accomodation koh tao

Save Bungalows in Mae Haad - close to the beach - 200B for shared bathroom - 400B otherwise. Good snorkelling infront and good access to everywhere else . Its quiet and clean.

If you want to be on the main beach area of Sairee which also has good snorkelling but is the busiest area - lots of bars clubs and resorts etc... then check out SBC or Prick Thai.

On the headland in between the two you can look at D&D Hut / Mr J or Ban Tao - all have simple rooms around 400B they are not on the beach but only 5-10mins walk to either Sairee or Mae Haad.

If you want peace and quite and a bit a seclusion with a nice beach and my favourite snorkelling then head to Aow Leuk - there are three resorts there with the cheapest rooms being 400B.

Laem Thian is a small beach with one little resort and the snorkelling is lovely but it is a little remote.

Sai Deang has New Heaven Resort - the beach is nice and the food is good but the snorkelling isnt as varied as Aow Leuk or Laem Thian.

Shark Bay / Had Thian has one backpackers - Rocky Resort - this bay is popular with snorkellers as there is a population of reef sharks. The other resorts on this beach are quite pricey though so you can be quite limited for variety on a budget. Its a good place to visit but can be a bit remote to stay there.

I live here so if you need anymore clarification dont hesitate to PM me.

ayeshaandwilco nice post very helpful

Yes indeed - thanks ayeshaandwilco, I'm visiting in June, just took a copy of that excellent stuff.
Other guys - I have seen many praises for Coral View bungalows near New Heaven Resort. Website shows range of prices - Google is yer friend.

mikov & Tezza,
New Heaven Resort is not on the same beach as Coral View, New Heaven Huts is.
Same owners but situated on different bay.
New Heaven Huts would be a good spot to stay,on a beach with simple accomodation and actually backs onto Aow Leuk bay where some of the best, free, snorkelling on Ko Tao can be found. The huts at the top of the hill at New Heaven Huts have a view over both bays. Its only a 2-3 minute walk up and over the hill from Sai Daeng beach to the off the rocks access to this snorkelling spot which is often visited by the round island day trip boats. The New Heaven Resort is a bit more upmarket and is situated a couple of bays to the west,its on a rocky cove and does not have a sand beach.
Coral View is also a great place to stay at.

Thanks fk - you know I have read about there being two New Heavens, but forgot all about it. Actually Huts and Coral both sound good locations to me.

If you want cheap accomodation in Sairee there is a new hostel which opened up in March called Koh Tao Backpackers Hostel, the website is http://www.kohtaobackpackers.com. It's just dorm rooms, but there is AC, hot water showers and lockers in the rooms, and a swimming pool for 300 baht a night, book ahead though as it is busy.

Thanks phil - useful info