Our top 10 places to stay in and around Ko Pha Ngan
Packs a punch
Flashpackers and families seeking a non-pretentious beach resort with all sorts of activities will fit in well at Milky Bay.
Set towards the western side of Ao Baan Tai on the way to Thong Sala, Milky Bay greets you with towering bamboo forming a tunnel over the gravel lane to reception. Bamboo appears throughout the shaded grounds, which feel relaxing and spacious despite the many different room types and facilities.
The cheapest wood bungalows are painted white and, while small, are a lot comfier than your average hut thanks to air-con, soft mattresses on raised platforms, safes, fridges, coffee/tea facilities, lanterns and clean hot-water wet bathrooms. We checked out room A1, with two plastic chairs on the wood porch and windows opening to a view of the surf. Other standard bungalows are placed further back and go for the same price.
Milky Bay offers five pricier room types, including superiors with floor-to-ceiling glass fronts in a single-floor attached building, and huge A-frame log villas with sofas and extra beds for families. The top of the line is a two-storey, 56-square-metre beach house with both indoor and outdoor living space set over the sand. Natural accents and touches of Thai art add to the understated feel of the resort.
Milky Bay’s staff was among the most helpful and polite that we came across on Pha Ngan’s south coast; a Burmese man did a terrific job of explaining all of the resort’s offerings while showing us around. Start with a game of table tennis or volleyball before moving on to the steam room, spa and swimming pool, and top it off with a cocktail while watching the sunset from the beachfront restaurant. All rates include breakfast.
Address: 103/4 Moo 1, Baan Tai, Ko Pha Ngan
T: (077) 238 566; (077) 238 936;
Email: reservation@milkybaythailand.com
Web: http://www.milkybaythailand.com
Coordinates (for GPS): 100º0'42.65" E, 9º42'11.2" N
See position in Apple or Google Maps: Apple Maps | Google Maps
Room rates: 1,500B to 4,000B
What we were quoted as a walk-in.
| Standard double room | 1,260 baht | 1,440 baht |
| Superior double room | 1,690 baht | 1,800 baht |
| Deluxe double room | 2,250 baht | 2,250 baht |
| Family room 4,500 baht for deluxe beachfront house | 2,700 baht | 3,000 baht |
Reviewed by
David Luekens
David Luekens first came to Thailand in 2005 when Thai friends from his former home of Burlington, Vermont led him on a life-changing trip. Based in Thailand since 2011, he spends much of his time eating in Bangkok street markets and island hopping the Andaman Sea.
Our top 10 places to stay in and around Ko Pha Ngan
