Welcome to Mai Pen Rai Bungalows, at Than Sadet Beach on the East Coast of Koh Phangan. Here the emphasis is on keeping in touch with the roots of nature around, and this can be seen in the design of the bungalows and in the restaurant itself. Mai Pen Rai has been totally refurnished, and by the end of 2006, the restaurant will have been refurbished too. The new bungalows on the rocks still maintain the natural, rustic feel of Than Sadet, and incorporate many of the huge boulders into the design of the bungalows, giving a totally unique, original feel to these spacious rooms. The new layout of the bathrooms have a rustic but modern and clean design, using slates, stones and pebbles for the flooring and the walls, The rooms have been designed with the traveling spirit in mind for comfort, space and relaxation.

Here the famous Than Sadet river meanders down the mountainside through the dense jungle and exits into the sea beside MaiPenRai restaurant. The river and waterfalls once visited by their Majesties King V, VII and IX, who carved their initials on the huge granite rocks that grace this river, have now become one of the most tranquil and popular places on the island to visit and relax. Parts of Thansadet beach and Waterfall due to these royal connections are National Park land.

At the beachfront restaurant the atmosphere is relaxed with good music, traditional Thai and Western Food. There is always an abundant supply of fresh seafood and daily specials often include freshly caught fish from around Than Sadet waters - Barracuda, Tuna Fish, Spanish Mackerel, Red and White Snapper and Queen Fish. With a daily supply of fresh produce ordered from the local market, the kitchen is well stocked to provide an extensive and delicious menu for all palates including vegetarians.

Next to the restaurant is 'The Reggae Bar' as some call it, is a mellow, un-pretentious and fun place to relax, especially in the evenings, surrounded by the sounds of the frogs and crickets, and a wonderful place to watch the stars. This is the place to soak up the presence of Than Sadet and to enjoy the spirit of the people and characters who visit this beautiful beach. Here you will find a shop equipped with all the basic necessities (hammocks, torches, candles, towels, sarongs and jewellery), plus an 8 x 4 foot snooker table for fun-filled evenings.

Than Sadet beach is slightly off the beaten track, and commercial route of Koh Phangan, which adds to its charm. Here one is able to completely unwind and reenergize ones spirit, whether watching the sunrise in the morning or chilling out by one of the beautiful pools of the Than Sadet River, or sitting in the Mai Pen Rai restaurant drinking a tropical shake whilst a bharan meanders past, or watching the stars, and the full moon rising on the horizon.

This is truly a paradise where nature lovers and artists from all walks of life can come together, and enjoy the peace and serenity of this unique corner of the world. Here one is able to unwind and recharge ones spirit in the seclusion and tranquility of this very special haven. Due to the fast development of Koh Phangan, this really is a one of a kind place where the pace of life is still as it should be, and the feeling of the ‘old Koh Phangan’ is still present in the atmosphere and feeling of this beach.

Due to the remote situation of Than Sadet and the factor that it is in National Park territory, government electricity has not reached Than Sadet. This in fact adds to the charm of the place. Power is run by generator and is switched on from 11.00 am until 4.00 pm, and then again 6.00 pm until midnight. Satellite Broad band Internet is available between these hours too in the internet office of the restaurant.

"Mai Pen Rai" consists of 40 Bungalows. Each bungalow is special and unique with its original, artistic and spacious design, harmoniously blending with the nature around.

Bungalows on the Beach and on the Rocks have been recently renovated to give more space, and an even more special feel, with the emphasis on maintaining the natural feel of Than Sadet and using natural and raw materials in the building of these rooms, incorporating some of the surrounding natural features into the design of the rooms. The new layout of the bathroom has a rustic but modern and clean design, using slates, stones and pebbles for the flooring and the walls, The rooms are bigger and more spacious and have been designed with the traveling spirit in mind for comfort, space and relaxation.

All bungalows are equipped with hammock and fan.

Room Types

Family Room

Beach Room

The 'Mai Pen Rai' Restaurant is as the name implies, everything is easy going and nothing is a problem. Even the food that you order is written down to your bungalow number and the bill is settled upon checkout. So you need not worry about your money belt, nor the safety of your belongings, only that you are able to enjoy yourself, and eat fantastic food from the extensive menu of Western and Thai food. The menu also includes a good wine list, beers, shakes, juices and cocktails.

Here the atmosphere is relaxed with great chilled ambient sounds served along with traditional Thai and Western Food. There is always an abundant supply of fresh seafood and daily specials often include freshly caught fish from around Than Sadet waters - Barracuda, Tuna Fish, Spanish Mackerel, Red and White Snapper and Queen Fish.

