RELAXATION IS SWEET
AT LOW-KEY SUGAR HUT
Modern amenities complement the comforts of traditional wooden houses built by Ayutthaya artisans and nestled in lush gardens near Jomtien

The name suggests very little when it first comes into view. Tucked away in a lush garden, the Sugar Hut Bungalows and Restaurant have been one of the Pattaya area's best-kept secrets for the past six years.

Nestled on a 15-rai site en route to Jomtien beach, the 33 wooden, Thai- style bungalows offer visitors a peaceful retreat, but still within easy reach of city life in Pattaya.

There resort makes a definite appeal to nostalgia for the simple, rural lifestyle in the days before western influenced architecture swept the country; when a mosquito net was essential bedding in every household, and the designs of traditional wooden house offered comfort in their own right.

Those comforts have been augmented at Sugar Hut with modern touches including air-conditioning and ceiling fans. An amazing Bali influenced bathroom whose roof is tilted and partly open to the sky makes a shower an exhilarating experience.

Rural Thai-style bathing is another option there are two terra cotta jars of water, a basin, the sky and nothing else. It is a breezy, spacious place for reading and relaxing.

Off a private road away from the noise of the highway, the resort is set apart from the outside world. There are no direction signs along the small paths snaking through a maze of green trees to the bungalows.

"That's part of the charm of the place." Says the owner, Dr Sunya Viravaidya.

First-timers might feel lost in paradise as they explore the greenery while trying to locate their bungalow or a swimming pool.

At the foot of the staircase to the steep - roofed bungalows, a terra cotta bowl of water is set out for foot baths in the traditional style. A parasol adorns the porch.

With a generous supply of amenities, comfort is assured, along with quiet; there is no place for television or radio sets. More lighting could be provided for readers, though. The wooden beds are designed for many purposes, with storage space accessible from each side.

Each bungalow there are single room models as well as deluxe two bedroom units with a living room in between occupies its own secluded grove of tropical trees, so guests can enjoy total privacy.

The bungalows are carefully maintained and upgraded, and time has not faded their novel look.

Dr. Sunya said the original project was built on another plot at Jomtien beach. Six years ago it was relocated to the current site when the other lease expired.

Crafted by Ayutthaya artisans, the bungalows underwent some experimental roofing and walling before the appropriate wood and tiles were agreed on.

Frequent visitors to Sugar Hut are families and executives from Bangkok. When people come to Pattaya and find the sea is not on their door step, they might be disappointed. But Dr.Sunya notes that most guests just want to look at the sea while swimming in a pool .

Three swimming pools are nestled in the grove. Two are reserved for guests, and the biggest is available to the public.

Unlike most resort pools, Sugar Hut's pools remain open late a night for those seeking to unwind after dinner.

Word of mouth has helped Sugar Hut build a clientele over the years, and the word continues to spread about its tranquil charms.


From Mr.Thanin Weeradat Editor
of Bangkok Post Newspaper June 18, 2026