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The bright yellow-and-green property consists of small concrete bungalows and larger rooms in a couple of buildings stretching up a grassy hillside—only the lowest-lying bungalows don’t require a huff up some stairs. Dubbed “cabins” by the owners, these come with spring beds (or two), fans, a couple of screened windows, tiny balconies and small wet bathrooms with hot water.

Hold your horses Elle Decor. Photo: David Luekens

While the low-end rooms aren’t too shabby for the price, we suggest climbing a little further up the hill for a similarly bland but more spacious room with extras like TV, desk, fridge and maybe a picture of a sunset on the wall. The lodge also has some family rooms and those who can handle multiple stairways will find views of the mountains from the upper floors. All rooms are dated but the ones we inspected appeared well kept.

Island Lodge is set in a quiet spot down a scenic side lane in central Haad Sai Khao—you can’t miss the eye-catching sign out on the main drag. Beer and breakfast are available in the attached cafe, known as the Filling Station. While we’ve yet to encounter the English owner, the young Thai man who showed us around most recently was helpful and welcoming.

Right next to Island Lodge is the smaller Tuk Tuk Guesthouse, which offers similarly cheap bungalows and was also staffed by a welcoming Thai guy when we inquired. These are just two of the many budget options found on the inland side of the main drag through Haad Sai Khao—you might also consider Arunee Resort and Chill Paradise Guesthouse.