The Abandoned Resort on Koh Tao is tucked away on the quiet Laem Thian Beach on the far Eastern Corner of Koh Tao.
Getting to the abandoned resort requires a hike through the jungle hills and cutting through small local island village communities. It takes roughly one hour to get there from Jitsin and there is a rough dirt path the entire way.
In this guide, I’ll give you tips for getting here and what to expect once you arrive.
How to Get to the Abandoned Resort
The hike starts about 1km East from the general Sairee Beach area. Head up towards Smile Mart, passing Asia Divers on the way. You will need to head to Tarna Align Hotel where you can park your motorbike and start the hike.
Once you arrive at the hotel, you will need to walk up the hill, keeping the hotel on your left side. You will notice a dirt road that goes straight and heads into the jungle and up the hill. This is the road that you will need to follow the entire way until you get to the abandoned resort.
There are several misleading paths on both sides along the track. However, the best advice is to simply head 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've made it to the abandoned resort on Koh Tao.
A Brief History of the Abandoned Resort
Little is known as to why the resort has been abandoned. However, locals have suggested that prior to the closure it did not hold the best reputation. This, coupled with the sorry state of the dirt track leading to the resort, may have meant that it was just too difficult to keep it open.
Tripadvisor reviews seem to indicate that the Laem Thian Resort was abandoned some time around 2014. The location is very remote and it is difficult to understand how they were catering for tourists other than regular boat transfers.
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What to do at the Abandoned Resort
No doubt as soon as you arrive at the abandoned resort you will be exploring the crumbling sea-view suites and the hanging jungle bungalows. You can check out the old kitchen and reception, which still boasts the Free Wifi sign.
Just remember to be respectful since although it is abandoned, it is still private property. If you know enough about Koh Tao then you know how important it is not to upset the wrong person.
Swimming and Snorkeling
Just opposite the abandoned resort, on the other side of the bay is a famous Koh Tao dive site. The bay has crystal clear waters with vibrant coral and marine life. You can even spot the occasional turtle in this bay so keep an eye out.
Cliff Jumping
Since the resort is situated on a thin stretch of land between two coves, you will find high rocks on either side. On the southern side of the bay, there are some high rocks and cliffs to jump off.
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Spending the night
Although we didn't sleep here, the abandoned resort is a popular spot for backpackers to hang a hammock and camp. The building is in decent enough condition to provide shelter for a night's stay.
Just keep in mind that there is no phone reception and that the location is quite remote. Just remember to take your trash with you.
Where to Stay on Koh Tao - Accommodation Guide
There are several options for travelers wondering where to stay on Koh Tao island. Generally speaking, most people like to stay near Sairee Beach to be close to all the highlights and things to do. However, you can also stay near Mae Head, or a bit further up the mountain from Sairee as well.
To save you time searching the web, I've listed some of the best options for where to stay on Koh Tao below.
- Best Luxury Pick: Jamahkiri Resort & Spa - a really great bang-for-buck luxury resort. Guests will find this one on the beachfront of Shark Bay in a quiet and secluded location away from the hustle and bustle.
- Best self-catering villa: Phandara Pool Villas - a luxury option for those who want their own kitchen & pool.
- Best Backpacker Hostel: Summer Guesthouse - located within walking distance of the dive shops on Sairee beach and of course, the nightly pub crawls– this is the top budget option with a great vibe.
More Koh Tao Travel Guides and Inspiration
I hope that this quick guide to finding the abandoned resort on Koh Tao has been useful. If you have any questions, or any updated information for other travelers, make sure to leave a comment below.
