Sairee is the long beach running up the north-west of the island, and it is where Koh Tao actually happens. Most of the dive schools are here, along with most of the accommodation, the bars, and the people.
The practical case is simple: this is where the most of Koh Tao is within walking distance. Chalok and Mae Haad manage it on a smaller scale, and the east coast not at all. Silver Na’s Hostel scores 9.6 on location, the highest of our Koh Tao listings, and that number is measuring exactly this.
It faces west, which is why the sunset bars are on this side and the east coast has none.
The trade is noise. Sairee is where the island’s nightlife concentrates, and a room facing the strip is a different proposition to one set back from it. Ask which way yours faces rather than assuming, because the difference is significant and the price often is not.
For a first trip, or a diving course where you will be out on a boat every morning and wanting company every evening, this is the obvious choice. For quiet, it is the wrong end of the island entirely.
Best for
Being able to walk to everything, and meeting other people
Nightly range
฿3,330–฿5,236 a night
Local tips
- The part of Koh Tao where you are least likely to need transport
- Sunset is on this side, which is why the beach bars are here and not on the east
- Also the loudest part of the island, so ask which way the room faces