Koh Tao is more laid back than its neighbour Ko Pha Ngan and Ko Samui, and it offers travellers palm-fringed beaches with white sand and turquoise seas, as well as world-class scuba diving and the chance to see whale sharks.

It’s just a small island, but there’s plenty of choice when it comes to accommodation, so it can be tricky to know your best option. Hostels are a great way to save yourself some cash and meet like-minded travellers too! Don’t worry though, that doesn’t mean you have to compromise on comfort and quality.

To give you a hand, we’ve searched for the best hostels on the island to find what’s best and most relevant for your trip – taking into account itinerary and more importantly, budget.

Thankfully, there are lots to choose from, including some wild backpacker party hostels, some cheap no-frills options, and even some island paradises right up in the jungle. So, let’s have a look at the best that Koh Tao has to offer!

Quick Answers – The Coolest Hostels in Koh Tao

#1 Best overall hostel in Koh Tao: The Dearly Koh Tao Hostel
#2 Best party hostel in Koh Tao: Taco Shack Hostel Sairee Beach
#3 Best hostel for solo travellers in Koh Tao: BP Hostel Koh Tao
#4 Best hostel near John – Suwan Viewpoint: Deishaview Jungle Hostel
#5 Best hostel near Sairee Beach: Indie Hostel Koh Tao
#6 Best hostel near Ao Tanote Beach: Summer of ‘69
#7 Best hostel near Koh Tao View point: V Hostel Koh Tao
#8 Best hostel near Mae Haad Pier: Bed and Ink Hostel Koh Tao
#9 Best high-end hostel in Koh Tao: White Jail @ Koh Tao Hostel
#10 Best budget hostel in Koh Tao: Spicytao Backpackers
#11 Best hostel with private rooms in Koh Tao: Goodtime Beach Backpackers Koh Tao

#1 – The Dearly Koh Tao Hostel

 Best overall hostel in Koh Tao

• Cost – $$
• Location – 14/55 Moo 3, Chalok Baan Kao Beach
• Reviews → Check on Hostel World

Why we like The Dearly Koh Tao Hostel…
This beautiful, eco-friendly hostel is hidden between the island’s tropical rainforest and Chalok Baan Kao Beach. The unique design comes with a lot of perks including a swimming pool, roof terrace, common room. If that doesn’t give you enough opportunity to get chatting to fellow travellers, try heading to the restaurant, bar, or café!

The Dearly Koh Tao Hostel is perfect for…
If you want to relax and unwind during your stay on the island, then there’s no better place than the Dearly Koh Tao Hostel. The friendly Thai locals who run the hostel will make sure that you have an authentic experience and will help you with anything you need along the way!

P.S. You must check out our article about some of the most adventurous day trips from Chiang Mai!

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#2 – Taco Shack Hostel Sairee Beach

 Best party hostel in Koh Tao

• Cost – $$
  
• Location – 27/11 Moo 1
• Reviews → Check on Hostel World

Why we like Taco Shack Hostel Sairee Beach…
This brilliantly named hostel is wright by Sairee Beach – famous for its vibrant nightlife. Meet up with other travellers in the spacious and comfortable dorms before heading out onto the rooftop to watch the sunset. After sundown, there are games and activities to help you meet and socialise – washed down with the obligatory beers, cocktails, and buckets!

Taco Shack Hostel Sairee Beach is perfect for…
If you want to be close to Koh Tao’s main nightlife, as well as getting an early start in the hostel, then this is a great option to stay in! Not only are there a wide option of drinks available, but there’s an onsite restaurant too. It’s great for soaking up a hangover, and there’s tasty Mexican food for when you’re a bit tired of rice and noodles!

MUST READ – If you are heading to Bangkok next you need to read our post about the 17 COOLEST party hostels in Bangkok.

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Need more specifics? Here are the best neighborhoods in Koh Tao to stay!

#3 – BP Hostel Koh Tao

 Best hostel for solo travellers in Koh Tao

• Cost – $$
  
• Location – 17 Moo.1, Sairee beach, Kohtao, Koh Pha ngan 
• Reviews → Check on Hostel World

Why we like BP Hostel Koh Tao…
This great value hostel has plenty of common areas where you can chat with fellow travellers, making it a great spot if you’re travelling solo. The hostel can also help with scuba diving and snorkelling trips, as well as having motorbikes to rent for exploring the island! Free Wi-Fi is a nice touch to help you stay in touch with your nearest and dearest too.

