Mai Pen Rai Bungalows, at Than Sadet Beach on the East Coast of Koh Phangan. Here the emphasis is on keeping in touch with the roots of nature around and this can be seen in the design of the bungalows and in the restaurant itself.
The bungalows on the rocks maintain the natural, rustic feel of Than Sadet and incorporate many of the huge boulders into the design of the bungalows, giving a totally unique, original feel to these spacious rooms. The layouts of the bathrooms have ass rustic but modern and clean design, using slates, stones and pebbles for the flooring and the walls. The rooms have been designed with the traveling spirit in mind for rustic comfort, space and relaxation.
Bridge to Bungalows on the River
Here the famous Than Sadet River meanders down the mountainside through the dense jungle and exits into the sea beside Mai Pen Rai restaurant. The river and waterfalls once visited by their Majesties King V, VII and IX, who carved their initials on the huge granite rocks that grace this river, have now become one of the most tranquil and popular places on the island to visit and relax. Parts of Thansadet beach and Waterfall due to these royal connections are National Park land.
ACCOMMODATION
"Mai Pen Rai" consists of 40 Bungalows. Each bungalow is special and unique with its original, artistic and spacious design, harmoniously blending with the nature around.
:: Beach View Bungalow ::
Basic hut simply the best for budget travelers find a new way to meet new people while still have your own private space.
- Private bungalow with large balcony
- Hammock
- Fan
- Private cold shower and American toilet
- Double or twin bed
- Location: close to the beach
:: Wooden Beach Bungalow ::
We keep the beachfront area for all customers to enjoy sharing the beauty of the beach and ocean together.
- Two double beds bungalow
- For up to 2 persons (3 - 4 persons)
- Fan
- Private cold shower and American toilet
- Private bungalow with large balcony
:: Bungalows On The Beach ::
These rooms have recently been renovated, to give more space and
comfort. The emphasis being on maintaining the natural feel of Than
Sadet without destroying any of the nature and beauty around. The
new beach bungalows have been designed to give much more space and
privacy. The rooms have one double bed, and a single bed, and have
plenty of room to add in an extra single bed or baby cot for
families with more children.
The rooms themselves are bigger and equipped with shelves and
four poster mosquito net. Bungalows on the Beach are situated just a
stone's throw from the waters edge. Here one has direct views of
beach life and activity.
:: Bungalows On The River ::
As well as the old traditional bungalows on the other side of the river, there are now 4 new bungalows on the riverside. These are situated in the garden with beautiful views onto the river. These are spacious, cool and close to the beach.
They have two floors, and if you book a river room, you will get either the top floor, or the lower floor. They have balconies
overlooking the river, and from here, you are able to watch the Bharans playing and swimming in the river.
More are strewn on the other side of
the river with views directly onto the river, and the Sea. These bungalows are creatively designed with a large second floor
verandah, standing high in tree-house style.
:: Bungalows On The Rocks ::
Among the more popular of our bungalows are the bungalows on the
rocks, with spectacular views out to sea, where one is able to watch
the sun rise from the bed with the window open, or the full moon
rising on the night of the full moon. At night, here one can hear
the ocean gently lapping on the rocks.
The new pathways along
the rocks have been re-landscaped, and this makes access to the
bungalows much more easy and convenient. These rooms have recently
been renovated, to give more space and comfort. The emphasis being
on maintaining the natural feel of Than Sadet without destroying any
of the nature and beauty around. The bathrooms are spacious, floored
with slate and stone, giving a clean and modern yet natural finish
to the design.
The rooms themselves are bigger and equipped with shelves and
four poster mosquito net. Bungalows on the Rocks are imaginatively
and innovatively built around the space of the huge granite rocks,
incorporating many of these boulders into the design of the rooms,
and bathrooms too. Each bungalow is unique and original with a new
natural and creative design.
Some of the beds are built into the actual rocks that
have been incorporated into the rooms, giving a truly unique and
artistic feel to the bungalow. Here one can be tucked away in total
privacy, with superb views onto the beach, and out on to the open
seas of the Gulf of Siam.
:: Family Bungalows On The Rocks ::
The Family bungalows are situated on the rocks, inside there are two
floors, making them popular amongst families or groups of friends,
or couples seeking slightly more space. These rooms can be booked
with extra beds, to accommodate more people, for those of you who
are on a tight budget. Many of them have now been renovated with
glass sliding doors, and more space inside.
The family rooms have extra special touches, and special
attention has been made to blend them in with the nature around, be
it the rocks built into the rooms, or the gardens designed around
them. The new pathways along the rocks have been re-landscaped, and
this makes access to the bungalows much more easy and convenient.
