Bungalows
in Phuket offer similar facilities and services to resorts, but usually
have a more down-to-earth feel. Indigenous motifs and natural textures
often underscore the interiors, while lush tropical gardens define
landscape design. Some offer views of the Andaman Sea while others,
located farther inland, usually make up for the fact with a picturesque
garden. Each bungalow further provides modern amenities include a
mini-bar, tea and coffee maker, air-conditioning, private balcony and
in-room safe in most cases. Dining at these bungalows is also possible,
as is the full-service spa that will refresh your body and mind (Thai
massage is a must!). Take a look through our hand-picked Phuket
Bungalows from the list below and start to plan for your affordable and
charming holiday.
Relax Bay, Koh Lanta:-Just
along the Andaman Sea coast, south of Krabi Town, the landscape turns
into a mix of mangroves and beguiling islands. The largest of these is
Koh Lanta, rightly famed for its nearby diving sites and its beaches,
which are usually long, sweeping affairs, gently sloping into the warm
Andaman Sea. One of the best is found at the suitably named Relax Bay,
home to the resort of the same name, a French-owned endeavour complete
with a range of secluded and comfortable wooden beachside bungalows and
large tents. Relax is the kind of place where you might end up staying
longer than planned, thanks to the almost homestay style of genuine and
friendly service, authentic Thai food – the French menu isn't bad either
– and calming, restful atmosphere.
Bamboo Bungalows, Koh Phayam:-The
northern end of Thailand's Andaman Sea coast leads to the Burmese
border and the sea-frontier town of Ranong. From here it's a two-hour
boat ride to the island of Phayam, famous for its cashew nuts and superb
beaches; indeed, Phayam is possibly the only place on earth where you
can enjoy a full-moon beach party and an annual Miss Cashew Nut contest.
Head to Ao Yai, or Big Beach, a 3km crescent of white sand on the west
of Phayam where you'll find Bamboo Bungalows. There's a variety of
beachside bungalows at this laid-back and engaging operation, from basic
A-framed "shell-huts" to comfortable villas with contemporary Thai
furnishings. There are kayaks and snorkelling equipment and the
restaurant, which often bakes its own bread, is regarded as one of the
best on the island.
Koh Yao Noi community homestay programme:-Watching
the sun rise, or set, over the limestone karst-filled waters of Phang
Nga Bay makes for one the most stunning sights in Thailand. Located
slap-bang in the middle of the bay is the island of Yao Noi, the perfect
place to let the days slip away and engage in a bit of sun-gazing. The
ambience on Yao Noi is decidedly soporific, with few cars and just a
smattering of guesthouses, hotels and restaurants. The island is also
home to an award-winning homestay programme run by local fishermen, and a
chance to stay with one of the host families will give you an insight
into a way of life the islanders are fiercely proud of. Your host family
will also provide you with endless feasts of sumptuous seafood and take
you on day trips to remote islands with secret beaches. Accommodation
is basic, though spotlessly clean, and the families take turns to host
guests according to a strict rota.
Nimmanoradee Resort, Koh Samet:-The
island of Samet, off Thailand's easterly coast a four-hour drive from
Bangkok, is infamous as a weekend party island. But it offers far more
than eating, drinking and loud music. The beaches are picture-perfect
expanses of powder-white sand, with bay after bay running south along
Samet's east coast. And the further south down the island you head, the
quieter it becomes until you reach, right on the very southern tip, the
Nimmanoradee Resort. Cute clapboard huts are scattered on rocky outcrops
and amid trees, all with sea views, and a private sandy beach is a step
away. There are kayaks, a swimming pool, deckchairs everywhere and the
rooms are bathed in natural light with neat designer touches. Flatscreen
TVs and bathtubs add extra comfort to the natural setting. Room rates
on Samet tend to be much lower during the week.
