This hostel is lovely, we stayed in a private triple room with an ensuite which was really bright, spacious and clean. It’s really nice that you get a fridge in the room and free drinking water. They came to change the water, bins and clean the bathroom which was nice. Pool and common areas are nice and the staff are friendly and helpful. Only things I would say is it’s a bit out the way from the centre of Koh Tao so you’d need to get a taxi or bike most places and it’s a bit pricey for what you get. There also isn’t much of a vibe, not many people sat having a drink in the evening - fine if you’re looking for a relaxed stay.
The Paradise Koh Tao Resort I was saying to my daughter how, for me, a 5 star hotel is not just about the quality of the room or building or the food or even the staff. It’s about the overall experience. Value for money, comfort, fun. We were met at the pier with our cases carried for us to a songthaews. We were met at the grand hotel by Koko who explained that there was a power cut. No electricity but he was smiling and so sincere it was not a problem for us. We were walked to our room by Koko and a colleague. They carried our cases. The room was just being finished with cleaning and we went into the massive room with a double and single bed. No AC because of power cut. It was funny with Koko explaining to us how it worked without being able to show us. My daughter and I then went to the pool which was absolutely amazing. We had the whole pool to ourselves for the afternoon. An elderly Thai couple came and we took some pictures for them. Then a German (or South African) couple. The pool and area was big enough that we weren’t in each others way. Able to relax, peace and have fun. We then ordered some ice cream and when the electricity came on we then ordered lunch; an omelette, a coconut chicken soup and red curry. It was absolutely delicious! (About 600BAHT). My daughter then showered and I had a bath on the balcony! Yes, a bath on the balcony, Bubbles bowing down the street. it was amazing! We then went down to the lobby and were driven free of charge into Koh Tao. We had a wonderful time in Koh Tao which is really alive again since covid. We then paid 500B for a cab back. We slept in the beautiful air conditioned room. The following morning we had breakfast (250B each) and were served again by Su (who was always helpful and smiling). There were other staff members (Myanmar) we didn’t get their names but thank you to them as well. Everyone was smiling, friendly, trying their best and running around for us. We then went on a snorkelling tour and when we came back went to our room which had been spotlessly cleaned with fresh towels etc. We then showered and went for dinner inside the restaurant because it was raining outside. For dinner we had Ka Pow (prawns/basil). Red Curry. Sweet and Sour Pork, coconut chicken soup (again). 4 drinks. It cost 870 Baht. The food at this place was probably the best of our entire trip. Unbelievably tasty I wanted to thank the chef. We then went and played a game of pool in the bar and then went back to the room and fell instantly asleep. The following morning a songthaews had been arranged for 8am to take us to the pier. The end! So, the night before we are at Suranthiya Koh Phangan and they are very similar. Only Suranthiya is about £350 per night and this place was about £40. I think in the 1990’s/2000’s this was Koh Tao’s Suranthiya. The place is a little bit old and weathered but it’s grand and fascinating with incredible view points and obvious history. The ambi
went diving in Koh Tao, Thailand through Assava Dive Resort. Beautiful accommodations and right off the ocean. Felt like paradise. I signed up for my open-water scuba diving PADI course with Steven Crane with Diverholics. An amazing teacher and explained everything. He removed the fear and hesitation I had about diving. I felt completely safe under his hands and he was with me for every dive. I loved it so much that I signed up for the advanced PADI open water course, and did ten dives with Steve. Brilliant experience and profound when I swam with a whale shark. I really appreciate the delicate balance of the oceans. Everyone at Assava are top notch with great equipment. Made many friends, and Steve is the one to connect with if you want to learn to scuba dive. I will give one story with Steve — there was another student who wanted to quit after the first few hours into the course because she was afraid of the big blue ocean and all the scenarios you can face. She had a lot of anxiety. But, Steve calmed her down and spent an extra day with her ( and all of us ) to make sure we knew everything and very comfortable. In the end, she completed her course and was the best diver out of all of us.
Veníamos de hacer dos inmersiones y con hambre y viendo la carta de los chiringuitos cercanos que dan a la playa l carta y las fotos de la comida nos parecieron los más apetitosos. Sitio típico Thai aunque con oferta occidental. El pad Thai con pollo muy rico, el arroz con pollo exquisito y mis hijas que pidieron pollo empanado y patatas fritas estaban encantadas. Dos cervezas grandes, dos limonadas, un agua y pagamos menos de 1.000 bat. Recomendable
Hotel is really nice and well located (10mn driving from pier, 10mn walking/2mn driving from restaurants and nightlife). Calm atmosphere, nice view, easy shuttle to pier or town. Strengh of the place is however the scuba diving school. Hotel has a dedicated 3.5m deep pool to practice. Not sure I could have found a better place to do my Open Water certification. Johnny was the perfect teacher. humanly and technically skilled as well as really friendly and funny. I don't see how I could have had a better trainer.