The hype
A peaceful, rustic paradise with an unbeatable private beach and friendly staff, perfect for unplugging.
Relax Bay Resort
$65-$150/ night
Book this if You want a laid-back, unpretentious beachfront hideaway with spectacular sunsets and a bohemian vibe, and don't mind trading modern luxury for rustic charm.
Why People Love It
- Stunning private beach area with hammocks, swings, and daybeds
- Excellent on-site dining featuring French-Thai fusion and fresh seafood
- Chilled-out, authentic island atmosphere away from the mega-resorts
Quick Take: It's a beautiful, rustic escape right on the sand, but the basic bungalows lack modern polish, and the lack of AC in cheaper rooms will severely test your heat tolerance.
Reviewed by @brunettravels: Our family stay at Relax Bay Resort was the perfect tropical reset. I loved waking up to fresh fruit buffets and walking the stroller-friendly paths down to the quiet beach. Holding my baby by the ocean while my toddler played on the swing was everything I wanted.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The bungalows are very basic, sometimes poorly maintained, and the lack of AC in standard rooms can be brutal in the Thai heat.
- You prefer rustic, nature-immersed bungalows over sterile hotel blocks
- You want to spend all day lounging in a hammock by the sea
- You're looking for a quiet, romantic escape without the party crowds
Cleanliness & Maintenance
6.5
- Housekeeping: Hit or miss. Daily cleaning is provided, but guests report missed spots, dirty windows, and occasional neglect.
- Bathroom hygiene: Basic and functional, but some complaints of poor shower pressure, broken showerheads, and dated fixtures.
- Maintenance: Rustic charm sometimes crosses into disrepair; reports of broken sun loungers, peeling paint, and aging bungalow interiors.
- Linens & towels: Generally clean, but towels and sheets can feel worn out. Replacements are provided every two days or on request.
- Odors & scents: Mostly fresh sea breeze and jungle scents, though the damp environment can make un-air-conditioned rooms smell musty.
Sleepability™
7.5SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Jungle wildlife and insects
- Waves crashing (if you're in a beachfront unit)
- Occasional construction noise from nearby properties
Before you book
Good to know
- The beach is amazing at high tide but very rocky at low tide—bring water shoes.
- The hotel is down a long, somewhat steep dirt lane from the main road.
- Monkeys occasionally visit the property, so keep your doors locked and snacks hidden.
What to pack
- Water shoes for navigating the rocky seabed at low tide
- Strong mosquito repellent for the jungle environment
- A portable fan if you booked a non-AC room
Room Genie
Best picks
- Beachfront Bungalows for unobstructed ocean views and immediate sand access
- Air-conditioned Superior or Deluxe Bungalows to survive the tropical heat
Rooms to avoid
- Standard Fan Bungalows if you are sensitive to heat and humidity
- Rooms near the back of the property which require a steep walk and face the jungle instead of the sea
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“Hi team, I'm so excited for my stay. Could I please request an air-conditioned bungalow as close to the beach as possible, ideally away from any current construction or maintenance work? Thank you!”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there a pool?
Yes, there's a small garden pool, but the private beach with its hammocks and daybeds is the main draw.
Does the hotel have Wi-Fi?
Yes, free Wi-Fi is available, but speeds can be inconsistent in the individual bungalows.
Are there restaurants nearby?
Yes, the hotel has its own great restaurant (Manao) and beach bar, and it's a 15-minute walk to the main road for more options like Yawee Restaurant.
Is the hotel air-conditioned?
Only some rooms have AC. The cheaper standard bungalows are fan-only, so book carefully if you run hot.
Is the beach good for swimming?
It's great at high tide, but at low tide, the water recedes to reveal a very rocky bottom.
Do they provide airport transfers?
Yes, paid airport shuttles from Krabi Airport can be arranged directly through the hotel.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Grab a beanbag or hammock at the Viva Zapata beach bar an hour before sunset—it's the best seat on the island.
- ✨
Walk 15 minutes to the main road to eat at Yawee Restaurant for some of the best, cheapest local Thai curries.
- ✨
Book your motorbike rental from a shop on the main road rather than the hotel to save some Baht.
5 things to know before you go
💡The walk from the main road to the resort is a solid 15 minutes up and down a dirt path, which gets old fast in the heat.
💡The ocean water can sometimes have biting plankton, making the pool a safer bet on certain days.
💡The French-Belgian ownership means the on-site restaurant serves surprisingly good French-Thai fusion.
💡The standard bungalows don't have TVs, forcing a true digital detox.
💡Yoga classes are held right on the beach and are highly rated by guests.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Relax Bay Resort is located and what's nearby.