Our top 10 places to stay in and around Ko Samet
Hammocks in the breeze
Sporting royal-blue bungalows near a break wall and concrete rooms built into a steep hill, Ban Khiang Talay has a laid-back vibe while offering a more present staff than at some of Ao Sang Thian’s resorts.
Ground-level wood bungalows with tin roofs get the job done with firm beds and cheap blankets on hardwood floors, fridges, TVs, standard wet bathrooms, large swing-open windows, blue stripes on the white walls and, best of all, large roofed porches with direct sea views. If the wood bench on your porch isn’t comfy enough, hop down a few steps to one of the shared hammocks, tables, loungers or Thai cushions spread out among the tropical flowers. Similarly equipped but less inspiring, hillside concrete rooms come with tile floors and the one that we inspected smelled a little musty, though the higher vantage point does make for a more breathtaking view. All rooms show some wear and tear but we didn’t notice any mould or dirt.
In addition to the spacious outdoor common spaces, Ban Khiang Talay’s personable owner, Mr Wee, serves up tasty Thai food under a seaside pavilion with free WiFi and a book exchange. Rates at Ban Khiang Talay jump by 200 to 500 baht on weekends and holidays but otherwise stay fixed throughout the year. Ask and you might receive a discount in the rainy months.
The value is better than neighbouring Sang Thian Resort with its nit-picky rules and tight clusters of rooms. Those looking to save a few hundred baht on a simpler air-con bungalow with almost nonexistent service might want to check out the neighbouring Candlelight Resort. The nearby Ban Thai Sang Thian is also worth considering if you’d prefer a pricier Thai-style villa, though we wouldn’t recommend its cheaper rooms.
Address: Ao Sang Thian, Ko Samet
T: (087) 088 8323; (091) 239 0751;
Email: chweevictoria@gmail.com
Web: http://www.sametbankhiangtalay.com
Coordinates (for GPS): 101º26'55.71" E, 12º32'56.52" N
See position in Apple or Google Maps: Apple Maps | Google Maps
Room rates: 1,500B to 4,000B
What we were quoted as a walk-in.
| Standard double room Up to 1,500 baht. | 1,300 baht | 1,300 baht |
| Bungalow air-con private bathroom | 1,800 baht | 1,800 baht |
| Family room Plus 2,000 baht for six guests. | 3,000 baht | 3,000 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
