Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 0 7723 5165;
www.amsamuiresort.com
;
Taling Ngam; bungalows 1600-6000B; )
Cast modesty
aside, spread your curtains wide, and welcome sunshine and sea views in through your
floor-to-ceiling windows. Getting out of the main tourist areas to this private beach with
fantastic sunset views means your baht goes miles further in terms of room quality. Expect
quiet nights and a less manicured beach.
Sunset Beach Resort & Spa
( 0 7742 8200;
www.thesunsetbeachresort.com
;
Ban Taling Nam; r 6000-14,300B, villa 11,000-35,800B;
)
While the views over the Five Islands at sunset, quiet (though slightly pebbly) beach
and extra-clean, simple yet luxurious rooms are a draw, it's the smiling, attentive service
that makes this place stand out among resorts in this area. Free mountain bikes get you
around the sleepy surrounding village, but you'll want a vehicle to get further afield.
RESORT
$$$
WORTH A TRIP
KO TAH
Tired of tours and busy beaches? For the intrepid DIY traveller there's no better way to spend a day on Ko Samui
than with a trip to the white sands of Ko Tah. Hire a long-tail boat from the boatmen who beach their boats along-
side the strip of seafood restaurants on Hat Thong Tanote on Ko Samui's south coast; a boat for up to six people
should cost 1500B to 2000B for a four-hour trip. The island itself is only about 15 minutes from Ko Samui. While
the snorkelling isn't that great, the white-sand beach is empty aside from the occasional visit by charter boats and
local fishermen, and the views and swimming are sublime.
South Coast
The southern end of Ko Samui is spotted with rocky headlands and smaller coves of
pebble sand that are used more as parking lots for Thai fishing boats than for lounge
chairs. It's a great area to take a leisurely cycle through coconut palm groves and small
Thai villages that aren't ruled by tourism.
Easy Time
( 0 7792 0110;
www.easytimesamui.com
;
Phang Ka; villas 2100-3850B; )
Safely tucked away
from the throngs of tourists, this little haven - nestled a few minutes' walk to the beach
around a serene swimming pool - doesn't have well-oiled service so be prepared to be
master of your own off-the-beaten-path getaway. Duplex villa units and a chic dining
space create an elegant mood that is refreshingly unpretentious.
BUNGALOW
$$
