Tembo Beach Club & Resort

6 Affordable Hotels in Thailand to Fulfill Your "White Lotus" Dreams on a Budget | Condé Nast Traveler

"With just 13 rooms and a position close to Koh Samui’s boat terminal (for ferries to Koh Phangan and Koh Tao), this is a great choice for grown-up backpackers on a budget or island-hoppers seeking a clean, comfortable stay with luxurious touches—crisp white bed linen, natural toiletries, and white-washed rooms jazzed up with teal cushions. The pool area is a sociable spot with live DJs in the daytime and friendly staff delivering cocktails and iced coffees; drag yourself out of bed early for a delicious poached egg and avocado toast breakfast by the water, then either make the most of the right-on-the-beach setting or hire a moped to explore more of the island. Its British owner, Susan, collaborates closely with Samui Elephant Haven, an ethical elephant sanctuary, and her background heading up PR for the Mandarin Oriental hotel group in Asia means she knows a thing or two about good hotels." - Hannah Summers