The hype
Travelers are obsessed with the views and the 'Tarzan and Jane' aesthetic but divided on the rustic maintenance.
Koh Tao Cabana
$120-280/ night
Book this if You want the Robinson Crusoe treehouse fantasy and don't mind sharing your open-air shower with the occasional gecko.
Why People Love It
- The 'jungle-meets-ocean' architecture is genuinely unique—no cookie-cutter concrete boxes here
- Located at the far northern tip of Sairee Beach, offering privacy while being a 15-minute walk to the party
- Villas are standalone and spaced out, providing a level of seclusion rare for this island
Quick Take: A stunningly photogenic jungle resort that forces you to decide exactly how much you love 'nature' when a beetle flies into your bathroom at 2 AM.
Reviewed by @Erinbailey: I’m literally in love with this place. It’s a traditional wooden treehouse and the view from the bed is a joke—absolutely insane. We have our own hammock and can walk straight to a snorkel spot. Best stay ever.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'rustic charm' sometimes crosses the line into 'tired maintenance'—expect creaky floorboards, worn varnish, and older plumbing.
- You love the idea of sleeping in a high-end treehouse
- You prioritize privacy and sunset views over modern hermetically sealed luxury
- You are comfortable with wildlife (squirrels, birds, insects) being part of the experience
Cleanliness & Maintenance
7.9
- Housekeeping: Daily and friendly, but they are fighting a losing battle against the jungle dust and sand.
- Bathroom hygiene: Clean fixtures, but expect water stains and the occasional dead insect due to the open-air design.
- Maintenance: The biggest weak point. Peeling varnish, creaky wood, and rusted fittings are common.
- Linens & towels: Generally clean and white, but can feel slightly damp due to the high humidity.
- Odors & scents: Smells like fresh sea air and lemongrass coil smoke. No mustiness, thanks to the airflow.
Sleepability™
7.2MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Loud cicadas and gecko calls (very common)
- Distant bass from Sairee Beach bars (travels over water at night)
- Longtail boat engines starting up early morning
Before you book
Good to know
- The resort offers a free shuttle to/from the pier—arrange this in advance.
- The beach directly in front is rocky/coral-heavy; great for snorkeling, bad for wading. Walk 5 mins south for soft sand.
- Payment is often required upfront or has strict cancellation policies—check the fine print.
What to pack
- DEET bug spray (The resort provides lemongrass spray, but you'll want the hard stuff)
- Slip-on shoes with grip (for navigating the steep, sometimes slippery wooden stairs)
- Flashlight or headlamp (paths are dimly lit to preserve the vibe)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Ocean View Cottage: The classic wooden treehouse experience with the best elevated views.
- Whitesand Villa: Choose this if you want a more enclosed, 'cave-like' feel with slightly better AC retention than the wooden cottages.
Rooms to avoid
- Standard Cottages near the bottom: Less privacy, more foot traffic, and potential noise from the path.
- Villas at the very top if you aren't fit: The climb is punishing in the heat.
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am looking for a quiet stay and would love an 'Ocean View Cottage' located higher up the hill for the best privacy and views. Please avoid units directly next to the main walkway.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there AC in the rooms?
Yes, but because the rooms are rustic/wooden with gaps, it struggles to get 'fridge cold' during the day.
How bad are the bugs?
It's a jungle resort. You will see ants on the balcony and geckos on the ceiling. If you keep food out, you will have guests.
Is the pool clean?
Generally yes, but it's surrounded by trees so leaves fall in constantly. It's a 'nature pool,' not a sterile lap pool.
Can I walk to town?
Yes, it's a pleasant 15-20 minute walk along the beach to the main Sairee action. You don't need a scooter.
Is breakfast included?
Usually yes. It's a buffet with an egg station. Reviews are mixed—don't expect a 5-star spread, but the view is 10/10.
Is it suitable for kids?
Risky. The stairs are steep, railings have gaps, and the pool has some rough edges. Better for older kids than toddlers.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 'Rim Lae' restaurant is actually decent for sunset drinks, but pricier than walking 5 mins down the beach.
- ✨
Ask for a mosquito coil for your balcony at reception—they have them but don't always offer them.
- ✨
The snorkeling right off the hotel pier is surprisingly good; you can see parrotfish without a boat trip.
5 things to know before you go
💡The squirrels are aggressive—they will raid your room if you leave the door cracked.
💡The 'White Sand Villas' feel more like Flintstones bunkers than tropical huts—some love it, some find it dark.
💡The wooden decks can be slippery as ice when wet.
💡You might hear the muffled thump of techno from Sairee Beach until 2 AM if the wind blows north.
💡The shower pressure is often weak because getting water up that hill is a struggle.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Koh Tao Cabana is located and what's nearby.