Koh Tao Hostel Review

CENTRAL STATION HOSTEL

Facilities 

Wifi was okay here. Not the worst but not the greatest either. They did have two routers and you can use Reef Bar's wifi but it's not always strong and you may have difficulty booking hostels. It is free though so can't complain too much! 

Security was okay here. You are provided with lockers that you use your own lock for. However it is only the main door which needs a key. The dorm room does not. There is also CCTV everywhere here...even in the bedrooms which I did not think was allowed but you know...Thailand rules and all that. 

There is no common areas here but most people in the hostel just go over the road to Reef Bar. This limits the social side of the hostel somewhat.

Showers and Toilets 

There isn't a nice way to say this...the toilets smell horrific. Truly awful. Although, this is related to a drainage issue I think because it's so clean in there, it's still very off putting. I was surprised because despite there not being many toilets of showers, you never had to wait. Although, this may be because no one could handle the smell. The facilities themselves are it bad although a little older but they were clean. This makes me think the odour issue was due to a drainage issue. 

Staff

The girl at reception is really helpful and is good with directions, dive shop recommendations etc. The man that gives out travel advice is hit and miss. When we first spoke to him, he was abrupt, rude and unhelpful. He makes out like by doing his job, he is going out of his way for you. He was better on subsequent conversations but to be honest if you don't need to book with him, use a travel agents. 

Breakfast 

Non-existent, although you can eat at Reef Bar. The options for supermarkets are very limited, it's 7eleven or nothing I am afraid. 

Value for Money

Koh Tao hostels are slightly more pricey anyway. If you are going to dive, get in on the hotel deals! This place was not too bad although it is not as good as the rating and reviews on Hostelworld make out.

Dorms

The dorms themselves were alright. The beds had a power outlet and light. However, the air con was freezing and you could not turn off all the lights at night. 

Location

Not far from the piers but further away from Sairee and the nicer beaches. So if you would prefer to not have to deal with your bag/get a taxi on arrival then stay closer. I on the other hand, like to keep a distance between my back and bag as much as possible especially when it's hot.

OVERALL, it is a good place to stay but not as good as the reviews or rating in my opinion. 

Love Imogen xoxo

Journey

So we booked a boat through our hostel with a pick up included. The boat itself was probably the least organised but we managed it! 

We didn't get as much time to explore Koh Tao as I would of liked but we are on a tight schedule in Asia so at least we got to go here at all. 

Sairee Beach 

This is a very popular and quite a touristy beach. There is music and bars and although maybe not the most beautiful beach on the island it is still great to chill at. When we were there, we spent most of our time in the water because it was so hot. We did bring snorkels however we didn't see anything, not one fish. I would advise you to check out the snorkelling trips around the island if you want to see more than we did!

Next 2 Bar 

Located in Sairee beach, we actually managed to end up here both in the day and at night. In the day, there's music and cushions and chairs to sit on. They don't expect you to pay for the seats and don't hassle you to buy drinks. 

I had read that Sairee Beach is where to go at night however when we got there everything had closed apart from this bar. It was only about midnight so we were a bit disappointed. Despite this, the bar had a good atmosphere and was busy (probably because everywhere was closed) and because it's on the beach even when this closed we could still chill on the beach. So all's well that ends well ay but maybe not necessarily the party island that it is made out to be.

Reef Bar

Along with several other establishments in the area, when staying at Central you get 10% off at Reef bar. They do cheapish meals and although there isn't a lot of variety they provide decent portion sizes. Plus you get a free drink in there when you arrive so you may aswell check the place out! 

Obviously, Koh Tao is known for its diving but because we had such limited time we were unable to really explore the beauty of the place but maybe this is an excuse to go back...

Love Imogen xoxo