Luxury Hotels - Rayavadee or Phulay Bay in Krabi

My fiancee and I are considering this property for part of our honeymoon in Thailand. I think the resort has been open for about a year now and early reviews were hit and miss. I've seen a few decent trip reports on tripadvisor lately, but am curious what you guys think as well.

Also, if you are gold or platinum...Did you receive an upgrade? We were thinking of booking either the Beach Villa (with hopes of an upgrade to the Reserve Pool Villa)...or just getting the Reserve Pool Villa outright.

I assume if we booked a Reserve Pool Villa, the best we could hope for is an upgrade to a Sea View version, but if any of you have been upgraded to the Royal Beach Villa please let me know.

My fiancee and I are considering this property for part of our honeymoon in Thailand. I think the resort has been open for about a year now and early reviews were hit and miss. I've seen a few decent trip reports on tripadvisor lately, but am curious what you guys think as well.

Also, if you are gold or platinum...Did you receive an upgrade? We were thinking of booking either the Beach Villa (with hopes of an upgrade to the Reserve Pool Villa)...or just getting the Reserve Pool Villa outright.

I assume if we booked a Reserve Pool Villa, the best we could hope for is an upgrade to a Sea View version, but if any of you have been upgraded to the Royal Beach Villa please let me know.

Just found this thread. Not sure if you booked something already. I was there about a year ago and it was truly great. PM or post all your questions and I'm glad to respond. I ended up getting a Reserve Pool Villa for the price of a lesser villa, confirmed at booking due to a special promo they had. But I bet a good Virtuoso agent could possibly work something similar. I assume RC has Virtuoso benefits.

Service was as good as my Aman experiences. Although I should say the resort was not at all crowded during my stay. The architecture and design is truly stunning. The beach less so.

I really enjoyed my stay in Reserve Villa #20, which is a Reserve Villa with Sea View. On my next stay however, I will be staying in a Royal Beach Villa as these offer the most privacy and very nice views of the Hong islands.

The butler service was excellent and very discrete. I often find butler service intrusive, but at Phulay Bay it was just right. The restaurants Sri Trang and Lae Lay Pavilion are stunning and the food throughout the resort is excellent. The Chomtawan bar is a wonderful place for drinks at sunset or later in the evening.

While I am not a fan of many Ritz-Carlton properties, I really do like the select few that get it right. Phulay Bay, in my opinion, is Ritz-Carlton at its absolute finest.

I really enjoyed my stay in Reserve Villa #20, which is a Reserve Villa with Sea View. On my next stay however, I will be staying in a Royal Beach Villa as these offer the most privacy and very nice views of the Hong islands.

The butler service was excellent and very discrete. I often find butler service intrusive, but at Phulay Bay it was just right. The restaurants Sri Trang and Lae Lay Pavilion are stunning and the food throughout the resort is excellent. The Chomtawan bar is a wonderful place for drinks at sunset or later in the evening.

While I am not a fan of many Ritz-Carlton properties, I really do like the select few that get it right. Phulay Bay, in my opinion, is Ritz-Carlton at its absolute finest.

Agreed on all points. It's a shame there aren't more RC's like this.

Thinking about going next week. Headed to Amanpulo now and haven't decided between RC, Amanpuri or FS ChaingRai. Any additional thoughts would be great.

Thinking about going next week. Headed to Amanpulo now and haven't decided between RC, Amanpuri or FS ChaingRai. Any additional thoughts would be great.

Can you split between Amanpuri & RC? How many days do you have?
Have a wonderful time !

Thinking about going next week. Headed to Amanpulo now and haven't decided between RC, Amanpuri or FS ChaingRai. Any additional thoughts would be great.

Since you are already visiting the ultimate beach Amanresort, I would suggest either FS Golden Triangle or Phulay Bay. Three to four nights is enough to enjoy either property.

Time permitting, I would combine both resorts, starting at FS Golden Triangle and then flying down to Krabi.

