Dream Valley Resort Tonsai Beach

The one good thing was the free breakfast. The bungalow looked nothing like the pictures, and no one told us there'd be no blankets, so we used musty towels instead. There were holes in the bathroom walls, and the shower stayed cold. That might've been fine in warm weather, but it wasn't warm out. Pool rules say people with long hair can't swim unless they wear a cap, lol. There were dead frogs all over. I definitely wouldn't recommend it.

The pools are a great way to cool off in the heat, and one of the two big ones is suitable for children. I loved watching climbers jump in after a long day, it gives the place a real atmosphere. The resort is only minutes from the beach and near all the great places to eat around Tonsai. Prices felt fair too, especially compared with places charging more for a fan hut without a pool. I've stayed in a few different places in Tonsai, and this one is my favorite. You don't really see how lovely it is until you come through the entrance. Highly recommend it. I loved it enough that I'll be back for New Year's.

The pool is excellent, and there are lots of bars and restaurants nearby. The location is hard to beat unless you're inside the walled private beachfront resort, and access to the climbing is mega. The rooms were otherwise fine, but the mattress needs replacing, the bathrooms are basic, and the balconies could use more comfortable furniture. Turn-down service was inconsistent, and sometimes we had to remind the desk. The breakfast restaurant staff weren't especially friendly and could be rude. There's a bar being built by the pool that should improve the vibe, but right now it's a worksite. A warning about illness: we knew electricity was limited because it was clearly advertised, but didn't connect that to restaurant refrigeration. There's reportedly a huge norovirus infection rate among Tonsai visitors, with 50-80% of visitors staying longer than a week said to get seriously sick with vomiting and diarrhoea. Medical facilities in Tonsai are limited. If you get very ill and need a saline drip or other treatment, you'll have to get to Railay or Ao Nang. I'd recommend Ao Nang.

Our standard bungalow was clean and had air conditioning, and the place felt like being in the middle of a jungle, which was fun. The rooms seem to vary. The outlet was by the front door, but that wasn't an issue. Getting there means a 10-15 minute walk through the jungle, and sometimes the tide means getting your feet wet. You can also take a tailboat, which costs 400bhat for 2.