Hello, everyone I am Chifumi Maeda, a Japanese female president living in Bangkok.
Thank you, guys, for visiting this
“True comments from Japanese female presidents living in Thailand” blog.
Today’s blog is guest author Ms. N.
Ms. N‘Shantaa Resort’ is in Koh Kood,
Trat Province, Thailand’s East coast.
It is the 6th largest island in the country.
Ultimate Guide: Getting to Shantaa Resort, Koh Kood, Thailand
Detailed Journey: From Bangkok to Koh Kood, Trat Province
1. By car: 340 kilometers from Bangkok to Laem Sok Pier, Trat Province, or about 5 hours.
2. By bus: Take the bus at Ekkamai Bus Terminal (Close to BTS Ekkamai). Travel duration may be slightly longer than travelling by car.
3. By plane: Only one airline available which is Bangkok Airways, landing at Trat Airport then drive to the pier.
Experience: Ferry Crossing from Laem Sok Pier to Koh Kood
When we arrive at Trat province, we head to Laem Sok Pier to take a ferry to Koh Kood.
There are 3 ferry operators to cross Koh Kood from Laem Sok Pier
1. Ko Kood Express (https://www.kokutexpress.in.th/)
2. Boonsiri (https://boonsiriferry.com/en)
3. Koh Kood Princess (http://www.kohkoodprincess.com/en/index.php)
I booked a fast ferry from ‘Koh Kood Express’ operator,
which took approximately 1.15 hours.
The ticket costs 400 baht for a one-way trip per person.
You should book ferry tickets online in advance
because seats might be fully booked during weekends or holidays.
Boat operators also provide parking lots for those who travel by car.
The parking space cost 50 baht per day.
I took this ferry, which can accommodate up to 300 passengers.
A deck is available in the ferry, you can choose the seat you prefer.
Life jacket is provided for every seat, so we can travel safely.
The large ferry will only stop at Ao Salad Pier
(except for speed boats that can stop at other smaller piers).
After docking and passengers get of the ferry.
There will be many minibuses park around the pier.
The staff will ask to which resort we are going
and will tell the number of the minibus that will take us to the resort.
We took the minibus as provided number to continue our journey until reaching Shantaa Resort.
(No additional cost here because it was already included in the ferry fee)
The distance from Ao Salad to Shaanta Resort is 10.7 kilometers.
It took me approximately 20 minutes on the minibus.
It was a long journey before reaching the destination.
Along the road in Koh Kood, there are lots of trees with houses
and locally owned small shops.
There is no 7-Eleven on this island.
Locals oppose 7-Eleven coming into the area
because it may affect people’s occupation on the island.
In-Depth Review: Staying at Shantaa Resort, Koh Kood
Finally, we arrived at Shantaa Resort
The entrance looked clean and beautiful.
There is a path with bamboo tunnel, providing shady walkway.
I was already excited!
The check in point is in a small building which has unique details despite stylish and simple design.
The staff gave us a welcome drink upon check in.
After check-in, it’s time to rest.
On the way to the room, there will be a long walkway through a beautiful
and well-maintained garden making guests feel refreshed and relaxed.
Shantaa Resort provides a range of small and big houses that is far apart.
There is a small number of houses so it’s quite peaceful,
not chaotic and we can enjoy full privacy.
I traveled with children during weekdays.
There are few occupants, so the resort upgraded our accommodation to a villa on the hill.
We got to have a stunning viewpoint, which was impressive!
A Look Inside: Room Ambience at Shantaa Resort, Koh Kood
Let’s see the room now.
From the outside this house looks ordinary,
but in fact, there is something extraordinary hidden inside.
Starting from inside the room, there is a large and clean double bed with all standard amenities.
However, there is no ‘television,’ which the resort has informed us before booking.
(I think that they would encourage customers to appreciate the nature).
I saw the bathroom and said “Wow.”
The resort brings nature in the bathroom design.
We can take a bath with the sound of birds and insects,
that’s awesome! If you use the bathroom at night,
it can be a little scary because it’s wide open, dark with shadows from tall trees.
It’s safe, but I am just worrying too much.
The view from the balcony of this house is breathtaking.
I give a perfect 10! The view is so beautiful that I want to take leave and stay here for a month, haha.
In Shantaa Resort’s villa, if you look closely, there is a clock.
You may think that it’s just a clock, but it’s a Bluetooth speaker.
(I sat and watched the view in a lonely,
quiet way for several hours before knowing that there is a speaker, haha.)
After knowing that,
I connected the speaker to my smartphone and listen to the music, to set a good atmosphere.
Sitting and looking at the evening sky while listening to the music help relax your mind.
From the balcony you will see the sky turns to different colors at sunset.
It’s beautiful in its own way.
(Which color do you prefer? between blue and pink shades and yellow and orange shades.)
Exploring the Surroundings: Overall Atmosphere at Shantaa Resort
Let’s explore inside of the resort.
The pool area is located by the sea, it is new and clean.
There are separate children and adult zones, with water sport equipment provided.
There is a cute cafe by the sea – named Gathi Café – hidden inside of the resort.
You can sit and sip coffee while enjoying the picturesque view.
There is a swing where you can sit and enjoy the sea breeze.
If you walk along the beach, you can see small fish, cute hermit crabs under the rock.
The nature here is pristine.
If you walk a little further inside the resort, you will see a small canal.
There is a small pavilion on the waterfront.
Life jackets are available for children and adults.
Self-service kayaks are also available for guests.
Rowing into the canal, you will find a small waterfall.
Along the canal you can see thousands of fish.
The sea is just on the other side of the canal.
So, you can enjoy the waterfall and the sea at one place.
Walking to the other side of the resort,
you will find a clean beach with crystal clear water,
where you can chill all day without getting bored.
Culinary Delights: Dining at Shantaa Resort’s Restaurant
Shantaa Resort has an open-air restaurant which opens all day.
During the night, the guests will sit on the balcony outside rather than inside.
We can eat while enjoying the sea breeze and the scenic view at the same time.
At daytime, you will enjoy a beautiful view like this.
This place is famous for delicious food, providing a wide range of Thai food and seafood.
Foreigners and Thai guests love the food here.
If you have a chance, come, and try it.
A la carte breakfast will be made to order.
You can order as many times as you want.
But please be careful, because they provide a big portion for each dish, better to take it slow.
When we are seated, staff will serve fresh fruit juice which is very refreshing.
Freshly brewed coffee is available at your choice.
Big breakfast before enjoying the beach.
Nicely cut fresh fruits.
Enjoy your day with a cute cat.
After fully resting, it’s time to check-out.
Shantaa Resort arranges a pick-up truck taxi to drop you off at the pier at no cost.
Don’t forget to reserve the return trip ferry.
See you again next trip!
Balanced Overview: Pros and Cons of Staying at Shantaa Resort, Koh Kood
Highlights: Advantages of Choosing Shantaa Resort, Koh Kood
Click photo and Check price at Shantaa resort Koh Kood (Agoda).
Room for Improvement: Minor Drawbacks at Shantaa Resort, Koh Kood
Must-Know: Essential Information about Shantaa Resort, Koh Kood
Address: 20/3 Moo 2, Koh Kood Subdistrict, Koh Kood District, Trat Province (Thailand) 23000
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