Our top 10 places to stay in and around Ko Samui
A rare backpacker option
The bungalows at Free House are some of the cheapest options around if you’re looking for a resort with direct access to Bophut Beach.
A black sheep among the mostly large and expensive resorts found on this stretch of Bophut, Free House enjoys an excellent location around the centre of the beach and about a 10-minute walk west of Fisherman’s Village. A large restaurant serves quality Thai food beside the sand, with freestanding bungalows set in two rows that face one another across a central “garden” shaded by umbrella trees. While none have sea views, all come with hammocks and chairs on private porches.
Made of weathered wood with a metal roof and a few glass windows, the fan bungalow that we checked out had a firm bed on raised wood platform draped in mosquito net along with a soft lamp and tiny safe, which is unexpected for the price. Hot-water shower and Western-style flush toilet came in the brushed concrete bathroom. The room appeared clean, even if the walls had a few scratches, with no interior furniture but enough space to keep from tripping over luggage. The whitewashed concrete bungalows with air-con and thatch roofs were full but looked promising. Staff was friendly and WiFi is free.
Address: 175/7 Moo 1, Bophut, Ko Samui
T: (077) 427 516 ;
Coordinates (for GPS): 100º1'16.7" E, 9º33'52.06" N
See position in Apple or Google Maps: Apple Maps | Google Maps
Room rates: 600B to 1,500B
What we were quoted as a walk-in.
| Bungalow fan private bathroom | 600 baht | 700 baht |
| Bungalow air-con private bathroom Add 300 baht for a bigger bungalow | 900 baht | 1,100 baht |
| Family room | 1,400 baht | 1,400 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 Samui
