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The resort is best described as rustic! Rooms are clean but very basic- power goes off daily and there are holes cut in the roof in the bathroom to let in light. But... we had a fabulous time. Snorkeling is excellent and just off the beach, or there is a raft trip daily in the morning. Squid fishing in the afternoon and just hangin' in a hammock the rest of the day. Food was excellent and the staff are lovely. We were also treated to a turtle release to celebrate the King's birthday- an unexpected delight. Definitely worth the trip.
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Date of stay: August 2020
Value
Location
Service
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An absolutely stunning location, a must see island. Crystal clear water and the softest white sand. The down side it is it could really use an upgrade for the price to stay the night. Really sweet staff, who might have become a bit complacent to this gem of a place. We would love for them to clean the beach and surroundings daily, for the turtle sanctuary to be upgraded and for travelers to get what they pay for. We found ourselves cleaning up at the beach because it was too beautiful a place too leave trash just floating around. Please do something about this.
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Date of stay: December 2023Trip type: Traveled with friends
Room Tip:Food only comes in spice level hot hot hot 🥵
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Beautiful Island! The water is clear for swimming and clear enough for snorkeling. Had a great time snorkeling and saw some nice colorful fishes, a ray, and a big turtle! The food was great and exceptional! We always had a very nice lunch and dinner and a good breakfast. We stayed at Pearl Bay in a bungalow right in front of the beach! Smaller bay but much nicer than the other one. The staffs are friendly and helpful. But the room could be improved. Its the only thing we could complain about the island.. Everything was good except for our the bungalow room. We had a great time in the island but did not have a good night for three nights.
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Date of stay: May 2020Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The island looks nice and the sea is just great. But if you look more closely you notice that it starts to be run down. For sure it has been great place for 10-15 years ago. Or Thai style accommodation was a bit disappointing. Our aircondition did not work and believe me you cannot sleep in there without it. They tried to fix it but we had to change the cottage where there was no hot water in the shower but air-conditioning was working. Food/buffet was great and the view from the out door restaurant is beautiful. Personnel in the reception are very nice and helpful. There is a "sanctuary" for the turtles but even that seems old and run down. When you walk a bit on the beaches you can find plastic trash and bottles. I wish they would clean it better. 2 days and 1 night was enough for us. It was nice change for our stay in Hua Hin but would not go again.
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Date of stay: March 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A must do if you come to Thailand wow fantastic place, great staff and so helpful. Accommodation is good and clean. Plenty of activities included. Beautiful views and beaches. So glad we came made our holiday special!!!
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Date of stay: December 2022Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I wanted a couple of days to relax after a long business trip through out Asia. My customer in Bangkok helped me to arrange 4 day / 3 night package with the Koh Talu resort. All the Thai people I know have never heard of this island. I discovered it on the internet because I wanted something close to Bangkok (I didn't want to fly anywhere) and someplace quiet and peaceful. I got a great deal and my customer had her driver take me and pick me up. The drive took us 4 hours down and 5 hours back (we came back during rush hour and rain storm).
We arrived early and there was an outdoor restaurant where we waited for the boat. We drove over to the dock - which is very rickety. I took the 20 minute boat ride out to the island and the driver left.
The dock at the island is rickety too and my suggestion is that they repair it. They are building a new dock so hopefully it will be better. There were people to welcome us to the island. There were 3 guys from Sweden and myself checking in. There were not a lot of people staying on the island. There are day trips so the snorkeling, lunch time and afternoon at the beach have more people.
There are two places on the island which is privately owned - I met the owner's son and gave him my suggestions for improvement - Pearl Bay and Big Bay. Pearl Bay seems more economical and Big Bay is more for foreigners. Big Bay has a nicer restaurant, massage hut, beach bar, turtle conservation area, pool table, dive shop, gift shop and Buddist shrine. Plus, the beach looks better at Big Bay. It is about a 10 minute motorcycle ride on unpaved, uneven, hilly trail between the two bays.
