So you decided on your next destination: Koh Tao. Well, first, let me tell you that itās an excellent choice.
Then, you should know that Koh Tao is great when it comes to hostels too.
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If youāre planning on backpacking Koh Tao while in Thailand, hereās a list of the best hostels in Koh Tao.
Koh Tao Backpacking | Best Koh Tao Hostels & Travel Tips
Why Every Backpacker Should Stay in Koh Tao While in Thailand
Koh Tao is a small island, but it wonāt disappoint when it comes to beauty! Koh Tao is, by far, the most beautiful Thai island.
Itās also a great destination for adventurers and water lovers. If you love to snorkel or want to try scuba diving, you should definitely head to Koh Tao at some point.
What to look out for when booking your hostel in Koh Tao, Thailand
Personally, I love staying in hostels as it allows me to meet and connect with fellow travelers. The atmosphere is actually one of the reasons that will make me love or remember a hostel.
Of course, this means you want to stay somewhere where thereās something going on ā especially on a small island like Koh Tao!
If you arenāt comfortable with the idea of riding a scooter then you should also consider the location of your hostel so you can walk easily to every good restaurant and bar around you.
Otherwise, driving a scooter will make your life easier! If you arenāt sure if driving a scooter is right for you yet, well, you should know that driving in Koh Tao is relatively easy.
The roads are wide, the traffic goes quite slow and it wonāt be super overwhelming!
Although, if youāre planning on driving to the viewpoints, the hills can be quite steep and there can be gravel, so only experienced drivers should try these roads.
Anyway, if youāre not planning on driving, an area such as Sairee Beach would be an excellent choice!
Iād also suggest that you read reviews when making a booking to make sure you get a positive experience out of your trip.
Top & Best Backpacker Hostels in Koh Tao, Thailand
In this post, youāll find information about the best Koh Tao hostels:
| Hostel | Ideal For | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| The Dearly Koh Tao Hostel | Solo travelers | 9.3 |
| Nirvana Guesthouse and Hostel | Solo travelers | 9.0 |
| Savage Hostel | Backpackers and couples | 8.8 |
| BP Hostel | Solo travelers | 8.7 |
| White Jail | Solo travelers | 8.9 |
| Oasis Hotel-Pods | Solo travelers | 8.8 |
| DPM Koh Tao Diving Hotel & Bar | Solo travelers | 8.6 |
| Indie Hostel | Backpackers | 8.5 |
| V Hostel | Solo travelers | 8.4 |
The Dearly Koh Tao Hostel
The Dearly Koh Tao Hostel is the hostel in Koh Tao with the best reviews at the moment. It has a clean, modern and very bright design. They offer dorms and private rooms on site as well as a rooftop area, a huge pool, a restaurant and a bar.
The rooms come with a very good breakfast and itās also a great option for solo travelers as the atmosphere is quite promising. The hostel is located not too far from Chalok Baan Kao Beach.
Nirvana Guesthouse and Hostel
Nirvana Guesthouse and Hostel also has great reviews. They offer both dorms and private rooms and letās take a few minutes to talk about their beautiful dorms.
They have these āpodsā that promise a bit more privacy if we compare with ānormal dormsā. Thereās a terrace on site.
In terms of location, itās brilliant, especially for those not keen on driving around the island. The hostel is located only 2 minutes away from the Pier and you could reach the famous Sai Nuan Beach easily.
Savage Hostel
Savage Hostel is a unique and beautiful hostel to consider for your stay in Koh Tao. (It would be my pick!) They offer both dorms and private rooms.
Their dorms are offering privacy with a pod style. Thereās a huge pool as well as a roof-top which should be offering great views!
Thereās a restaurant on site which offers delicious breakfasts (the restaurant is also open to the public).
The set up is great for those traveling with their laptop too (hello digital nomads). Located in Sairee Beach, itās definitely one of the best locations.
BP Hostel
BP Hostel is the kind of hostels which make you feel like at home. With their cozy chill vibes, you can also relax on the terrace.
Itās a very budget-friendly hostel which is great considering most accommodation options can be expensive in Koh Tao.
Located in Sairee Beach, itās a great option if youāre on a budget.
White Jail
White Jail suggests a jail concept, but Iād say their jail idea looks modern and quite comfortable! The name comes from their location history, as the area used to b a political prison.
They offer both private rooms and dorms and there are a lot of areas where you can sit and relax on site.
Thereās also a terrace and a bar and it comes with a good breakfast too. Located a few minutes away from the pier, itās a great option.
Oasis Hotel-Pods
Oasis Hotel-Pods nailed it in terms of pod-style dorms including single bedsā¦ and double beds. You can either relax nex the swimming pool or in the lounge.
Located a few minutes away from the pier, itās a great location for sunset lovers and for those who donāt want to go around via scooter.
DPM Koh Tao Diving Hotel & Bar
DPM Koh Tao Diving Hotel & Bar is a great option for those who are planning on diving while in Koh Tao. (Thinking about diving in Koh Tao? Read about my Open Water experience in Koh Tao here.)
They offer both private rooms as well as dorms. Their dorms offer a bit of privacy with their curtains around the beds. Thereās also a bar and a restaurant on site. This one is located right on the beach which means itās a great location too.
Indie Hostel
Indie Hostel is a budget-friendly hostel that offers a modern design as well as very cool dorms (pod-style). They also offer private rooms. Featuring a terrace, a bar and a restaurant, you can also add their very good breakfast a big bonus!
Itās a great option for solo travelers and especially since their private rooms are super affordable. Located on Sairee Beach, this hostel is an excellent choice!
V Hostel
V Hostel offers pods and dorms (they call their rooms apartments, so check the photos before booking your room) at very affordable rates. Their rooms come with a tasty breakfast and a fully equipped kitchen which is quite rare for Koh Tao.
Located 1 kilometre away from the pier, itās not a bad location either!
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