Thap Pala Cottage

The private pool and cabana with a wooden bathtub were the highlights, and everything worked just fine. The place is rustic, as I expected, and the outdoor bathrooms were interesting. It’s in a densely forested area about a 20-minute drive from town, so bugs and lizards are to be expected. I found the room reasonably clean and don’t blame them for the bugs, since that’s outside their control. Even with a few other groups staying there, the rooms were thoughtfully separated, so I never felt boxed in or uncomfortable. I liked being a little farther out.

The resort is only 3 km from Songkhla town, but there’s a nature feel all around. It’s nicely decorated and designed to give a sense of privacy. The drawback is that it hasn’t been properly renovated since the beginning. If you can accept that it isn’t 100% perfect, it could suit you.

For 2400 baht, I felt it was worth the price. Breakfast comes to the villa, and in-house guests can kayak for free. The setting is surprisingly rural, almost like a village, and the entrance road isn’t paved, though normal cars can manage it. One downside is that the road by Songkla Zoo closes at 8 pm, so you have to take a longer way in. The villa is very private, with a personal pool overlooking the lake, a beautiful sunrise on the other side, and an open area bathtub with lots of space. You can just relax there without needing to go anywhere.

The room was okay, but there were only two pillows and I would have liked more for comfort. The toilet was dirty when I checked in and clearly hadn’t been cleaned properly. I appreciate the natural setting, but the outdoor toilet needs better hygiene. The staff weren’t friendly, didn’t speak English, and gave me no proper directions. Sadly, it wasn’t the experience I’d hoped for.