“Most travelers flock to the busiest and most touristy areas of Koh Samui, like Chaweng or Lamai, but did you know there's a hidden gem that offers a different experience?” - Misty Dowling
Experience the Enchanting Surroundings of Baan Suay Bantai 2
Our beautifully traditional yet modernized 2-bedroom vacation home offers a peaceful oasis nestled in a serene coconut farm. Located just a stone's throw from the beach, this tranquil retreat allows you to immerse yourself in local life as it once was, seemingly untouched by time, while still enjoying all the conveniences of contemporary living.
Our newest accommodation, is surrounded by tall, majestic palm trees, where you can often witness the fascinating process of local coconut harvesting. This traditional and labor-intensive method involves using long bamboo poles to tap the coconuts from the trees. It's truly impressive to see how the locals balance and control these heavy poles with skill and precision.
Once the coconuts fall to the ground, they are gathered into a big pile, cut in half, and left to dry in the sun for a day or two. The dried coconut meat is then separated from the shell (as seen in the photo above) and further processed for various uses, including coconut oil, milk, and shredded coconut, which are staples in Thai cuisine and skincare products.
Sometimes you’ll see bright green dots in the distance at night from our porch. Those are lights from the squid fishing boats in this bay or at sea.
Bordering Bantai Beach, beyond the picnic area with the distinctive octopus sculpture, lies a small local fisherman's bay. Here, you'll find fishing boats and a charming sala built by the fishermen as a gathering spot. This rustic shelter even houses an old television, where locals gather to watch big sports games or Muay Thai competitions. They sit on the wooden floor, enjoying beers and snacks while cheering on their favorite teams and fighters, offering a glimpse into the communal spirit of the local fishing community.
In the coconut fields, you might spot buffaloes grazing or being walked by our neighbor. On particularly hot days, you can witness the charming sight of these buffaloes enjoying a hand-given mud bath to cool off or even taking a refreshing dip in the sea at Bantai Beach.
Adding to the unique charm of the area is a giant, friendly boar that roams around Bantai. You may sometimes spot him wandering by the beach or even visiting our garden.
The surroundings are alive with the melodies of various birds, each more beautiful than the next. The intelligent and increasingly tame myna birds are particularly notable. We often leave bird food out on the porch, and they frequently visit to enjoy a meal, providing a delightful spectacle for guests.
You'll also encounter some friendly dogs around Baan Suay Bantai 2. These dogs belong to our neighbors and live freely outside, as is customary in Thailand. They are affectionate and may accompany you on walks to the beach or nap under the house. We keep dog food and treats in the home, which you are welcome to share with them.
Surrounding Baan Suay Bantai 2, you’ll find a variety of plants and fruit trees. Our grounds boast a large cashew nut tree, jackfruit, red banana plant, and more. These plants not only provide fresh, organic produce but also add to the lush, green beauty of the landscape.
While your immediate surroundings offers a serene and peaceful setting, you're never far from modern conveniences. A short walk out of our street leads you back to the main street that heads towards the beach on one hand and the main road on the other. Here, you'll find a variety of amenities including:
✓ Restaurants serving both Western and international cuisine
✓ Laundry services
✓ Convenience stores
✓ Massage shops
✓ Seven-Eleven
✓ A few Beachside cafes/restaurants
✓ Cooking classes
✓ A Gym
✓ Yoga
✓ Padel courts
✓ Muay Thai training facilities
✓ Scooter and car rental services
✓ SUP and kayak rentals
Everything you need is within easy reach, allowing you to enjoy the best of both worlds: the tranquil, traditional charm of our home and the vibrant, convenient amenities of modern life.
And lets not forget beautiful Bantai Beach! It's only a short little walk along a serene path through a lush green landscape. Bantai Beach is a small beach, lesser known to the general public. But those in the know call it a secret paradise corner of Koh Samui. Even during a high season, you can still find a private spot on the beach to enjoy, without being distracted by the noise and conversation of strangers.
The bay stretches only 1km long but has different landscapes: a white sandy strip as well as a rocky beach with thickets of palm trees. But there is one thing that never changes which is the turquoise sea and marvelous views on the neighboring island Koh Pangan.
When you follow the path from the house to the beach you'll first find a picnic area with a big octopus sculpture. It's a wonderful spot for a sunset picnic! It gives you the beach picnic vibes, amazing sunset views, but with the comfort of proper tables and lanterns that come on after the sun has set. Just grab some takeaway from your fav local restaurant, from the nearby afternoon market, or cook up your own meal in our fully equiped kitchen to enjoy a magical sunset dinner. Every now and then some local families or friend groups do the same, they may even bring a guitar and play music and sing together.
Staying at Baan Suay Bantai 2 offers a unique opportunity to experience the rhythm of local life amidst the serene beauty of a traditional coconut farm. Whether you’re watching the impressive coconut harvesting, enjoying the company of local wildlife, or simply relaxing under the shade of a palm tree on the beautiful beach, your time here promises to be unforgettable.
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