Luxurious small hotel on any beach
Jun 19th, 2007, 06:14 PM
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Luxurious small hotel on any beach
I am going to Thailand with my fiance in August for 16 days - we want to see BKK, something in the north with elephants (prob near Chang Rai), Angor and want to end on a beach.
I am having a hard time right now with the beach portion. I have read as many posts as I could and so far gather that we should stay on the east side. I have read up on Koh Sanui, Chang, Samet...but I am still at a loss since nothing ppl have written seems perfect.
This is what I am looking for: a small (boutique), 5* luxurious hotel on any beach and on any island, as long as it's not too hard to get there from BKK (and as long as weather is good there in Aug). I would prefer isolation since we plan to lay around, read and rest, the smaller the hotel the better. I am willing to pay up to 500-600 a night.
It seems that Amari is the best on Koh Chang but ppl have also said it's more a 4 star. Please help! (thank you all in advance)
I am having a hard time right now with the beach portion. I have read as many posts as I could and so far gather that we should stay on the east side. I have read up on Koh Sanui, Chang, Samet...but I am still at a loss since nothing ppl have written seems perfect.
This is what I am looking for: a small (boutique), 5* luxurious hotel on any beach and on any island, as long as it's not too hard to get there from BKK (and as long as weather is good there in Aug). I would prefer isolation since we plan to lay around, read and rest, the smaller the hotel the better. I am willing to pay up to 500-600 a night.
It seems that Amari is the best on Koh Chang but ppl have also said it's more a 4 star. Please help! (thank you all in advance)
Jun 19th, 2007, 06:26 PM
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Koh Chang is very rainy in August, so I'd cross that off your list for a beach location then.
You might consider Koh Tao. There are a couple of places there that you might like...boutique resorts.
Jamakhiri
Thipwimarn
You might consider Koh Tao. There are a couple of places there that you might like...boutique resorts.
Jamakhiri
Thipwimarn
Jun 19th, 2007, 06:44 PM
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KimJapan - thank you for responding. I am surprised to hear that Koh Chang is bad in Aug. I think others on this forum have said to stay away from Phouket and go to Samui or Chang. I guess it's not a great time to go to the beach in Thailand...
Jun 19th, 2007, 07:14 PM
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This info might be helpful regarding rainfall amount.
http://www.ko-chang.info/kohchanginf...llingtimes.htm
Koh Chang gets upwards of 700 mm of rain in August. Some sources say it's more, around 1000 mm in August.
http://thailandforvisitors.com/south/phukvsam.html compares Phuket and Samui for you. Even Phuket isn't bad. It seldom rains for days on end, but overcast days with showers are more common.
http://thailandforvisitors.com/north...r-weather.html
August is the rainiest month of the year in Chiang Rai, with a bit more rain there than in the Phuket area.
While I would skip Koh Chang due to the vast amount of rain, I personally would (and actually, we are) go to any of the other areas. Rainy season means good things too, like lush green landscapes and lower prices. It's a fine time to go to the beach. Rainy season doesn't mean rain all day every day, but more typically rain at some point, usually early morning, late afternoon or overnight, but plenty of time without rain as well. There is the off chance that you could get unlucky and get caught in a storm system and have rain for a few days...but that can happen anywhere in any season. We were in Khao Lak in January (the dry season, least rain of the year) and had 2 days of pretty much steady rain with some moments of sun peeking through every now and then. So, aside from Koh Chang, I wouldn't let the possibility or rain dictate your choice entirely. Or if you want more assurance of no rain in August, Bali is in dry season and has pretty steady sunny days...it's tropical, so it may rain, but not as big a chance as Thailand.
http://www.ko-chang.info/kohchanginf...llingtimes.htm
Koh Chang gets upwards of 700 mm of rain in August. Some sources say it's more, around 1000 mm in August.
http://thailandforvisitors.com/south/phukvsam.html compares Phuket and Samui for you. Even Phuket isn't bad. It seldom rains for days on end, but overcast days with showers are more common.
http://thailandforvisitors.com/north...r-weather.html
August is the rainiest month of the year in Chiang Rai, with a bit more rain there than in the Phuket area.
