Thapwarin Resort, Koh Ngai

There are no roads on Koh Ngai and only a handful of resorts, dotted along the coast. The pick of these is Thapwarin Resort Koh Ngai, a lovely rustic beach resort with 28 rooms, a wide beach and gorgeous views out across the bay.

All the rooms are made of natural materials and are simple but exceptionally well designed. They do have air con and mosquito nets and the overall effect is natural and very rustic.

This island is all about peace and quiet – with wonderful views out to the islands around Koh Ngai. The sleepy restaurant and bar are made for letting time drift by and have a general laid back, peaceful vibe. The public spaces are intimate and conducive to hanging out. It is definitely not a place to come to if you like to keep busy. Thapwarin Resort Koh Ngai is a place for doing nothing!

That said, the snorkeling is exceptional just off the coast and in high tide there is a reef just off the shore. At other times you may wish to go round to the other side of the island, which has a famous snorkeling location and other brilliant spots, such as the famous Emerald Cave are just a short boat ride away. It’s also possible to wander along the beach to other hotels and try alternative restaurants.

The lack of a pool and the fact that you cannot swim at low tide, means that this island is probably not ideal for families with younger children, though older children might relish the adventure of being so away from it all.  At certain times of the year jellyfish converge on the beach, making all swimming problematic.

Koh Ngai can be reached easily from Koh Lanta and is a fairly straight forward 2 and a half hour transfer from Krabi Airport.

All in all, Thapwarin Resort Koh Ngai is a wonderful place to escape from it all.