Joe is a guy the owner hired to help manage the resort. Joe used to work for Thai Airways and lived in San Francisco, California for a couple of years. Super nice guy. Always very concerned that I was ok and having a good experience. I didn't eat dinner the first night because I was tired of eating so much food the previous 3 weeks. He brought me some yougart and fruit (my very favorite mangosteens!) to my hut to make sure I ate something.
I was in Thai Villa #12 facing the beach. It had dressing area and a bedroom plus a veranda. The bathroom is outside but covered and it was simple but clean. It looked like it had been renovated recently. There was hot water. Be aware that the power goes off 2 times during the day before and after lunch but I was usually out doing something so it wasn't an issue. My room had a tv - which I didn't use, a refrigerator and AC - which I did use. There was a mosquito net over the queensize bed. I was comfortable in the room but I still did get some mosquito bites. This isn't a 5 star place but if you want something more rustic then this is it for you.
I found the food to be good - breakfast was more like tell them what you want. Lunch was a buffet because of all the day trippers. I found it tasty and fresh. I think the evening meal is based on how many people are staying on the island. One evening was a buffet because there were about 25 people there. One night was a set meal - really good but too much for a single person to eat. My last night Joe told me to choose what I wanted to eat because I got a special meal. I chose grilled snapper with tamarid sauce and sauted asperagus with fresh mango for dessert. So good!!!!
I walked around the island and found the beach to be very clean except for the occasional trash left by the day trippers. Can't figure out why people can't use the garbage cans... Big Bay was very clean and no smell. I walked around to the Coral Museum - which is just coral hanging from trees. On the way there, there is a nice small beach but it was full of trash as was the path to the coral museum. I told the owner's son they really need to clean that up. I guess a lot of garbage gets brought in by the tide from the mainland. I walked to the coral museum after a rainstorm then I read a sign in the dive shop that said be careful for poisnous snakes that like to hang around fallen leaves after a rainstorm... I hate snakes! I didn't see any...
I spent most of my time going snorkeling. Boy is the guy incharge of the boat and he is a nice guy. He swam with me and showed me some interesting underwater things. The water wasn't so clear and there wasn't as many fish as I would have expected so on a scale from 1-10, the snorkeling is about a 6. It is nice to be able to snorkel off the beach which I did on my last morning. When the tide goes out on Big Bay, it goes out... be careful walking around because the coral is sharp. Its a shame that so many tourist step and touch the coral even after Boy asked them not to. Alot of the coral is dead - the fishermen used to use dynamite to fish and tourists don't help. I like to see myself as a guest and not a tourist when I travel. I want to leave things better than I found them. I forgot to put sunscreen on the back of my legs and that caused a nasty sunburn. Be careful, the sun is strong even on cloudy days. The lady who runs the bar gave me some fresh cut aloe vera to soothe my pain. So nice!
I got two massages in the hut by the beach. Very cheap and very nice. I helped the girl with her English. She didn't know how to say "Lie face down" and "Turn over on your side please".
The turtle conservation area is interesting and they had some turtles come and lay eggs on the beach. They keep the turtles until they are about 1 year old and then release them so they have a better chance of survival.
Anyway, I had a very nice time. The staff were very nice and tried to do everything they could to make my stay enjoyable. The owner's son said that his father wants to build a hotel on the mainland near the dock. They seem to be trying to improve the whole operation. I would go back again sometime because it was very relaxing and enjoyable.
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Date of stay: July 2012
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Trip type: Traveled solo
Room Tip:Book a room on Big Bay - it has more facilities
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We stayed at Koh Talu April 2012. It is a beautiful island and we spent a week there as we had booked. However when we arrived at the mainland Koh Talu island resort the staff said we had only booked an overnight at Koh Talu Island and would spend the rest of the holiday on the mainland beach resort! My husband had to speak to the manager on the island when we arrived and luckily there was a room available for us to book, however it was subject to an additional charge. The night we spent on the mainland resort was very bleak as the restaurant had no choice for food, there was no bar open and the staff all left early evening & we were left to fend for ourselves. Koh Talu island is perfect if you like tranquil beautiful beaches and a getaway from it all type holiday.
