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Restaurants & Food
Koh Tao

Cactus Cafe & Beach Bar

4.5(1,078 reviews)$$$$

Sitting directly on Sairee Beach, one of Koh Tao's most popular stretches of sand, Cactus Cafe and Beach Bar offers a casual spot to eat and drink with an uninterrupted view of the Gulf of Thailand. The beachfront setting makes it a natural stop whether visitors are spending the day at the beach, taking a break between dive sessions, or simply looking for somewhere relaxed to watch the sunset over the water. The cafe and bar format means guests can drop in for a morning coffee, a midday meal, or an afternoon drink without feeling out of place at any hour. The mid-range pricing keeps it accessible without sacrificing the comfort of a proper sit-down venue, and the consistent draw of both visitors and locals speaks to its reliability as a neighbourhood staple on the island. Cactus Cafe and Beach Bar opens at 08:45 every day of the week and closes at 20:00, making it well suited to daytime and early evening visits rather than late-night outings. Those hoping to catch the late afternoon light over the water would do well to arrive in the hour or two before closing. As the venue sits on a beach, light, casual clothing is entirely appropriate, and no reservations appear to be required for standard visits.

Taste more of Koh Tao

Street-food tours, market visits, and Thai cooking classes near Cactus Cafe & Beach Bar — a guided way to eat like a local.

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Experience hints

Visitor favorite
Mid-range

Pair your visit. After Cactus Cafe & Beach Bar, round out your day in Koh Tao with contrasting stops nearby.

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Cactus Cafe & Beach Bar: Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cactus Cafe & Beach Bar worth visiting?

Cactus Cafe & Beach Bar holds a 4.5★ rating from 1,078 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated restaurants & food in Koh Tao.

What are the opening hours of Cactus Cafe & Beach Bar?

Cactus Cafe & Beach Bar is typically open 08:45-20:00 — see the full day-by-day schedule in the location info on this page. Hours can change on Thai public holidays, so check ahead for holiday visits.

How expensive is Cactus Cafe & Beach Bar?

Cactus Cafe & Beach Bar is moderately priced (฿฿) relative to other restaurants & food in Koh Tao.

When is the best time to visit Cactus Cafe & Beach Bar?

The best months to visit Koh Tao are March – September (calmest water, best visibility), with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in December – January & July – August — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: November (monsoon swell peaks).

Where is Cactus Cafe & Beach Bar located?

Cactus Cafe & Beach Bar is at Sairee Beach, 3, 47 ตำบล เกาะเต่า Koh Tao, สุราษฎร์ธานี 84360, Thailand, in Koh Tao. Getting around Koh Tao: Walking around Sairee and Mae Haad; Motorbike rental (฿200–300/day; some concrete roads are extremely steep).

Location Info

Sairee Beach, 3, 47 ตำบล เกาะเต่า Koh Tao, สุราษฎร์ธานี 84360, Thailand
Opening Hours
Monday08:45-20:00
Tuesday08:45-20:00
Wednesday08:45-20:00
Thursday08:45-20:00
Friday08:45-20:00
Saturday08:45-20:00
Sunday08:45-20:00

Visitor Information

Best time to visit

March – September (calmest water, best visibility)

Avoid: November (monsoon swell peaks)

Rainy season

October – December

Avg. temperature

25°C – 32°C(77°F – 90°F)

Crowds

Moderate

Peak: December – January & July – August

Getting there

Lomprayah catamarans connect from Chumphon in about 1.5–2 hours (฿600–700) — the standard route from Bangkok is an overnight bus or train to Chumphon plus the morning boat. Ferries also arrive from Koh Phangan (~1 hr) and Koh Samui (~1.5–2 hrs). No airport.

Getting around

  • Walking around Sairee and Mae Haad
  • Motorbike rental (฿200–300/day; some concrete roads are extremely steep)
  • Longtail and dive-boat taxis to the far bays

Where to stay near Cactus Cafe & Beach Bar

Find hotels in Koh Tao on the booking sites travellers trust most.

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Tips for Visiting Restaurants & Food

Learn the Spice Scale

Say 'mai pet' for no spice, 'pet nit noi' for a little spice, or 'pet mak' if you want it Thai-hot. Most cooks will default to a toned-down version for foreigners unless you specify otherwise.

Follow the Crowds

The busiest street stalls are almost always the best — high turnover means fresh ingredients and a recipe that locals vouch for. An empty restaurant at dinner time is a red flag.

Ice Is Safe

Factory-made tube or cylinder ice (used in virtually all restaurants and stalls) is made from purified water and is safe to consume. You don't need to skip the iced Thai tea.

Nearby Places

Lazy Coconut Cafe & Restaurant
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A relaxed beachside cafe on Sairee Beach serving food all day from breakfast through evening.

Mama Piyawan's

Mama Piyawan's

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9, 208, Tambon Ko Tao, Amphoe Ko Pha-ngan, Chang Wat Surat Thani 84280, Thailand

A beloved budget-friendly Thai eatery on Koh Tao, open daily from morning until late.

The Mango Garden - Koh Tao

The Mango Garden - Koh Tao

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A beloved all-day garden café on Koh Tao serving fresh, wholesome food from breakfast through dinner.

Blue Shark Brunch, Koh Tao

Blue Shark Brunch, Koh Tao

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9 25 หมู่1 เกาะเต่า Amphoe Ko Pha-ngan, Chang Wat Surat Thani 84360, Thailand

A highly rated all-day brunch spot on Koh Tao, open daily from 7am with mid-range prices.

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