There is a huge variety of accommodation for every taste & budget in Koh Tao. The most developed and popular areas are Sairee, Mae Haad & Chalok Baan Kao.
Room qualities range from basic huts, boutique hotels and beach resorts to luxury villas with all western amenities. The average fan bungalow with a shower/toilet inside will start from 400 Baht daily, air-con rooms with tv & hot water are from 1.500 Baht up.
Most resorts supply 24hr electricity, but some remote bungalows still use their own generators, which may be shut off at certain times, if that's not convenient for you, better double check before booking.
Prices can change with the season. Peak seasons are from December to March and July to August. Then and during special Thai holidays like Songkran, the island be can actually booked out. Securing the room of your choice as early as possible can be crucial for a satisfying holiday experience.
Don't want to leave anytime soon? There are plenty of choices for long-stay visitors or future ex-pats. Located in hillside areas or lush valleys, you can choose from wooden bungalows to fully equipped houses. There are also plenty of guesthouses with fully furnished rooms, that offer daily & monthly rates - a low-cost, high-quality choice for anybody who doesn't need to stay on the beach.

Best Places to Stay on Koh Tao

Sairee Beach and Village	RESORTS \| SCUBA DIVING SCHOOLS \| MAP
Sairee's white sandy beach stretches about 1.7km over most of the west coast, interrupted only by a few scenic huge boulders. Mae Haad is only a 10 min walk away. Being the most popular area on Tao, Sairee offers a huge range of accommodation, dive centers, restaurants, shops, beach bars, travel & email services, nurseries, etc. You also find here the Fishery Museum, the Rama V rock monument and on the hill way to Mae Haad the police station, the public school and the temple.
Mae Haad Town & Bay	RESORTS \| SCUBA DIVING SCHOOLS \| MAP
All boats arrive here. Naturally highly developed, but still managing to keep some of its old fishing village charm. Money exchange, ATM's, a bank, post office, government offices are here, as well as offices for most of the dive centers. Lots of travel agents, email services, bike rentals, supermarkets, boutiques, restaurants and night spots. A few budget and upmarket resorts are located on both ends and many guesthouse reside throughout town.
Chalok Ban Khao	RESORTS \| SCUBA DIVING SCHOOLS \| MAP
Third largest beach, located on the southern coast facing Phangan and Samui. Much quieter than Sairee, but offers a similar variety of accommodation, eateries and nightlife. Along with its many viewpoints, it is beautifully framed by Taa Toh lagoon to the east and Saan Jao beach to the west. A rock formation at cape Taa Toh resembles a sitting Buddha, best to be seen from the opposite beach.
Thian Og Bay - Shark Bay	RESORTS \| SCUBA DIVING SCHOOLS \| MAP
Next Chalok Baan Kao. Private bay with reef sharks, luxurious hillside spa & resort at the eastside; a hilltop yoga retreat with deck restaurant and bungalows at the west.
Tanote Bay	RESORTS \| SCUBA DIVING SCHOOLS \| MAP
Well preserved, secluded bay with excellent snorkelling, 5 laidback resorts, incl. a dive resort & watersport center with kayaks & water ski, as well as a German dive school.
North-West Coat and Nangyuan	RESORTS \| SCUBA DIVING SCHOOLS \| MAP
This hillside coastline starts at the end of Sairee beach and offers every kind of accommodation from cheap huts to excusive designer resorts, the most recent one facing Nangyuan. This unique island, with its triple-connecting beach, has only one dive resort catering for all budgets.
Jansom Bay	RESORTS \| SCUBA DIVING SCHOOLS \| MAP
Private bay (visitors welcome) with an exclusive, spec-tacular upmarket resort & spa. Always excellent snorkel-ling, due the lack of low tide. Just 10 min walk from the pier, connects to Sai Nuan bay and neighbours a budget resort.
Sai Nuan Beach	RESORTS \| SCUBA DIVING SCHOOLS \| MAP
After Jansom bay, reached by foot or better by longtail, one resort with spa 7 a few simple bungalows, laidback, ideal for nature lovers.
Cape Jeda Gang	RESORTS \| SCUBA DIVING SCHOOLS \| MAP
South-west coast, taxi boat recommended, one resort, simple huts & solid bungalows. Can't get it more private.
June Juea Beach	RESORTS \| SCUBA DIVING SCHOOLS \| MAP
South-west coast, best reached by foot or longtail, three simple, small bungalow resorts, a real getaway .
Sai Daeng Beach	RESORTS \| SCUBA DIVING SCHOOLS \| MAP
Two resorts and dive schools nestled in an idyllic bay & a sandy beach, closest to one of Tao's prime dive & snorkel sites: Shark Island. Best reached by boat or 4-wheel.
Ao Leuk	RESORTS \| SCUBA DIVING SCHOOLS \| MAP
On the way to Tanote bay, with a beautiful beach. You can swim or just sit in crystal clear water surrounded by fish. A few simple resorts in a stunning surrounding.
Lang Khaai Bay	RESORTS \| SCUBA DIVING SCHOOLS \| MAP
Little quiet getaway bay before Tanote with only three small budget bungalow resorts, some cater for long term stay. Little beach but very good snorkelling. Best reached by taxi or boat.
Laem Thian	RESORTS \| SCUBA DIVING SCHOOLS \| MAP
Between Tanote & Hin Wong, a private cape with a small bay, excellent snorkelling and one little family resort. A remote refuge with free pick up service.
Hin Wong Bay	RESORTS \| SCUBA DIVING SCHOOLS \| MAP
North-east coast, four easy-going hillside resorts and one dive school, very good snorkeling with abundant coral reefs in a natural pool.
Mango Bay	RESORTS \| SCUBA DIVING SCHOOLS \| MAP
The only bay in the North, can be reached by car or more easy by boat. Little beach, excellent underwater sights, popular dive site. Two hillside resorts with pickup service.