Hi All
We will head to Krabi in August for 6 nights. It will be my wife, 2.5 year old and I. I've booked the Phulay Bay but am still a little torn between the PB and Rayavadee. From what I can tell, neither are really in great proximity to be able to walk to restaurants / shops but both are great resorts. It seems like Rayavadee has a an overall better loacation and great beaches, though they can get filled with tourists, but the rooms are a little dated and not so many kids activities. Like PB, it would also be tricky to get to Ao Nang if we wanted to go. For PB, it seems the resort, rooms and service is phenominal - truly memorable. It also has a kids club now. It doesnt have a great beach and is quite isolated though there are restaurants in other resorts near by. Ive thought about splitting between the two, but with a little one its a bit of a hassle and upsets the routine to truly relax. Has anyone been to both, got any tips on this one?
Thanks

Hi All
We will head to Krabi in August for 6 nights. It will be my wife, 2.5 year old and I. I've booked the Phulay Bay but am still a little torn between the PB and Rayavadee. From what I can tell, neither are really in great proximity to be able to walk to restaurants / shops but both are great resorts. It seems like Rayavadee has a an overall better loacation and great beaches, though they can get filled with tourists, but the rooms are a little dated and not so many kids activities. Like PB, it would also be tricky to get to Ao Nang if we wanted to go. For PB, it seems the resort, rooms and service is phenominal - truly memorable. It also has a kids club now. It doesnt have a great beach and is quite isolated though there are restaurants in other resorts near by. Ive thought about splitting between the two, but with a little one its a bit of a hassle and upsets the routine to truly relax. Has anyone been to both, got any tips on this one?
Thanks

Welcome to FT!

I've only been to PB and your comments are right on. The beach is pretty sad, but the grounds, the pool and the villas are phenomenal. The butler service is truly inspiring. Unlike any other RC in the world, and more like an Aman. In some ways, better than my Aman experiences in fact.

Which room did you book?

I'm not sure that switching would be that big of a deal with a child. How many nights total are you in Krabi?

Thanks for the feedback. We will stay for 6 nights in a resort Pavillion, seems to be the safest option with a toddler. Apparently there's a decent restaurant at tubkaak resort. Do you know if you can walk there from pb?

I have been to both resorts and I would strongly recommend that you either stay only at Rayavadee, or combine a short stay at Phulay with a longer stay at Rayavadee. As much as I love Phulay Bay, I would advise against staying there for the entire trip.

If you choose to split, given six nights I would choose to spend two nights at Phulay Bay and four nights at Rayavadee, in that order. If you can extend the stay beyond six nights, 2/3 nights at Phulay Bay followed 4/5+ nights at Rayavadee would be even better.

If you combine both resorts I would suggest something like the following itinerary:

Phulay Bay 2/3 nights - Phulay Bay is a lovely resort but you don't need to stay there for more than three nights to enjoy it. The food at Phulay Bay is excellent, so I would advise having dinner there every night, leaving the resort is not practical.

At Phulay Bay make sure to have at least one dinner at both Sri Trang and Lae Lay Pavilion. If you stay longer you could have a private barbeque dinner or eat at Jampoon restaurant. The food throughout the resort is excellent.

From Phulay Bay, I would suggest taking day trips to attractions such as the Emerald Pool (a natural swimming hole fed by a beautiful waterfall), as well as perhaps elephant trecking, and some sightseeing at local temples.


Then stay at least four nights at Rayavadee, or even longer if you can. Rayavadee has by far the best location in Krabi, and is stunningly beautiful. While at Rayavadee, you can enjoy dinners at Krua Phranang, a barbeque dinner at The Grotto, Phranang Beach, Spa treatments, tennis, the swimming pool, and speedboat excursions in the Andaman sea to loacations like Koh Phi Phi.

If you do choose to stay only at one Resort, I would absolutely recommend Rayavadee for its location, natural beauty, and all of the choices of activities available. Although I have combined both resorts in the past, Rayavadee is always the highlight of the trip because of its beauty and the ease of taking excursions in the beautiful Andaman sea.

When I last combined Phulay Bay and Rayaadee, I stayed for three nights at Phulay Bay and seven nights at Rayavadee. I also have a trip coming up and will be spending a week at Rayavadee, and this time combining with four nights at Soneva Kiri on Koh Kood.

I
If you do choose to stay only at one Resort, I would absolutely recommend Rayavadee for its location, natural beauty, and all of the choices of activities available. Although I have combined both resorts in the past, Rayavadee is always the highlight of the trip because of its beauty and the ease of taking excursions in the beautiful Andaman sea.