BP Hostel Koh Tao is perfect for…
Solo travellers looking for a friendly atmosphere but don’t want to go overboard to a full-on party hostel will love BP Hostel. It’s in a great location too, meaning that if the hostel is quiet, it’s not hard to meet people nearby at restaurants, bars, and cafes.

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#4 – Deishaview Jungle Hostel

 Best hostel near John – Suwan Viewpoint

• Cost – $$
  
• Location – Ko Tao, Ko Pha-ngan District, Surat Thani 84280
• Reviews → Check on Hostel World

Why we like Deishaview Jungle Hostel…
This secluded hostel offers you a chance to fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Koh Tao. It’s a little out of the centre, but it’s close to the John – Suwan Viewpoint – one of the best spots on the island for panoramic photos. Therefore, if you want to be close by, there’s nowhere better to stay!

Deishaview Jungle Hostel is perfect for…
Travellers who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life will be able to escape completely here. You’re totally surrounded by lush, tropical rainforest, and just a short hop from the beach. One thing to consider is it’s 100 steps to the hostel entrance – so, make sure you’re in shape before you arrive!

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Enjoy your stay in Koh Tao! Check out our guide for what to do in Koh Tao while you’re there!

 

#5 – Indie Hostel Koh Tao

 Best hostel near Sairee Beach

• Cost – $$
  
• Location – 14/143 Moo 1, (across from Choppers and Diza Bar) 
• Reviews → Check on Hostel World

Why we like Indie Hostel Koh Tao…
This clean and modern hostel is just a leisurely stroll from Sairee Beach, and the best option if you want to be close to this exciting part of Koh Tao. We love the privacy of the pod beds, which come with a reading light, chargers, and a curtain so you can be totally close off from the rest of the world!

Indie Hostel Koh Tao is perfect for…
Travellers who want to be close to one of the most popular beaches in Koh Tao but still want to enjoy the luxury of an (almost) private space and a good night’s sleep will be delighted with Indie Hostel. Sairee beach is a party area and can be a bit noisy – so take this into account, especially when booking one of the private rooms!

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Want to see all of Pattaya? Get started with accommodation in Pattaya’s best neighborhoods!

Take a peak at this awesome article about Koh Tao by Czech the World!

#6 – Summer of ‘69

 Best hostel near Ao Tanote Beach

• Cost – $
  
• Location – 2/34 Moo 3, Maehaad
• Reviews → Check on Hostel World

Why we like Summer of ‘69…
Ao Tanote Beach is one the east side of the island, and it’s almost completely secluded. There aren’t any hostels right nearby, but the small and relaxed hostel is at the end of the road to Ao Tanote – so rent a scooter and you can’t go wrong! The hammocks are a great place to have an early afternoon doze too!

Summer of ’69 is perfect for…
If you want a relaxed stay at a good price, while being just a short and easy ride from Ao Tanote Beach, then Summer of ’69 ticks all those boxes. Regular music and jam sessions and BBQs are often a great way to bring guests together, so if you’re travelling solo this will make it much easier to meet people!

MUST READ – Take a look at our guide to the best places to visit in Thailand.

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Editor’s Note – No matter where you are traveling, you NEED to have great travel insurance. We have personally tested TONS of travel insurance companies, and can say without a doubt that World Nomads is the absolute best (and most affordable!).  Fill out this form to get a quote for your trip to Koh Tao!

 

#7 – V Hostel Koh Tao

Best hostel near Koh Tao View point

• Cost – $$
  
• Location – 26/49, Koh Tao Suratthani
• Reviews → Check on Hostel World

Why we like V Hostel Koh Tao…
This calm and restful hostel is a little off the beaten track and just a short journey from one of the island’s most beautiful spots – the Koh Tao viewpoint. There are two chill areas – one indoor and another out, so there’s plenty of spots to chat to other travellers and make friends!

V Hostel Koh Tao is perfect for…
If you want to be within walking distance of the Koh Tao viewpoint (albeit you’ll have a steep journey up), then V Hostel is a great option. Spending a few days here and want to try scuba diving? No problem – the hostel also has a diving school which can help even beginners with their first dives!

