The Best Hostels in Koh Tao: 8 Picks for Every Kind of Backpacker

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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:

1. Daily events from games, quizzes and Latin dance nights
2. The loveliest staff and volunteers that I’ve met on my travels
3. 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:

1. The FRIENDLIEST staff
2. The pool table that is the heart of the social space
3. 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.

2026 update: Taco Shack have now moved a couple hundred metres up the road and – wow – what an UPGRADE. They now have, by far, the nicest hostel pool on the island. It’s slightly further away from the Sairee strip than its old location, but honestly, by about five minutes. Newer pod-style dorms, squeaky-clean bathrooms, and a brand-spankin-new pool table. Same great diving, social scene and tacos. Win win win!!!

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:

1. On-site diving school
2. Weekly BBQs
3. 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 minutes’ 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:

1. All-you-can-drink deals on party nights
2. Boat tours to explore the island
3. 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.

What if they’re all full?

Popular hostels sell out, especially during peak season. But backpackers are flaky and cancel all the time. We’ve built a tool that lets you know as soon as a bed becomes available, so you don’t have to keep checking 😉

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:

1. The nicest hostel pool on the island in my humble opinion
2. Daily events like yoga, movie nights and sunset DJs
3. 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.

6. Slumber Party Koh Tao: Best Beachfront Hostel

• Price: $$
• Best for: Younger backpackers who want a beachfront party base and don’t mind putting up with noisy dorms for social buzz
• Highlights: Beachfront bar and restaurant with BBQ specials, great chill-out space on the beach, views across to Koh Nang Yuan
• Dorms from: $14
• Private rooms from: $52
• Location: Sairee Beach, Koh Tao, directly on the sand with the main bars and restaurants within a five-minute walk

If you’ve got visions of the ultimate island living, where you step out of your room and straight onto the beach, Slumber Party might just be your gal. It’s one of the only hostels on the island where the beach is basically the communal area, with people chilling on bean bags, topping up their tan or taking a dip. Sunset is where this place really comes alive, with volleyball basically becoming a daily ritual of the usual Slumber Party inhabitant. Things get pretty heated, making for your daily dose of entertainment even if you’ve no plans to get involved.

Why you’ll love this hostel:

1. Daily sunset volleyball!!
2. Social reps that get everyone involved
3. Daily events including pre-party sessions

Sunset aside, there’s tons to keep you occupied. They’ve got activities every night, run by a bunch of super lovely reps and some pretty sweet happy hour deals for some social lubrication. From trivia nights, karaoke, and some legendary pre-party sessions for Jungle Party and Leo Beach, this place is nothing short of social. If you can lean into simple beach living, it’s paradise on earth. Each dorm is its own lil bungalow; they’re sweet, no frills, and a perpetual state of sandiness is just part of the deal! If you want slightly swankier amenities and are willing to give up the stellar beachfront location for it…you can always visit for sunset 😉

7. Summer Hostel Koh Tao: Best Budget Hostel

• Price: $
• Best for: Backpackers who want a quiet, good-value base near Sairee’s bars without sleeping above them
• Highlights: Private rooms with balconies, guest kitchen and bean bag common room, cheaper fan dorms alongside the air-con ones
• Dorms from: $6
• Private rooms from: $35
• Location: Sairee, Koh Tao. Around a 10-minute walk from Sairee Beach and the main strip, with a big shop opposite

For an island so small, it’s no surprise that Koh Tao can often cost a pretty penny to stay in. Especially in peak seasons like Christmas, sometimes all you need is a cheap place to crash. Enter Summer Hostel. It’s cheap, cheerful and has everything you need to let island life do the talking. If you really want to scale back on your accommodation costs, they even have fan-only dorms that run a little cheaper than the AC kind. AC or not, every dorm has those all-important curtains for a bit of privacy and en-suite bathrooms with hot showers. They’ve even got a kitchen that can help you slash costs even further. You’d be surprised how even reheating leftovers can save that broke backpacker budget in a pinch.