I travel to that area of Thailand at least twice a year, and concur with MikeFromTokyo's assessment. In fact, I'll go further and recommend that you stay only at Rayavadee if the only other choice is PB.

While I don't know what the rules are for children, have you considered Trisara? It's not too far from Krabi...

I travel to that area of Thailand at least twice a year, and concur with MikeFromTokyo's assessment. In fact, I'll go further and recommend that you stay only at Rayavadee if the only other choice is PB.

While I don't know what the rules are for children, have you considered Trisara? It's not too far from Krabi...

Either Trisara or Rayavadee could arrange a speedboat transfer between the two, with some stops for snorkeling and a picnic lunch on the way.

I would like to clarify my above comments a bit - I think that Rayavadee should be the focus on this trip. If the OP does not want to move around, six nights at Rayavadee would be fine (I could stay for ten). The trips to the emerald pool, temples, and elephant trecking can easily be done from Rayavadee as well.

If this trip can be extended to seven or eight nights combining both resorts works even better. Ideally, I think Rayavadee needs 5+ nights.

Ideally, I think Rayavadee needs 5+ nights.

I spent 5 nights at Rayavadee and never did even a single excursion and could have still stayed for 5 more. It is probably the most relaxing beautiful spot I have ever been to. I especially loved the fact you can swim in the warm water while being in the shade from the looming cliffs… no need to slather up.

Rayavadee brings great memories... I would stay for 5 to 7 nights without second thoughts

Thanks, this really is super helpful. Am going to go for 3 nights at PB and 4 at Rayavadee

We returned last week from 3 nights at Phulay Bay and 4 at Rayavadee. Thanks for the tip to combine the two - the combination really is fantastic and the experiences so different.

We returned last week from 3 nights at Phulay Bay and 4 at Rayavadee. Thanks for the tip to combine the two - the combination really is fantastic and the experiences so different.

great idea but what if both properties are offering stay 7 pay 5...?? which would you choose?

Thats a tough one to answer because the properties really are very different, so it just depends what one's in the mood for. For absolute luxury I would suggest Phulay Bay. But for a more rustic / natural (still absolutely comfortable) and very charming Thai experience,with great beaches and more variety within the resort, i would go with Rayavadee.

I have been to both resorts and I would strongly recommend that you either stay only at Rayavadee, or combine a short stay at Phulay with a longer stay at Rayavadee. As much as I love Phulay Bay, I would advise against staying there for the entire trip.

If you choose to split, given six nights I would choose to spend two nights at Phulay Bay and four nights at Rayavadee, in that order. If you can extend the stay beyond six nights, 2/3 nights at Phulay Bay followed 4/5+ nights at Rayavadee would be even better.

If you combine both resorts I would suggest something like the following itinerary:

Phulay Bay 2/3 nights - Phulay Bay is a lovely resort but you don't need to stay there for more than three nights to enjoy it. The food at Phulay Bay is excellent, so I would advise having dinner there every night, leaving the resort is not practical.

At Phulay Bay make sure to have at least one dinner at both Sri Trang and Lae Lay Pavilion. If you stay longer you could have a private barbeque dinner or eat at Jampoon restaurant. The food throughout the resort is excellent.

From Phulay Bay, I would suggest taking day trips to attractions such as the Emerald Pool (a natural swimming hole fed by a beautiful waterfall), as well as perhaps elephant trecking, and some sightseeing at local temples.


Then stay at least four nights at Rayavadee, or even longer if you can. Rayavadee has by far the best location in Krabi, and is stunningly beautiful. While at Rayavadee, you can enjoy dinners at Krua Phranang, a barbeque dinner at The Grotto, Phranang Beach, Spa treatments, tennis, the swimming pool, and speedboat excursions in the Andaman sea to loacations like Koh Phi Phi.

If you do choose to stay only at one Resort, I would absolutely recommend Rayavadee for its location, natural beauty, and all of the choices of activities available. Although I have combined both resorts in the past, Rayavadee is always the highlight of the trip because of its beauty and the ease of taking excursions in the beautiful Andaman sea.

When I last combined Phulay Bay and Rayaadee, I stayed for three nights at Phulay Bay and seven nights at Rayavadee. I also have a trip coming up and will be spending a week at Rayavadee, and this time combining with four nights at Soneva Kiri on Koh Kood.
Hi MikeFromTokyo, have you made that trip to Soneva Kiri? I'm deciding between Soneva Kiri and Rayavadee, I dont think I can make it to both. Would love to hear how they compare. Thanks!