While I would skip Koh Chang due to the vast amount of rain, I personally would (and actually, we are) go to any of the other areas. Rainy season means good things too, like lush green landscapes and lower prices. It's a fine time to go to the beach. Rainy season doesn't mean rain all day every day, but more typically rain at some point, usually early morning, late afternoon or overnight, but plenty of time without rain as well. There is the off chance that you could get unlucky and get caught in a storm system and have rain for a few days...but that can happen anywhere in any season. We were in Khao Lak in January (the dry season, least rain of the year) and had 2 days of pretty much steady rain with some moments of sun peeking through every now and then. So, aside from Koh Chang, I wouldn't let the possibility or rain dictate your choice entirely. Or if you want more assurance of no rain in August, Bali is in dry season and has pretty steady sunny days...it's tropical, so it may rain, but not as big a chance as Thailand.
Jun 19th, 2007, 09:42 PM
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In August you need to keep to the Gulf side. I lived on Phuket for many years and we got flooded out more than once !
Last year in August days of solid rain and landslides on the hill into Patong, so I would not suggest at all.
When heavy storms comes boats can cease, also for much of the time you cannot swim from the beaches. Sometimes it can be short and fast rain but when those monsoon storms hit it is very wet indeed !
Koh Samui/Koh Tao etc and the coastal beach areas are the best July / August.
There are a couple of expensive places on Koh Tao but locations and things to do are not ideal if you are not realy into diving. Some of those new places on Koh tao had a time getting themselves sorted.
Somewhere that might suit you are some of the Pranburi Resorts, the Evason Six Senses Spa Hideaway Pool Villas at Pranburi, about 3 hours drive south from Bangkok or a 35 minute hopper flight and then a 45 minute drive. The beach is not much but the Hideaway itself is top 5 star class, beyond my budget but it is a Six Senses Evason place so it's top class, you can get a chef to cook you your own meal at your villa etc, that type of thing, for pure R&R might be of interest, also just moments from national park area. Plus if you want night markets/restaurants it's about 35-40 minutes away.
Another one there is the Aleenta, 3 I think are Pool Villas, again, the beach is not brilliant but easy to get to and a 'class act'.
Last year in August days of solid rain and landslides on the hill into Patong, so I would not suggest at all.
When heavy storms comes boats can cease, also for much of the time you cannot swim from the beaches. Sometimes it can be short and fast rain but when those monsoon storms hit it is very wet indeed !
Koh Samui/Koh Tao etc and the coastal beach areas are the best July / August.
There are a couple of expensive places on Koh Tao but locations and things to do are not ideal if you are not realy into diving. Some of those new places on Koh tao had a time getting themselves sorted.
Somewhere that might suit you are some of the Pranburi Resorts, the Evason Six Senses Spa Hideaway Pool Villas at Pranburi, about 3 hours drive south from Bangkok or a 35 minute hopper flight and then a 45 minute drive. The beach is not much but the Hideaway itself is top 5 star class, beyond my budget but it is a Six Senses Evason place so it's top class, you can get a chef to cook you your own meal at your villa etc, that type of thing, for pure R&R might be of interest, also just moments from national park area. Plus if you want night markets/restaurants it's about 35-40 minutes away.
Another one there is the Aleenta, 3 I think are Pool Villas, again, the beach is not brilliant but easy to get to and a 'class act'.
Jun 19th, 2007, 10:24 PM
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I found a terrific map version of weather stats, that cleverly lists the number of days on average it rains in each month as well as average temps and average amounts of rain. Most places tourists would go are included...just scroll over the provinces and if there is data, a chart will pop up.