Why you’ll love this hostel:

1. Wicked location
2. Super chill hostel – social, without being crazy party-heavy
3. Attached cafe next door is THE place for brekky and lunch

It’s a small hostel, which means it naturally leans pretty social. There are no crazy nightly events like the main party hubs on the island. Just sit on the bean bags in the evening, and you’ll soon find yourself lumped into a card game or a conversation with someone. It’s great for solo travellers who aren’t as keen on the relentless party scene but don’t want to feel completely like a recluse. The location is pretty wicked too. You’ve got a gym and a huge 24-hour supermarket opposite, plus the main Sairee strip is a ten-minute walk away. But MOST importantly, my favourite cafe is right next door…Summer Cafe. If you don’t visit at least once, you’re doing something wrong.

You can absolutely do Koh Tao on a budget; Summer Hostel is proof.

8. Where is hostel – Koh Tao: Best for Chilled Vibes

• Price: $$
• Best for: Backpackers after a clean, friendly base in Chalok Bay who are happy to hire a scooter or ride the shuttle to reach Sairee
• Highlights: Free breakfast, cosy indoor and lush green outdoor social spaces, super friendly staff
• Dorms from: $12
• Private rooms from: N/A
• Location: Chalok Baan Kao, on the quieter south side of Koh Tao, with Chalok Bay beach around a 6-minute walk away and cafés, bars and dive shops nearby.

Are you looking to escape the raucous island nightlife? Or maybe you just want a quieter base away from the chaos of Sairee? If so, Where is Hostel might just be the one for you. Situated in Chalok, you’re in a quieter part of the island with a more local feel whilst still being within walking distance of amenities. They’ll even give you a lift from the pier and run free shuttles to Sairee every day, so you certainly won’t be acquainted with feeling stranded.

Why you’ll love this hostel:

1. On-site gym
2. Weekly jungle hikes and night events
3. Free evening shuttle to Sairee

Where is Hostel is BIG on community. Whether it’s trips to the beach, family dinners out or Muay Thai sessions, solo travel here never means being alone. They’ve got a cosy chill-out area with beanbags and a Nintendo Switch, which gets turned on most nights and a rotating schedule of daily events. There’s even a gym on-site for when you need to burn those extra Changs off. It’s definitely a social hostel, but not one where partying is the agenda’s priority. Buuuuuut if you do fancy heading out, there’ll always be a group keen to go. It’s got the best of both worlds, AND it’s got swanky facilities to match. If you can ride a scooter and don’t mind being further from the ‘centre,’ Chalok is my preferred base!

Zoom in, zoom out, and click the one you like the most.

First things first: Koh Tao is TINY. Like driving from the top to the bottom in ten minutes tiny. You’ve got three main areas, which makes deciding where to crash pretty easy. Let me get you up to speed.

Sairee

The main backpacker hub. She’s busy, brash and has always got something going on. If you’re looking to party, chances are you’ll be in Sairee.

Best Hostels in Sairee:

• Wonderland Jungle Hostel
• Taco Shack Diving Hostel & Restaurant
• Nomads Koh Tao Hostel
• Savage Hostel Koh Tao
• Slumber Party Koh Tao

Chalok

The south of the island and the most chilled by a long stretch. Life feels slower and more local down here, with some of the island’s best beaches at your fingertips. It still has a bit of a ‘strip’ with restaurants and cafes, so things are within walking distance, but this area is the best base if you also rent a scooter.

Best Hostels in Chalok:

• Wonderland Jungle Hostel
• Where is hostel – Koh Tao

Mae Haad

When you first hop off the ferry, this is where you’ll land. Naturally, it’s the dive centre of the island, and you’ll find most dive shops have set up camp here.

Best Hostel in Mae Haad:

• Islander Hostel & Dive School

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.

Sort out your insurance before you go. There are several good options, but our overall pick is SafetyWing. Most of the Broke Backpacker team has used it at one point or another, and we’ve filed claims for rabies jabs in Bali, a hospital stay in Mexico, and a clinic visit for a stomach bug that wouldn’t quit. All paid out.

It’s month-to-month, no lock-in, no itinerary required, and you can buy it after you’ve already left. A little over $2 a day if you’re under 40.

New SafetyWing customers: use code BROKEBACKPACKER for 8 free weeks of electronics theft coverage. You have to scroll down and click the pink camera on their landing page to enter it, and you have to do it before creating your account.

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.

Still in doubt? Head back up the page to the short answers table, and you’ll find your perfect Koh Tao base in no time.

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.