So we are about six days away from the point of no return for cancelling on our honeymoon stop in Phulay Bay, and we are starting to get cold feet on this property. Trip advisor reviews the last six weeks are either 5 stars or one star...A lot of people have specifically slammed the food, but then others say it's the best place they've ever stayed.

Here's our options; what do you guys think?

Option 1: Keep our stay at Phulay Bay - We are in a Beach Villa and have a package that includes UNLIMITED spa treatments, breakfast and airport transfers.

Option 2: Move to Four Seasons Koh Samui - to a 1-Bedroom Deluxe Villa with it's own pool (a bit nicer than the room we've booked in Krabi). But nothing is included...No breakfast, no airport transfer...nothing.

The costs are about a wash, but of course we have the unlimited spa treatments at Phulay Bay which we would certainly be taking advantage of.

That said, I want a good all around experience...not just in it for freebie spa treatments if the rest of the property, food and service is subpar.

Also, any expectations as a RC/Marriott Plat at Phulay Bay?

So we are about six days away from the point of no return for cancelling on our honeymoon stop in Phulay Bay, and we are starting to get cold feet on this property. Trip advisor reviews the last six weeks are either 5 stars or one star...A lot of people have specifically slammed the food, but then others say it's the best place they've ever stayed.

Here's our options; what do you guys think?

Option 1: Keep our stay at Phulay Bay - We are in a Beach Villa and have a package that includes UNLIMITED spa treatments, breakfast and airport transfers.

Option 2: Move to Four Seasons Koh Samui - to a 1-Bedroom Deluxe Villa with it's own pool (a bit nicer than the room we've booked in Krabi). But nothing is included...No breakfast, no airport transfer...nothing.

The costs are about a wash, but of course we have the unlimited spa treatments at Phulay Bay which we would certainly be taking advantage of.

That said, I want a good all around experience...not just in it for freebie spa treatments if the rest of the property, food and service is subpar.

Also, any expectations as a RC/Marriott Plat at Phulay Bay?

We enjoyed our visit & the food but that was last year. A relatively easy transfer to/from Amanpuri where you will enjoy the beach.
For me, it will be 1

So we are about six days away from the point of no return for cancelling on our honeymoon stop in Phulay Bay, and we are starting to get cold feet on this property. Trip advisor reviews the last six weeks are either 5 stars or one star...A lot of people have specifically slammed the food, but then others say it's the best place they've ever stayed.

Here's our options; what do you guys think?

Option 1: Keep our stay at Phulay Bay - We are in a Beach Villa and have a package that includes UNLIMITED spa treatments, breakfast and airport transfers.

Option 2: Move to Four Seasons Koh Samui - to a 1-Bedroom Deluxe Villa with it's own pool (a bit nicer than the room we've booked in Krabi). But nothing is included...No breakfast, no airport transfer...nothing.

The costs are about a wash, but of course we have the unlimited spa treatments at Phulay Bay which we would certainly be taking advantage of.

That said, I want a good all around experience...not just in it for freebie spa treatments if the rest of the property, food and service is subpar.

Also, any expectations as a RC/Marriott Plat at Phulay Bay?


I would take any comments on Trip Advisor with a grain of salt - the food at Phulay Bay is excellent.

I think Phulay Bay is an excellent choice, and much prefer Krabi to Koh Samui as a destination in General. If you do stay at Phulay Bay however, I would suggest taking a Reserve Villa or higher category for the best experience. The Beach Villas seem to be renovated villas left over from the resort's past life before it became Phulay Bay. All of the other categories are newly built and beautifully designed by Lek Bunnag.

If you want the ultimate location in Krabi you should consider staying at Rayavadee, as Phranang beach is perhaps the most naturally beautiful location in South Thailand. Rayavadee is an entirely different experience from Phulay Bay, so choosing between the two depends on your personal priorities.

In my opinion you should focus on choosing the destination and resort that best suits your needs, as FS Samui, Phulay Bay, and Rayavadee will each be a totally different experience. For this reason I would not focus as much on the benefits/inclusions when deciding between these resorts. Phulay Bay essentially does not participate in the R-C/Marriott Rewards program, so I would also suggest leaving this out of the equation.

