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Opened in 2014, Olly’s Bar and Hostel came as a much-needed option for budget travellers on pricey Ko Samet.
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At research time it was the only hostel on the island -- and it’s a good one.
Olly offers a mixed dorm room set in an attached concrete building just back from the street. Guests staying in one of the roughly 12 bunks, including some that accommodate two guests, will use several shared hot-water bathrooms that are attached to the room itself. The fully enclosed “pod” bunks come with polished concrete walls on three sides and sliding wood doors that allow for complete privacy. Painted lavender and sea green, the pods also come with whitewashed windows that allow some light in while making it impossible for other guests to see inside. The room is air-conditioned and all bunks come with personal reading lamp, outlet and locker. Compared to similar dorms that we’ve checked out in similarly expensive destinations, the value is excellent.
A cosy bar fronts the establishment with floor cushions and tables in an open-air lounge overlooking the main drag. Board games and free WiFi are available if you get bored. It’s a great little spot to meet backpackers and perhaps an expat English teacher or two. A cool Englishman who seems to understand the budget travel lifestyle, Olly himself is a great host.
While Olly’s cannot be booked through sites like Agoda and Booking, you can reserve your bunk through Hostelworld or by contacting Olly directly. Reservations are a good idea during high season.
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Walk-in rates at Olly’s Bar and Hostel
Type of room, low and high season prices
Room: Dorm air-con, low season: 350 baht, high season 350 baht. Notes: Double bunk: 500 baht
Where is Olly’s Bar and Hostel
Olly’s Bar and Hostel
Samet Village, Ko Samet
T: (086) 349 0064
ollyskohsamed@gmail.comhttp://ollyskohsamed.com/
Coordinates (for GPS): 101º27'51.55" E, 12º34'18.62" N
Room rates: Under 600B