Mai Pen Rai Bungalows, Koh Phangan, Thailand

Welcome to 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. Mai Pen Rai has been totally refurnished, and by the end of 2006, the restaurant will have been refurbished too.

The new bungalows on the rocks still 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 new layout of the bathrooms have a 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 comfort, space and relaxation.

Here the famous Than Sadet river meanders down the mountainside through the dense jungle and exits into the sea beside MaiPenRai 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.

"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.

:: 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 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 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 ::

Bungalows on the River are situated in the garden with beautiful views onto 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 ::

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 Room - on the Rocks ::

Ideal for couples seeking a bit more space and privacy are the newly built family rooms. These feature a big double bed on the lower floor, and two singles on the airy upper floor, making it perfect for a family or a group of friends. These rooms have great sweeping views over the beach, and also out to sea, perfect for seeing the sunrise in the morning.

The bungalows are stilted high up above the rocks, allowing them to receive the fresh sea-breeze. The bathrooms are spacious, floored with slate and stone, giving a clean and modern yet natural finish to the design.

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 jewellery), 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.

ADSL Internet and International/Domestic Phone call

Pool Table

Laundry Service

Safety Deposit Box

Travels & Tours Agency

Restaurant Serving Thai and Western Cuisine

The Reggae Bar

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 pace 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 Caf้, Than Sadet Travel. Daily at 1.00 the 4 x 4 departs for Than Sadet Beach, price is 100 Baht per person. Please ask for Mr Wat, the taxi driver. 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 from Koh Samui Maenam beach at 12.00, catch the Thong Naipan Long Tail taxi boat , fare to Than Sadet is 300 Baht per person, and is the easiest way to arrive in Thansadet. This will take you directly to Than Sadet, 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).