30 Jan

30 Jan - I was over on the east coast of the 'Oriental Eden of the East' the other day and was struck by how dead the three resorts I visited were - I expected to see some signs of life. One was a rather expensive western run place, (lots of local gossip about problems with the lease, rip offs, unhappy landlord etc) and the other couple were Thai run, one very nice and one best described as 'homely'. So, if you're looking for a bed on the east coast - take a look at Suan San Chan, (www.suansamchan.com) about 2.5km south of Centrepoint pier ad only been open for a couple of months. Three types of very tastefully designed bungalows from 800 - 1,200 baht/night all have hot water, AC, satellite TV; in this small 18 room resort. Bungalows are in a shady garden area and here's a small private beach - so it's a good place to get away from the tourist masses for a day or two or, if you arrive on the island late and just want somewhere comfortable to stay. Call Khun Paiboon, who speaks English & German, for a free pick up from the ferry pier. Tel: 07.137.5854

If staying on the east coast isn't your thing, but finding a small friendly place for a beer is - try 'Souk Bar', about a kilometre south of Centrepoint ferry. Run by a young, arty Thai guy called 'Ed' who's got a very nice little bar right on a small sandy beach, where you can listen to chill out music until the early hours. He's been open for 6 years but only recently got round to putting up a sign, that's how laid back it is.

And finally, if you don't want to stay on the east, don't want to eat & drink on the east but do want to live on the east, there's a funky house for sale right on the beach, literally a couple of metres from the sand. It's been recently rebuilt - supposedly as a guesthouse but the Thai owner now doesn't have time to run it, so it's for sale. 1.25 Rai of 'Chanote' titled, beachfront land and this 3 bedroom house for 5 million baht. Located 5 minutes drive south of Centrepoint ferry.