Vipa Tropical Resort

First off, if you want hotel staff to speak and understand English perfectly, and you don’t like Thai food for breakfast, you might want to reconsider coming to Thailand altogether, because those expectations are unrealistic. My review should be viewed through that lens: The photos of this resort do not do it justice. The sprawling cliffs right above your head are unreal. Our actual villa was immaculate. The staff were extremely friendly and helpful, and they always made sure we had everything we needed at the best possible price. They were a one-stop shop for all of our touristy desires! The customer service was unmatched anywhere else we went in Thailand, which already has a very high standard for customer service. The free breakfast options were delicious, and it was more than enough to keep us full and happy :). They also offered a few a la carte options for a small charge (I recommend the French toast)! All in all, one of the best free hotel breakfasts I’ve ever had! As far as location goes, it is maybe a 5 minute drive to Ao Nang beach, and Vipa offers free, regularly scheduled shuttle service to the beach all day. They will also drop you at your preferred location along the beach. I should also note that there are several great restaurants and coffee shops about a block down the road from the resort, if you’re tired and don’t feel like riding into town for food or drinks. Like many other tourists we met, we stayed in Ao Nang and hung out at Railay and the surrounding islands during the day. The boat rides were quick, reasonably priced, and very easy to get at any time of day. If you want true beachfront property, this isn’t the place for you. I will say that I initially wanted that as well, but all of the hotels and resorts on the beach were more expensive than Vipa, and none held a candle to them, in terms of lodging quality and amenities. We went to the beach every day we were there, and I didn’t regret the choice of location for one second.

Our villa had two bedrooms and was huge. It was also at the base of a limestone cliff that was very scenic and in such a natural environment. It was located the furthermost from the reception and breakfast area and quite uphill but we didn't mind that. The courtesy transport to the beach was a great help to us and we usually just paid a tuk tuk to bring us back. The staff were extremely helpful to us.

I highly recommend this resort! The location is beautiful & ideal - in a quiet area, but not too far from the busy, touristy Ao Nang. Our private cabin was very clean with AC and the breakfast was abundant. Our stay was made so special and memorable because of the outstanding customer service and care we received from the staff! Our room, the pool and the hotel property, was absolutely beautiful, peaceful, private, quiet, clean, with amazing views and lush landscaping. Our lovely and kind host spent time coaching us on our Thai language and did so much to make us feel welcomed and at home.

Great place with bungalows in a breathtaking jungle setting near the cliffs. Our room had ample space and we loved the balcony. The staff was super nice and efficient. The hot water in the shower gave out on our second night, and when we returned to our room the next afternoon the whole unit had been replaced.

The gardens were amazing and the pool really pretty. Our chalet was private and spacious with a lovely balcony looking over the gardens and pool. The staff were really friendly and helpful. It was about a half hour walk to the beach but they had regular shuttles and there were some lovely restaurants nearby to eat in. The breakfast was good.