We were in a similar situation prior to our krabi trip in august and ultimately reduced the number of nights at phulay bay and added nights at rayavadee (which was an excellent combination). We had a great time at Phulay Bay - location, rooms, pool are stunning. however, i would agree that the food is hit and miss (breakfast is a highlight though) and whilst service is generally excellent, there can be minor misses thrown in. The spa is superb so if you have endless treatments you will love it.

For this reason I would not focus as much on the benefits/inclusions when deciding between these resorts. Phulay Bay essentially does not participate in the R-C/Marriott Rewards program, so I would also suggest leaving this out of the equation.

Precisely. And I feel the same way when I shell out thousands at an Aman. Sure, there's no loyalty program with rewards, but that's not why I'm staying there.

FWIW, I felt the cuisine at Phulay Bay was up to any Aman standard (pulo, puri, Summer Palace as examples). The service was a notch below during my stay, but far, far exceeded any other RC or FS I've been to.

Nothing can top the greeting process at this resort, early evening with all those lights. It's something magical - an experience like no other. I can say similar great things about the lantern lighting after a private BBQ dinner on the beach at Amanpuri. Truly amazing experiences.

Nothing can top the greeting process at this resort, early evening with all those lights. It's something magical - an experience like no other. I can say similar great things about the lantern lighting after a private BBQ dinner on the beach at Amanpuri. Truly amazing experiences.

reminds me of >

Arriving at the Oberoi Udaivilas by night was the most jaw-dropping hotel arrival experience I had ever had. (I’d yet to experience the arrival at FS Tented Camp…) Upon exiting the vehicle, you enter a world of torchlit courtyards, candelit domes, onyx pools, and gold leaf, and cobalt alcoves. It’s all so fantastic that it is just one hair short of Disney . . . but the quality of the craftsmanship and its roots in Mewari vernacular make this a place of absolutely transcendent beauty, the highest quality build of any of the properties we experienced in India.

i imagine amanjena might be similar?
but not the same, interesting.

i imagine amanjena might be similar?

Amanjena was impressive at night. And yes, I arrived after dark with the hundreds (?) of candles out around the central pool. It was breathtaking, especially with a near full moon out.

But somehow I feel the experience in Krabi was better. Not quite sure why. Maybe the warmth and smiles of the local Thai folks made the difference.

All in all, both were spectacular.

I have just returned from a trip to thailand.

Phulay bay is perfect. everything about the place is amazing.

yes food is expensive but not silly.

breakfast amazing

rooms amazing

staff amazing

Trip advisor could not have got it more wrong.

i spent 6 days at PB and 5 at Rayavadee. Rayavadee is a dump in comparison. i could not believe how many long tails boats park on the beach in front of Rayavadee, disgusting vile place.

go to PB its a paradise.

top tip is a visit to Pan beach which is 5 mins from PB.

I have just spent a month i Thailand.

Rayavadee

a total dump. it is nice between 0600-0900 before the thousands of day trippers come to see the wonderful Phrang bay and then they stay. the beach has 1000s of people laying side by side, totally awful.

rooms old fashioned, damp and not 5 star. breakfast awful.

the noise pollution though is what makes this place unbearable. forget peaceful waves splashing against the sand all you get are 100s of long tail boats stinking the whole day long making a real pest of themselves.

Ritz Carlton

i had 6 nights here and did not want to leave, a paradise that out strips Rayavadee. the place is not even in the same league it is on a different planet. Phulay Bay is just simply amazing. rooms huge, resort perfect. baths out of this world. there are no negatives about the place.

if you can get Rayavadee for $100 go for it but take your noise cancelling headphones.

my recomendation is go to Phulay bay while it hovers around the $500, it will go up with out doubt as it becomes more popular.

Going to merge two very similar threads into one, apologies for the slight overlap.

RichardInSF, moderator, luxury hotels

I have just spent a month i Thailand.

Rayavadee

a total dump. it is nice between 0600-0900 before the thousands of day trippers come to see the wonderful Phrang bay and then they stay. the beach has 1000s of people laying side by side, totally awful.

rooms old fashioned, damp and not 5 star. breakfast awful.

the noise pollution though is what makes this place unbearable. forget peaceful waves splashing against the sand all you get are 100s of long tail boats stinking the whole day long making a real pest of themselves.

