The hype
Travelers love the rooftop pool and the greenery, but the hill is a dealbreaker for anyone with mobility issues.
Pakasai Resort
$55-120/ night
Book this if You want an eco-conscious jungle sanctuary that's a 10-minute walk from the chaos of Ao Nang Beach.
Why People Love It
- Rooftop infinity pool with stunning limestone cliff views
- Genuine eco-friendly practices (no single-use plastics, glass water bottles)
- Lush tropical gardens that attract monkeys and birds right to your balcony
Quick Take: A charming hillside retreat that forces you to choose between a modern room near the street or a rustic chalet that requires a cardio workout to reach.
Reviewed by @wifeynext_door: I honestly didn't want to leave this room. The Deluxe Chalet felt like my own little jungle hideaway. Spending the evening on that huge private terrace listening to the crickets was the highlight of my trip. It’s super romantic and quiet.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'eco' label is taken seriously, which means weaker AC in some zones and fewer single-use amenities than luxury seekers might expect.
- You care about sustainability and want to support a 'low carbon' hotel
- You want a pool with a view but don't want to pay 5-star prices
- You don't mind walking 10 minutes to find the beach and nightlife
Cleanliness & Maintenance
7.5
- Housekeeping: Daily and generally good, though they sometimes miss dust in the corners of older chalets.
- Bathroom hygiene: Clean, but older grout and occasional sewage smells from drains have been reported.
- Maintenance: Renovated rooms are sharp; older chalets show wear like peeling paint or stiff sliding doors.
- Linens & towels: Clean but can feel a bit worn/rough in the lower-tier rooms.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells fresh (lemongrass), but some ground-floor rooms have a musty/damp earth smell.
Sleepability™
7MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Loud air conditioning units in older rooms
- Thin hallway doors in the main building (Premier rooms)
- Morning nature sounds (birds, monkeys) in the chalets
Before you book
Good to know
- There is a 7-Eleven directly across the street for cheap snacks and drinks.
- The walk to Ao Nang Beach is about 10-15 minutes, but the resort offers a shuttle for a small fee.
- Breakfast is not always included in the base rate; it costs ~450 THB ($13) per person if paid separately.
What to pack
- Strong DEET mosquito repellent (the gardens are lush and buggy)
- Slip-on shoes for easy pool/beach transitions
- Earplugs if you are sensitive to AC hum or hallway noise
Room Genie
Best picks
- Premier Room: Newly renovated, modern minimalist design, and located at the front (no hill climbing).
- Honeymoon Chalet: Massive (52sqm) with a huge balcony, but be prepared for the hike up.
Rooms to avoid
- Standard/Superior rooms in the back that haven't been renovated (often described as 'tired' or 'musty').
- High-level chalets if you have strollers or mobility issues.
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would love to request a newly renovated Premier Room in the main building to avoid the steep hill. If that is not available, please ensure we are not placed in a room with a connecting door to minimize noise.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the hill really that bad?
Yes, if you are in a high chalet. It's a steep climb with stairs. Golf carts are available but you have to wait for them.
Is there an elevator?
Only in the main building (Premier rooms). The chalets are accessible only by stairs/paths.
How is the breakfast?
Solid but repetitive. Good mix of Thai and Western options, with an egg station and fresh fruit.
Is it close to the beach?
It's not beachfront. It's a 10-15 minute walk to Ao Nang Beach or Nopparat Thara Beach.
Is the pool crowded?
It can be. The rooftop pool is the highlight, so guests tend to camp out on the limited loungers early.
Are the rooms renovated?
Only the 'Premier' rooms and some specific chalets are fully renovated. The older 'Deluxe' rooms can feel dated.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 'Adora' spa offers happy hour discounts on massages—check the board in the lobby.
- ✨
Walk left out of the hotel for 'KoDam Kitchen', a local favorite that's cheaper and better than the tourist traps on the beach road.
- ✨
Refill your glass water bottles at stations throughout the resort to save money and plastic.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'eco' toilets use greywater for flushing, which can sometimes have a slight odor.
💡Monkeys are cute but aggressive—do not leave food on your balcony or they will raid it.
💡The shower pressure in the hillside chalets can be inconsistent during peak times.
💡The 'fitness center' is tiny and basic; don't expect a full gym workout.
💡You can hear the mosque's call to prayer in the distance, which adds to the local atmosphere but might wake light sleepers.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Pakasai Resort is located and what's nearby.