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Date of stay: April 2012
Value
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Sleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip:Big Bay is better than Pearl bay which is aimed at backpackers.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We booked Ko Talu because we were searching for some good comfort, good and high quality rooms - as we saw on the pictures - and to spoil our selfs a little.
The rooms: After seing the pictures of the rooms and the surrounding (and the expensive price!) we thought that we definetly will get some high standard holidays on Ko Talu. Well, let me tell you: we didn´t. The room we got was nothing near to the pictures we saw. Fact is, the pictures of the rooms shown are NOT what you get - the pictures show VIP rooms and not the standard rooms you get. Just for you to know... So, yea very dissappointing. The room we got was rotten, not intact, holes everywhere in the roof and doors and some animals you definitely don´t want to have in your room such as: A scorpion in the shower, a rat! living behind the airconditioner, a bat and some other nice pets you get with your hell of a lot money you pay... These rooms need to get a whole makeover but obviously the boss doesnt care about that fact - and still charges so much money (according to Thailand!) for those rotten rooms.
The Island and waterfront: After my researches Ko Talu USED to be a beatiful place with high comfort but it isn´t anymore. That´s for sure! The water at the front is dirty. A lot of asian people just throw bread and chickenwings in the water to feed the fish - which is neither good for the fish anyway nor good for the water.
Snorkling and swimming: You need to swim out or take one of those kanoos to get out to have a nice snorkle. If you go out far enough the water is nice. But you definetly need some fins or something because they are huge sea urchin (toxic) everywhere on the ground with frikkin loooong needles.
The corals:
Well... the poor corals didnt seem to regenarate after the times where TNT-fishing was still legal. It´s either that or the way asian people treat their surroundings ON the island and IN the water (feeding fishes with all sorts of crap and dumping waste into the water). But I would guess the TNT-fishing gave those corals the rest. You see some various fish and I even saw a stingray (wohoo) but you better take a kanoo to paddle to the open water... unless you wanna swim thrue funny looking water and do a funky looking waterdance including a good scream coz you stepped on some sea urchin.
I talked with the staff manager and explained all the problems. The funny thing is: She was with me! She knew all that already and was thankful for such a good complanining feedback. She said it was helpful. Fact is: For a low budget this all would be fine. I mean it´s Thailand. What I get pissed off about was the price and the fact how the tourists treat the water and the island - and of course the Boss of the island who doesnt do anything about it. Far too expensive! For THAT?! No way! She promised me they will change things in the future. Specially the fish feeding issue. It shall not be allowed to feed fish during snorkling tours and not at all anymore. They want to put signs up and make tourists aware. Well... let´s see if they really gonna do it. She promised me to mail me pictures after it´s all done...
Activities: Let me see.. They offer a snorkling tour, a hiking tour and a squid fishing tour every day! Really: Every day the same! There was no scuba diving. We asked for it but they said the water isnt good enough. We went to all three activities they offered. All three of them are included when you book Ko Talu. So no extra charge. Hiking: Pretty okay. You pretty much climb up the hill and see the island surrounding from the top. And then you go back down. Snorkling: Twice a day. They also take non-residents from onshore - which are coming over with another boat to join. Pretty busy sometimes. Because some other boats with more tourists from onshore come to snorkle the same spots as well.
Squid fishing: Well, that was not me. You get a fishing-line and you go for it. Then they make a BBQ onboard and you eat what you catch. I felt sorry for the squid... I coulndt see them struggeling around and the tourists laughing about it and make jokes. Nah, not for me... and they do that every day. Every year. On and on. Question yourself if this is good to keep existence alive of these cute little squid just for the entertainment of some tourists. I wouldnt recommend but its up to you...
Food and Lodge-Area: The food and lodge area in the front - where the dock is for the boats, smells. Yes, it smells a bit like the streets of Khao San Road... You get food 3 times a day. You get heaps of various meals. Fish, red meat, white meat, veggies etc. but if you come to have food one hour after the breakfast, lunch or dinner started the food seems to be not really fresh anymore and tastes a bit cold. Softdrinks like juice and water are included 24/7. Beers, Coke and other stuff is extra. Don´t get freaked out if you see some cockraoches and cats hanging around - yes even next to the meals on the table where they serve food.
