolutely loved it and extended 3 times.
Thank you! ?
Savage Hostel!!