Perched on a hillside among coconut groves and secondary-growth forest, this self-catering property offers peace and privacy surrounded by nature. Coucals call; dragonflies buzz; flocks of herons make for the hills in autumn. Koh Pha Ngan may be famed for its hedonistic Full Moon parties, but this place is a world away from all that. It was built as a holiday home by 4 friends who fell in love with the island, and hence consists of 4 mini villas, with 1 bedroom and bathroom apiece, and a shared main house with a kitchen, dining and sitting room. It is ideal for a few couples, a group of friends, or families whose kids can be trusted not to topple down the hill. Just book as many mini villas as your party requires and you get full run of the property without paying a surcharge for empty rooms, so it's great value.
All villas have panoramic views of the sea and surrounding landscape from their beds and private decks. But best of all is the shared saltwater infinity pool, tiled in natural stone and reflecting a traditional sala, a handful of tall, swishing coconut palms, and the clouds beyond.
Highs
- The flexible set up means a couple can take 1 mini villa without rattling around (the other 3 are left empty to guarantee your privacy)
- Or it works brilliantly for groups of friends: you can be together without being on top of each other (and fantastic value too)
- We loved the bright, uncluttered, modern design
- The friendly caretaker can help with anything you may need, including a cook on request
- Two gorgeous golden beaches (Tong Nai Pan Yai and Tong Nai Pan Noi) are a 10-minute drive away
Lows
- The flipside of the view is a steep hill with lots of stairs
- You'll need motorised transport to get to beaches and restaurants (the owner can recommend trustworthy rentals)
- Supermarkets are a fair drive away in Tong Sala; shop on the way here (although there are small local stores)
- Don’t expect much nightlife; Full Moon parties are on the other side of the island (a high for most!)
- Some of the fittings are a little tired, but the owners are updating them on a rolling basis
- Boutique Retreat
- Villa for 2-8
- Self-catering (restaurants a drive away)
- All ages welcome
- Open all year
- Outdoor Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Babysitting
- Creche / Kids Club
- Car not necessary
- Parking
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Daily Maid Service
- Towels & Bedlinen
- Concierge Service
- Laundry Service
- Sala
Rooms
Each mini villa is brightly and simply decorated, with decent towels and linens. Soap and shampoo are provided, and all except one have outdoor rain showers with a view of the sea. The twin has an indoor shower bathroom instead.
Nearest to the main house is a pair of villas named Cashew, with a shared deck and garden. The left is a double, the right a twin, so they're great for a family. Both have upholstered window seats and chairs outside.
Further up is Mango, after the tree it overlooks. This is in some ways the best villa, with a desk, a big shaded terrace and views over the sea and coconut groves.
All the way up top is a wooden villa named Jungle; your steep climb is rewarded with breathtaking views over both bays, and real seclusion among the sounds of the forest. Check your pockets carefully before you go down; you may not fancy climbing back up for forgotten items.
Features include:
- Fan
- In-room treatments available
- WiFi
Eating
The kitchen and dining area is in the main house, equipped with all mod cons, including an electric oven, a BBQ and a range of pots and pans.
Stock up on general supplies in Tong Sala's big supermarkets on your way here. Locally you'll find small stores with a limited range of fresh vegetables and meat, some essentials, beer, even mass-market wines. The indispensable 7-11 is on Tong Nai Pan Yai.
If you're feeling lazy, the caretaker can arrange a cook for some or all meals, and a shopping service.
Tong Nai Pan Noi is the better option for restaurants, with everything from relatively fine dining at the big beach resorts to cheap-and-cheerful north-eastern cuisine in a roadside shack, via French, Italian and beachside nondescript. There's a guide in the main house. Further afield there are popular seafood restaurants in Tong Sala, as well as decent noodles and ‘authentic’ Moo Krata barns (the local version of Korean BBQs), which make for an amusing outing.
Features include:
- Barbecue
- Chef on request
- Fridge
- Full kitchen
- Hob or stove
- Oven
- Shopping service
- Toaster
Activities
- Laze by the infinity pool and gaze at the view
- Both nearby beaches are perfect for swimming almost all year round; you can also take a longtail boat to more secluded beaches. Massage and spa treatments are available on both beaches, as are snorkelling and diving
- Various tours and treks invite you to explore the inland rainforest and waterfalls, including a zipline canopy tour and elephant camp
- Koh Pha Ngan is world-famous for its Full Moon Party, a monstrous seaside extravaganza on Haad Rin beach. A taxi driver can take you and wait for you, or take a regular longtail boat from Yai
- There’s also a Half Moon Party, a Dark Moon Party and a ‘Shiva Moon Party’, whatever that may be... Look out for smaller beach parties on the twin bays: word travels fast
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Boat trips
- Nightlife
- Plantlife / flora
- Private guided tours
- Rafting
- Scuba diving
- Shopping / markets
- Snorkelling
- Swimming
- Well being
- Wildlife
Best Time to go
The perfect time is the late European winter to early autumn, bearing in mind that July sometimes brings heavy rains for a day or so. In late Oct/Nov, things get quiet and rain and heavy winds can lash the bays from the seaward side. That means high waves on Noi, where part of the beach simply disappears, though Yai remains perfectly swimmable; you can also be lucky and get a couple of sunny weeks. In Dec/Jan the waves can still be high, but they calm down around the middle of February.
Consult the internet if you want to drape your trip around the Full Moon Party.
Consult the internet if you want to drape your trip around the Full Moon Party.
Our Top Tips
Location
Koh Pha Ngan Pool Villas sit on the northwestern tip of Koh Pha Ngan in the Gulf of Thailand, above the twin bays of Tong Nai Pan. They're well away from the tourist hell of Haad Rin and 20 minutes by road from the port of Tong Sala.
By Air:
The nearest airport is Koh Samui (130km), and from there guests take a minibus and ferry across to Koh Pha Ngan (30 mins). There are also cheap flights from Bangkok to the mainland towns of Surat Thani or Chumphon, followed by a ferry ride. Click on the links below for a list of airlines serving these airports. From the airport, ask for a transfer when booking, take a taxi, or hire a jeep/scooter (see below).
By Train or Bus:
From Bangkok to Surat Thani, followed by a ferry ride to the island, then a taxi.
Getting Around:
You'll want transport while you're here, and jeeps or scooters can be rented in Tong Sala or locally, from a company trusted by the owners (their recommendation will be sent to you prior to arrival). Bear in mind that not all outlets here are trustworthy and some try to charge thousands of baht for a small scratch, so following advice makes good sense. (None anywhere on the islands have third-party insurance, so you pay for what you break.)
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.com.
More on getting to Thailand and getting around
Airports:
- Koh Samui 130.0 km USM
Other:
- Beach 2.0 km
- Shops 1.0 km
- Restaurant 2.0 km