Safest Neighbourhoods in Koh Tao (and Areas to Avoid)
Areas — Sairee, Mae Haad, Chalok, Tanote
Recommended bases: Sairee Beach — main beach strip, dive schools, bars, sunset; busy. Mae Haad — pier town, restaurants, mid-range hotels; quieter than Sairee. Chalok Baan Kao — south coast, bay-side resort feel; quieter. Tanote Bay — east coast, snorkel-and-relax; very quiet, fewer restaurants.
Stay aware: Sairee Beach late at night — backpacker bar strip; the main 2014 murder happened here. Walk in groups; don't leave drinks unattended. Stick to lit areas after midnight.
There are no genuinely dangerous neighbourhoods on Koh Tao.
Read the full Koh Tao safety guide — score breakdown, every neighbourhood, all 4 sources →Live Koh Tao safety score (updates daily) →