Thapwarin Resort, Koh Ngai

This serene boutique resort on a beautiful white sandy beach is surrounded by lush tropical vegetation. The resort is located on the east side of Koh Ngai, which is only accessible by boat. The island is a highly regarded eco-tourism site on the Lanta and Trang Archipelagos. It is truly Thailand Unseen. The resort is only about a 40-minute boat ride away from the Emerald Cave, the most famous tourist attraction in Trang. Other islands in the area, such as Ko Maa, Ko Chuak, Ko Muk and Ko Kradan, are also accessible by boat in an hour or less. The resort consists of 29 charming cottages, which are made of natural materials such as wood, bamboo, grass and nipa palm. Electricity is provided all day and night in high season and from 4:00 pm to 9:00 am in green season. Facilities include a reception hall, hotel safe, restaurant, Internet access and laundry service. Each individual beach-side bungalow has a large bathroom with shower, king-size bed, polished wood flooring, grass roof, fabric curtains and a mini-porch at the front. 18 of the cottages have air conditioning, and the 11 others are fan-cooled. The resort provides an invigorating spa and massage centre. Sea and city tours are offered, and the resort also organizes beach weddings, traditional Thai or Buddhist legal marriage ceremonies. Breakfast is served daily, and lunch and dinner may be ordered à la carte at the restaurant lounge. Very delicious fresh seafood, Thai and European food are available at the Talay restaurant lounge, where guests can enjoy meals in a pleasant atmosphere by the beach. Guests may relax and enjoy a wide range of cocktails and other drinks at the beach bar while the sun sets. There is a daily minibus shuttle service from Trang Airport/Town to Pakmeng Pier departing at 11:30 am. It takes around 50 minutes to reach the pier. From there, a speed boat (departing at 12:30 pm daily) carries guests to the resort beach. The ride is very scenic and about 30 minutes long.