Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Chalok Ban Kao
Ao Chalok Ban Ko, about 1.7km south of Mae Hat by road, has the third-largest concen-
tration of accommodation on Ko Tao. This is a slim stretch of sand in a scenic half-circle
bay framed by boulders at either end. The milky blue water here is quite shallow and at
low tide a sandbar is exposed that's fun to wade out to for prime sun bathing. This is the
quietest of the main beaches but there's still a good selection of restaurants, diving and a
more mellow but fun nightlife scene.
Tropicana
( 0 7745 6167;
www.koh-tao-tropicana-resort.com
; r 500-1500B)
Low-rise, basic hotel units peppered
across a sandy, shady garden campus that provide fleeting glimpses of the ocean between
fanned fronds and spiky palms.
GUESTHOUSE
$
JP Resort
( 0 7745 6099; r from 600-1300B; )
A colourful (some may say old-fashioned) mena-
gerie of prim motel-style rooms stacked on a small scrap of jungle across the street from
the sea.
GUESTHOUSE
$
Viewpoint Resort
( 0 7745 6666;
www.kohtaoviewpoint.com
; bungalows 1200-14,000B; )
Lush grounds of ferns
and palms meander across a boulder-studded hillside offering stunning views over the sea
and the bay. All options, from the exquisite private suites that feel like Tarzan and Jane's
love nest gone luxury to the huge, view-filled bungalows, use boulders, wood and con-
crete to create comfortable, naturalistic abodes. It's under new management and fantastic
value.
RESORT
$$
Freedom Beach
( 0 7745 6596; bungalows 700-3500B; )
On its own secluded beach shaded by tall, pretty
bushes and connected to Ao Chalok Ban Kao by a boardwalk, Freedom feels like a clas-
sic backpacker haunt. Steep, concrete paths link the seaside bar to the accommodation
(from wooden shacks to sturdier huts with air-con) that runs from the beach to high on
the cliff. Reception is at Taahtoh Resort.
BUNGALOW
$$
New Heaven Resort
BUNGALOW
$$