Jun 19th, 2007, 10:30 PM
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Jun 19th, 2007, 11:20 PM
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I would recomend The Santhiya on Koh Phangan. It is on a remote beach north east on Koh Phangan. It is a luxury resort but not really botique. It is however set out so that ever villa feels very private. Some pics can be found in my pic album (as well as a few others we stayed at last year)
http://picasaweb.google.com/maisymoo/Thailand2006
It is easy to get to from bangkok as you fly direct to Samui (plenty of flights every day). The hotel will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to the speed boat and 45 minutes later you are there. Great place to stay would highly recomend it if you want piece and quiet. There is no shopping to be had or hawker to be seen on the beaches. Hope this helps
http://picasaweb.google.com/maisymoo/Thailand2006
It is easy to get to from bangkok as you fly direct to Samui (plenty of flights every day). The hotel will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to the speed boat and 45 minutes later you are there. Great place to stay would highly recomend it if you want piece and quiet. There is no shopping to be had or hawker to be seen on the beaches. Hope this helps
Jun 19th, 2007, 11:33 PM
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Firstly Koh Tao there may be one or two hotels which purport to be "luxury" but they are not what I would describe as luxury, 3* at best. The beachs are picturesque but somea re dificult to swim from because of teh shallow water and coral. The firt time I went it was about 1999 it was quite peaceful nand few resorts. 5 years later it was over-developed and overrun with mopeds etc. Unless you are a keen diver or a backpacker under the age of 25 I doubt that you will enjoy KT!
The Amari in Koh Chang is a nice hotel with nice grounds, restaurants and a good beach but as others have said it is v.wet in Augusrt which is around teh time we were there and it certainly did rain a lot!
JamesA has come up with some excellent choices and I struggle to think of anything better. Hua Hin is on the gulf coast and has some v. nice hotels but I don't know of any that could be described as boutiques although we did like both the Anantara and the Sofitel Central - a colonial type hotel but both have 100 + rooms.
The Amari in Koh Chang is a nice hotel with nice grounds, restaurants and a good beach but as others have said it is v.wet in Augusrt which is around teh time we were there and it certainly did rain a lot!
JamesA has come up with some excellent choices and I struggle to think of anything better. Hua Hin is on the gulf coast and has some v. nice hotels but I don't know of any that could be described as boutiques although we did like both the Anantara and the Sofitel Central - a colonial type hotel but both have 100 + rooms.
Jun 20th, 2007, 11:06 AM
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Wow! Thank you all for the wonderful recommendations and info! I can't imagine planning a vacation without the wisdom of this forum!
JamesA - thank you for suggesting looking at Pranburi. I wasn't even going to look at Hua Hin since I thought it was all big resorts. Although I am a little concerned about the quality of beach there - when you say the beach isn't much, does that refer to sand, water or both?
Would the beaches be much nicer at Samui, Samet or Phangan?
The Evason hotels are pricey but they do look nice and we may just decide to splurge for the last couple of days of the trip. I also looked at the Evason in Koh Samui but I think it was prohibitively expensive (something like 900+ a night).
Another post I read mentioned there is a nice small hotel on Koh Samet, called something like Paranee, although i think I am remembering it wrong. My concern was with how to get to Samet. I think JamesA it was you who said in that post that one would have to drive 4.5 hours from BKK and then take a boat. Is this true?
JamesA - thank you for suggesting looking at Pranburi. I wasn't even going to look at Hua Hin since I thought it was all big resorts. Although I am a little concerned about the quality of beach there - when you say the beach isn't much, does that refer to sand, water or both?
Would the beaches be much nicer at Samui, Samet or Phangan?
The Evason hotels are pricey but they do look nice and we may just decide to splurge for the last couple of days of the trip. I also looked at the Evason in Koh Samui but I think it was prohibitively expensive (something like 900+ a night).
Another post I read mentioned there is a nice small hotel on Koh Samet, called something like Paranee, although i think I am remembering it wrong. My concern was with how to get to Samet. I think JamesA it was you who said in that post that one would have to drive 4.5 hours from BKK and then take a boat. Is this true?
