Saturday, June 7, 2014

First Bungalow Beach Resort Review: Koh Samui, Thailand

While on our honeymoon, Nick and I split the majority of our time between two resorts on Chaweng Beach in Koh Samui. The first resort (and today's review!) was First Bungalow Beach Resort. Chaweng Beach is pretty much one long strip, with First Bungalow located at the end of the strip.

On the taxi ride towards First Bungalow, Nick and I were slightly worried as we drove further and further from what seems like the main strip. However, looking back, it is only a 15 minute walk to the center of town, or a 100 Baht taxi ride (approximately $3 for both of us). The check-in process was smooth, and we were presented with a welcome drink while we checked in. After check-in, it was off to our poolside bungalow.

First Bungalow Beach Resort Review
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First Hotel is currently (or at least, they seemed to be) in the process of upgrading and remodeling their bungalows. Above is one of the professional pictures from their website with a poolside bungalow- and a pretty accurate depiction of the bungalow we actually had! The poolside bungalows were just a few short steps to the pool, which was really nice throughout the day when running in and out for various items while lounging by the pool. 

First Bungalow Koh Samui Review
interior of our room
First Bungalow Beach Review
Poolside bungalow King Bed
Our room was really nice, and huge by European standards (big by American). We had a King-sized bed, a nice bathroom with bath tub, closet, and a good-sized sitting area inside. In addition to the interior of the room, we had our own private patio that led out to the pool area. The bungalow was a good size, and had everything that we needed for our 9-day stay.

beach in front of First Bungalow Beach Resort
early morning on the beach
First Bungalow Beach Resort review
a misty sunrise on the beach
First Bungalow Beach Resort sunrise review
Finally the sun broke through the clouds!
The beach at First Bungalow Beach Resort was beautiful, with white sand and clear blue water. There was a ton of room on the beach to run, play in the sand, walk around, and sun bathe. Each morning, Nick and I started off by going for a run around 8, and were usually some of the only people on the beach. The beach was never crowded, and because it was far enough from the main strip there were no vendors walking around trying to sell you things as you lounged. There were always plenty of lounge chairs on the beach to use.

First Bungalow Beach Resort pool
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First Bungalow Beach resort pool review
the pool at First Bungalow Beach Resort
First Bungalow Beach Resort Poolside Bungalow review
another view of the pool
 The pool was where Nick and I spent most of our time while at First Bungalow. It was a very large pool, especially considering that there never seemed to be more than 10 people at the pool area all day! Next to the pool was a bar where you could get cocktails, sodas, water, and order food. The pool area was very quiet, and there was never an issue getting a lounge chair at any time of the day. Other people using the pool area were very respectful, and there were no screaming kids (bonus!).

Swan Towels- I was disappointed we never had them made for us :(
Overall, I can't say enough good things while reviewing our stay at First Bungalow Beach Resort. The room was a good size with everything we needed, the pool was wonderful and relaxing, the beach was beautiful and clean, and we had a great time. We had breakfast included with our stay, and there were always tons of options each day, with several rotating choices depending on the day. The staff was very pleasant and courteous, and the grounds were always clean. I would recommend First Bungalow to anybody looking at a resort in Koh Samui. The only negative part about staying at First Bungalow is the 10-15 minute walk into town or the $3 tuktuk ride (for two people). However, when you look at how much cheaper First Bungalow is, the tuktuk ride is a great deal. I really enjoyed the serenity at First Bungalow, and if/when Nick and I return to Koh Samui, this will be the place we stay at! 

**All views expressed in this review are 100% my own opinions. I was not compensated for this post, just wanted to share my opinion with anyone looking at staying at First Bungalow!**

14 comments:

  1. Samantha, can I just say I'm absolutely loving your blog! I'm only sad that I can't seem to follow it on GFC to keep up with all your recent posts. It's my dream to go to Thailand so once again I'm jealous of your travels. The beach looks amazing, I don't think I'd ever leave there, I'd have to see the sunrise and sunset there every morning. This hotel looks beautiful, the pool area looks so lovely, I have to look it up for this years holiday. I really wouldn't mind the 10-15 minute walk, I've had longer walks on my holidays thanks to my fiance picking the hotel! :)

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    1. Fiona- I hadn't realized my GFC button disappeared, so thanks for the heads up- it is back up now! :) And Thailand was such an amazing trip, I never wanted to leave. The walk into town was nice, because it gave us some exercise and then we were away from all of the crowds and noise!

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  2. I am so very jealous! This looks beautiful. I love the beach, and this view is breathtaking. I have never been to Thailand, but it certainty looks gorgeous. The thoughts of a bungalow right now would be awesome. It's cold here!

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    1. Amy, Koh Samui was so nice and the perfect trip for us. Our bungalow at First Bungalow was the perfect place to stay while in Koh Samui!

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  3. Oh my goodness everything in this post sounds and looks amazing. I wish I was you and was able to visit there myself. Can I come with you next time? It really looks like you had such a great time and I'm sad that you didn't get your swans as well.

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    1. Erica, our trip was so terrific! First Bungalow was definitely the best place to stay while in Koh Samui.

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  4. Oh my this looks absolutely fantastic!! I love the view the most. Just that beautiful sunset, gorgeous beach and pool make it all so worth it! Man.. I would love to visit and stay here one day, it just looks like a lush paradise! I really like the swan towel animals too :) Reminds me of my cruise two summers ago. Thanks for sharing!

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    1. Michelle, Koh Samui was a great place for our honeymoon and we loved staying at First Bungalow!

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  5. I am just in awe of this location - it looks like paradise! I don't think I'll be there any time soon as I have three little boys, but it's on my bucket list now! I wish I could sit on the beach there all day though - or by that pool. You are a lucky lady!

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    1. Sara, Koh Samui and First Bungalow was a perfect place for our honeymoon! Definitely put it on your bucket list!

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  6. How cool to have a honeymoon in Thailand...that is definitely a memorable destination to visit. Holy cow, that poolside bungalow looks like a dream. I bet the sunrise by the beach was a spectacular sight to see. How romantic! My sweetie and I are a sucker for places with clear blue waters. Also, those swan towels are too cute!

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    1. Yo a, we loved our honeymoon in Koh Samui! The sunrises were absolutely amazing, the beaches adm ocean gorgeous, and everything else so perfect!

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  7. Never got a honeymoon from my first marriage, maybe the second one I can.. haha In the meantime, this place looks amazing! I've always wanted to check out Thailand, it's such a beautiful place to start with. Looks like a great place to stay for a honeymoon.

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    1. Natalie, if you do have a honeymoon I'd definitely recommend Thailand, even for a normal vacation! It was an amazing destination.

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