DESIGN
Is inspired by a tale of Indonesian folklore introduced to Thailand during the Ayudhaya period and translated into the Thai language many years later by King Rama II.  As a matter of fact, the historic Thai kingdom of Srivijaya was substantially influenced by the Javanese and enjoyed their powerful sovereignty in Southern Thailand for centuries.  The Javanese tale of Inao is the legend of the romance of Prince Inao and Princess Budsaba set in the ancient city of Muang Kulaypan where this exotic love story unfolded. 

The designer of the hotel, profoundly inspired by the tale of Inao, has created a unique architectural style blending Zen form with Southern Siam and the life style reminiscent of its people.

"A classic tale of love and enchantment comes alive, a dreamlike idyll spirited to the shores of Samui island

A word from the Architect
In the reign of King Boromakot of the Ayudhaya period, Princess Kunton and Prince Mongkut were fascinated by a story told by their Javanese governess about charming Prince Inao (Inu Panyee Karatapati) of the Indonesian Shailendra Dynasty (870 A.D), a great lover as well as a valiant warrior.

From this time on, the legend became a well-known dance drama in the Royal Thai court until the reign of King Chulalongkorn, Rama V. Chaochom Manda Khian, the mother of my great grandfather (H.R.H Prince Naradhip, son of King Mongkut), and a niece of Queen Somanat, was reknown for playing the role of Inao. It was then Royal practice when a Prince was born, King Mongkut would lay a little sword as a gift in the baby’s basket.

For the birth of Prince Naradhip, the King added a dagger or “kris” as a special present for the “Son of Inao”.

A word from the Architect II When I was asked upon to design a Hotel on Chaweng Beach, Samui Island; realizing fully well myself that the southern part of Thailand was once a territory in the Sri Vijaya Kingdom, Kulaypan- the name of the capital city in the story of Inao, sprang immediately to my mind. Falling in love with the location was a delight from the first moment. Through the coconut grove before me is a view all the way to the horizon, waves dancing on a shimmering sea, a small isle and the endless blue sky. Beauty, natural in form. Perfect light and colour. I decided straightaway that we could never spoil such a truly wondeful vista. The large, central garden lends a palatial atmosphere fitting the inspiration while terraces and walkways are dotted with sculptures and aged bonsai trees alongside custom furnishings designed by the architect M.L. Archava Varavana. The view is ever marvellous each time: at dawn, the break of the day, late morning and towards noon, in the afternoon and twilight, even late at night you will find the indescribably beautiful seascape and heavens changing their charm with time, your spirit and your dreams. Come and be enchanted day and night at Muang Kulaypan Hotel.

41 rooms are completed in an exquisite fashion combining Thai style comfort and modern amenities, embellished with a touch of art. All accommodations excepting a few rooms enjoy a panoramic view of the sea. Ground floor rooms include a private garden in the back while upstairs rooms enjoy a private balcony. Bathrooms are equipped with the highest quality fixtures and designer beds reflect a blending of Asian culture with contemporary design. Every room has a air-conditioning, shower, IDD telephone, TV, and a mini-bar. Honeymoon Deluxe rooms are furnished with a king-size bed enclosed in a black mosquito net, a tradition of the Leu people in northern Thailand.

SUPERIOR / STANDARD ROOM
face the 100m. beach frontage, they all have an ocean view and private balcony to the back of the room.  The Standard rooms are the only rooms without an ocean view but also enjoy a private balcony.

DELUXE INAO / DELUXE ROOM
have their private balcony overlooking the garden and ocean. The room design has a Japanese influence with the mattress on a wooden platform. The Deluxe Inao rooms have a superior ocean view and have been fully refurbished and decorated by architect M.L.Varavana. Adding to their location, they stand on their own, without any adjacent walls, thus emphasizing the privacy of the room.

HONEYMOON DELUXE ROOM
have their private balcony overlooking the garden. The Honeymoon Deluxe rooms are located on the ground floor with a connecting door and unique interior decoration. It is ideal for a family or a group of friends

HONEYMOON INAO
have their private balcony overlooking the garden and ocean. The Honeymoon Inao rooms have a black mosquito net surrounding the bed and located on the first floor.

VIP INAO

is much larger than the other room types and only a few steps from the swimming pool and beach, using its private entrance. The room hosts many original antiques, the most noteworthy being the original bed of King Rama IV of Thailand  (the great, great grandfather of the architect M. L Archava Varavana )

RESTAURANT

Budsaba Restaurant
Open daily from 6.30 a.m. till late. A restaurant like no others, Budsaba brings you the pleasure of dining while lounging in one of its 14 private Salas (open wooden hut on stilts) in pure Thai tradition.  The Thai delicacies and fresh seafood are carefully selected to reinforce this experience, an oasis of peace and flavour. You may also enjoy the music and dances of the Kings of Siam Every Tue/Thu/Sat/Sun at 8.30 pm

Panyee Pool Bar
Opening hours: from 10.00 a.m. till late. Located at the pool side on the beach, Panyee is another ideal place to enjoy the beach front during the heat of the day with a long drink refreshment while lounging in one of the Salas. The Bar also features an extensive selection of legendary music for all tastes.

SWIMMING POOL

Opening hours: from 8.00 a.m. till 7.00 pm.
Reserved for our in-house Guests, the black-tiled swimming pool is one of the main attractions of the Hotel where all Guests can meet or quietly sunbath. The swimming pool is equipped with a showers, bathroom and fresh towels with are provided to all our Guests. Beach chairs and umbrellas are also available

MINI GYM

Open Air Mini gym. A quiet location with a selection of fitness equipment available daily for our guests to enjoy.

GIFT SHOP

Opening hours: from 10.00 a.m. till 7.00 pm. Guests will find our Gift Shop on the ground floor of the Hotel, displaying a wide selection of silk and cotton clothes designed by architect M.L. Varavana. In our aim to help Thailand to develop its local arts & crafts, our shop also presents articles made in northern Thailand in support of the Royal programs of education and development.