Tara Resort is the whole experience, not just the place to stay. We rented a villa for a month and could not be more happy! Very comfortable room with a big screen tv, plenty of storage, full kitchen just behind your back door, big fridge, fast wifi, working desk, patio with a beautiful view. We’ve enjoyed swimming pool occasionally. The owner’s family is very helpful and welcoming, providing that “at home” feeling. Location is a bit distanced from tourist destinations, but if you want to disconnect and rest - this is the right choice. There are plenty wildlife going on, so always check your place for unwanted visitors like hunter spiders or even snakes (owners helped us to get out one with the animal rescue team), I’d recommend keeping the doors closed after the sunset and you’ll be fine! The place can get moldy though, if it’s raining season (we stayed in November when lots of rain) and since it’s close to the river. Don’t bring stuff that you’re not ready to lose to the mold and arrange a good ventilation. I highly recommend them from my heart since it’s a unique experience, kinda a countryside of Thailand but with comfort. Easy to rent a scooter right there, laundry just a few steps away. Perfect, would love to be back for a dryer season ❤️

Can’t remember of anything

Very sweet couple checked us in and helped us with a bike out for the island transfers to and from ferrys. They delivered fresh water bottles and fruit every morning at no extra cost. Peaceful location not too far out the way. The room was perfect spaced out with seating area and a large TV for use. Would highly recommend and happily stay again. Perfect

very friendly staff always replying quickly, the family garden is beautiful, mountain & jungle scenery are amazing, the studio equipment is the best I had in Thailand, really enjoyed the quality of the studio and the outdoor kitchen

it is a bit isolated far from the busy beaches, but the northern beaches are just 15min away not reassuring to be chased by the dogs on the road to the resort 😅 but they don’t bite the swimming pool is not as good as it shows on the pictures, I thought I could enjoy it between work sessions but unfortunately it felt more like the owners private space and the pool wasn’t very inviting

It's the garden of Eden, such a really beautiful serene place, especially if you're in a need of quietness and calmness in nature amongst the mountains just beside the jungle. Host family is really nice and helpful, rooms are comfortable, clean and well equipped. Dogs are friendly.

A stunning location immersed in nature, offering a truly serene escape. While the rainy season can make the access road a bit challenging—especially if you're new to riding scooters—the short 8-minute journey to town is otherwise easy and scenic. The real highlight? A breathtaking waterfall just five minutes up the road, adding an unforgettable touch of adventure to your stay.

A peaceful countryside setting with plenty of charm, but do come prepared. As expected in rural areas, you’ll encounter bugs of all shapes and sizes—and yes, some may find their way indoors. The presence of dogs adds to the local atmosphere, but they can be quite vocal, especially at night, so light sleepers may want to pack earplugs. The bed wasn’t the most comfortable, which made restful sleep a bit tricky. One downside was the refusal to arrange an early morning airport transfer; I had to find my own, and unfortunately, it didn’t go to plan. That said, a huge thank you to the warm-hearted grandfather at the resort, who kindly stepped in at 5am and ensured I made it to a nearby taxi rank. His kindness turned a stressful situation into a memorable act of hospitality.

As an introverted travel blogger, I was drawn to Tara Resort for its countryside setting—far from the tourist hustle yet still conveniently located just an 8-minute scooter ride from town. The affordability of the resort allowed me to extend my stay in this beautiful country, making it an appealing option for long-term travelers on a budget. Pros: ✔ Peaceful Location & Natural Breeze – Nestled along a river and shaded by trees, the resort benefits from a natural breeze that kept my apartment cool, even during humid days. I barely needed to use the air conditioning. ✔ Budget-Friendly Stay – As the saying goes, “You get what you pay for.” The accommodations are basic, Thai-style apartments without unnecessary frills, but for the price, it’s a solid option. ✔ Local Charm & Hospitality – The elderly owners of the resort are incredibly kind and always willing to go the extra mile, despite the language barrier. Their warmth and hospitality were a highlight of my stay. ✔ Access to Additional Services – The resort owns a restaurant in town and two boats that offer trips to Ang Thong Marine Park. While I didn’t personally use their boats due to mixed reviews on GetYourGuide, it’s a convenient option for those interested. ✔ Scenic Beauty (Despite the Rain) – I arrived at the tail end of the wet season and, during my six-week stay, I rarely saw a cloudless day. However, the surrounding nature makes the resort look stunning when the sun comes out. (Check out my YouTube channel, Kane’s Travel Odyssey, for videos showcasing both the rainy and sunny sides of Tara Resort.)

Cons: ✖ Uncomfortable Bed – One of my biggest downsides was the bed. It was so uncomfortable that it contributed towards my decision to leave after six weeks instead of my planned 14 week stay. ✖ Scooter Rental Issues – I strongly advise against renting a scooter from the resort’s granddaughter, Mook. She tried to rent me a completely broken motorcycle for 4,500 baht—none of the controls worked, and I had no way of knowing how much fuel was left or how fast I was going. ✖ Stray Dogs – The resort has a number of stray dogs wandering around, and while they generally keep to themselves, their presence might be unsettling for some guests, especially at night when they tend to bark and howl at all hours, with a couple being rather aggressive. Tara Resort offers a peaceful, budget-friendly escape into the countryside of Koh Samui, with natural beauty and welcoming local hosts. However, the hard beds, windowless rooms, and the dogs howling day and night may deter some travellers. If you value affordability and tranquility over luxury, it’s worth considering—but get your scooter from someone near Nathon Pier! (Only 3500-4000 baht per month, and bikes are practically new)