Roomy but not looked after and other Ko Tao, Thailand Hotel/Accommodation Reviews

by sugarpuff , 2 more photos

This is where we were dropped off by the pick up truck driver when we told him to take us to Sairee Beach. We hadnt booked anywhere in advance but just knew that there would be several places to choose from once we arrived. I presume this driver had a deal going with the Bungalow as we saw him over the next couple of days drop others off there as well. It is a nice open place with grass and palm trees but the beach bar had not been used for some time and there was no attached restaurant. The bungalow itself was very nice, very spacious with an indoor toilet and shower (cold water) and the room had a fan. It was 400B, which I knew could be had for cheaper, but we had just arrived from Bangkok on an 8hr bus journey and then a 1.5hr boat trip, so anywhere right now was acceptable!

We dropped off our things, had a shower and then started to explore the beach area. It was then that I came across other bungalows along the road (and when I say road, I mean narrow pathway which is about five metres adjacent to the crystal blue sea!). We decided we would stay where we were for the night and move to another one the next day that had more life to it. It was a quiet bungalow area, and the boss was a little odd, dont know if they get busier during the high season...I imagine so as Ko Tao is small so everywhere would fill up, but this wouldnt be my first choice next time only because you had to walk a fair distance to get food and drinks.

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Theme: Other
Comparison: about average

Directions: About midway along Sairee Beach. Just walk along the path and you will have so many bungalow huts or houses to choose from at great prices.

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Sairee Cottage: One of the best and better priced on the island

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Written by sugarpuff

on Jan 26, 2007

Entrance to restaurant

by sugarpuff , 4 more photos

Had just been reading in a Koh Tao info book I had picked up in Bangkok of a place called 'Sairee Cottage', but I had no idea about the distance from the ferry pier and how we would get there. So when we arrived at Koh Tao with the sun pouring its heart into pounding down on us, all we could think about was dropping our bags off somewhere, so we took the first truck that came by offering to take us to Sairee Beach. It was an expensive ride (50yuan / 3.50 pounds) for a 5m ride, but as I said, for first time arrivees this is the easiest option. We learnt that the second time we went there to just rent a motorbike from near the pier for about 200Baht for 24 hours (20yuan / 1.50 pounds). Everyone seems to hire motorbikes or 4x4s when in Koh Tao. You just need to leave your passport and pay in advance.

Anyway, we ended up at another bungalow for the first night and moved to Sairee Cottage the next day early before the next ferry came in. It was 100 Baht cheaper and in much nicer surroundings than the previous place we were at so we were happy. The first time we stayed there we stayed in the bungalow marked 'X', and the second time we were in bungalow marked 'MD', which was the same price but yet bigger. So try to go for the ones further back from the beach as they're bigger and better!

Unique Qualities: All the bungalows have inside toilets with shower and sink but the water is cold. But with the sun heating the pipes outside, it's really not that much of a big deal apart from when it's been a sunless day and then that's when you hear the screams!He he! There are different styles of bunglaows ranging from 300Baht to 700Baht. When we were there the second time round, they had knocked down some of the 300Baht ones and were building new ones which they were going to charge 200Baht a night for which is good news for single backpackers. I presume they are going to be single bungalows as the 300 ones have big enough beds for double occupancy. The cheaper ones have fans inside and the expensive ones have air conditioning and maybe even a TV too. But who needs TV when you've got the most beautiful sights outside your window everyday!? All bunglaows are a stone's throw from the crystal blue water and white sandy beaches. The attached restaurant opens at 8am and stops food at 10pm with a two hour break from 4pm-6pm where the staff have a rest. I will definitely stay here again when I next go back.

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Theme: Other
Comparison: less expensive than average
Prices: less than US$20 » Currency Converter
Phone: 077-456374
Directions: I would say it is situated about half way down the beach. It has a restaurant on the beach front and the bungalows are just set back from the main pathway.

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AC 2 Bungalows: Too much of a jungle for me!

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Written by sugarpuff

on Apr 4, 2007

by sugarpuff , 4 more photos

We had arrived on Koh Tao bright and early and sent the boys off looking for a place to stay for the night. Myself and my friend waited at Mae Haad Pier sipping our mango smoothies in the meantime! He he! An hour later they returned with the news that they couldn't find two bungalows in the same place so we would be separated for the first night. Not a big deal when you're living on Koh Tao as everything is relatively close! So we were staying at 'AC 2' whilst our friends were at 'Silver Sands'.

Our bungalow was in the middle of a beautiful lush garden with wonderful flowers all around, but the only problem was that there was no air space. So whatever got inside this garden quite possibly wouldn't get out again, so it became a jungle almost with cicadas booming all night long and mosquitos having a field day! The windows did not have a mosquito net covering them so if you opened them, you had to pay the price! The room was very dark mainly due to the 'jungle' of flowers and trees outside and with only a 40W lightbulb to guide our way, it was pretty much impossible to see anything. The room had a mosquito net and a fan but we found out mid morning that the fan had opened the net so all the mosquitos were inside having a feast!

Unique Qualities: Anyway, the management seemed friendly enough although we were only there for one night so didnt get to see them very much. The adjoining bar and restaurant was reasonbly priced and there were other bars, restaurants and shops all very close so you had a good choice of places to hang out. The room was 400B a night as is the usual price for places like that in the high season. It will probably go down to 300B later on in the year.

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Theme: Pension/Guesthouse
Comparison: less expensive than average
Prices: less than US$20 » Currency Converter
Phone: 077- 456 195 / 456 645-6
Other Contact: E-mail: yaac2@hotmail.com

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Sairee Cottage: Again, a wonderful stay

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Written by sugarpuff

on Apr 4, 2007

View from Sairee Cottage Restaurant

by sugarpuff