4/6 Moo 3, Chaweng, Thailand | (888) 616-5829
On a beautiful and spacious beach
Beach Bungalows are just steps from the sand
Swimming pool is one of the biggest in Samui
Bars both at the pool and on the beach
Rooms have free Wi-Fi, TVs, and minibars
Located on the south end of Chaweng, so is quiet, yet near town
Kids' playground on-site
Beach and restaurant can get crowded
No fitness center or spa
Standard First rooms don't have views
First Bungalow Beach Resort is a large, mid-range property on Chaweng Noi, a pretty beach with far more sand and space than the bigger Chaweng Beach just to the north. The 174-room resort offers access to some restaurants and shops, and bright rooms ranging from bright standards with free Wi-Fi and minibars to Beach Bungalows steps from the sand. Other features include a large swimming pool, happening beach, beach and poolside bars, and a restaurant. The resort draws long-term repeat visitors, and is famous for being the first-ever resort in Samui.
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Scene
Samui's first property, with simple modern decor and relatively quiet white-sand beach
First Bungalow Beach Resort has a popular beach scene, and rightly so, as the expansive white-sand beach fronting the property is probably the best in the Chaweng area. The resort is very popular with long-term returnee guests, including sunbirds escaping winter in Europe and North America for tropical relaxation. Though with prices being a far better deal than in Chaweng, the resort also sees a good mix of older and younger guests, including couples and families. Famed for being the first property in Koh Samui, the resort was started in 1970 when the current owner's grandparents built small bungalows. These days, the setting feels modern, starting in the vast lobby with white walls, wood furnishings, and gray tile floors -- and a few anchor-shaped wall clocks for nautical panache. There are several bridges leading over a small canal to the property's large garden, where there is the swimming pool along with many rooms. The beach and pool bars get their attention, and the huge swimming pool is a great spot, but the main draw is the impressive beach area -- which is pleasant even with all the sun loungers sprawled on it. Guests come for the sun and sand, plus the fact that it isn't in central Chaweng and thus is a far quieter and more chilled-out spot.
Location
On Chaweng's best stretch of beach, south of the main town
The First Bungalow Beach Resort is located on Chaweng Noi Beach, which is just south of the main Chaweng Beach, Samui's top beach and party town. It's quieter here, without the party excesses of Chaweng, and the beach is much bigger and better in terms of sand and space. The resort lies at the end of a dead-end driveway off of the beach road, so is peaceful and not full of traffic. It's about a 15-minute drive to the airport, and the restaurants and shops of Chaweng are just a five- to 10-minute cab ride away, so it's a convenient location.
Rooms
Beachfront Bungalows and bright rooms with minibars
Rooms at the First Bungalow Beach Resort are a mixed bag. The Beach Bungalows sit just steps from the sand, and are a beach lover's dream, with stone terraces and wood furnishings, as well as daybeds and rain showers. All rooms are bright and clean, with crisp white bedding and white tile floors, accented with pops of red and floral artwork. All have free Wi-Fi, minibars, safes, kettles for tea and coffee, and tube-style TVs. The standard First rooms are somewhat small, away from the beach, and lack views, though are comfortable and cozy, with shelf-like balconies off the bathrooms -- which have shower/tub combos. The Deluxe rooms are far more spacious and have terraces looking into the garden. Compared to most Chaweng properties, these rooms are a decent value.
Features
One of Samui's biggest swimming pools, and large white-sand beach with umbrellas and loungers
First Bungalow Beach Resort's main feature is its large, white-sand beach out front, with plenty of beach loungers and umbrellas set up for guests to use. There's a huge swimming pool, one of Samui's largest, back in the garden. The property offers a tiny kiddy pool, playground, and hot tub. The First restaurant serves inclusive buffet breakfasts overlooking the sea, and also has lunch and dinner available, with both Thai and Western food. There is a pleasant beach bar on the sand, and a pool bar with tables beside the swimming pool.
