February 15, 2007
Over the hills and far away
***Somehow the name of the resort has been changed in my review and I don't know how to change it back. It's not called Ko Tao Montra Resort & Spa. First of all, it's called Laem Thian Resort. And secondly, it's most definitely NOT a spa.***
I've been to this resort on 3 different occasions and always had about the same decent experience. It's definitely not anything spectacular to me, but the setting really makes up for a lot. The rooms themselves are quite crap and definitely not clean, but then you don't go to the beach to hang out in your hotel room. The food is usually really good, but can take a while depending on the season and how well-staffed they are. I've always had okay experiences with the staff and enjoyed my stays there, but it's not my top choice of places to stay in Koh Tao.
The snorkelling in the bay is quite good though a lot of the coral is dead in places. You do have a good chance of seeing black tip reef sharks which is always fun! Around the back side of the resort is another bay with a couple jumping rocks, which are not for the faint of heart. The water there is a beautiful aquamarine surrounded by incredible rock formations.
These bungalows are incredibly remote and take a good 45 minute ride in the back of a 4WD pick up truck. So I wouldn't recommend this place to someone who wanted to go out at night and party or try different restaurants and cafes on the island. It's more the kind of place that you go and stay at the whole time. They do have a daily taxi service into town, but frankly I could never be bothered with it except for the trip in and the trip out.
I think if you have low expectations, a modest budget, like to be in a remote place and love to snorkel then Laem Thain could be for you!
I've been to this resort on 3 different occasions and always had about the same decent experience. It's definitely not anything spectacular to me, but the setting really makes up for a lot. The rooms themselves are quite crap and definitely not clean, but then you don't go to the beach to hang out in your hotel room. The food is usually really good, but can take a while depending on the season and how well-staffed they are. I've always had okay experiences with the staff and enjoyed my stays there, but it's not my top choice of places to stay in Koh Tao.
The snorkelling in the bay is quite good though a lot of the coral is dead in places. You do have a good chance of seeing black tip reef sharks which is always fun! Around the back side of the resort is another bay with a couple jumping rocks, which are not for the faint of heart. The water there is a beautiful aquamarine surrounded by incredible rock formations.
These bungalows are incredibly remote and take a good 45 minute ride in the back of a 4WD pick up truck. So I wouldn't recommend this place to someone who wanted to go out at night and party or try different restaurants and cafes on the island. It's more the kind of place that you go and stay at the whole time. They do have a daily taxi service into town, but frankly I could never be bothered with it except for the trip in and the trip out.
I think if you have low expectations, a modest budget, like to be in a remote place and love to snorkel then Laem Thain could be for you!
What my friend calls the Road of…
Nothing says chic like riding in…
The crystal waters of Laem Thian…
Sunrise
Sunrise
View of the bay
Big Nose Rock in the bay behind …
The jumping rock
Coral
Christmas tree coral
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