Moonhut Bungalow, Maenam Beach

Before I pick a particular hostel or resort, I search the web and pore through every review I can find. Moonhut has its fair share of positives and negatives, but I find that its pluses outweighs its minuses. And that’s why I decided to try my luck with Moonhut Bungalow in Maename Beach in Ko Samui.

I must admit, my first impression on Moonhut wasn’t good: the road was unpaved, and there’s a number of big potholes all around. The restaurant was nothing out of the ordinary, the beach is blah (then again, after Boracay, everything is blah), and landscaping is non-existent.

When I got to my standard bungalow, however, I was pleased. First off, the “hut” wasn’t made of natural materials. I love nature and all, but when it comes to lodgings, I prefer concrete, wood and steel. It’s made to look like a hut and also stand on stilts.

There’s a mini balcony at the front, with two chairs with cushions, a small side table and a rope line where you can hang your clothes to dry. Upon opening the front door, you see a neatly made bed, a couple of towels and a tacky wall decor. Right ahead is a couple of shelves where you can put your stuff, and above it, a rod where there hang a couple of coat hangers.

There is a door to the right, opening into the toilet & bath. It’s clean, fairly big, have natural light and did I say clean? A clean bathroom with natural light gets a plus everytime.

Another plus are the screens on the windows. With these, you can leave your windows open to let in the sea breeze without letting in a couple hundred insects and bugs.

Oh, if you’re afraid, allergic or have something against dogs, don’t stay here. They have a very friendly brood of 3 very active dogs. You can expect them to trot over to you when you lounge at the beach or at the restaurant.

The restaurant serves pretty decent food, nothing really out of the ordinary. Though do try their vegetable fried rice, it’s very good. Service is pretty good; the staff are very accomodating and the owner is always puttering around checking and fixing whatever needs to be fixed.

As for the beach…well, it was nothing special. However, if you’re only going to sunbathe, this is good as any other beach. Maenam is also a “family” beach — meaning no loud parties and lots of kiddies around. If it’s pristine white sand, clear blue waters, wild parties ’til dawn you’re after, you’re better off in other beaches around Ko Samui.

All in all, I was satisfied with Moonhuts. Should I find myself back at Samui, I’ll definitely stay there! (and maybe this time, I won’t miss the boat to Ko Pha Ngan)

So let’s review:

The plus:

• Good atmosphere, not too loud in the evenings
• Bungalows are sturdy, clean and well maintained
• Clean, spacious toilet with natural light
• Screens on the window to keep out insects and bugs while letting the sea breeze in
• Cute furry dogs
• Great value at THB450 (THB400 during low season) per room for a standard bungalow that’s good for 2 persons

The minus:

• No pathway. If you’re in a standard bungalow, like I was, you’d have to trod through the sand to get to the restaurant, the beach or just out of the resort.
• The beach is blah, the water is not clear.

Moonhut Bungalows
67/2 Moo 1, Maenam Beach,
Koh Samui, 84330
Thailand
Phone : +66 (0) 77 425 247
Website: moonhutsamui.com

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