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Koh Phi Phi is incredible! There are tons of things to do there!

#8 – Bed and Ink Hostel Koh Tao

 Best hostel near Mae Haad Pier

 

• Cost – $$
  
• Location – 7/6 Moo. 2, Maehaad Koh tao koh pangan
• Reviews → Check on Hostel World

Why we like Bed and Ink Hostel Koh Tao…
The only way to travel to and from Koh Tao is by ferry, so if you want to be close to the island’s only transport hub, look no further than this cool and original hostel. It’s only a minute’s walk from Mae Haad Pier, and even better – Mae Haad Beach! We love the vibes in the on-site bar.

Bed and Ink Hostel Koh Tao is perfect for…
If you need to be close to Mae Haad Pier because you have an early morning or late-night departure, then Bed and Ink Hostel will help ease your worries of getting to and from the pier as you can roll out of bed just minutes before. Also, it means you’ll save money on taxis and having to lug your heavy luggage around!

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Looking for the Party? We’ve got you covered with our guide to the best full moon party hostels in Thailand!

#9 – White Jail @ Koh Tao Hostel

 Best high-end hostel in Koh Tao

• Cost – $$
  
• Location – 25/46 Moo. 2, Mea Haad, Koh Tao, Koh Phangan
• Reviews → Check on Hostel World

Why we like White Jail @ Koh Tao Hostel…
This new and modern hostel is set in a building that was used as a political prison in the early 20^th century. Back then, it certainly wasn’t high end, but now it’s packed with comfy beds and some great facilities in the private rooms including flat screen TVs and sofas!

White Jail @ Koh Tao Hostel is perfect for…
If you want a slightly different experience from your hostel in Koh Tao, then this is a great option. The twins are a little bit more pricey than alternative rooms on the island, but they’re well worth the money. Mod cons like televisions and sofas make that extra spend well worth the money, and help provide a home away from home!

Editor’s Note – Heading to Chiang Mai next? Check out our post about the top hostels in Chiang Mai.

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#10 – Spicytao Backpackers

 Best budget hostel in Koh Tao

• Cost – $
  
• Location – 25 M.1 T. Koh Tao A., Koh Pra Ngan 
• Reviews → Check on Hostel World

Why we like Spicytao Backpackers…
The cheapest dorms on the island make Spicytao a great place to stay if you’re watching your cash during your stay in Koh Tao. However, don’t think that means you’ll be in somewhere bare and cold! This friendly hostel has an outdoor sundeck, common area, and garden complete with hammocks – great with socialising and making friends!

Spicytao Backpackers is perfect for…
If you want to spend as little as possible while still getting an enjoyable hostel experience, then look no further than Spicytao hostel. As well as what’s mentioned above, the hostel also has a huge movie collection – great for staying in on an evening and having a movie night – a cheaper alternative than hitting the town!

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Still debating what to pack? Here is the ultimate packing list for Thailand.

#11 – Goodtime Beach Backpackers Koh Tao

Best hostel with private rooms in Koh Tao

• Cost – $$
  
• Location – 14/2, Moo 1 
• Reviews → Check on Hostel World

Why we like Goodtime Beach Backpackers Koh Tao…
When it comes to private rooms, this tropical resort style hostel has a huge range of choice including twins, doubles, and triples. The best part is that they’re not just private rooms – they’re private bungalows! We love the beach bar where you can have a game of pool, rent a paddleboard, or simply just chill over a beer with fellow travellers!

Goodtime Beach Backpackers Koh Tao is perfect for…
Travellers who are tired of sharing their space, or couples who are looking for a bit of privacy will be delighted with the private bungalows on offer here at Goodtime Beach Backpackers. If you want to explore the island, then it’s also a great spot – the on-site adventure team can help you book scuba diving, snorkelling, and cliff jumping tours!

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Other best hostels in Koh Tao

#12 – Summer Hostel Koh Tao

• Cost – $
  
• Location – 52/1 Moo 1, Sairee
• Reviews → Check on Hostel World

Why we like Summer Hostel Koh Tao…
This sociable and friendly hostel is a great place to relax and unwind during your stay on Koh Tao. The large and comfy beds are perfect for a good night’s sleep! Summer Hostel is a great spot to meet others thanks to the large common room and spacious dorms. Why not ask the friendly staff to help you organise a Thai cooking class, so you can impress your friends on your return home?!

