Sea Smile Resort

The beach was spotless, with plenty of places to sit right along the front. They rent jet skis, push bikes, motorcycles, ATVs, UTVs, and surfboards at fair prices. The owner was pleasant and the manager was lovely, and the whole resort felt very laid back. Our sea-view room was huge. It had a small kitchen area, lots of clothing storage behind sliding mirrored doors, and a massive balcony looking out over the beach and gardens. The bath and shower were both big, with very hot water and good pressure. The mattress was one of the most comfortable I’ve slept on in Thailand, maybe memory foam. There were lots of TV channels too, though we weren’t in the room much.

The main drawback is the distance from town. It’s a 3 km walk each way to the shops, food stalls, noise, and activity, though the manager can arrange a pickup and bicycles or motorbikes are available to rent. There are lots of soi dogs around, but they’re harmless. The manager doesn’t speak English. It’s right on a nice beach, and the pier is a short walk away. The hotel feels fairly new, modern, and quiet. Upstairs rooms have a small balcony with a table and two chairs. There’s hot water, AC and a fan, plus drinking water and coffee. The price is lower because of the location. It feels more like a hotel than a resort.

There’s no breakfast included and no restaurant for dinner, but prices are very reasonable despite a few inconveniences. You can ask the manager to arrange a ride into town on a motorbike with a side cart, or rent a bike yourself. It’s a 3 km walk each way to the downtown action and shops. The manager doesn’t speak English, so knowing some Thai helps, or perhaps another guest can help communicate. I had no issues and would stay again. The beach is right there, and you can walk along it or visit the pier in the morning to see fishing boats unload their catch. The resort is fairly new and rooms are modern, with hot-water showers. There are two bungalows, but book ahead; otherwise there are resort rooms. The upstairs rooms look toward the ocean and have a little balcony with a table and two chairs, a nice spot for morning coffee. Bicycles and motorbikes are available to rent.

The staff were very helpful, and the hotel is right on the beach. It’s about 2 km from the restaurants in the main area, but they can get you a taxi or you can rent a motorbike. The room was basic but clean, and the hotel is cheap and cheerful. The bed was very hard, though, and the air conditioning needs servicing.