Best known for its monthly Full Moon Party, the island of Koh Phangan in southeast Thailand attracts large numbers of travellers throughout the year, many of whom are backpackers keen for somewhere cheap to stay.
One of the best things about travelling in Thailand is just how far your money stretches. That extends through to accommodation, too, with comfortable hotels and guesthouses available at prices that would barely cover a budget stay elsewhere. We’ve picked two cheap places to stay on the island below, both differing in style but sharing the common denominator of affordable rates.
Le Grand Bleu Hotel
(Photo: Le Grand Bleu Hotel / Courtesy Booking.com)
A saltwater swimming pool set within a courtyard, a restaurant and bar, a minimarket, a coffee shop and a terrace that’s ideal for relaxing and socialising are just some of the notable amenities at this delightful but affordable hotel. Guest rooms are no less impressive, each designed in modern style and equipped with everything you need for a relaxing and enjoyable stay, including sea views. For guests arriving in their own transport, there’s also free on-site parking.
When it comes to location, the hotel is also hard to beat. Guests are just a 8-minute walk from the idyllic sandy shoreline of Kong Beach, while the cascading waters of Phaeng Waterfall are an easy drive away. In the immediate area, you’ll find cafés, local restaurants and convenience stores, all set along a laid-back coastal road.
Reviews: Le Grand Bleu Hotel, Ko Phangan
Guest feedback rates Le Grand Bleu Hotel a very good 8.2 overall. The hotel’s strongest scores are for cleanliness and comfort, both leading at an impressive 9.2. The weakest area is location, which scores 7.4, suggesting it’s less central than some alternatives. Overall, reviews show Le Grand Bleu Hotel is most appreciated for its in-hotel experience rather than its setting. From $78 per night.
Phangan Island View
Reviews: Phangan Island View Hotels, Koh Phangan
This hotel is slightly more unfussy in style than our first recommendation. Guest rooms are set around a courtyard with an outdoor pool as its focal point. Each room comes with standard amenities, and some offer balconies or patio areas. Elsewhere in the hotel, there’s a restaurant, a bar, a lounge and a terrace with outdoor furniture. Guests can make use of bike rentals available directly at the hotel.
Just over 4.5km south down the coast from our first recommendation, the hotel is in a livelier, more built-up area, putting you closer to everyday island life. A few short hops away are several restaurants, while Ban Tai Beach is reachable in 5 minutes on foot. The picturesque Phaeng Waterfall is 5km away.
Review: Phangan Island View
Guest ratings place Phangan Island View firmly in the very good range with an 8.3 overall score. The clear highlight is free Wi-Fi, which leads all categories at an excellent 9.1. The lowest marks are facilities and value for money, both at 8.2. Overall, feedback indicates that Phangan Island View is best regarded for its strong connectivity and comfortable stay, with facilities and pricing viewed as reliable rather than exceptional. From $72 per night.
By Paul Joseph