Summer Hostel Koh Tao is perfect for…
Travellers who want a fun, sociable and authentic experience of the island will be delighted with Summer Hostel Koh Tao. It’s great if you’re on a budget too, with very reasonably priced rooms, and a large kitchen giving you the opportunity to cook your own meals and saving money on eating out!

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#13 – Oasis Hostel – Pods

• Cost – $$
  
• Location – 1/74 Moo. 2, Oasis Hotel Pods T. Koh Tao A. Koh Pha 
• Reviews → Check on Hostel World

Why we like Oasis Hostel – Pods…
This modern and unusual hostel is a great option if you want to combine the sociability of a hostel but want your own private space – as all the beds here are private pods! There’s shelving, hooks, and chargers in the pods so you’re assured of having space for everything. It’s hard to say if the best part of this hostel is the swimming pool or the sea views from the dorm!

Oasis Hostel – Pods is perfect for…
Travellers who want to have their own private space but don’t want to pay for a whole room to themselves will love the cool pod style beds in this hostel! It’s just a hop, skip, and a jump to the beach as well, so you can roll out of bed and be sunbathing, swimming, or snorkelling within minutes!

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FAQ’s

How Much are Hostels in Koh Tao?

Most dormitory rooms in Koh Tao will cost between $10 and $20, while a private room will be around $20 on the low end and up to $50 depending on the place.

What are Hostels in Koh Tao Like?

Expect island magic, beautiful beaches, and a chill atmosphere! Koh Tao is famous for its picturesque swimming and scuba diving conditions, and many hostels capitalize on these attractions. You'll be close to the beach and many hostels will organize activities during your stay.

How Safe are Hostels in Koh Tao?

Typically fairly safe, though some petty crime does happen. Hostels in general have good security features and as long as you take standard precaution, you shouldn't have any issues going out!

How to Find Hostels in Koh Tao?

Check out HostelWorld where you can refine your search to fit your travel dates and budget! If you're traveling around Thailand, you can probably get some recommendations from other travelers as well.

 

	Best overall hostel in Koh Tao The Dearly Koh Tao Hostel Free breakfast, free city maps, free internet access	Check Best Price
	Best party hostel in Koh Tao Taco Shack Hostel Sairee Beach Free city maps, free wifi, bar	Check Best Price
	Best hostel for solo travellers in Koh Tao BP Hostel Koh Tao Free wifi	Check Best Price
	Best hostel near John – Suwan Viewpoint Deishaview Jungle Hostel Free city maps, free wifi, bar	Check Best Price
	Best hostel near Sairee Beach Indie Hostel Koh Tao Bar, free wifi, towels included	Check Best Price
	Best hostel near Ao Tanote Beach Summer of ‘69 Free city maps, free wifi, bar	Check Best Price
	Best hostel near Koh Tao View point V Hostel Koh Tao Free city maps, free wifi, free parking	Check Best Price
	Best hostel near Mae Haad Pier Bed and Ink Hostel Koh Tao Free city maps, free wifi, bar	Check Best Price
	Best high-end hostel in Koh Tao White Jail @ Koh Tao Hostel Bar, free airtport transfer, free parking	Check Best Price
	Best budget hostel in Koh Tao Spicytao Backpackers Free city maps, free wifi, bar	Check Best Price
	Best hostel with private rooms in Koh Tao Goodtime Beach Backpackers Koh Tao Free city maps, free wifi, bar	Check Best Price

 

Conclusion

So, that’s all from us. We’ve taken a deep and detailed look at the best hostels in Koh Tao, and we’re pretty sure that there’ll be something on our extensive list that will suit your travel style, but even more importantly – your wallet!

After all, we wouldn’t want you to have to miss out on one of Thailand’s coolest and most relaxing islands!

Hostels are an important way to travel. Although the cost of travel in Thailand is pretty low, there a really great way to meet other travellers and make friends. Hostels are still the cheapest way to travel, and with the money you save maybe you can try scuba diving on the island or travel further afield in this magnificent country.

And remember our number one choice – The Dearly Koh Tao Hostel. Whichever hostel you settle on, we hope that you have the trip of a lifetime! Also, if you are staying in Bangkok, you should check out our post about the best hostels in Bangkok.

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