swestrich

We are looking for a nice, intimate resort in a beautiful setting with a good beach. Does anyone have any thoughts about Rayavadee, Nakamanda or Pimalai? Are there other resorts we should consider? Thanks.

brotherleelove2004

Although I couldn't afford the Pimalai, I thought it was one of the most strikingly unique resorts I've seen in 4 trips to Thailand's islands. I'd love to stay there and think you will definitely enjoy yourself if you do.

I can also recommend the Fantasy Resort on Koh Ngai, next to Koh Lanta. It's not as exclusive as the Pimalai, but if you hit good weather, you'll be on the most beautiful beachfront I've ever seen in Thailand. The grounds were manicured, the sand was like powdered sugar, the water was crystal-clear blue, and the view of the offshore karsts is spectacular.

Lyndie

We walked over to Rayavadee and were blown away by the gorgeous grounds and lovely beachfront restaurant. The beach is remarkable! A tiny bit of noise sometimes when the longtail boats land and take-off but if I could spare the dosh I'd be there in a second! The Railay West beach is beautiful and Rayavadee has access to the another great beach also. You can try the little bars & restaurants further down the beach at Railay Village & Railay Bay & slum it with the poor people if you get sick of the luxury! Have a great holiday!

erany

Lyndie,

Have you seen ar stayed at the Railay Bay ? what can you tell me about it ?
thanks

CFW

brotherleelove, We've booked for the Pimilai but your description of the fantasy resort sounded delicious! Are the beach and water as nice at the Pimilai?

Lyndie

erany-Railay Bay Resort is very nice and we're staying there in mid Dec for 4 nts. Avoid Railay Village-we stayed in April and disliked it. Crappy rooms, surly staff & not much security for your valuables. Check out details on www.sawadee.com-Sea & Sand is relly nice but more expensive than Railay Bay.

bg_collier

In April of this year, I stayed at Sand Sea on West Hat. My notes say I paid 2800B/nt (w/AC).

My unit was very nice and with modern amenities. I don't normally splurge on my travels, but since I showed up during Songkran without reservations, I felt fortunate.

The bungalows are along a nicely gardened pathway that ultimately ends up at East Hat. West Hat beach is superb, wasn't too crowded, and I don't remember the longtail noise being bothersome. I believe they are cordoned into one section, anyways.

The area is very spectacular and has a number of hikes up into the limestone cliffs for awesome views. I have a number of photos of the area here:

http://www.brucegcollier.com/galleri...level2_all.htm

You'll have to scroll through the thumbnails, but they tend to be the ones with beach scenery. I also have one of the bungalow exterior and gardens that's not on the site, but you can send me email if you want me to send it along.

Regards,
Bruce
www.brucegcollier.com

brotherleelove2004

CFW:

I couldn't see the beach at the Pimalai from up close, only from the road above. It looked really nice. Private and clean. Water visibility was excellent but that changes all the time because of offshore storms and currents, so it's difficult to predict. Overall I think the beach in front of the Fantasy Resort is the best I've ever seen in Thailand. I probably hit it on an expecially clear day.

erany

Lyndie,
Have you stayed there before (the Railay Bay Resort ) ?
What kind of room are you taking?
For what rate?
We are planning to be there Jan 20th.
Is there stuff to do around there at night?
We are 27yo.
Thanks.

Lyndie

erany- we stayed at Railay Village Resort (no good). No, we have not stayed at Railay Bay, however we checked it out in April. We've booked a deluxe cottage at 2450 baht for 2 for 4 nights in mid December. We are staying 5 nights on Koh Samui, 4 nights on Koh Pha Ngan and one night in Ao Nang at Somkiet Buri before our flight to BKK. There are a few bars and restaurants at West Railay and you can nip over to East Railay for funky music & lots of youngies if you want. Railay West is a bit quiet-just how I like my holiday! No full moon parties and the like! You will love it if nature, swimming and just hanging out is your thing! Let me know if you want any more info.

erany

Lyndie,
Thanks alot for the info... we are going on our honeymoon...
We will be 4 night in a new resort at Koh Racha (have you heared about it? its called "THE RACHA&quot ....and then 5 nights in Phi Phi princess resort... and then 4 night at Raily bay... we booked the suite cotage..what was your impresion of the resort? is it nice? I saw people wrtting about noise from the long tail boats ... do you hear it from the rooms??

Lyndie

Hi erany-the water and therefore the longtails are approx 50 metres from the resort so the noise is not all that bad. You can hear them from the front of the four resorts but they don't operate all night and all day in my experience. Our villa at Railay Village was about another 50 metres from the front of the resort and we could not hear a thing. I simply raised the issue of longtail noise when a poster asked about luxury places like Rayavadee. I would not want to pay US800 per night and hear a thing except perhaps the birds chirping! I liked Railay Bay very much. It is more private than Railay Village. You cannot see the resort from the beach. You will love it at Railay! I'm sorry I dont know the other places you're staying.