There are beach vacations for people who like to make thorough daily itineraries, and then there are beach vacations for people who like to leave things a bit loose and only occasionally look at their watches. This resort, on Koh Lanta, an island about a one and a half hour shuttle van/ferry ride from Krabi Airport, is for neither of those people. Rather, it’s for people that don’t believe in watches or schedules much at all. If you can get down with this kind of experience, you most certainly will very much get down with at least a few days at this small and casual, family run chill zone of a resort.
Stay at a hotel that is quite literally on the beach
Sunset Bungalows’ restaurant, check in lobby, and general fraternization zone is perched above the sandy beach which extends off the ocean right into the grounds. Start your day with a lovely breakfast in this shady area as you gaze at and listen to the gentle waves. Swedish management with Thai staff means that your culinary cravings, be they Western or Eastern, will be sated by pros who know the real deal. Everyone is naturally super friendly too, which makes for a lovely environment on this cozy yet spacious property.
A beach bum life does not exclude you from enjoying a comfortable bedroom
Sure, it’s a little spartan around the edges, but spartan equals spotless! The rooms have recently been repainted and refurbished in a simple but tasteful way. Depending on your budget and preference, rooms are available fan-cooled or with air-conditioning. Being that this low lying, spread out resort is right on the beach, many people find that cooling off with just a fan is not only fine, but more pleasant. With off-season rates for fan rooms as low as 400 THB (11 USD) per night, you’re going to find your demeanor very flexible.
Your standard Thai all-in-one bathroom zone is in tip-top shape
All water related bathroom activities spout from one wall, which makes for simple plumbing but complicated sharing by more than one person. From left to right you have your wash basin, hose for undercarriage cleaning, the toilet, and the shower with instant, gas powered hot water maker. Notice how the tile and floor is sparkly clean. All across the board, this resort’s cleanliness surpasses expectations for the price category.
Tuk-tuks at the ready, and a shady courtyard keeping the resort quiet and cool
The rooms are fairly spaced out across three sides of the above pictured courtyard, with the restaurant and beach area unfurling from the fourth side. A handful of restaurants are within walking distance, but for longer travel, you will probably want to hire a tuk-tuk. For maximum freedom, hire a scooter for around 5 USD a day. Or, just relax on the beach or in a shady spot near it, and forget about going anywhere.
Naturally there’s a beach bar
Sunset Bungalows is not a party hotel (in fact, the proprietors have a cute little girl who you’re sure to see around), but that doesn’t preclude you from having a drink or two! Fresh fruit cocktails, cold beer, and all the usuals are available. Hint: Wine is disproportionately expensive in Thailand, so you may want to bring some in duty free (one bottle per person is allowed) if you are trying to save a little cash and you love your wine.
An imminently affordable and casual beach resort escape
At Sunset Bungalows, you get a beautiful beach, a great vibe, and plenty of space, all at some very affordable prices. If you’re of the watch-tossing mindset and don’t require decadent digs, this just may be the perfect spot for you.
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