Shambala
Very popular

What we say: 
A very popular spot with a steady stream of backpackers filtering through, Shambala is a good choice in part due to its fine beachfront location but also due to a very relaxed restaurant and layabout area -- the latter strewn with axe-pillow and shaded from the sea-breeze by hanging sarongs. The bungalows are clean and some are very well-appointed. The restaurant is very good but the gardens are a tad wild.
Contact details:
23/2 Moo 4 Big Buddha Beach, Ko Samui. T: (077) 425 330Visit website
What we were quoted
| Type of room | Low season | High season | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bungalow fan private b'room | 500 THB | 500 THB | Upto 800B |
Added to Travelfish on: 15th September, 2004
Last visited or updated on: 3rd July, 2006
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Read Shambala reviews
Rated 4 out of 5
Based on 5 ratings and 5 reviews
Shambala
There is only one place to stay in Koh Samui and it’s a little place called Shambala. Not just because, quite frankly, it’s the only affordable place on the island, but because it’s LOVELY. Owned by the sweetest Franag couple and the Kitchen by a soulful Thai family. They will point you in the direction of mopeds, scuba, elephant treks, yoga…. There is even an immigration office to too far away if you want to extend your stay. (I did). Let’s talk food for a moment. You can have a killer egg sald, toasty or French fries when it’s sunny but I recommend the Pad Thai and/or fresh coconut. Drinks under their little straw huts is blissful and chilled out Thai cushions a bonus. There are also plenty of movies, books, board games and other such treats geared towards any homesick traveler. Be careful though because the time will fly by. But for 500 Baht a night (800 Hot shower) WHY NOT? Oh- don’t do your laundry across the street. Trust me on that one. P.S I saw a guy walking his Water Buffalo on the beach from my ocean view the morning I left. If you can get it, Grab #6. Best Bungalow in the house.
Shambala reviewed by AmbreIris (Total reviews: 1) on
Good Location
This was a great place to stay for a short time to wind down after a flight from Bangkok if you plan to move on to Koh Phangan after 1 or 2 days - walking distance to the ferry. If you're after a really quiet relaxing holiday, move on after 1 night. The food was not too bad, though there are other nicer restaurants along the beach, and the gardens were interesting. The bungalow was comfortable, clean and airy and the staff easy enough to deal with. The setting was quiet enough at night for a decent sleep.
Shambala reviewed by RuthStephenson (Total reviews: 5) on
Mixed feelings
We only stayed for two nights because we were told that the place was full afterwards. However, we overheard a telephone call later during which new reservations were taken. Please note that different prices are demanded from different travellers. We were charged 1000 Baht/night, whereas as other people only paid 800 Baht/night for the same bungalow. When Shambala arranged a taxi to another resort, they initially suggested it would cost 300-400 Baht, after calling a taxi,they wanted us to pay 500 Baht for the ride. After we argued that we only wanted to pay 400 Baht, they and the taxi agreed on this price (we should have argued for a cheaper room price as well!). The bungalows are a bit dirty, the towels provided very old and generally the place is a bit run down. Nevertheless, the food is okay, the beach is quite nice (however, mind the dog ****) and the water is not very clear. Great cocktail bar is nearby which is called Elemental (they provide accomodation as well) which we unfortunately only discovered on our last day).
Shambala reviewed by sonjaundmicha (Total reviews: 4) on
shabby shambala
We stayed almost a week and liked it more after a few days but our initial reaction was one of disappointment. It felt a little run down, the gardens were scruffy and there was rubbish around the broken steps and road. The bar on the beach is no longer in use. Their website led us to believe we would have a sea view and sea breeze when we had niether despite paying for the more expensive bungalows. However, having breakfast on the deck was great (the restaurant has no sea view either) and it does feel relaxed and laid back but we were expecting more. The water is not that clear but the beach is nice and quiet.
Shambala reviewed by gecko (Total reviews: 8) on
Just lovely
I highly highly recommend this place. The setting, the bungalows, the food and the staff are all fantastic. Spent my Xmas here and it was bliss. The beach is also lovely and quiet -- and if you want a bit of life then you can quickly get to Bo Phut and Chaweng
Shambala reviewed by nicolaculican (Total reviews: 3) on