Bambooraya Villa

The island is worth seeing, but I’d pick a different resort. This one has access to the sunrise point and a snorkeling spot, though the waves made snorkeling a bad idea on our first day. The other resorts have better beaches, and the public sunset point is about a 15-minute walk away on the other side. The setting is stunning: beautiful nature and views, the sea, and a pool I’ve come to love. It felt like an experience everyone should get to have once. But there were some big drawbacks. I didn’t see any other Western tourists, and the resort seemed less geared toward foreign visitors. Food was a letdown. I understand supplies are limited on an island, so dishes that aren’t included cost a lot, but the flavors were only so-so. I love Thai food, and even simple 80-baht dishes can be incredible. Here, meals cost 300 baht and there aren’t many other options on the island. Our room was too small, with nowhere near enough furniture for the luggage tourists usually bring. The staff weren’t very friendly either. They only smiled after we’d spent a lot, and before that they kept asking whether we’d paid for each service. Nights were romantic but boring, with no nightlife. We booked two nights, but now I think one would have been enough.