Thai Bamboo Guesthouse

The Thai Bamboo Guesthouse Resort is a value property with a laid-back, homey vibe that will work for those that have a countryside escape in mind -- in fact, the style here calls to mind rural campgrounds, given the communal cooking facilities and wide open layout. Hidden down a gravel driveway, the property feels secluded and has just seven rooms. Upon arriving, guests can have a welcome drink at the bar, or relax in the living room that serves as a lobby. Terra cotta tiles match the couches that surround a small coffee table, while a flat-screen TV and an ample DVD collection provides entertainment. There are a few board games as well, but most guests tend to stay outside, where the funky bar and breakfast niche are located. Wood tables and benches provide seating on a patio surrounded by greenery. The grounds teem with tropical plants and trees, along with kitschy garden figurines and stone Buddhas -- making for a quaint and down-home atmosphere. Most of those staying here are couples. 

Thai Bamboo Guesthouse Resort is located outside of Cha Am town, about a 15- to 20-minute drive to the beach. It feels remote and is a great spot to get away from it all, as there's not much in the area besides a neighboring resort with a restaurant and bar. The town can be reached in about 15 minutes by car, where guests will find shops, restaurants, and the railway station. The resort operates a free limited shuttle to town, or guests can rent motorbikes or mountain bicycles. Area attractions include Khao Nang Panthurat Forest Park, which is a 13-minute drive away, Mrigadayavan Palace, a 12-minute drive, and Kaeng Krachan National Park, which can be reached in about an hour. Hua Hin, the largest city in the area, is 30 minutes away by car, and has a lively night market, artsy weekend Cicada Market, and a popular hilltop temple that's home to packs of monkeys. There is no local airport, and the closest are in Bangkok, which is at least two hours away by road, though drive times can be much higher depending on traffic.

The resort offers seven rooms, three of which are situated in the main building, as well as four private bungalows that are out in the garden. Bungalows are the most popular option here and offer more privacy. They have a rustic ambience, with wooden exteriors and red-tile roofs, along with red tile and white brick interiors. Simple light wooden furniture comes in all rooms, and while Standard Rooms have framed posters hanging on the walls, bungalows have sharper wall art, including signature sprigs of bamboo in elegant glass vases mounted on the wall. They also have sharper accents like proper window dressings. Bungalows come equipped with tube TVs, stereo systems, large old-style Leeco safe boxes, mini-fridges, tea- and coffee-making facilities, air-conditioning, and ceiling fans. They have sitting areas with small tables and chairs. Bathrooms in bungalows are simple but spacious, with the shower unit separated from the rest of the space by a standing bamboo partition. The Standard Rooms don't offer as many amenities and lack TVs and safes, though guests are welcome to watch TV in the living room and use the DVD player and movies. These rooms also do not offer garden views, though there are small shared balconies. Bathrooms are not en-suite, but located outside of the room and they are wet rooms, meaning that the shower drains onto the main floor of the bathroom.

The hotel has a lovely outdoor swimming pool that's surrounded by lush greenery and a pleasant sundeck lined with loungers and umbrellas. There's also a small children's section at one end. While the hotel does not have a restaurant -- which can be inconvenient given its remote setting -- there is an outdoor sitting area with wooden tables, as well as a communal outdoor kitchen for guests' use. The hotel's free breakfast is served out here, but the toast, egg, and processed-meat spread gets unanimously unenthusiastic reviews from previous guests. There is also a small funky outdoor bar with colorful bar stools and a collection of beer bottles, old license plates, and other bric-a-brac. The bar operates on an honor system. Guests can utilize the living room area of the main house, which has a flat-screen TV and an ample DVD collection. Motorbikes and mountain bicycles area available for rent, and the hotel runs a free shuttle into town, though timings are limited.