With a daily supply of fresh produce ordered from the local market, the kitchen is well stocked to provide an extensive and delicious menu for all palates including vegetarians.

Please note that all the food cooked and served in this restaurant is MSG (Mono Sodium Glutamate) free!

The Reggae Bar

'The Reggae Bar' as some call it, is a mellow, un-pretentious and fun place to relax, especially in the evenings, surrounded by the sounds of the frogs and crickets, and a wonderful place to watch the stars. This is the place to soak up the presence of Than Sadet and to enjoy the spirit of the people and characters who visit this beautiful beach.

Here you will find a shop equipped with all the basic necessities (hammocks, torches, candles, towels, sarongs and jewellery), and a large stock of books, in various languages. Also an 8 x 4 foot snooker table for fun-filled evenings. If you are visiting in February or March time, perhaps you can join the annual MaiPenRai pool competition at Than Sadet Beach!

Internet & Email Access

Available also in the restaurant is an internet room open in the day time and in the evenings, so that one is able now to contact family and friends abroad without having to go to town.

We, at Mai Pen Rai Bungalows, are pleased to announce that we are able to offer High Speed Broad Band Internet, recently installed by satellite. Now one is able to chat and surf the internet and email throughout the day and evening, without having to take the trip into town. The charge is 3 Baht per minute. Overseas phone call and domestic phone call are also available.

Also available is a safety deposit box, where one can leave money belts, tickets and valuables, so that one can relax on the beach and in the restaurant with peace of mind that all one's belongings are safe.

Activities

Reggae Boat Trips Mai Pen Rai Than Sadet Ko Pangan

The Reggae Boat performs regular boat trips up the north east of the island visiting Koh Maa Island and Mae Haad beach for the best snorkelling on Koh Phangan. Here one can swim at the coral reef and see an amazing variety of beautiful fish, corals and marine life.

Price per person is 500 Baht. If you would like to organize your own trip to beaches of your own choice this is also possible.

Upon request fishing trips can be organized either by day or by night, and in the evening the kitchen can barbeque your catch.

Orion Tours & Boat Trips MaiPenRai Than Sadet Koh Phangan

Also available are tours out to Angthong National Marine Park and Koh Tao “Koh Nang Yuan”, on the newly built “Orion” boat. These trips are dependable upon the season. Please ask our staff in the restaurant.

Orion is also available for private rent for large groups or private parties, please contact us for more information!

Jungle Walks or Beach ?!

From here one can follow the many jungle paths up the river to the waterfall, bathing in the various pools along this beautiful stretch of the river. The river and waterfalls once visited by their Majesties King V, VII and IX, who carved their initials on the huge granite rocks that grace this river, have now become one of the most tranquil and popular places on the island to visit and relax. One can walk all the way up this river, stopping to cool off in the various pools along the way, before reaching the jungle temple at the top of this stretch at Thong Nang - Wat Thong Nang, where one is able to sit and talk or meditate with the resident monk.

Than Sadet Beach Wat Thong Nang Wat Thong Nang

Also, one can walk along the coast on the disused road to Thong Nai Pan, this takes about one hour, and is a scenic walk, taking breathtaking views of the double bay of Thong Naipan Yai, and Noi. On a clear day, one is able to see over to Koh Tao.

In the other direction one can walk to Than Praphat Waterfall, at Had Namtok, this is more of a jungle trek, as the path is not used often, this takes about an hour and a half, and from there one is able to continue down the coast to Had Yang, Had WaiNam, Had Tien, Had Yao, and then Had Rin.

Jungle Trek Jungle Trek Kayaks for rent

Also available from a neighbouring resort on the beach are Kayaks for rent. One can kayak to the neighbouring beach of Thong Reng, or go to the Bat Cave, or further afield to the neighbouring beaches of Thong Naipan Yai, and Thong Naipan Noi.

Or just ... Relax on the beach in the hands of an experienced 'Wat Pho' masseur, what more could one ask for?

From the restaurant daily into Thong Sala there is a car taxi, this leaves at 10.00 am and returns from the town at 1.00 pm. Fare is 100 Baht per person.

At 9.30 daily there is a long tail boat taxi on to Had Rin Beach, and then Koh Samui, this returns from Koh Samui at 12.00. Fare to Haadrin is 150 Baht per person, to Koh Samui 300 Baht per person.

If you need transport at alternative times, car or boat taxi can be organized for private hire.

There is always transport available to half moon, black moon and full moon parties. For the monthly full moon party, weather dependable, transport is by boat, returning in the early hours of the morning, fare is 400 Baht return, journey time approximately 40 minutes.

Also weekly there are Thai Boxing (Muay Thai) matches in the local town of Thong Sala: this provides great entertainment. Transport to and from the event is also organized from the restaurant.