Ritz Carlton

i had 6 nights here and did not want to leave, a paradise that out strips Rayavadee. the place is not even in the same league it is on a different planet. Phulay Bay is just simply amazing. rooms huge, resort perfect. baths out of this world. there are no negatives about the place.

if you can get Rayavadee for $100 go for it but take your noise cancelling headphones.

my recomendation is go to Phulay bay while it hovers around the $500, it will go up with out doubt as it becomes more popular.

I know that we all have different opinions but I really don't think that your comments on Rayavadee are fair.

In my opinion the breakfast is among the best I have been served in any luxury hotel. It is definitely not awful.

Indeed there are many daytrippers on the most scenic beach but the long tail boats are not directly in front of the hotel since the area is closed off. The daytrippers usually only stay for a short while and I actually like a bit of people watching.

If the noise bothers you there are plenty of other places within the resort, which will be completely quiet. There is certainly no need for noise canceling headphones.

I have been to Ryavadee ten times and still love it. Nothing beats the stunning scenery here. I agree that the design of the rooms is rather dated but some rooms have been refurbished, which helps.

Ryavadee is a great place and NOT a dump.

I will try and upload some pictures of rayavadee and some videos so those who have not been can see with there eyes. Words are only opinions. Pictures and videos are generally the truth.

I don't understand the comment that the beach in front of the hotel is blocked off?? This is not the case. It is a national park and the hotel are not allowed to place anything on the beach.

The hotel also sits between 2 cliffs so the noise can not be escaped as it whistles through the whole resort and there is no privacy. I don't expect privacy for $100 but for $1000 I do and there is none.

I do feel that lots of the guests are a little sentimental about this hotel because they spent there honeymoon there 15 years ago but the world has moved on and rayavadee has not.

Yes the deco of the rooms is old and yes some have been re done but not to the standard they should be for the money.

I still feel this hotel will be a relic in a few years time.

Now how do I upload pictures and videos to prove my point?

The hotel also sits between 2 cliffs so the noise can not be escaped as it whistles through the whole resort and there is no privacy. I don't expect privacy for $100 but for $1000 I do and there is none.

I still feel this hotel will be a relic in a few years time.

Now how do I upload pictures and videos to prove my point?

I simply adore Rayavadee and its location between the cliffs. It is true that the beach gets packed with day trippers in the afternoon, but it is magical in the evening. I will certainly be returning for many years.

I don't think it is a question of value for money, but that certain resorts appeal to different people. I also stay at Phulay Bay and am fully aware that it is nicer in some respects, but I choose Rayavadee for its setting and its sensitive environmental design. For this same reason I have chosen Soneva Kiri for my upcoming trip to Thailand.

....Now how do I upload pictures and videos to prove my point?

I don't believe that FT has the capability of uploading videos. Pictures of reasonable size can be uploaded by just including the URL of the .jpg for the picture. I think the picture has to be somewhere else on the web already, you can't upload a picture from your PC -- but I could be wrong about that.

I have just returned from a trip to thailand.

Phulay bay is perfect. everything about the place is amazing.

yes food is expensive but not silly.

breakfast amazing

rooms amazing

staff amazing

Trip advisor could not have got it more wrong.

i spent 6 days at PB and 5 at Rayavadee. Rayavadee is a dump in comparison. i could not believe how many long tails boats park on the beach in front of Rayavadee, disgusting vile place.

go to PB its a paradise.

top tip is a visit to Pan beach which is 5 mins from PB.

This is an unhelpful and misleading review. You may not like Rayavadee (indeed, it is clear that you do not), but to call it a dump is just wrong. There is certainly a beach that is public and the resort borders it - but you can frankly say the same for a lot of really expensive beach resorts elsewhere in the world. Worse yet, the nature of the review doesn't add any credibility to the other property that you like, which may well be OK. However, I certainly wouldn't "go to PB its a paradise" on the basis of this review, and I suspect others wouldn't.

However, I certainly wouldn't "go to PB its a paradise" on the basis of this review, and I suspect others wouldn't.

Agreed; probably one of the most misleading reviews of Rayavadee I've ever seen.