Thailand (Lonely Planet, 13th Edition) - China Williams [484]
Queen Boutique Resort ( Map; 0 7741 3148; queensamui@yahoo.com; Soi Colibri; s/d from 600/800B; ai) Yes, these rooms really are less than 1000B (although probably not for long)! Queen is a brand new place to hang your hat and is luring travellers by the boatload with boutique digs at backpacker prices.
Jungle Club (off Map; 0 1894 2327; bungalows 600-2900B, villas 3500B; ais) The perilous drive up the slithering dirt road is totally worthwhile once you get a load of the awesome views from the top. This isolated mountain getaway is a huge hit amongst locals and tourists alike. There’s a relaxed back-to-nature vibe – guests chill around the stunning horizon pool or tuck themselves away for a catnap under the canopied roofs of an open-air sh·lah (often spelt sala). Call ahead for a pick-up; you don’t want to spend your precious jungle vacation in a body cast.
Midrange
Chaweng Center Hotel ( Map; 0 7741 3747;chawengcenter@hotmail.com; r 1200B; as) Although the views of McDonald’s across the street are far from charming, this central cheapie has freshly refurbished rooms that are well-priced and pull off ‘minimal-chic’ instead of feeling spartan.
Akwa ( Map; 08 4660 0551; www.akwaguesthouse.com; r 999-2599B; ai) A charming B&B-style sleeping spot, Akwa has a few funky rooms decorated with bright colours.
Ark Bar ( Map; 0 7742 2047; www.ark-bar.com; bungalows 1600-2500B; as) You’ll find two of every creature at Ark Bar – hardcore partiers, chilled-out hippies, teenagers, 40-somethings, even Canadians. Sky-blue motel units run along the thin verdant strip connecting the Bangkokian streets of Chaweng to the wildly popular restaurant-bar on the beach.
Chaweng Garden Beach ( Map; 0 7796 0394; www.chawenggardnessamui.com; r from 1600B; ais) A popular ‘flashpacker’ choice, this campus of accommodation has a large variety of room types serviced by an extra-smiley staff.
Nora Chaweng ( Map; 0 7791 3666; www.norachawenghotel.com; r from 2500B; ais) It’s not on the beach, but this new addition to the Chaweng bustle has a great price-to-comfort ratio.
Corto Maltese ( Map; 0 7723 0041; www.corto-samui.com; r 2000-4000B, tr 3000B; as) Owned by a Frenchman, this place looks like it just fell out of a comic book – maybe Tintin and the Mystery of Surprisingly Cheap Accommodation in Chaweng? Rooms are outfitted with cheerful pastels, wooden moulding and the occasional stone feature. It’s not the best place on Chaweng, but it’s definitely a spot you’ll remember.
Tango Beach Resort ( Map; 0 7742 2470; www.tangobeachsamui.com; r incl breakfast 2650-6250B; ais) A midrange all-star, the newly completed Tango features a string of bungalows arranged along a teak boardwalk that meanders away from the beach.
Top End
Baan Chaweng Beach Resort ( Map; 0 7742 2403; www.baanchawengbeachresort.com; bungalows 4000-7000B; ais) A pleasant option for those who want top-end luxury without the hefty bill, Baan Chaweng is one of the new kids on the block and is keeping the prices relatively low. The immaculate rooms are painted in various shades of peach and pear, with teak furnishings that feel both modern and traditional.
Muang Kulay Pan Hotel ( Map; 0 7723 0849-51; www.kulaypan.com; r incl breakfast 4725-13540B; ais) No, that’s not a rip in the wallpaper – it’s all part of the design concept. The architect cites a fusion between Zen and Thai concepts, but we think the decor is completely random. The seaside grounds have been purposefully neglected to lend an additional sense of chaos to this unique resort.
Baan Haad Ngam ( Map; 0 7723 1500, 0 7723 1520; www.baanhaadngam.com; bungalows 6400-14000B; ais) Vibrant Baan Haad Ngam shuns the usual teak and tan – every exterior is painted in an interesting shade of green, like radioactive celery. It’s sassy, classy and a great choice if you’ve got the dime.
Poppies Samui ( Map; 0 7742 2419; www.poppiessamui.com; r 7000-11000B; ais) After passing through the marble lobby, a small staircase suddenly opens onto a tropical paradise that feels miles away