Jun 21st, 2007, 03:15 AM
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swinggal - the beach at the place maisy recommended is the best beach that we saw throughout Samui, Ko Tao and Ko Pha Ngan. Other than the Santhiya and another big hotel up on the other end of the bay (Panviman resort) there are only little bungalow operations on the beach.
Sala Samui has a decent beach in Samui.
Ko Samet is nr Ko Chang so will be more rainy than the Samui etc and Hua Hin. Also, but not sure if this is still the case, the area used to be malarial, being close to the border.
I think Evason at Samui is not actually on the beach but on the hill/cliff above the beach. This is the case for the Santhiya also I think too.
We stayed at a lovely boutique resort for our wedding (Rocky Resort) on Samui. Beach there is not great as sand is not powdery and a little more grainy, but it is private. The deluxe beachfront room is to die for but there is only one and it is often booked. Also, it is popular with families and I am not sure if that would suit you.
Another one to look at on Samui is Kamalaya down on the south, if you like spa resorts with lots of treatments etc.
There are some good deals at the moment for Evason in Hua Hin.
Sala Samui has a decent beach in Samui.
Ko Samet is nr Ko Chang so will be more rainy than the Samui etc and Hua Hin. Also, but not sure if this is still the case, the area used to be malarial, being close to the border.
I think Evason at Samui is not actually on the beach but on the hill/cliff above the beach. This is the case for the Santhiya also I think too.
We stayed at a lovely boutique resort for our wedding (Rocky Resort) on Samui. Beach there is not great as sand is not powdery and a little more grainy, but it is private. The deluxe beachfront room is to die for but there is only one and it is often booked. Also, it is popular with families and I am not sure if that would suit you.
Another one to look at on Samui is Kamalaya down on the south, if you like spa resorts with lots of treatments etc.
There are some good deals at the moment for Evason in Hua Hin.
Jun 21st, 2007, 04:45 AM
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Orlando Sentinal has an article, I think was from NY Times, http://tinyurl.com/2jbkj3
The beach along the Evason Pranburi is not good, and in fact there is now a narrow road ( though pretty much unused) between it and the water, though the Aleenta is right on the beach, it's clean, but just not that picture postcard style tropical island style beach, if you want swaying palm trees thing it won't work, but Aleenta etc are very much 'relax' places, people wander the beach and job, pool, spa or perhaps yoga or whatever, caters to that sort of guest.
Hua Hin has better 'beach', if you didn't want large resort ( Hyatt though still gets the vote of many ) the Wora Bura is Sofitel style but much smaller, again not a palm frinded tropical style beach but dining over the beach with an actual 'cool breeze' is one of the pluses, I don't know if you are golfers but if so lots of courses nearby. It is more a beach+sports+shops+restaurants+national parks kind of area as opposed to a tropical beach island or Phuket/Samui sort of place, very different. Just note Pranburi ( Evason, Aleenta, Prasebn, Purimuntra etc ) is a good 35-40 minutes south of Hua Hin itself. Wor Bura is a few mins past the Hyatt.
http://www.worabura.com/
Samet has now a few more upmarket places but we haven't been for a while and did it at weekends when pretty crowded with weekenders from BKK.
The beach along the Evason Pranburi is not good, and in fact there is now a narrow road ( though pretty much unused) between it and the water, though the Aleenta is right on the beach, it's clean, but just not that picture postcard style tropical island style beach, if you want swaying palm trees thing it won't work, but Aleenta etc are very much 'relax' places, people wander the beach and job, pool, spa or perhaps yoga or whatever, caters to that sort of guest.
