Live In Leaf KohTao - Hostel

There are loads of hammocks, which I liked, and the dorm wasn't packed together like the old photos suggest. It’s a quiet place without an active common area, so it could suit you if you aren't looking to meet people. The beach is a long way off, so I'd recommend renting a motorcycle.

The staff were nice, and the price was low. They also provide free water, which not every hostel does. It's not a party place, and there is a spot to sit together, though it felt pretty dead. Towels cost extra to rent. I stayed five nights. The shower and sink were never cleaned, and it seemed like cleaning was limited to changing the beds and taking out the rubbish. The moving fan was so loud it made it hard to sleep, and there was no AC. The bottom bunk was just a thin mattress on the floor. It's not a social hostel at all. The water pressure was low, though I think that's an island issue. A scooter would help. Otherwise it's a 15-minute walk to the beach, along a route that gets quite dark, though I felt safe.

The rooms were clean and didn't feel crowded, and there was a lovely shared area with cats. It's a calm, relaxing hostel a little way from the main town. The staff were friendly and helpful, and I'd recommend staying here.

For the money, it was still a good deal, though maybe that's because the place is new. The location is a bit far from both the beach and the center, so I'd suggest renting a scooter. The common space isn't well equipped: there's no fridge, and you can't really cook anything complicated. The rooms look neatly designed, but the blankets are child-sized and don't fit an adult. The staff were odd about the air conditioning and took away the remote during the day.