What time is check-in?
Check-in is from 2:00 PM. Self check-in, so you can arrive any time after that on the day. The key will be waiting in the door, ready for you to let yourself in.
Before You Arrive
Frequently asked.
The questions guests ask most, answered ahead of time. If something isn't here, message me on WhatsApp and I'll get back to you.
Arrival & Check-in
Can I arrive earlier and drop my bags?
Yes. If you arrive before 2:00 PM, message me on WhatsApp and I'll store your bags so you can head to the beach right away. Early access to the room itself depends on the previous guest's check-out, but bag drop is always possible.
What time is check-out?
Check-out is latest by 12:00 PM, no rush before then. If you'd like a later check-out, ask me the night before and I'll see what's possible based on the next booking.
How does self check-in work?
No door codes, no key handover, no reception. I leave the key in the door of your unit so you can simply let yourself in when you arrive. On the morning of check-in I send a short note with everything you need: WiFi, water, AC, and how to reach me.
How do I get to Slow Down from the pier?
Search 'Slowdown Homestay' on Google Maps. The pin is accurate. From Mae Haad pier, a taxi to Tanote Bay runs ฿400–500 (fuel and everything else arrives by boat, so prices on the island are noticeably higher than the mainland). If you'd prefer a pre-arranged driver, the one I trust is P'Oon Taxi Koh Tao (+66 87 274 8570). Message him directly on WhatsApp to coordinate.
What's the best way to reach Koh Tao?
Most guests fly Bangkok (BKK or DMK) into Chumphon or Surat Thani, then take a Lomprayah or Boonsiri ferry across. Koh Samui works too and is the most convenient option, but it's also the most expensive: Bangkok Airways is the only carrier flying there. Flying to Chumphon is often the best mix of cost and convenience, except the airport is small with only a few flights a day, so check the schedule lines up before you book. For something more memorable, the overnight train to Chumphon or Surat Thani is a proper Thai experience, but it usually has to be booked weeks in advance and I wouldn't bother with 3rd class. The budget land option is the overnight bus + ferry combo from Bangkok: Lomprayah is ฿1,250 (standard) or ฿1,550 (VIP), and Boonsiri is around ฿1,250 for the VIP bus. From Koh Phangan the ferry runs daily and takes around 1h–1h 15min; from Koh Samui it's 1h 15min–2h.
Is there parking?
Yes. Free parking in front of the house for scooters. There's enough space for a car too, so if your taxi driver doesn't want to drive you up to the house, you can tell him there's room to park and turn the car around.
Inside the House
Is there WiFi? How fast?
Yes, free WiFi in every unit. Strong enough for video calls, streaming, and remote work. The network name and password are in the welcome note on arrival.
Is there air conditioning?
Yes, every unit has air conditioning. There's also a fan if you prefer. A small ask: switch the AC off when you leave the room. Helps keep costs down and reduces my footprint on the bay.
Can I drink the tap water?
Don't drink the tap water. I provide free filtered drinking water in the green tank, plus glass bottles in the fridge so it stays cool. Same water I drink myself. Refill anytime, no charge. Cuts down on single-use plastic too.
Is there a kitchen?
Yes, both units come with a fully equipped kitchen. Not a five-star Michelin setup, but everything you need to cook a real meal: fridge, freezer, kettle, induction stove, blender, pans, pots, and cutlery.
Are linens and towels provided?
Yes. Fresh linens, bath towels, and pillows ready in the room. If you'd like a beach towel, just ask.
Do you clean during the stay?
Yes, on request. Whenever you'd like a clean, a fresh set of towels, or new bedsheets, just message me directly and I'll arrange it. Same for any top-ups (water, toilet paper, soap). No minimum stay required, even a short booking can request it.
Is there laundry?
Yes, I offer laundry service: ฿50 per kilo standard, ฿80 per kilo express (same-day).
What if the power goes out?
The island grid can have hiccups from time to time. I'm currently working on access to the emergency generator at Lub D next door, so even when the government grid drops the property will have backup power. If the power's out, message me and I'll figure if there is anything I can do, or we just have to wait it out a bit.
Is the property secure?
Yes. Private property, family-run, someone is on-site most of the time, and each unit has its own lockable door. Tanote Bay is a quiet corner of the island and the property has always felt like a safe place to me.
