When Mike and I decided we were not going to stay in Chaing Mai (which was a very difficult decision), we decided that before settling anywhere else, we needed some quality beach time.
On our previous visit to Thailand we spent some time at a big fancy resort on the west side of Pukhet Island, as well as on the backpacker-haven island of Ko Phi Phi. Both places were a little over-built and touristy for our tastes, so this time we decided to get a little farther off the beaten path.
Mike pulled out a map of Thailand and pointed to a city at random. It turned out to be Bang Saphan Yai, a small town about 7 hours south of Bangkok on the train. While the town itself is nothing special, the beach, a long curving stretch of soft sand and turqoise water, is perfect. Not a high rise in sight, just clusters of bungalows and the occasional small, family-owned restaurant. Fisherman bring their latest catch to the shore every day, so all the seafood is incredibly fresh!
We found a bungalow for $40 a week, and although it has no A/C and no hot water, the setting more than makes up for those slight shortcomings. 
A little ways up the beach is an adorable little cafe where we eat breakfast every morning
This sweet little puppy lives at one of the houses near our bungalow, and she comes to visit us throughout the day.
The cafe makes typical American breakfast food – banana muffins, omelets, scrambled eggs, and french toast, served on a patio overlooking the water. This banana muffin with raisins and sliced almonds was divine!
What a gorgeous beach and bungalow! Makes me want to travel. Thanks for sharing all your experiences…the food and scenery both look divine.