Thailand Guide
Southern Thailand: the Gulf coast
Hat Salad
West-coast HAT SALAD is a pretty bay, sheltered and sandy, with good snorkelling off the northern tip. On the access road behind the beach is a rather untidy service village of shops, travel agents, bike and jeep rental outlets and internet offices. Among the dozen or so bungalow outfits, the congenial, family-friendly and well-run old-timer, 
Salad Hut, stands out (077 349246, www.saladhut.com; B1400-3000). Parallel to the beachfront behind a swimming pool, in a shady, colourful garden, are ten stylish bungalows done out in dark woods and white, with rattan furniture, day beds with axe cushions and large verandas. All come with hot water, minibar and TV, and a cooked breakfast at the chic bar-restaurant is included.