Thailand (Lonely Planet, 13th Edition) - China Williams [502]
Lighthouse Bungalow ( Map; 0 7737 5075; Hat Seekantang; bungalows 350-800B) Hidden at the far end of Hat Rin, this low-key collection of humble huts gathers along a sloping terrain punctuated by towering palms. To access this secluded resort, walk through Leela Beach Bungalows (don’t bother stopping) and follow the wooden boardwalk as it curves to the left (southeast) around the sea-swept boulders.
Coral Bungalows ( Map; 0 7737 5023; www.coralhaadrin.com; Hat Rin Nai; bungalows 500-800B; ais) This party-centric paradise has firmly planted its flag in Backpackerland as the go-to resort for a holiday on a shoestring. By day, sun-worshippers straddle beachside chaises or jet skis. Then, by night, like a superhero, Coral transforms into its alter ego: a pool-party machine fuelled by gregarious employees and a couple of vodka–Red Bull buckets (see boxed text, Click here).
Same Same ( Map; 0 7737 5200; www.same-same.com; Ban Hat Rin; r 500-800B; ) This backpacker hang-out is targeted at Scandinavian travellers. In the party-prone restaurant, the affable staff work around the clock making sure that smiles (and drinks) abound. Upstairs, the no-frills motel rooms get plenty of sunlight, but they need to be renovated.
Delight ( Map; 0 7737 5527; www.delightresort.com; Ban Hat Rin; r 700-2000B; as) Tucked behind the bright yellow Kodak sign in the centre of Hat Rin, Delight offers some of the best lodging around. Spic-and-span hotel rooms come with subtle designer details (like peacock murals) and are sandwiched between an inviting swimming pool and a lazy lagoon peppered with lily pads.
Also recommended:
Seaview Haadrin Resort ( Map; 0 7737 5160; Hat Rin Nok; bungalows from 500B; ) Bungalows are scattered along the north end of Sunrise Beach; the cheaper huts have tatami walls.
Blue Marine ( Map; 0 7737 5079; Hat Rin Nai; bungalows 600-1200B; ) Prim concrete bungalows topped by shimmering blue-tiled roofs.
Sun Cliff ( Map; 0 7737 5134; bungalows 250-2000B; ) Huge variety of bungalow types perched on a palm-studded knoll.
Midrange & Top End
Sea Breeze Bungalow ( Map; 0 7737 5162; bungalows 500-8000B; ) Sea Breeze gets a good report card from our readers, and we agree; the labyrinth of secluded hillside cottages is an ideal hammocked retreat for any type of traveller. Several bungalows, poised high on stilts, deliver stunning views of Hat Rin and the sea.
Pha-Ngan Bayshore Resort ( Map; 0 7737 5227, 0 7737 5224; www.phanganbayshore.com; Hat Rin Nok; r 800-5000B; ais) After a much-needed overhaul, this hotel-style operation has primed itself for the ever-increasing influx of flashpackers in Hat Rin. Sweeping beach views and a giant swimming pool make Pha-Ngan Bayshore one of the top addresses on Sunrise Beach.
Tommy Resort ( Map; 0 7737 5215; www.phangantommyresort.com; Hat Rin Nok; r 1800-2200B; ais) Tommy is a trendy address in the heart of Hat Rin, striking a good balance between chic boutique and carefree backpacker hang-out. The rectangular swimming pool changes things up, since every other man-made body of water on the island looks like it was manufactured at the kidney-shaped pool factory.
Fairyland Resort ( Map; 0 7737 5076, 08 5057 1709; www.haadrinfairyland.com; Hat Rin Nok; bungalows from 1400B; ) Although the name sounds like a board game for six-year-old girls, these prim bungalows are serious competition for the older resorts on Sunrise Beach. Walk-ins might be lucky enough to score a 60% discount depending on the time of the month and year – be sure to ask the other vacationers how much they’re paying before you decide to check in.
Sarikantang ( Map; 0 7737 5055, 0 81 444 1322; www.sarikantang.com; Hat Seekantang; bungalows 500-3500B; as) Don’t get too strung out over trying to pronounce the resort’s name – you can simply call this place heaven. Cream-coloured cabins, framed with teak posts and lintels, are sprinkled amongst swaying palms and crumbling winged statuettes. Inside, the rooms look like the set of a photo shoot for an interior-design magazine.
Palita Lodge ( Map; 0 7737 5172;