Affordable Hostels for Backpackers in Koh Tao

Affordable Hostels for Backpackers in Koh Tao
Koh Tao is a small island off the Central Gulf Coast of Southern Thailand. It's part of the Chumphon Archipelago which also includes Koh Samui and Koh Phangan. Koh Tao not only attracts backpackers but also scuba divers and nature lovers. The island offers a wide range of accommodation types for visitors, from the most basic bungalows to more luxurious resorts.

It's easy to find accommodation in Koh Tao once you arrive. Booking after you arrive lets you see what you're getting and usually means you can negotiate the best deal on the price. If you're visiting during the peak season (December to March and July and August), it might be worth booking ahead of time. Most people go scuba diving while they're on the island and most dive schools also have accommodation attached. If you're taking a class through the school you can usually get a significantly reduced price or free accommodation.

Most of the accommodation in Koh Tao is found in either Sairee Beach or Chalok Bay. Sairee Beach is the largest beach on the island. It's located on the west side of the island starting near the ferry terminal. The area has many dive schools, restaurants, and bars. There's a lively nightlife scene in the southern and central areas and a quieter area to the north.

Chalok Bay has a more relaxed vibe with a large number of restaurants and bars. There is a wide range of accommodation from the cheapest bungalows to fancy resorts in this area.

There are a few affordable hostels and bungalows listed below.
How much do hostels in Koh Tao cost?

You can find our comprehensive analysis of all hostel prices in Koh Tao here. We've found the average prices of dorms and private rooms, as well as the typical prices of hostels with various amenities, too.



A good hostel for solo travellers and backpackers.

Dorm Bed from $9.41
Private Room from $15.69
Overall Rating: 92%
52/1 Moo 1, Sairee, Koh Tao
Summer Hostel Koh Tao is an affordable option for backpackers and budget travelers. It has dorms that sleep up to six or eight people and private rooms include doubles, twins, or three bed rooms. The six bed dorms are air conditioned and the eight bed dorms have a fan. The rooms are simple with beds and security lockers. Dorm beds also include power outlets and a reading light. The hostel also has a very basic kitchen with a microwave, toaster oven, and refrigerator and there's a common room where guests can hang out. Wi-fi access is available.

The staff here are friendly and helpful. They're available all day to answer any questions you might have or help you arrange any number of activities. Options include Thai cooking classes, scuba diving, snorkeling, paddle-boarding, and more. There's also a roof top terrace where you can take a yoga class several days a week.


A safe and comfortable hostel for backpackers and independent travellers.

Dorm Bed from $16.32
Private Room from $17.26
Overall Rating: 60%
14/143 Moo 1 (across from Choppers and Diza Bar), Koh Tao
Indie Hostel is another popular option in Koh Tao. It's a relatively affordable and comfortable option in a good location. It's north of Sairee Beach near bars, restaurants, and a 7/11 and it's also close to the beach.

The hostel is relatively modern with very comfortable beds. In the dorms there are "pods" that include a good mattress, a blanket, a power outlet, and a reading light. There's also a safe inside the pod. The privacy curtain ensures you'll get a good nights sleep. The dorms sleep six, eight, or eighteen people. There are also single and double private rooms.


Dorm Bed from $7.85
Private Room from $6.35
(Prices vary by season)
Overall Rating: 100%
25/46 Moo. 2 Mea Haad, Koh Tao, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao
This terrific hostel offers friendly service. The good location and overall vibe also make it very popular. When it's time to eat, it's also nice because there's a microwave. Wi-fi, security lockers, luggage storage, parking, and housekeeping are also on the list to make sure your stay is very comfortable.


Dorm Bed from $7.85
Private Room from $15.69
(Prices vary by season)
Overall Rating: 100%
2/83 Moo 2 Koh Tao, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao
Kohtao Bluegelato House & Hostel is very popular due to the atmosphere, great location, and long list of amenities. It features friendly service. When it's time to eat, it's also nice because there's a microwave. Wi-fi, towels included, internet access, and housekeeping are also on the list to make sure your stay is very comfortable.


Dorm Bed from $18.36
(Prices vary by season)
Overall Rating: 100%
15/122 MOO 1 T. KOH TAO A. KOH PHANGAN, Koh Tao
You'll love this hostel because of it's good location and quality amenities. It features friendly service and a common room. Wi-fi, key card access, towels included, internet access, air conditioning, and housekeeping are also on the list to make sure your stay is very comfortable.

Private Room from $7.55
(Prices vary by season)
Overall Rating: 100%
15/19,Moo 1 Sairee Village, Koh Tao
You'll love this hotel because of it's good location and quality amenities. It features friendly service.


Dorm Bed from $13.18
Private Room from $27.30
(Prices vary by season)
Overall Rating: 98%
3/1 Moo 3 Koh Tao Koh Phangan, Koh Tao
This terrific hostel offers friendly service, a bar, a common room, board games, and foosball. The good location and overall vibe also make it very popular. When it's time to eat, it's also nice because there's a restaurant, a cafe, and a microwave. Wi-fi, laundry facilities, security lockers, luggage storage, parking, towels included, internet access, air conditioning, and housekeeping are also on the list to make sure your stay is very comfortable.


Dorm Bed from $18.83
(Prices vary by season)
Overall Rating: 96%
9/6 Moo.2 Koh Tao, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao
This terrific hostel offers friendly service, a bar, a common room, and board games. The good location and overall vibe also make it very popular. When it's time to eat, it's also nice because there's a cafe. Wi-fi, security lockers, luggage storage, key card access, parking, towels included, internet access, air conditioning, and housekeeping are also on the list to make sure your stay is very comfortable.
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More Accommodation Options

Check these out other nearby places to stay.

For more accommodation prices and options, check out our guide covering Koh Tao hotel prices for your next trip.



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Affordable Hostels for Backpackers in Koh Tao | Budget Your Trip

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