Our top 10 places to stay in and around Ko Samet
Crusty backpacker haunt
Along with basic accommodation, well dug-in Naga Bungalows has a post office, internet shop, mini-library, tour desk, money exchange office, gem dealer, bar and restaurant, though the old muay Thai ring was missing at research time.
Climbing up the concrete steps with mythical naga serpents for handrails takes you to a concrete roofed platform with reception and many of the services mentioned above, all set haphazardly beneath the frame of a concrete structure that doesn’t look like it will be finished any time soon. Young staffers handed us keys and sent us up more steep stairs to check out the rooms -- security isn’t really a thing here. Set halfway up the hill and a better selection found all the way at the top, wood bungalows looked tattered but are the only backpacker-range rooms left on Ao Hin Khok. Relying on grungy cold-water shared bathrooms with Western or squat toilets, these come with tin roofs, firm beds, mosquito nets, wood floors, a few windows and log porches with plastic chairs. Expect some cobwebs. Set in a bright-pink cement structure, the air-con room that we checked out was rather gloomy, with “private” bathroom that requires guests to walk outside. At the top of the hill, an air-con stack with sea views and proper ensuite bathrooms and TVs appeared to be an improvement, though you’ll probably be better off at neighbouring Tok’s
While most budget travellers probably won’t complain, you’ll find better fan bungalows with private bathrooms down the road at Ao Pai Hut for about the same price. What Naga does have going for it is a fun atmosphere, at least if you’re a younger traveller looking to meet and mix over cheap buckets. Expect patchy WiFi, jaded staff and some late-night debauchery.
Address: Ao Hin Khok, Ko Samet
T: (086) 843 5569 ; (038) 644 035;
Email: nagakohsamet@hotmail.com
Coordinates (for GPS): 101º27'39.5" E, 12º33'57.78" N
See position in Apple or Google Maps: Apple Maps | Google Maps
Room rates: Under 600B
What we were quoted as a walk-in.
| Quad fan share bathroom Bungalow | 900 baht | 900 baht |
| Standard double room | 1,200 baht | 1,200 baht |
| Superior double room | 1,500 baht | 1,500 baht |
Reviewed by
David Luekens
David Luekens first came to Thailand in 2005 when Thai friends from his former home of Burlington, Vermont led him on a life-changing trip. Based in Thailand since 2011, he spends much of his time eating in Bangkok street markets and island hopping the Andaman Sea.
Our top 10 places to stay in and around Ko Samet
