The BAANLYY Area Score rates all 5 Koh Tao areas on a transparent 100-point scale, built from eight dive-island lived-experience factors. One number to compare at a glance — then dive into the detail that matters to you.
How it's scored: each area is rated 1–10 on eight dive-island factors — diving, beach, dining, nightlife, value, quiet, expat scene and investment — and the BAANLYY Area Score is their average on a 0–100 scale. Diving stands in for the family factor used on larger islands, since Koh Tao has almost no on-island secondary schooling (see the schools guide). It's a transparent comparison starting point, not investment advice — weight the factors that matter to you.
| # | Area | Score | Diving | Beach | Dining | Value | Expat scene |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sairee Beach The dive-shop capital, restaurants & long-stay diver hub | 76 | 10 | 8 | 9 | 5 | 9 |
| 2 | Chalok Baan Kao The island's calmer second hub — resorts, families & dive pros | 61 | 8 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| 3 | Mae Haad The pier town & practical everyday base | 60 | 6 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| 4 | Ao Leuk & Tanote Bay Secluded east-coast bays for snorkeling & privacy | 54 | 6 | 7 | 3 | 8 | 4 |
| 5 | Hin Wong Bay & Freedom Beach Rocky, off-grid coves & the island's wellness scene | 48 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 7 | 4 |
Primary and official sources are cited above. Government rules, fees and procedures in Thailand change over time and vary by office; always confirm current requirements with the relevant authority before relying on them. BAANLYY never takes paid placement in editorial content.
The BAANLYY Area Score is a proprietary, transparent composite of BAANLYY's own area ratings, provided for general comparison only — not investment, legal or financial advice. Ratings are editorial estimates that change as areas evolve. Hero photo by Pexels on Pexels.