Rat Villa

The garden and outside of the bungalows looked nice, and when the manager and his wife finally showed up a few hours later, they tried to be friendly and helpful. But there was no reception, and my calls, messages, and emails went unanswered. Inside, the bungalow was basic local standard, with an old, very simple room and bathroom. The bathroom especially needs renovating. The manager couldn’t arrange a bike rental or an airport taxi, so he eventually drove us for 600 Baht. The metered taxi from the airport to this place had cost around 350 Baht.

We stayed two nights to be near the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, and the place was peaceful, quiet, and clean. There’s no hotel reception if you need something, and very little English is spoken, so bear that in mind. We went to chic cafe up the road to eat both days.

It’s a good spot away from the big tourist crowds, run by a cheerful, polite, and helpful family. The bathroom wasn’t as clean as it should have been, though. Nearby places include the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project, Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, Bang Pae Waterfall, and Pa Khlok street market across from 7-Eleven. For food or coffee, I’d suggest Bang Pae Seafood and Monkeypod, though they’re a bit pricey.

Quiet and clean.