The hype
Nature lovers adore the snorkeling and privacy, but comfort-seekers struggle with the hard beds, dated bathrooms, and bugs.
Baan Krating Phuket
$45-90/ night
Book this if You want a rustic, Robinson Crusoe-style jungle escape with great snorkeling and don't mind stairs or bugs.
Why People Love It
- Direct access to Ao Sane Beach (one of Phuket's best snorkeling spots)
- Secluded 'jungle' vibe far from the Patong chaos
- Private, standalone pavilion rooms feel like treehouses
Quick Take: A charming but aging 3-star nature retreat where you trade modern luxury for epic ocean views, steep stairs, and the occasional whiff of sewage.
Reviewed by @MB_Travel: I spent a few nights here and it was the perfect escape. The jungle setting is real—you are surrounded by nature. The stairs to the beach are a workout, but having that cove to myself made it 100% worth it. A true hidden gem if you want peace.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'jungle' setting is literal—expect mosquitoes, ants, and lizards in your room, plus a humid, musty smell in older cabins.
- You prioritize snorkeling and marine life over luxury
- You are fit and don't mind climbing 100+ stairs daily
- You want total seclusion and silence at night (away from construction hours)
Cleanliness & Maintenance
6.5
- Housekeeping: Daily service is generally good, but they struggle to fight the jungle dust and bugs.
- Bathroom hygiene: The biggest weak point. Complaints of moldy grout, rust, and the infamous sewage smell.
- Maintenance: Tired. Peeling paint, uneven steps, and worn-out decking are common.
- Linens & towels: Clean but worn. Don't expect plush, fluffy 5-star towels.
- Odors & scents: Musty/damp smell in rooms is common due to humidity; sewage whiffs in some bathrooms.
Sleepability™
6MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Construction work next door (daytime)
- Loud air conditioning units
- Jungle wildlife (birds, geckos)
Before you book
Good to know
- A 2,000 THB cash deposit is required at check-in.
- There is no gym on the property.
- The free shuttle runs to Nai Harn Beach and the 7-11, but it's infrequent—renting a scooter is highly recommended.
What to pack
- Reef shoes (Ao Sane beach is rocky and full of coral)
- Strong mosquito repellent (the jungle setting is real)
- Flashlight (the path to the resort and rooms is dimly lit at night)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Deluxe Pavilion Beachfront (closest to the water, best views)
- Deluxe Pavilion Sea View (private balcony, treehouse feel)
Rooms to avoid
- Standard Double/Twin rooms (often located high up the hill with poor views and the most stairs)
- Rooms near the construction site (ask for the 'quiet side' or 'far end' of the resort)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am requesting a 'Deluxe Pavilion' as far as possible from the neighboring construction site. Ideally, a unit at the end of a row for maximum privacy. Please avoid the high-hillside Standard rooms due to stairs.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the beach good for swimming?
It's excellent for snorkeling but rocky for swimming. You need reef shoes. For a sandy swimming beach, walk 15 minutes to Nai Harn.
Is there a gym?
No, there is no fitness center on-site. The stairs are your workout.
Is breakfast included and worth it?
It's often included but described as 'basic' and 'repetitive' (eggs, toast, fruit). Costs ~450 THB if paying separately—better to eat at a local cafe.
Can I walk to restaurants?
Yes, the excellent Ao Sane Restaurant is right on the beach. Nai Harn Beach (15 min walk) has many more options.
Is it suitable for elderly travelers?
Absolutely not. The terrain is steep, with uneven steps and no elevators.
How is the WiFi?
Free but spotty. It works okay in the lobby and some rooms, but don't count on it for Zoom calls.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Walk through the resort to the 'hidden' second beach cove for even more privacy.
- ✨
The on-site restaurant has a 'Happy Hour' with sunset views that rival the expensive viewpoints at Promthep Cape.
- ✨
Don't rely on Grab/Bolt to pick you up directly at the lobby; the hill scares them off. Walk down to the main road or use the hotel shuttle.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'septic' smell is a known infrastructure issue, not just a one-time thing.
💡You might find a gecko or large spider in your bathroom—it's part of the 'eco' experience.
💡The air conditioning units are old and can be louder than the ocean waves.
💡The 'private beach' is technically public, but access is so hard for outsiders it feels private.
💡The hotel shuttle stops running early (usually around 5-6 PM), so plan your dinner transport accordingly.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Baan Krating Phuket is located and what's nearby.