In our quest to find food and accommodation on Ko Samui at reasonable prices, here we bring you a selection of beach bungalows (yes, on the beach) for 500 baht per night. The area we’re covering is from Bang Po to Choeng Mon along the northern coast of Samui. You may not get air-con and … read the full post

If nothing else, P10 gets full marks for being noticeable on Ko Samui. Driving down Bang Rak’s main road, it is hard to miss the bizarre orange winged and floating roof that sits atop this modern glass building, and from an architectural perspective, it can be appreciated. It reflects the modern look of the Petcharat … read the full post

During our Samui research earlier this year, we popped in to check out Secret Garden, a long-standing Bang Rak establishment; it looked tired and rundown, as if in need of a holiday itself. So on hearing that a new owner took over May 1, 2012,  we couldn’t resist a peek to see if new eyes … read the full post

At first glance, it’s hard to figure out what Samui-Ley is. Is it an art gallery? Is it a clothing and knick-knack store? Is it a coffee shop? Is it a guesthouse? Well, all of the above, actually. Located right in the centre of Bophut’s happening Fisherman’s Village, and looking out over the bay towards … read the full post

A new Ko Samui hotel with a name that’s a mouthful opened at the beginning of June 2012. Boutique the Green Bay View Hotel is located on the top floor of a two-storey shopping complex, at the junction to the airport from Bang Rak. The building was originally designed as shops downstairs and offices above, … read the full post

Samui Heritage Resort is tucked away and would not easily be stumbled upon without knowing it was there. The only access is through a shopping complex, with the resort located at the end of the row of shops and businesses. A teal stucco, stone and wood entrance guarded by lion statues welcomes guests. You’ll need … read the full post

Moonhut Bungalows is a great budget option on Ko Samui’s Mae Nam beach. Arriving at Moonhut from a windy dirt road, the initial impressions may be mixed:the entrance is quaint, with a signposted archway leading to a tree-lined avenue with a beach sand floor, but a stagnant river to the left, at least when we … read the full post

Lamai is Ko Samui’s second largest beach after Chaweng, and lies on the southeast coast, with Chaweng Noi to its north, and Hua Thanon to its south. Driving from Chaweng to Lamai offers an eagle’s view along the 4169 ring road of the coves below, as the route winds over steep hills and around giant … read the full post

From the streetfront, a modern glass, metal and wood building announces the entrance to the Marina Residence, Petcherat Pier and Marina Club Lounge in bold orange and yellow signage. Quite out of step with the bungalow-style resorts along this stretch of Bang Rak, the Petcherat complex is modern, and rather ‘un-Thai’ in design. Even the … read the full post

Honey Cottages on Ko Samui’s Choeng Mon beach lies on an expansive garden-filled property shaded by large trees. The beach at the eastern end where the cottages are located has shallow waters, and at low tide, a short walk takes you to a small island not much more than a rocky outcrop called Ko Fan … read the full post