Hua Hin has better 'beach', if you didn't want large resort ( Hyatt though still gets the vote of many ) the Wora Bura is Sofitel style but much smaller, again not a palm frinded tropical style beach but dining over the beach with an actual 'cool breeze' is one of the pluses, I don't know if you are golfers but if so lots of courses nearby. It is more a beach+sports+shops+restaurants+national parks kind of area as opposed to a tropical beach island or Phuket/Samui sort of place, very different. Just note Pranburi ( Evason, Aleenta, Prasebn, Purimuntra etc ) is a good 35-40 minutes south of Hua Hin itself. Wor Bura is a few mins past the Hyatt.
http://www.worabura.com/
Samet has now a few more upmarket places but we haven't been for a while and did it at weekends when pretty crowded with weekenders from BKK.
Jun 24th, 2007, 09:02 AM
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Bella and JamesA - thank you so much for all your help. I am still torn on where I want to go but your suggestions and info helped a lot. I think we do want the more tropical island type beach in the end - my fiance is really pushing for an island over Hua Hin and I can't totally disagree. So I guess that limits us to Samui, Pha Ngan or Samet. But thank you for warning about the malaria and weather on Samet.
I still keep hearing different stories of being on Phouket in Aug and having good weather but I feel like I shouldn't take a chance with that since we only have about 5 days of beach anyway. Right?
As I started looking into flights I encountered a diff problem that I hope you can help me with. Bangkok Air to Siem Reap is really expensive - it ends up being about $400 per person for the round trip. I fee like there must be a cheaper way to get to Angkor since so many tourists go there. Please Help!!!
I still keep hearing different stories of being on Phouket in Aug and having good weather but I feel like I shouldn't take a chance with that since we only have about 5 days of beach anyway. Right?
As I started looking into flights I encountered a diff problem that I hope you can help me with. Bangkok Air to Siem Reap is really expensive - it ends up being about $400 per person for the round trip. I fee like there must be a cheaper way to get to Angkor since so many tourists go there. Please Help!!!
Jun 24th, 2007, 10:01 AM
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Bangkok Air is the only airline that flies non-stop to Siem Reap. So yes, it is that expensive. While you can go overland, I really don't recommend it - it takes a full day each way and is not a comfortable trip.
Bangkok Air has a Discovery Air Pass that requires you fly at least 3 legs on Bangkok Air, for a discounted price per leg. If you are also flying to Koh Samui, Bangkok Air owns that airport, so that individual flight is expensive too. But the Discovery Pass will make it all much less expensive. By my count, you would have 4 legs on Bangkok Air: BKK to SR, SR to BKK, BKK to KS, KS to BKK. Take a look at the Bangkok Air website for prices and details.
Bangkok Air has a Discovery Air Pass that requires you fly at least 3 legs on Bangkok Air, for a discounted price per leg. If you are also flying to Koh Samui, Bangkok Air owns that airport, so that individual flight is expensive too. But the Discovery Pass will make it all much less expensive. By my count, you would have 4 legs on Bangkok Air: BKK to SR, SR to BKK, BKK to KS, KS to BKK. Take a look at the Bangkok Air website for prices and details.
Jun 26th, 2007, 11:55 AM
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Kathie - thank you for coming to my rescue again! I did see the Discovery pass and am going to call them to get more details.
My issue is that it seems difficult to go to Chang Rai and Angkor b/c the connection time between Thai Air and Bangkok Air flights is either too short for comfort or way too long. But I know that a lot of people go to both places so I am not sure how they resolve that issue - I saw one post where the traveler opted for the 5 hour layover but I really dont want to do that.
So that leaves me with the option of either not going to the Golden Triangle or not going to Angkor Wat. I could go to Chang Mai instead since Bangkok flies there but I know it's a totally different experience than CR (and I know Kathie is not fond of CM
)
Is there anything like the Anantara Elephant camp somewhere near CM? Or should I skip the north altogether and go to Angkor?
Thank you all in advance.
My issue is that it seems difficult to go to Chang Rai and Angkor b/c the connection time between Thai Air and Bangkok Air flights is either too short for comfort or way too long. But I know that a lot of people go to both places so I am not sure how they resolve that issue - I saw one post where the traveler opted for the 5 hour layover but I really dont want to do that.
