146/1 Moo 4, Lamai Beach, Thailand | (888) 252-3215
Five-minute drive or 20-minute beach walk to heart of Lamai Beach
Small oceanfront pool
Casual, open-air restaurant and bar open all day
Clean bungalows with balconies and king-size beds
Bungalows have AC and TVs with DVD players (except Backpacker Bungalows)
Lush garden setting with beautiful Banyan trees
Beachfront location (though strip of sand is narrow)
Free parking
Free Wi-Fi
Occasional housekeeping issues
Beach in front of the hotel is narrow and sand is a bit coarse
This budget-friendly property to the north of Lamai Beach offers 11 standalone bungalows for some of Koh Samui's most affordable prices. Sure, the room decor is spare, the technology is dated, and wear is visible, but it's hard to complain for the price (often under $30 or even $20 a night). For these rock-bottom rates, most guests will be pleased with the clean rooms, air-conditioning, free (if spotty) Wi-Fi, TVs with DVD players, king-size beds, and outdoor balconies (these amenities are in all rooms except the rustic Backpackers Bungalows). The lush gardens have 60-year-old Banyan trees, the small pool has cushioned loungers and ocean views, and the location is within a 20-minute walk of the heart of Lamai Beach along the sand (though note that the strip right in front of the hotel is narrow).
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Scene
One of the cheapest beachfront hotels near Lamai Beach
The Blu' Beach Bungalows is most notable for its incredible value -- prices here are hard to beat for the area. This intimate property with just 11 bungalows appeals mostly to budget-minded couples, and has a quiet, secluded feel thanks to the lush ground and established Banyan trees. Because of the cheap rates and low inventory, the resort is usually booked during high season. Though the pool is small, it's large enough for this teensy resort, and is a highlight for most guests, thanks to its great ocean views and cushioned loungers. This is a simple, no-frills place that gets its fair share of backpackers (who tend to book the rustic, and aptly named, Backpackers Bungalows) but it's not a party spot.
Location
To the north of the heart of Lamai Beach, within a 20-minute walk along the sand
Blu' Beach Bungalows is located a five-minute drive, or a 20-minute walk along the sand, from the shopping and restaurant hub of Lamai Beach. There are also convenience stores and restaurants immediately nearby. Lamai Beach is slightly less developed and crowded than Chaweng Beach but is still one of the main destinations on Koh Samui, the third largest island in Thailand. From Samui Airport, it’s a 20- to 25-minute drive to the resort. The resort is surrounded by other properties of a similar caliber and has direct access to the beach. For those seeking cultural sights, it's a five-minute drive to the Wat Lamai Folklore Museum and a 30-minute drive to the Big Buddha Temple. While islands along Thailand's west coast experience rainy season during July and August, Koh Samui and its neighboring islands Koh Phagnan and Koh Tao have drier weather during this time period.
Rooms
Simple, clean, no-frills bungalows with balconies
The hotel's 11 standalone bungalows are barebones, but perfectly pleasant for the price, with wood floors, clean white bedding with blue pillow accents, and floor-to-ceiling windows facing the balcony that bring in lots of natural light. The buildings were repainted after our visit, and have a pleasant blue and white trim. Amenities are better than expected for a budget property -- all rooms (except for the Backpackers Bungalows) have air-conditioning (and fans), tiny tube TVs with DVD players, mini-fridges, two bottles of water provided daily, big balconies with table and chairs, and free Wi-Fi (though some say it can be spotty). All have king-size beds except for the Standard Singles and rustic Backpackers Bungalows, each with two single beds. Bathrooms have walk-in showers with detachable showerheads; the showers often don't have adequate separation from the rest of the bathroom, which can lead to wet floors. The Beachfront Bungalow by the pool and beach is the only unit with a sea view. Only the Superior Bungalows and Beachfront Bungalow come with coffee and tea facilities. The Standard Bungalows are smaller than the Superior Bungalows but otherwise quite similar.
Features
A casual all-day restaurant and bar, a small oceanfront pool, and a narrow strip of beach
The garden setting with established Banyan trees is a highlight here and enhances the quiet, secluded feel. The game room has a pool table and small but usually full bookshelf of extra reading material. Free parking and free Wi-Fi are added perks.A stone barrier and steps separate the pool are and the narrow beach. There are cushioned loungers by the pool and also facing the sand and ocean. Though the pool is tiny, its size is adequate considering there are only 11 bungalows. The outdoor massage hut fits two people at a time, making it possible to have couples massages. An open-air restaurant and bar serve food and drinks all day. The space was renovated after our visit, adding new furniture, a fresher white and blue color palette, and sponged bar top.