Sun Beach Guesthouse:-Six
hours south of Bangkok down the Gulf of Thailand coast is the friendly
fishing town of Prachuap Khiri Khan. Set on a gorgeous bay with a
promenade-style seafront, Prachuap has never really succumbed to tourism
so retains plenty of earthy Thai charm. The highlight is the nearby
beach of Ao Manao, about 2km from the town (a tuk-tuk will take you
there for £1), where you'll find an idyllic sweep of fine sand fringed
by tall trees and lapped by calm waters. Manao (which means lime in
Thai) is set on a low-key air force base, where you have to show your
passport at the entrance gate. But don't let this put you off: the base
helps protect the beach from developers, and is home to a small colony
of cute dusky langur monkeys and dozens of cheap and excellent seafood
stalls.
The Mangrove, Koh Chang:-In
the far-flung corner of the eastern gulf coast is Koh Chang national
marine park, where you'll find a smattering of 50 or so islands and
islets in an area covering 650 sq km. At the centre is Koh Chang island
itself, with hills 700m high, lush jungle and a run of exquisite beaches
down its western shore. Tucked up among them is Bailan Bay, where
you'll find the very lovely Mangrove bungalow operation amid woodland
overlooking the sea. Everything at the Mangrove is very low-key and
natural, with plenty of hammocks and cushion-strewn hang-out terraces
around the resort area. The bungalows are wooden, fan-cooled affairs
with cute furnishings and attached outdoor bathrooms. The beach can get a
bit narrow at high tide, but the atmosphere of total relaxation and
very affordable seclusion more than makes up for that. Add in excellent
food, cold drinks and ice-cream and this is another place where you
might find yourself staying longer than you intended.
Kantary Beach, Khao Lak:-An
hour or so north of Phuket, the Andaman Sea coast stretches out into a
long run of perfect white sand beaches and the Khao Lak national park.
There's little in the way of urban build here and really the only thing
to do is relax and enjoy the sun. Of the numerous excellent mid-range
and luxury resorts here, Kantary Beach is one of the best, and makes for
a great choice for families, too. The contemporary designer rooms are
massive – each comes with separate living area, sofa bed, mini-kitchen
and balcony – but surprisingly affordable, while the 11km of
palm-fringed beach the rooms look on to is perfect for luxuriant
tropical lazing. The resort serves excellent seafood and Thai grub, has a
kids' play area, a huge pool and also rents out kayaks and
mini-catamarans to guests.
OonLee Bungalows, Koh Jum:-Most
visitors to the Andaman Coast hub of Krabi head straight to the
flesh-pot of Phi Phi or the busy beaches of Ao Nang – and have probably
never even heard of the nearby island of Jum. Those who make it to Koh
Jum are thankful that this somnolent, verdant isle is still off the
radar. The beaches here are not the postcard-perfect sweeps of white
sand you'll find elsewhere, but the charm is in the Chao Ley (Sea Gypsy)
locals, the thick jungle and the quirkiness. The pick of places to stay
is OonLee Bungalows, run by a Frenchwoman and her Thai husband – who
also happens to be a gourmet chef and a carpenter. The gorgeous homely
little bungalows that blend in with the forest and peer over the sea are
a labour of love for the owners. Factor in awesome food, a welcome as
friendly as you'll find anywhere, plus enough hammocks and big soft
cushions for a lifetime's worth of lazing and you should be suitably
bewitched.
Tarutao national park bungalows:-Once
home to pirates and political prisoners, Tarutao, at the southern end
of Thailand's Andaman coast, is now one of Thailand's best-protected
national parks. The interior is filled with thick jungle and all manner
of beasties, including snakes and monkeys, and the beaches are
extraordinarily beautiful. In terms of places to stay and eat, this
protection keeps things at a basic, though adequate, level and on all
beaches the only choice is simple national park bungalows, with minimal
electricity, and cold water. If you can brave these conditions, you will
be amply rewarded, as stunning Tarutao is kept pretty much as nature
intended.
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