So that leaves me with the option of either not going to the Golden Triangle or not going to Angkor Wat. I could go to Chang Mai instead since Bangkok flies there but I know it's a totally different experience than CR (and I know Kathie is not fond of CM
) Is there anything like the Anantara Elephant camp somewhere near CM? Or should I skip the north altogether and go to Angkor?
Thank you all in advance.
Jun 26th, 2007, 02:40 PM
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The Thai Elephant Conservation Center is what the Anantara's program is based on. It's in Lampang, about 1 hour from Chiang Mai by car. www.changthai.com
Jul 2nd, 2007, 12:10 PM
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maisymoo (and anyone else who might know)
- I was looking again at the Santhiya hotel and noticed there are no pictures of the beach. Is it not on a beach? If not, is there a beach nearby (in walking distance) or does one need transport to get to a beach?
- I was looking again at the Santhiya hotel and noticed there are no pictures of the beach. Is it not on a beach? If not, is there a beach nearby (in walking distance) or does one need transport to get to a beach?
Jul 3rd, 2007, 12:00 AM
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Hi did you have a look at my pics. Just in case here it is again:
http://picasaweb.google.com/maisymoo/Thailand2006
As you will see in the pics santhiya only has a small beach front. The next beach around a two minute walk is white powder sand and stunning.
It is a quiet area in general and the resort is stunning. It is not a high end chain like some big resorts it has a much better vibe that this. We could not have asked for more. We were there to celebrate my partners 40th and had a great time.
Here is my review I did when I returned:
KOH PHANGAN (Santhiya): I was nervous about this place as it is newly built and had some mixed reviews. Again we loved it. The location is incredible tucked away in a small bay overlooking Thong Nai Pan’s two white sand beaches. Santhiya offered a free land and boat pick up from Samui. It took about 35minutes by speed boat from a pier in the North of Samui to the resort. There have been lots of complaints about service at the Santhiya. We did not have this problem but then there were very few guests only about 20. We got upgraded to a Sea View Villa as work was still continuing on the hotel area. This was lucky however we had a look at the hotel area before leaving and both agreed the rooms and views are stunning. It is however a bit of a walk up to the back of the resort. They do offer golf cart transfers but we never used them as we were close to the restaurant and main walkway. The resort overall is stunning. We were in a teak bungalow with an outdoor bathroom. We have no complaints about the rooms, as they were so unique. The restaurant has amazing views and was pricey for the area but I think well priced for a resort of its standard. The pool was huge with a waterfall running into it. Yes there is still construction going on but it was no bother to us. In fact we heard more construction noise from the bay next door. I think people should remember that Santhiya has just opened it is not yet the well-oiled machine that large resorts are. It will be one day. It never ceases to amaze me that people complain about poor English as bad service. English is not Thailand’s language so of course there is going to be issues in this regard. The trainee managers spoke perfect English and were always on hand should a problem arise. Even though this resort is quite remote there is a path around the rocks to the next bay (a 5 minute walk) that allowed eating at local restaurants and other resorts. Our favourite was the Panburi Bungalow restaurant well priced with good atmosphere and service. One day we found ourselves eating at a place called Again & Again on the road. The coffee menu had drawn T’s attention. A fellow tourist said the food was great. He was right the food was great and cheap. The setting left a little bit to be desired, a dirt floor no walls with 2 chickens and two dogs competing for any crumbs. Apart from the general look of the place I would recommend a meal here if anyone happens that way. Overall we had an excellent time at Santhiya I would not hesitate to recommend it as a quiet few days away. We braved the roads on a scooter over to Thong Sala and Haad Rin. We saw nothing of interest at either place and realised we made the right decision in staying at a remote area. It was a nice place to laze away the days. We had a nice birthday dinner for T in the restaurant. They had offered to set us up a table and chairs on the beach on our own but T would not wear this he wanted no fuss. We had a corner of the restaurant to ourselves with nice candles etc. The restaurant phoned ahead to see if we wanted to pre order our meal so there would be no wait. I thought this was a nice touch however we were happy to draw the evening out with cocktails and staring at the stunning view from the restaurant. They did a surprise birthday cake and song for T which embarrassed him he he!!! We would return to this resort.
http://picasaweb.google.com/maisymoo/Thailand2006
As you will see in the pics santhiya only has a small beach front. The next beach around a two minute walk is white powder sand and stunning.
