Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Entertainment
33
Moulin Rouge
C1
Sleeping
The island's array of sleeping options is overwhelming. If you're looking to splurge, there
is definitely no shortage of top-end resorts sporting extravagant bungalows, charming
spas, private infinity pools and first-class dining. Bo Phut, on the island's northern coast,
has a charming collection of boutique lodging - the perfect choice for midrange travellers.
Backpack-toting tourists will have to look a little harder, but budget digs do pop up once
in a while along all of the island's beaches.
Most visitors arrive having prebooked their resort but outside of peak season most
midrange and budget places offer discounted walk-in rates equal or better to what you'll
find online. Calling around in advance rather than surfing the web is the best way to find a
deal if you don't want to schlep your stuff on foot from place to place. We've compiled a
list of our favourite places to stay but the following inventory is by no means exhaustive.
Private villa services have become quite popular in recent years;
www.gosamuivillas.com
is a good place to book the luxury variety.
Hat Chaweng
Busy, bodaciously flaxen Chaweng is packed wall-to-wall with every level of accommod-
ation from cheap backpacker pads advertised with cardboard signs (some as low as 300B
for a double) to futuristic villas with private swimming pools - and these might be just
across the street from each other. The northern half of the beach is the biggest party zone
and resorts in this region will be in ear-shot of the thumping bass emanating from Ark Bar
at the centre of it all. If you're hoping for early nights, pick a resort near the southern half
of the beach or bring earplugs.
Lucky Mother
GUESTHOUSE
$
( 0 7723 0931; 60 Moo 2; r & bungalows 800-1500B; )
First, let's take a moment to giggle at
the name. OK now let's appreciate the action-filled beachfront location, clean, bright, pol-
