Lamai Bay View Resort

We made good use of the inexpensive bike rentals, with no deposit required, for day trips to nearby beaches and shops. The room was spacious, clean, comfortable, and private, and the view from it was one of the best I’ve seen. There’s also an infinity pool and a private beach area with loungers and hammocks. Check-in was quick: we got a smile and a complimentary drink at reception, and staff brought our bags to the room. Lamai Bayview Boutique was a delight from arrival, and if I’m back in the area, it’ll be my first choice. It’s a hidden gem that deserves to be known. Highly recommend!

Getting into town took about a 30-minute walk, and we usually took a taxi back for about 300 Baht including tip. Being outside the busy centre made it peaceful and quiet, which was pure bliss. The hillside paths are winding, narrow, and uneven, with steps, so accessibility could be difficult. Our beachfront bungalow was just a stone's throw from the water. The beach was lovely and sunny for most of the day, and the room had a comfortable bed, air con, and a big balcony where we could listen to the waves. We only booked two nights and would have stayed longer if there had been availability. Staff were friendly and helpful, arranging transfers and suggesting places to visit in town. We ate at the restaurant a few times and liked the food and reasonable prices. I didn’t care for the pool, as I’m not much of a swimmer and it was deep, with sloped shallow areas, though the views from there were beautiful.

The view from my cabin was gorgeous, and the food was lovely. I came here after spending a few weeks in an airbnb, and it suited me perfectly. The room was great, especially the comfortable bed, which can be hard to find in Thailand. The friendly staff were always smiling. It’s a charming getaway for a mid-budget traveller. I loved my stay.

The view and beach are beautiful, but there was trash, including plastic bottles, and I found a huge piece of glass as I entered the water. If someone stepped on it, the hotel would be responsible. Breakfast was so-so. Even when I arrived right as it began, the sausages and bacon were already cold. There was salad and vegetables, but no dressing apart from sriratcha mayo or a ketchup-mayo combination, which didn’t work for me. There were loads of ants on the table. This is about the budget bungalow. The rooms are tiny, with the fridge on the bedside cabinet, so your head is right next to its noise while you sleep. The bungalows are old and poorly maintained. I understand it’s a budget option, but mould on the walls, visible hairdryer wires, and sockets that don’t sit against the wall are unacceptable and potentially hazardous to health. Some of the structures look cartoon-like, and you can see in the pictures that a few don’t even stand straight. This place feels dangerous, though a lot could be improved with very little effort.