Thapwarin Resort, Koh Ngai (Trang)

Koh Ngai is a very beautiful island and the reef surrounding the island has some great snorkeling. The hotel in itself was cosy and clean but not as nice as I got the impression it would be by looking at the pictures on the website. We had two big lizards which seemed to live in our bathroom. As stated above, a bit more expensive than other hotels on the island and not very helpful about tips about things to do that they did not provide. For example, we asked about renting kayaks which they claimed they knew nothing about even though the hotel next door had lots for rent.

An incredibly beatiful place and a resort with charming bungalows. Bungalows have thin walls so you'll sleep and wake up to the noises of the jungle! The thunder did wake us up one night, though. Barely any families with children at all, so very quiet. Percfect for couples who want an extremely relaxed, romantic and slow holiday (we even lost track of time). Not much to do but relax in the shade or sun, admire the view, soak in the sea or take a walk on the beach. Resort can arrange snorkelling tours to some great spots and there are canoes to rent. Would not recommend this place for families with children! No tv, no refridgerators and open air bathrooms which means you'll have to live with a few bugs and lizards. Complimentary water warm. Very nicely kept and clean. Good breakfasts with fruit, toast and omelet cook. Good food at the restaurant at fairly decent prices, but all drinks are expensive. There's a beautifully situated spa on the resort grounds, but since it rained every afternoon we didn't get around to trying it. Very, very helpful and friendly staff. We extended our stay and are definitely coming back some time for some real relaxation. Tip: Bring snorkelling shoes or sandals that can take water since there are a lot of dead coral on the sea bed.

After studying the Lonely Planet and deciding to avoid anywhere it recommended we traveled to Koh Ngai and glad we did. So far it has managed to avoid being ruined with backpacker hotels and escort bars. Most of the dozen or so hotels are upmarket and attracted a more sedate or older clientele. The staff were great and bent over backwards to help us. As I said above there is a fairly noisy generator behind the hotel which can be heard if you stay in one of the rooms away from the sea, however it is being replaced sometime soon. Great stay.