Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 0 7744 5156; Bottle Beach/Hat Khuat; bungalows 300-500B; )
At the far eastern corner of the
beach, this double string of very basic, turquoise bungalows is the ideal place to chill out
- for as long as you can - if you don't need many creature comforts.
Thong Nai Pan
The pair of rounded bays at Thong Nai Pan, in the northeast of the island, are some of the
most remote yet busy beaches on the island; Ao Thong Nai Pan Yai (
yai
means 'big') is
the southern half that has some excellent budget and midrange options, and Ao Thong
Nai Pan Noi (
noi
means 'little') is Pha-Ngan's most upscale beach that curves just above.
Both bays are equally beautiful and great for swimming and hiking.
The road from Thong Sala to Thong Nai Pan was in the process of being widened so it
could be paved when we passed. The completion will most likely increase development
on these beaches.
BUNGALOW
$
Longtail Beach Resort
( 0 7744 5018;
www.longtailbeachresort.com
;
Thong Nai Pan; bungalows fan/air-con from 490/890B; )
Tucked at the lovely southern end of the beach and effortlessly adorable, Longtail offers
backpackers charming thatch-and-bamboo abodes that wind up a lush garden path. The
lounge area is strewn with cushions and very busy.
Dolphin
(Thong Nai Pan; bungalows 500-1800B; )
This hidden retreat gives you a chance to rough it
in style. Quiet afternoons are spent lounging on the comfy cushions in one of the small
pagodas hidden throughout the jungle and bungalows are quite private. Lodging is only
available on a first-come, first-served basis.
BUNGALOW
$
Anantara Rasananda
( 0 7723 9555;
www.rasananda.com
;
villas from 7500B; )
Blink and you'll think you've
been transported to Ko Samui. This five-star luxury resort is a sweeping sand-side prop-
erty with a smattering of semi-detached villas - many with private plunge pools. A savvy
mix of modern and traditional
săh·lah
styling prevails, and great Anantara management
means that this high-end stalwart is here to stay.
RESORT
$$$
