Best Beach Bungalows in Koh Tao

Haadtien Beach Resort is an upscale, rustic-luxe resort with private bungalows on a gorgeous white-sand beach. It's the only resort on the island's most beautiful beach, but the remote locale means there is no village within walking distance, and the resort takes full advantage of this by charging relatively high prices for food and drink. (Sensi Paradise, below, is a 10-minute walk to Mae Haad town.) The big, open-air, ocean-view restaurant is the hub of the property; it separates the hotel's newer Beach Club portion (where rooms are in a more contemporary, hotel-style building) from the Villas portion, where guests stay in charming rustic-luxe bungalows on the beach or set into the hillside. These start at 430 square feet, and feature private balconies with outdoor furniture. The different categories relate primarily to property placement and view; the Hideaway Villas are a bit more private, but typically only have glimpses of the sea from the balconies, while the Castaway Beach Villas are right on the sand, with private cushioned loungers and an umbrella. The large Pool Villas are a splurge.

A quiet retreat in the jungle, Sensi Paradise is popular with families and couples wanting a more subdued alternative to some of the rowdier spots in town. Lodging options include eco-friendly bungalows, villas, and three-bedroom family houses, all of which have polished wood interior walls and traditional Thai decor. They're charming, but a bit more rustic and less sleek than the bungalows at Haadtien. Rooms tend to be dimly lit and the surrounding jungle means they don't get a lot of natural light, but they do have big, furnished private decks. Fans or air-conditioning, gauzy mosquito netting, stocked minibars, coffee facilities, and free Wi-Fi are all provided. Arguably the property's most attractive feature is its multi-tiered set of wide pools, surrounded by jungle. The resort's lone restaurant is right on the beach and is charming at night when the lights from boats in the bay create a magical ambience. Breakfast is included in the room rates.

Koh Tao Bamboo Huts seeks to be an exclusive and romantic rustic getaway destination, although it also attracts families who appreciate the property's secluded location on a remote side bay, right on a small white-sand beach. The resort is spread out and getting from spot to spot sometimes requires long -- and steep -- walks. The seaside bungalows have sea views that are undeniably romantic at sunset. Each hut comes with mosquito-netted canopy beds, open-air showers, and lovely views, plus modern conveniences like Wi-Fi (though it's unreliable) and flat-screen TVs. As the huts are grouped in pairs, they don't feel completely private. Some come with their own pools, but these run right up to the decks of neighboring bungalows. There are a few dining options, including the romantic Starlight, a dinner spot with beautiful sunset views. However, rates can be hard to justify when the more upscale Haadtien costs about the same (or less). Sensi's rates are also much lower -- plus Sensi has a pool, a feature this property lacks.

The mid-range Charm Churee Villa is a rustic, romantic resort that sits on a private beach and great snorkeling bay. Its restaurant juts out into the bay and is illuminated with ambient lighting at night, while the cottages are hidden away in the jungle setting by the sea. Bungalows include four-poster beds covered with mosquito netting (which guests will need, as bugs do get in), vintage-style mini-fridges stocked with treats, and thatch roofs. However, they are plagued by spotty Wi-Fi, minimal hot water, and occasionally non-functional air-conditioning. It may be worth paying more for Koh Tao Bamboo Huts, where rooms have lovely sea views. Or consider the similarly priced Sensi Paradise, which has nicer rooms and a multi-tiered pool (a feature Charm Churee lacks entirely).

The three-and-a-half pearl Pinnacle Koh Tao Dive Resort is a cliffside property with a remote beachfront location. Although removed from the main town, it provides a quiet stay and plenty to do thanks to amenities like a gorgeous swimming pool, private beach, dive school with a private fleet of dive boats, free hot breakfast buffet, restaurant, bar, and free Wi-Fi. The 45 rooms come with balconies, air-conditioning, and kettles. The bungalow-like Seafront Villas are located closer to the pool and beach and have extra perks like upscale balcony furniture and free minibars. Rooms here are contemporary and have a could-be-anywhere look; travelers wanting more Thai character will prefer Charm Churee's rustic bungalows.