Thailand forum

I recently spent some time at Thong Nai Pan.
The main changes at Thong Nai Pan YAI I noticed:
*My old favourite accommodation White Wind high on the southern headland has closed down. The land has been bought by Panviman high end resort - at the time of my visit the old bungalows were still there but Panviman was creeping around the headland with some new villas less than 100m away.
White Wind's rather nice beach bar perched just above beach level was still operating.
*The path up through White Wind and Panviman to Thong Nai Pan Noi has been blocked thoroughly, not partially as when I last visited.
*All the old budget favourites seem to have pushed upmarket - places like Candle Hut, Dreamland, Central Cottage now have pools and aircon/hot water - although most can still do less expensive huts.
*The main street area seems a lot more developed. Most services are available although no banks - there are 3 atms, one outside the Seven 11.

I read a report before leaving that ALL OF THE BEACH at Thong Nai Pan NOI had been taken over by a high end resort. Well this is a bit of an exaggeration, but Anantara Rasanada takes about 60%, a new joint under construction the southern most 20%. The only budget beachside place now is Baan Tapan on the northern most 15% or so. There were more budget huts on the small headland at the north end going over to luxury Santhiya's tiny beach. There is now a good path across this headland for Santhiya guests to easily access the main beach.

A very welcome improvement is that much of the bad sections of the main access road up from the south coast has been paved with only a few rough parts demanding caution. I'm an amateur motorcyclist but I would not hesitate to take a bike to TNP now. One new paved section starts a bit before the intersection of the Than Sadet road and continues right thru to Thong Nai Pan and Noi, a distance of about 6km.

I stayed at Longtail Bungalow, a good value budget/flashpacker joint at the far southern end of TNP Yai beach. Most bungalows are set in a nice garden setting - mine had hot water and was very comfy - 490 in late April, 390 a few days later. Good beachfront restaurant with nice food at the lower end of budget bungalow eats. Efficient friendly staff.