Ting Rai Bay Resort, Koh Jum

Independant Review

The 6-year old Ting Rai Bay Beach Resort is one of the more up-market bungalow hotels on Koh Jum, and one that goes the extra mile to make its guests both comfortable and welcome.

The extremely helpful owner Tam and her charming staff do everything possible to make their guests’ stays as perfect as possible. It’s a happy place, where the staff raking leaves laugh, laugh, laugh all day long.

	For a modestly-priced resort, they provide a surprisingly high level of service and welcome guests with orange juice, and with orchids tucked into the towels and flowers arranged on the pillows. There are 15 bungalows ranging up the hillside from the beach. Number 7 is possibly the pick of the bunch with a huge verandah and a great sea view. The rooms have comfortable beds, are well-equipped and are kept immaculately clean. Whilst the bathrooms currently lack hot water, this is set to change when mains electricity is connected.
The pretty and un-crowded beach, which is over 1 km in length and is set against a backdrop of jungle-clad-mountains, is perfect for children, and there are plenty of trees providing shade. The swimming is excellent in front of the resort except at low tide, when too many rocks are revealed.
	Children do not, however, find this a problem, as after donning shoes they enjoyed chasing after the many small creatures living amongst the rocks. Tam has plenty of beach toys and snorkels she is happy to lend her guests, both young and old.
There are good walks to be had, although many people only make it to Magic Beach, which is usually deserted and which takes 15 minutes to reach.
	The food at this resort has a good reputation, with the green curry particularly highly rated. If after a week guests start to pine for more varied Western fare or a bit more activity, then maybe it’s time to move on.

The deluxe beachfront bungalows are more expensive than those further up the hill, and many people will feel that they are not really worth the extra money, as all of the resort’s bungalows have a good sea view.

The resort has enlarged 6 of its 13 bungalows to accommodate families and these light, airy and well-built bungalows have some of the best sitting porches on the island.

In summary, this is a great resort - book early, book often.

Koh Jum

Hotel website: www.tingrai.com/. Click here for everything you need to know about Koh Jum, here for holiday packages, here for other destinations.

Andaman Sky, Co., Ltd, 23/8 Moo 2, Ao Nang, Thailand