Sai Daeng Beach is one of Koh Tao’s hidden gems and a place where ultimate paradise can be found. Located on Koh Tao’s south coast, Sai Daeng Beach is the perfect spot to spend a day snorkeling the reefs, kayaking in the bay, and working on your tan!
I have put together this complete guide including how to get to this tropical paradise and what to expect when you arrive.
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Table of Contents
WHERE IS SAI DAENG BEACH?
Sai Daeng Beach Koh Tao is a 15-minute drive from Sairee Beach, the main tourist hub on the island. Sai Daeng Beach can be accessed through the Sai Daeng Resort.
Click here to see the location on Google maps.
HOW TO GET HERE
The best way to get around Koh Tao is to rent a scooter for 150 Baht per day to explore all four corners of the island. There are dozens of scooter rental stores in and around town and most accommodations offer scooter rentals too.
Park out the front of the resort and then follow the signs pointing the way down the stairs to the beach. There are no parking or entry fees when visiting.
Find All → Hostels & Resorts in Koh Tao
Turquoise waters
BEST TOURS IN KOH TAO
WHAT TO EXPECT
I personally stayed at the Sai Daeng Resort for 3 days and 3 nights and was lucky enough to visit this stunning beach every morning for a swim and snorkel.
Some of the clearest, turquoise waters can be found here at Sai Daeng and colorful coral reefs are only a stone’s throw away from the palm tree fringed shoreline.
It’s the closest bay to Shark Island, the best Koh Tao snorkeling spot on the island. There are kayaks and snorkel sets available to rent from the restaurant located down on the beach.
Paddling out to Shark Island Koh Tao in a kayak takes approximately 10-minutes and there is a floating buoy to tie off your kayak before jumping in the water for a snorkel.
Must Read → 3 Week Thailand Itinerary
An aerial perspective
Kayaking in the bay
There are clusters of beautiful large boulders at the eastern end of the beach, perfect for rock hopping and exploring around the headland.
This is also where various kinds of colorful corals can be found and a common spot where blacktip reef sharks and green turtles like to reside.
If you plan to spend a good part of the day here, there is a restaurant on the beach that is attached to the Sai Daeng Resort, serving up delicious western and Thai cuisines at a reasonable price. This will save you the hassle of hiking back up the hill and driving into town for some lunch.
Snorkeling at Shark Island
The restaurant on the sand
WHERE TO STAY IN KOH TAO
Koh Tao has hundreds of accommodations to choose from, so I have narrowed it down to a few of the best places to stay to suit the needs of budget backpackers, luxury travelers, and everyone in between.
See the list of accommodations below that I personally recommend:
Luxury: Sai Daeng Resort Koh Tao
I personally stayed at Sai Daeng Resort and can’t recommend this place enough! This 4-star accommodation is located right on the beachfront and features an outdoor swimming pool, a bar, and restaurant on the beach, water sports activities, a shared lounge, free wifi, and shuttle service. The rooms are modern and spacious, fitted with air conditioning, flat-screen tv, a fridge and kettle, work desk, private bathroom, and balcony with ocean views. Buffet breakfast is also included for all guests. Perfect place to stay for couples, families, and friends.
Mid Range: Wind Beach Resort
Wind Beach Resort is the best value-pick accommodation located in the main tourist hub, Sairee Beach. Featuring a beachfront bar and restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool, Thai massage services, and free wifi. The rooms are fitted with beautiful wooden furniture and decor, air conditioning, flat-screen tv, minibar, ensuite bathroom, and ocean views. Great place to stay in Koh Tao for couples, friends, and families.
Budget: Koh Tao Central Hostel
Koh Tao Central Hostel is rated one of the best budget accommodations for solo travelers, friends, and couples. Centrally located in Mae Hadd and within walking distance to the beach. There are dormitory-style rooms with air conditioning, free wifi, power sockets, lockers, and privacy curtains on all beds. Also at this hostel is a shared outdoor deck with cushions and a common area for guests to enjoy during their stay.
FOR ALL OTHER PLACES TO STAY IN KOH TAO, SEARCH ON AGODA OR SEARCH ON BOOKING.COM
AIRBNB KOH TAO
Another option for accommodation is to stay at an Airbnb, which generally has some great deals on the island.
Use the search box below to find all available Airbnb’s in Koh Tao.
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MORE THAILAND TRAVEL GUIDES
Thailand Travel Guide: 3 Week Thailand Itinerary
Bangkok Travel Guide: 5 Things To Do In Bangkok
Koh Tao Travel Guide: 15 Things To Do In Koh Tao
Chiang Mai Travel Guide: 10 Things To Do In Chiang Mai
Pai Travel Guide: 10 Things To Do In Pai
Krabi Travel Guide: 5 Best Beaches in Krabi
LONELY PLANET THAILAND
One of the best books to take on your trip is the Lonely Planet Thailand Guide!
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JOIN MY FACEBOOK COMMUNITY
Do you have any questions about this epic beach in Koh Tao?
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MY SHOP
Before you go, don’t forget to check out My Online Shop!
I’ve got a wide range of digital products for sale and I’m sure you’ll find something that will come in handy during your travels!
SEE MORE → MY SHOP
FINAL THOUGHTS
If you have any questions at all about this awesome beach on Koh Tao, please drop me a line below this post and I will get back to you as soon as I can.
Happy adventuring!
PIN IT FOR LATER
Hey, I’m Jonny – surfer, skater, photographer, and coffee-lover from Australia!
With a burning passion for travel and the outdoors, I launched this Adventure Travel Blog in 2017, and I’ve been exploring the world ever since!
My little corner of the interwebs is a space where I love to share all of my epic adventures, cultural experiences, and captivating photos from around the globe with the ultimate goal to inspire and motivate other like-minded travelers to explore this wonderful earth too!
