Arriving early in Koh Tao with no accommodation booked, it is always ambiguous where you are going to end up. Meeting up with a friend who had been staying on the island a few weeks to complete dive courses, I knew I had an advantage. So confident I would find somewhere I even went to breakfast before looking for a place to stay. If it was peak season though, I don’t think I would have been so relaxed about arriving on such a popular island without pre-booking.
My friend had heard about a cheap guesthouse for 250 baht a night with double bed, free wifi, hot shower, fan and TV (not that I needed the TV). After a good meal we wandered up to AJP guesthouse, which is located right in the centre of Sarrie a perfect location, allowing you to walk everywhere comfortably and safely. Sitting in the little office adjoining a workshop, I was losing my patience when finally half an hour later the manager came down the stairs and to the office. He confirmed the rates and happily showed us the room. Definitely basic, without a sink in the bathroom and a bucket to flush the toilet with, but it definitely would do.
I quickly agreed and paid for a couple of nights. I had a home. The guesthouse is located on the top floor of the building above the office and workshop with a large common area balcony and wide hallway with rooms off it. All have the same facilities, including a small private balcony and drying rack. The room was also very large and felt like luxury after dorm rooms with shared bathrooms for months, and a fraction of the price. The room also comes with complementary bath towels for your stay.
The following day a travel friend decided to move from her bungalow to AJP as it had the same comforts for half the price. We ended up deciding to share a room taking the 250 baht per night up to a shocking 300 baht, meaning we both only had to pay 150 baht a night the equivalent of 3 pounds or 5 US dollars. AJP is definitely value for money and the manager happily helps you out when you need anything.
Planning to only stay two nights at AJP, I ended up staying my entire week long stay on Koh Tao here and definitely felt as if it were a home. AJP also provides bicycle rental for 200 baht a day or if you’re sick or just need a bed day you can rent a DVD player and movies for 100 baht a day. Services I did not use as the beach and the sea took up all of my time on Koh Tao. If you’re planning on diving, AJP is owned by the owner of Big Blue Diving and would be a comfortable place to stay long term.
All opinions are subjective to the writers personal travel experience. The writer travelled at her own expense.