The French Market - Koh tao
Tucked into Mae Haad on the island of Koh Tao, The French Market brings a slice of European charm to this beloved dive destination. The café and market concept blends French bakery staples with relaxed island dining, drawing in both early risers seeking a proper breakfast and travellers looking for something a little different from the standard Thai tourist trail. Its highly regarded reputation among visitors reflects consistent quality across both food and service. Guests can expect freshly baked pastries, good coffee, and a menu that stretches comfortably from morning through to evening, making it a flexible spot for any meal of the day. The atmosphere leans towards casual and welcoming, with the kind of laid-back energy that suits Koh Tao's unhurried pace. The mid-range pricing makes it accessible without feeling like a splurge, and the all-day hours mean there is no need to rush. Good to know: The French Market opens at 7am every day of the week, making it one of the more reliable early morning options on the island — useful for divers heading out on a morning boat who want a solid breakfast first. The Mae Haad location is convenient for those arriving or departing via the main pier, which is just a short walk away. Checking the website at the-french-market.com ahead of a visit is worthwhile for any seasonal updates or specials.
Taste more of Koh Tao
Street-food tours, market visits, and Thai cooking classes near The French Market - Koh tao — a guided way to eat like a local.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After The French Market - Koh tao, round out your day in Koh Tao with contrasting stops nearby.
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The French Market - Koh tao: Frequently Asked Questions
Is The French Market - Koh tao worth visiting?
The French Market - Koh tao holds a 4.7★ rating from 2,970 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated restaurants & food in Koh Tao.
What are the opening hours of The French Market - Koh tao?
The French Market - Koh tao is typically open 07:00-22:00 — 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 The French Market - Koh tao?
The French Market - Koh tao is moderately priced (฿฿) relative to other restaurants & food in Koh Tao.
When is the best time to visit The French Market - Koh tao?
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 The French Market - Koh tao located?
The French Market - Koh tao is at 2, 61, Mae Haad, Koh Tao, Chang Wat Surat Thani 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
2, 61, Mae Haad, Koh Tao, Chang Wat Surat Thani 84360, Thailand+66 77 457 119the-french-market.com/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
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 The French Market - Koh tao
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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

Harmony Koh Tao
A highly regarded dinner spot on Koh Tao, open every evening from 3pm with a strong local following.

Chalok House Restaurant
A budget-friendly all-day restaurant in Koh Tao serving locals and travellers from early morning to night.

The Meat Lab Koh Tao Butchery & Restaurant
A premium butchery and restaurant on Koh Tao serving quality cuts in a full dining experience.

Pranees Kitchen
Beloved budget kitchen on Koh Tao serving hearty Thai home cooking from early morning until evening.
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Where to stay near The French Market - Koh tao
Find hotels in Koh Tao on the booking sites travellers trust most.
- Compare prices across sites
- Filter for free cancellation
- Secure checkout on the partner site
Compare rates on Booking.com
Largest selection
Compare rates on Agoda
Asia-focused selection
Compare rates on Hotels.com
Member prices
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Location Info
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
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