Harry's Bungalows & Restaurant

While the verdant tropical grounds are the star of the show at Harry's Bungalows, its traditional Thai ambience is also impressive. Buildings throughout resemble temples, with pagoda-style tiled roofs and carved-wood facades. There's even a multi-headed stone Naga serpent guarding the entrance, and a pair of stone lion statues at the portal into the restaurant. The lobby is a small open-air affair with a casual style that's typical -- and typically charming -- among Samui's beachy budget spots. There are hand-crafted rattan couches and armchairs with thick cushions, while wooden birdcage lamps -- a nod to decor in southern Thai homes -- share the space overhead with ceiling fans. Two large fish tanks holding angel fish and other exotic species add a little color, and there are shelves stocked with literature on just about every travel and tour possibility on Koh Samui, as the reception doubles as a travel agency. The resort is popular with long stay guests who love the cheap prices and the quiet neighborhood setting away from the tourist hordes -- it draws everyone from families to friends and couples.

Harry's Bungalows & Restaurant is located in Mae Nam, one of the beach towns along the northern coast of Koh Samui. Mae Nam is one of Samui's more backpacker-friendly towns, and the main area is backed with the budget-friendly digs, dives, restaurants, and tourist shops found in those towns throughout Thailand. Thankfully, the resort is located on a fairly quiet back road in a sleepy residential area. It's only a five-minute walk to the beach, though the main area of town is at least 15 minutes away on foot. There are a few restaurants, bars, and shops in the roads surrounding the resort, and Wat Na Phra Lan is just around the corner, a three-minute walk from the hotel. Samui's Big Buddha is a 25 minute drive east, while the wild nightlife of Chaweng is a 30-minute drive. The main ferry pier from the Samui to the mainland is 20 minutes to the west by road in Nathon, while the island's airport is a 25-minute drive toward Chaweng. 

There are 28 rooms and bungalows at Harry's Bungalows & Restaurant, all of them set in the lovely lush tropical garden. The hotel's spacious traditional rooms all have laminate floors, white duvets laid with Thai textiles, and largely bare white walls with vaulted ceilings and wooden trim. Wood-veneer furniture is exceedingly basic and dorm-like in quality -- with the exception of solid wood table-and-chairs sets -- but everything is well kept. The bungalows have a good deal more atmosphere, and feature rattan furniture plus ornate wooden carvings. These stand-alone units also have lovely patios, unlike the enclosed patios in Standard Rooms, with decorative tile flooring, seating, and views of the gardens.All rooms include flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges or full-size refrigerators, old-school padlock safes, and free Wi-Fi, although none of the rooms offer electric hot water kettles. Superior and Superior Family Bungalows have an additional small bedroom suitable for kids. Bathrooms are simple, clean, and large, with walk-in showers, pedestal or wall-mounted sinks, and generally modern fixtures. Some have colorful green tiling, while others are more plain. While the rooms aren't elegant, they are a fantastic value in this day and age on Koh Samui -- you'll be hard pressed to find prices this cheap for what's offered.

The best feature at Harry's Bungalows is undoubtedly its large and lush tropical garden. Throughout the resort, one comes across small cascading pools and waterfalls, a carp pond, tropical orchids, and plenty of tranquil spots to sit -- like the Thai sala huts that have hammocks and plenty of shade. The resort has a small garden swimming pool, shaped like an hourglass, which also contains small kids section. There are a few rather old and worn sun loungers set around it, although there is limited sun here due to the foliage surrounding the pool. Even better than the pool, the Thai House Restaurant looks akin to a prince's quarters, as it's set in a set of traditional Thai teak houses, with outdoor seating and views to the gardens outside. While dining, one can also hear the various cascading pools throughout the resort. They serve authentic Thai cuisine here along with some international dishes, and it's an atmospheric and intimate spot. Unfortunately, breakfast is not included in room rates.The only other facility at the resort is its travel desk in the lobby, which can arrange a large array of day tours and adventures, as well as onward transport like ferry or bus tickets, and deal with just about any other tourist requests as well. Wi-Fi is free throughout the resort and laundry services are available. Cars and scooters can also be arranged.