Why We Recommend Sai Tai
Sai Tai (also known as Ama Lur) is one of the most impressive beachfront villas on Koh Samui’s quieter south-western coast. Set directly on Tong Krut Beach in Taling Ngam, this 5-bedroom property delivers a resort-level experience at a surprisingly accessible price — from just $600 per night, that’s $120 per bedroom, which is outstanding value for a fully staffed beachfront estate of this calibre. During high season at $700, you’re still only paying $140 per bedroom per night with a private chef, daily breakfast and lunch, airport transfers, and a dedicated concierge all included in the rate.
What truly sets Sai Tai apart from other luxury Koh Samui villas is its layout. Two of the five bedrooms are housed in secluded beachfront pavilions — standalone structures just steps from the sand, offering a level of privacy and romance that’s rare even among high-end properties. The remaining three bedrooms are in the main villa, which centres around a stunning infinity pool with uninterrupted ocean views across the Gulf of Thailand. The grand entrance alone, with cascading waterfalls and stepping stones winding through tropical gardens, tells you this is somewhere special.
Taling Ngam sits on the less-developed south-western tip of Koh Samui, offering a genuinely peaceful retreat away from the busier tourist areas. Yet you’re only about 10 minutes by car from Lamai, where you’ll find a wide choice of restaurants, bars, and shops. For families or groups wanting to unwind in a stunning beachfront setting without the crowds, Sai Tai is hard to beat.
Our Favourite Features
- Two secluded beachfront pavilion bedrooms — standalone suites just metres from the sand with their own marble bathrooms, offering honeymoon-worthy privacy within a larger group villa
- Grand waterfall entrance — the arrival experience is genuinely jaw-dropping, with cascading waterfalls and stepping stones through lush tropical gardens setting the tone before you even see the pool
- Infinity pool with panoramic ocean views — the expansive sun terrace and pool area overlook the Gulf of Thailand, perfect for sundowners as the south-west orientation catches spectacular sunsets
- Full-time staff with private chef included — breakfast and lunch are prepared daily by the villa’s chef at no extra cost, along with housekeeping, concierge service, and complimentary airport transfers
- Direct beach access on Tong Krut Beach — a quiet, family-friendly stretch of sand with local beach restaurants and bars within walking distance, plus excellent snorkelling and boat trips to nearby islands
Good To Know
- 17.7% service charge applies — 10% service and 7.7% government tax are added to the nightly rate (standard for premium Thailand villas), so factor this into your budget when comparing prices
- Quieter location suits relaxation seekers — Taling Ngam is deliberately off the beaten track; if you want nightlife or walkable shopping, Lamai and Chaweng are a 10–25 minute drive away
- Electricity fair-usage policy — 50 units per day are included in the rate, which is plenty for normal use including air conditioning; excess is charged separately, so just be mindful if running every AC unit 24/7
- $1,000 security deposit required — a refundable deposit is collected on arrival and returned at checkout minus any damages or excess charges; this is standard practice for villas of this calibre
- Dinner chef available at extra cost — while breakfast and lunch are included, dinner preparation is an additional 1,000 THB (approximately $30), which is excellent value for a private chef cooking in your villa