It is a quiet area in general and the resort is stunning. It is not a high end chain like some big resorts it has a much better vibe that this. We could not have asked for more. We were there to celebrate my partners 40th and had a great time.
Here is my review I did when I returned:
KOH PHANGAN (Santhiya): I was nervous about this place as it is newly built and had some mixed reviews. Again we loved it. The location is incredible tucked away in a small bay overlooking Thong Nai Pan’s two white sand beaches. Santhiya offered a free land and boat pick up from Samui. It took about 35minutes by speed boat from a pier in the North of Samui to the resort. There have been lots of complaints about service at the Santhiya. We did not have this problem but then there were very few guests only about 20. We got upgraded to a Sea View Villa as work was still continuing on the hotel area. This was lucky however we had a look at the hotel area before leaving and both agreed the rooms and views are stunning. It is however a bit of a walk up to the back of the resort. They do offer golf cart transfers but we never used them as we were close to the restaurant and main walkway. The resort overall is stunning. We were in a teak bungalow with an outdoor bathroom. We have no complaints about the rooms, as they were so unique. The restaurant has amazing views and was pricey for the area but I think well priced for a resort of its standard. The pool was huge with a waterfall running into it. Yes there is still construction going on but it was no bother to us. In fact we heard more construction noise from the bay next door. I think people should remember that Santhiya has just opened it is not yet the well-oiled machine that large resorts are. It will be one day. It never ceases to amaze me that people complain about poor English as bad service. English is not Thailand’s language so of course there is going to be issues in this regard. The trainee managers spoke perfect English and were always on hand should a problem arise. Even though this resort is quite remote there is a path around the rocks to the next bay (a 5 minute walk) that allowed eating at local restaurants and other resorts. Our favourite was the Panburi Bungalow restaurant well priced with good atmosphere and service. One day we found ourselves eating at a place called Again & Again on the road. The coffee menu had drawn T’s attention. A fellow tourist said the food was great. He was right the food was great and cheap. The setting left a little bit to be desired, a dirt floor no walls with 2 chickens and two dogs competing for any crumbs. Apart from the general look of the place I would recommend a meal here if anyone happens that way. Overall we had an excellent time at Santhiya I would not hesitate to recommend it as a quiet few days away. We braved the roads on a scooter over to Thong Sala and Haad Rin. We saw nothing of interest at either place and realised we made the right decision in staying at a remote area. It was a nice place to laze away the days. We had a nice birthday dinner for T in the restaurant. They had offered to set us up a table and chairs on the beach on our own but T would not wear this he wanted no fuss. We had a corner of the restaurant to ourselves with nice candles etc. The restaurant phoned ahead to see if we wanted to pre order our meal so there would be no wait. I thought this was a nice touch however we were happy to draw the evening out with cocktails and staring at the stunning view from the restaurant. They did a surprise birthday cake and song for T which embarrassed him he he!!! We would return to this resort.
Jul 3rd, 2007, 12:05 AM
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Sorry meant to add there are no beach front bungalows etc. All accomodation is set up from the beach tucked away amongest the trees with stunning views over the ocean. Some of the bungalows have there own pools if you feel inclined to splash out. We booked ours through www.sawadee.com which we found to be a great price. A local travel agent could not even compare. I do not think this resort would compare to an Amari or similar but it is new and unique in a great setting. If you are prepared to laze you days away swimming and reading then this place would be perfect.
