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.
"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 ::
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.
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
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 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).