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 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 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 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.
ACCOMMODATIONS"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 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 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 rocks
::
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 most of them made of wood & bamboo
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, rocks 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. Minimum age for children is 5 years.
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 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 ani, 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)