:: Bungalows On The Hill Budget A ::
Mai Pen Rai also offers hill top bungalows with sweeping views of Than Sadet Bay. Here one is able to be immersed in the peace and quiet of the hill top, nestled by hill top breeze and surrounded by
lush gardens. There is a second restaurant up here, peaceful with plenty of space to relax. These bungalows are perfect for long stay customers or for those seeking budget price.
:: Bungalows On The Hill Budget B ::
Mai Pen Rai also offers hill top bungalows with sweeping views of
Than Sadet Bay. Here one is able to be immersed in the peace and
quiet of the hill top, nestled by hill top breeze and surrounded by
lush gardens. There is a second restaurant up here, peaceful
with plenty of space to relax. These bungalows are perfect for long
stay customers or for those seeking budget price.
SERVICES & FACILITIES
At the beachfront restaurant the atmosphere is relaxed with good music, traditional Thai and Western Food.
There is always an abundant supply of fresh seafood and daily specials often include freshly caught fish
from around Than Sadet waters - Barracuda, Tuna Fish, Spanish Mackerel,
Red and White Snapper and Queen Fish. With a daily supply of fresh produce ordered from the local market,
the kitchen is well stocked to provide an extensive and delicious menu for all palates including vegetarians.
Next to the restaurant is 'The Reggae Bar' as some call it, is a mellow, un-pretentious
and fun place to relax, especially in the evenings, surrounded by the sounds of the frogs and crickets
and a wonderful place to watch the stars. This is the place to soak up the presence of Than Sadet
and to enjoy the spirit of the people and characters who visit this beautiful beach.
Here you will find a shop equipped with all the basic necessities (hammocks, torches, candles, towels, sarongs and jewelery),
plus an 8 x 4 foot snooker table for fun-filled evenings.
:: Available at Mai Pen Rai ::
- Private boat charter around the island
- Regular boat trips
- Car taxi to Thong Sala
- Boat taxi to Full Moon Party
(Weather dependable, otherwise car taxi)
- Taxi service to Half / Black Moon Parties
- Boat Trips aboard 'Orion' to Angthong National Marine Park and Koh Tao
- International / domestic phone call
- Pool table
- Laundry service
- Safety deposit box
- Travels & tours agency
- Restaurant serving Thai and western cuisine
- The reggae bar
- No mobile net available
LOCATION MAP
Than Sadet beach is slightly off the beaten track, and commercial route of Koh Phangan, which adds to its charm.
Here one is able to completely unwind and reenergize ones spirit, whether watching the sunrise in the morning
or chilling out by one of the beautiful pools of the Than Sadet River, or sitting in the Mai Pen Rai restaurant drinking
a tropical shake whilst a bharan meanders past, or watching the stars, and the full moon rising on the horizon.
This is truly a paradise where nature lovers and artists from all walks of life can come together
and enjoy the peace and serenity of this unique corner of the world. Here one is able to unwind
and recharge ones spirit in the seclusion and tranquility of this very special haven.
Due to the fast development of Koh Phangan, this really is a one of a kind place where the place of life is still as it should be
and the feeling of the 'old Koh Phangan' is still present in the atmosphere and feeling of this beach.
Due to the remote situation of Than Sadet and the factor that it is in National Park territory,
government electricity has not reached Than Sadet. This in fact adds to the charm of the place.
Power is run by generator and is switched on from 11.00 am until 4.00 pm, and then again 6.00 pm until midnight.
Satellite Broad band Internet is available between these hours too in the internet office of the restaurant.
:: How to get to Mai Pen Rai ::
If you are coming from Surat Thani, please take one of the many ferries from Surat Thani to Thong Sala, Koh Phangan.
If you are coming from Koh Samui, or Koh Tao, please also get yourself to Thong Sala pier.
Here we have an office, situated beside the Yellow Café, Than Sadet Travel.
Daily at 1.00 the 4 x 4 departs for Than Sadet Beach. If you miss this taxi, or are arriving later than this,
please contact the resort directly who can organize a private pick up for you
Daily depending on weather condition (operating from Feb - Oct) from Koh Samui Maenam beach at 12.00,
catch the Thong Naipan taxi boat to Than Sadet, this is the easiest way to arrive in Thansadet.
The boat will take you directly to Mai Pen Rai, stopping at Had Rin, Had Tien, Than Sadet, and finally Thong Naipan Beach.
Please leave good time to get to Maenam, as often the Songtaew taxi drivers will take you to another pier,
which puts you onto the Lomprayah boat to Had Rin, for which the taxi driver gets a commission!
You need to emphasise that you need the Thong Naipan Long Tail taxi boat; coming from Nathon,
once in Maenam village, the pier is situated down the soi to the left,
which is opposite the soi on the right that goes up to Wat PukaoTong (temple)