How to get to Abandoned Resort on Koh Tao

How to get to Abandoned Resort on Koh Tao

The Abandoned Resort on Koh Tao is tucked away on tranquil Laem Thian Beach on the eastern corner of Koh Tao.

To get to the abandoned resort, you have to trek through the jungle hills and traverse small local island villages. It takes about an hour to get there from Jitsin and there is a rough dirt road the whole way.

In this guide, I'll give you tips on how to get here and what to expect once you arrive.
alt=“drone shot in Koh Tao abandoned resort “>The Abandoned Resort is located on a narrow strip of coastline between two bays on the east side of Koh Tao.

This is how you get to the abandoned resort

The hike begins approximately 1km east of the general Sairee Beach area. Head up to Smile Mart and pass Asia Divers on the way. You need to drive to Tarna Align Hotel where you can park your motorbike and start the hike.

When you arrive at the hotel you need to walk up the hill keeping the hotel on your left. You will notice a dirt road leading straight into the jungle and up the hill. This is the road that you must follow all the way until you reach the abandoned resort.

There are several misleading paths on both sides along the route. However, the best advice is to just drive straight and don't make any turns. After about an hour of walking over the mountain, you will notice the abandoned bungalows and buildings. You made it to the abandoned resort on Koh Tao.
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A short story

Little is known about why the resort was abandoned. However, locals have suggested it didn't have the best reputation before the closure. This, coupled with the sorry state of the dirt road leading to the resort, may have meant that it was simply too difficult to keep open.

Tripadvisor reviews seem to indicate that Laem Thian Resort was abandoned sometime around 2014. The location is very remote and it's hard to understand how they catered to tourists other than regular boat transfers.
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What to do at Abandoned Resort

Undoubtedly, once you arrive at the deserted resort, you'll explore the crumbling ocean-view suites and hanging jungle bungalows. You can visit the old kitchen and reception, which still have the Free Wifi sign.

Remember to be respectful because even though it is abandoned, it is still private property. If you know enough about Koh Tao, you know how important it is not to upset the wrong person.

Swimming and snorkeling

Directly opposite the abandoned resort, on the other side of the bay, is a famous diving site of Koh Tao. The bay has crystal clear waters with vibrant coral and marine life. You may even occasionally spot turtles in this bay, so keep your eyes peeled.

Cliff jumping

Since the resort is located on a thin strip of land between two bays, you will find high cliffs on both sides. On the south side of the bay there are some high rocks and cliffs from which you can jump.

Spend the night

Although we didn't sleep here, the deserted resort is a popular spot for backpackers to hang a hammock and camp. The building is in decent condition to accommodate an overnight stay. Just keep in mind that there is no phone reception and the location is quite remote. Just remember to take your trash with you.
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Where to Stay on Koh Tao – Accommodation Guide

There are several options for travelers who want to stay on the island of Koh Tao. To save you time, I've listed some of the best options below.

HOSTEL RIGHT NEXT TO MAE HEAD PIER FOR $6/NIGHT - BLACK WOOD HOSTELBlack Wood Hostel is one of the top rated hostels on Koh Tao and is just a 5 minute walk from Mae Head Pier. This is the perfect place to stay if you're arriving on a later boat or looking for a central hostel close to the pier.

BEST HOSTEL FOR BACKPACKERS IN SAIREE FOR UNDER $10/NIGHT – BP HOSTELBP Hostel offers shared accommodation options, all of which include air conditioning for the hotter nights on Koh Tao. It is also in the heart of Sairee and close to the beach, Smile Mart and the Koh Tao pub crawl.

TOP GUESTHOUSE ON KOH TAO – NIRVANA GUESTHOUSEThis guesthouse has the best reviews on Koh Tao. It is also very close to Mae Head Pier and several world-class diving schools. It is also another budget-friendly option for couples or solo backpackers.
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More Koh Tao travel guides and inspiration

I hope this quick guide to finding the abandoned resort on Koh Tao was helpful. If you have any questions or updated information for other travelers, please leave a comment below.

For now, why not check out some more Koh Tao travel guides and blogs from the list below? A good place to start is this list of the 14 best things to do on Koh Tao.

The 7 Best Things to Do in Khao Lak, ThailandFighting Muay Thai as a Foreigner in ThailandTanote Bay – Cliff Jumping Beach on Koh TaoBEST Secret Sunset Spot on Koh Tao, ThailandBest Secret Freediving Location on Koh Tao, Thailand

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