Payment & Policies
How do I pay?
If you book through Airbnb or Booking.com, payment goes through them. If you book direct via slowdownkohtao.com or by message, you can pay by card (Stripe link) or Thai PromptPay. The only on-site cost is laundry (if you use the service), and cash is fine for that.
Do you take a security deposit?
No deposit. I trust my guests. If something gets broken, just let me know. My staff or I will find out either way.
What's your cancellation policy?
Direct bookings: full refund up to 3 days before arrival, 50% within 3 days, no refund on the day. Airbnb and Booking.com bookings follow whatever cancellation tier you booked under on the platform. Booking direct is slightly more flexible than the platforms' standard tiers.
Can I add an extra guest?
Unit 1 fits up to 4 comfortably (2BR). Unit 2 is best for 1–2 (1BR). If you want to add a guest, message me first so I can confirm bedding and check the rate. Surprise extra guests aren't on.
Are kids welcome?
Yes, of course. Unit 1 works well for families. The property has open spaces, but it's also a working farm next door, so kids should be supervised around the gardens.
Can I bring my pet?
Yes, pets are welcome. I have 2 dogs and 3 cats on the property, but they're usually friendly with other animals.
Can I smoke in the room?
No smoking inside the units. Smoking is fine on the terrace.
Do you offer weekly or monthly rates?
Yes. For stays of 7 nights or more, I offer a discount on Airbnb and Booking.com. For 28+ nights, message me directly for a better rate than the platforms show.
Around the House
How far is the beach?
Tanote Bay beach is a 3–5 minute walk down the road. Quiet, clear water, good snorkelling, and the famous jump rock right there. One of my favourite beaches on the island, and I send most guests straight to it.
Do you have snorkel gear?
I don't keep gear at the house, but it's easy to sort once you're here. You can buy a basic mask and snorkel cheaply at shops around town, or rent a set from dive schools and from the resorts and restaurants that sit on most bays, including Tanote.
Where can I rent a scooter?
A scooter is the easiest way to explore. You can rent from anywhere of course, but the one I trust is my neighbour P'Baggat (+66 93 574 9419), who lives just down the road to the right (small convenience store inside, always a few bikes parked in front). Around ฿200–350 per day depending on the model and length of rental. Drive carefully: the roads here are steep in places and there are no songthaews on the island.
Where can I eat near the house?
In walking distance: Poseidon, Diamond, Lub D, Sun & Moon, Horizon, Mountain Reef, and Tanote Bay View Resort. If you just want snacks and drinks, I offer a few at the homestay too. Menu's in the room.
Where's the nearest ATM?
No ATM in Tanote Bay itself. The closest are in Mae Haad, about 6-8 minutes by scooter. For a proper bank branch, Bangkok Bank and Krungsri are both right by the pier. Cash is still the most useful thing to have here: most local shops are cash-first, though more and more places do accept cards now. If you want to skip the ATM run, the easiest option is Thai QR (PromptPay). It's how almost everyone pays day-to-day in Thailand, and tourists can use it too. The Wise app lets you scan and pay directly from your home currency, and Alipay+ or WeChat Pay also work in many spots.
What's KD Genetics, the place downstairs?
My family's small-batch cannabis farm and dispensary, right next door. All organic, sun-grown, grown by hand on the same plot you're staying on. Cannabis is legal for adults in Thailand, but there's zero pressure to engage. Feel free to stop by just for the chill area, the drinks, or even just out of curiosity if you'd like to see and learn a bit about cannabis.
Can I work from the room?
Yes. WiFi is solid for calls and streaming. Each unit has a desk or table. If you want to mix it up, Hype Café, Petra Café, Blacktip Café, and the coworking space (all in the Island Guide) are some of my go-to spots for working on the island.
Anything Else
How do I reach you?
WhatsApp is the fastest, before, during, and after your stay. I usually reply within the hour. The number is in your booking confirmation and in the welcome note on arrival.
What languages do you speak?
English, Thai, and German. Most conversations happen on WhatsApp text, so translation is rarely an issue.
I have a question that's not on this list.
Message me on WhatsApp anytime. If it's a common one, I'll add it here so the next guest finds it faster.
Still have a question?
Message me on WhatsApp anytime. I usually reply within the hour.
Message me on WhatsApp