A smooth wood footbridge leads back from the cafe before circling around past the stilted bungalows, all made of dark wood and bamboo with high thatch roofs and floor cushions or cushioned benches on porches that mingle with branches. Green leaves dangle over wood-framed glass windows that swing open like doors. Interiors boast plenty of space, high ceilings, firm beds draped in mosquito nets and large bathrooms that come with cold-water showers and little gardens.

Simple clean and comfortable. Photo: David Luekens

Each bungalow is a little different from the next; do have a poke around before settling in. We’d opt for one with a moveable fan rather than a wall-mounted fan installed a couple of metres away from the bed. While the water below the bungalows adds to the soothing feel of the place, we reckon that mosquito repellent will come in handy here.

The soft-spoken Thai/European couple that runs the place can usually be found relaxing when not serving breakfast in the mornings – they seemed like good hosts for non-fussy travellers. Mayom Garden is located on the inland side of the main south coast road within walking distance of the beach and Baan Tai village.