Set on the southwestern coast of Koh Phangan in a bamboo forest, the Milky Bay Resort offers beachside serenity, yet is still within walking distance of restaurants, bars, and shops (though not the Full Moon Party). Guests arrive to a concrete-floored lobby with a vaulted wood-beam ceiling, colorfully painted wood furniture, and small sculptures. From here, a maze of pathways are flanked by wood shavings instead of grass and palm trees providing cover, and connect rooms with a decent range of facilities and a white-sand beach. Affordable rates, a variety of room types -- ranging from dated to contemporary -- and peaceful setting attract couples and groups of friends.

Nestled amid a bamboo forest and overlooking the white-sand Ban Tai beach, the Milky Bay Resort is located within several walking distance of bars, restaurants, and shops. However, it's a 15-minute drive from the Thong Sala pier and Haad Rin, a tourist enclave famous for its Full Moon Parties. The nearest airport is on Koh Samui, which is a 45-minute ride on a ferry or a 20-minute ride via speedboat. The resort offers free transfers from the Thong Sala and Haad Rin piers.

The resort offers a wide range of lodgings, including bungalows, standard guest rooms, and apartments. The entry-level, 161-square-foot (15-square-meter) Standard Double Bungalows have dated decor such as basic light-wood furniture, red-painted wood floors, and tiny pieces of artwork, while upgraded units have more elegant white-painted wood furniture, dark wood or concrete floors, and big sculptures. All add local-inspired elements such as colorful satin bed runners and seating upholstery, plus some have mosquito netting and attractive artwork.  

Regardless of type, rooms come with air-conditioning, free (albeit spotty) Wi-Fi, old tube-style or flat-screen TVs, minibars, and safes. All but entry-level rooms have coffee- and tea-making facilities and DVD players (the resort has a DVD library). No-frills bathrooms come with curtain-less showers, hairdryers, and toiletries. Also standard are furnished balconies or patios overlooking the garden or ocean. Beachfront Studios have tiny plunge pools overlooking the water. Potential guests should note that some rooms experience noise from nearby bars.

As the beach is shallow and not great for swimming, the resort offers a half-shaded swimming pool overlooking the ocean. It's surrounded by loungers and more can be found under umbrellas lining the beach. A massage pavilion offers typical treatments, in addition to a sauna and herbal steam room. There is no gym, however. The well-regarded, open-air restaurant serves delicious Thai and Western dishes, as well as Italian cuisine, including pizzas made in a wood-fired oven. The regular beachfront barbecues are particularly popular, and an a la carte breakfast can be included in room rates. There are two open-air bars, one with a pool table and another with a ping-pong table. 

A small playground is on-site for kids, and various excursions and activities can be organized by hotel staff.