Two stunning white-sand beaches lined with lounge chairs and hammocks
Rooms have gorgeous ocean views
Walking distance to John-Suwan viewpoint
Two beachfront bars and a restaurant
Free Wi-Fi in common areas
Kayaks and snorkels for rent
Highly rundown rooms and some terrible bathrooms
Wooden Bungalows don't have air-conditioning
Jungle pathways are challenging and unsafe, especially at night
No restaurants or shops easily walkable
Unreliable Wi-Fi
Taatoh Resort & Freedom Beach Resort is a barebones two-pearl hotel located along Koh Tao’s sleepy southern coast, a 10-minute drive from Mae Haad Pier. The only highlights are the beaches, with two stunning white-sand bays that rival even those found at some of the island’s luxury resorts. The 50-room property is perched along a jungle cliffside (difficult climbing and unsafe pathways) and offers fan-only bungalows, plus concrete seafront dwellings with air-conditioning. Rooms are rundown, with numerous issues like bugs, shoddy construction, and terrible bathrooms, though most have spectacular ocean views. Facilities include a restaurant, two bars, beach volleyball, and kayak rentals. As an alternative, Koh Tao Tropicana Resort has nicer rooms and low rates in nearby Chalok Baan.
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.
Scene
A tired budget resort, which features two of the most stunning beaches on Koh Tao
Guests who book a stay at Taatoh Resort definitely don’t do so for the quality of the rooms or facilities. They come exclusively for the gorgeous white-sand beaches and low rates. Considering there really isn’t much to do at the hotel except for hang by the beach, it’s not surprising that much of the guest activities are concentrated here. The main beach, Taatoh Beach, has an upbeat vibe and includes a bar, plenty of lounge chairs, hammocks, and a volleyball net. On the far end of the property is Freedom Beach, which is more undeveloped and tranquil, and offers decent snorkeling plus a second bar. The two beachfront bars are where most guests dine, but are essentially just makeshift open-air beach shacks with Thai floor cushion seating. Rooms and facilities are scattered organically throughout the jungle cliffside and amongst the granite boulders that jut out along the seafront. Freedom Beach and seafront rooms are linked to the main property via a long and narrow cement walkway the stretches out along the oceanfront. The hotel mainly attracts young couples, solo travelers, and groups who don't mind the tired rooms in exchange for low rates and beach access.
Location
On the beach, walkable to John-Suwan viewing point, and a five-minute drive from downtown Chalok Baan
The hotel is located along Koh Tao's sleepy southern coast, overlooking two stunning white-sand bays. Besides the beach, another main attraction attached to the property is the John-Suwan viewpoint (about a 20-minute walk to the top), which features one of the most spectacular views on the island. Although, the strenuous jungle hike to the viewpoint is highly challenging and not for those with a fear of heights. The nearest restaurants and shops are located in the quiet little town of Chalok Baan, a 15-minute walk or five-minute drive along steep and pothole covered roads. Guests without motorbike transport (no car rentals available on Koh Tao) will want take the added transfer costs into consideration, as Koh Tao's taxis are pricy and going to-and-fro can quickly blow the budget. The island's port, Mae Haad Pier, is located around a 10-minute drive from the hotel. Sairee Beach, the island's main tourist hub, is a 15-minute drive away.
Rooms
Rundown AC seafront rooms, or fan-only bungalows with terrible bathrooms
The budget hotel features wooden bungalows and concrete dwellings spread out along a steep cliffside and seafront. The only highlight of the rooms are the spectacular ocean views from the balconies. The Wooden Bungalows are dingy, dark, and rundown. They're constructed with simple wooden framework clad in thin plywood, and ancient wooden floors. Also, they don’t include any amenities, except for a tiny wall fan and get extremely hot. Another huge issue are the bugs -- as wooden bungalows are set within a fairly thick jungle hillside (challenging climbing and dimly lit).
Upper-category rooms are set seafront and are closer to the facilities. Although they're also highly dated and underwhelming, they are a bit of a step up and include air-conditioning and standing fans, plus they have better natural light and airflow. Only the highest-tier rooms are outfitted with TVs and mini-fridges, but none of the rooms have safes. Furnishings are basic and rundown, with wooden platform beds and firm mattresses, tiny clothing wardrobes, and balcony chairs.
All bathrooms are quite primitive and include just a small freestanding sink, a tiny mirror, and a bar of soap. The shower head (poor pressure) is set in the middle of the space, with no divider to keep everything from getting soaked. Wooden Bungalow bathrooms are especially nightmarish, with claustrophobic spaces you can barely turn in, dangerously steep steps, and awful odors.
Features
Direct beach access, a restaurant and beachfront bars, plus kayaks and snorkels to rent
Taatoh Resort doesn't have much on offer in terms of facilities, with the one and only real attraction being the beach. Facilities are limited to a restaurant and two beachfront bars, plus the hotel rents out kayaks and snorkeling gear. The restaurant and bars are highly rudimentary and the food reviews are quite a mixed bag. The menu consists of a selection of Thai favorites and simple Western meals, plus an a la carte breakfast to order (for a fee). Overall, guests will find much better food at nearby Chalok Baan. Wi-Fi is free but unreliable, especially in the rooms.