Powercut: There´s is a powercut twice a day on Ko Talu. Because of using solar energy they decide to turn the whole power on the island off. From 9-11am and from 3-5 pm. No power. No where. Means also no aircon etc in the rooms.
Internet/ WIFI: During powercut no internet. I think I dont have to explain. WIFI you can only get at the Food-Area and if you´re lucky - at the bar.
The "Bar": Well... it isnt really a bar. It looks like one, for sure but dont expect nice cocktails or anything. They only serve beer and softdrinks. If you´re lucky some gin and If you´re more lucky some vodka. That´s it. Pretty lame don´t you think?!
The Staff: This is a very good point because the staff was just awesome!!! Nothing to say about that! Friendly friendly friendly! Don´t expect them to talk english. They know some words but thats it. 1 or 2 of the girls can talk a little bit but also not good enough. So, keep your english simple and talk slow.
After our holidays we complained about the things I just listed here. I had the feeling that we were actually the first people who have ever complained to them FACE TO FACE. We got a refund, which was cool and they offered us to get a VIP room but it was our last night anyway so we sticked with the scorpions and rats and made a roomparty.
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Date of stay: April 2014
Value
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Cleanliness
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Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
As others have mentioned, there is only one accommodation provider on this beautiful little island however it provides two types of accommodation in two different bays, Pearl Bay (the more resort side) and Big Bay, where the coral is but much more basic accommodation. I stayed in the Pearl Bay bungalows. My bungalow could sleep up to four, all mod cons, lovely outdoor private enclosed shower. It is a lovely low key destination for rest and relaxing. I thoroughly recommend a traditional thai massage (200 baht) but you have to request this as the masseur does not work full time but comes for any booked appointments. the resort staff are really friendly and being the vegetarian that I am the chef would come and talk to me everyday and discuss what I would like for my meals - all meals are included (alcoholic drinks extra). There is also a department of conservation project at one end of the beach for turtle conservation which is cool to see. It will take you about 45-60 mins to walk to the top of the highest peak and back. There is a free activity every day as well,boat trips etc so you can be as busy or as relaxed as you like. Enjoy.
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Date of stay: June 2012
Value
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Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This was our second stay on Koh Talu (VIP cottage Big Bay). In the two years since our last visit, the management of guest comfort has been streamlined and is greatly improved. The new manager is very helpful, speaks good English, and will go the extra mile to ensure a happy stay. The staff are all helpful and attentive. Our accommodation was clean, comfortable, and right on the bay. The food quality has improved dramatically, with every meal featuring a generous buffet of great Thai food and some European options. This is perhaps because the clientele is now largely Thai families rather than European day trippers. The downside is that Big Bay is quite dirty. Since our last visit a crust of sludge seems to have developed around the shoreline. There is an unpleasant smell (sullage?) in the part of the bay closest to the pier. The water in that part of the bay is also greenish, although it is clear in the smaller bays and in the designated snorkelling areas. The worst thing is that many of the Thai tourists stand on the coral. As a result there are bleached and broken and dead areas of coral in these over-snorkelled areas. Elsewhere in the bay the coral is in much better shape. If Koh Talu is to keep its clientele, the whole area needs to be cleaned up and the visitors educated to safeguard the fragile corals - not to trample them. Although the management worked hard to make this a memorable stay, because of the environmental damage we will not return.
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Date of stay: April 2010
Value
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Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Jade.
I agree with other answers, it is a very nice quiet island. Have stayed in Koh Talu on two occasions and really enjoyed it.
Just be aware that it is not very close to Samui. By Lomprayah speed ferry it is about 4,5 hours to Chumphon and then 1,5 hrs drive to Bang Saphan Noi. If you chose to drive by car all the way, it is about 370 km. This will take a lot more time than 2 hrs, closer to 5 hrs is more accurate..
There are more places to choose from in the Bang Saphan area.
PRICE RANGE
$123 - $172 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
koh talu island hotel bang saphan
LOCATION
ThailandPrachuap Khiri Khan ProvinceBang Saphan
NUMBER OF ROOMS
18
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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