Thung Maphrao Hotels from S$19

"I felt a little scammed upon arrival. On Hotels.com and other OTAs, when you search for 2-person occupancy, you can see a room type listed as “villa (single use).” However, once you arrive, you’re told that it is only for single occupancy—that’s what “single use” means. To stay, we ended up paying an additional $300 for two nights, bringing our total cost to $1,000 for two people. At that price, you can find far better options in this area. Also, some of the amenities are very old and worn out. We tried their Muay Thai session and were given very poor gloves with zero wrist support. The coaches didn’t provide hand wraps either. When I asked for better gloves for safety, I was told we would need to pay for a private session just to get proper wrist-support equipment. Overall, at $500 per night, this place feels like a rip-off."

"We had a lovely stay - staff are wonderful, pool is huge, breakfast had loads of choice although as it got busier with guests it became a bit hectic with a lot of things running out. The room was spacious - we had a second floor king delux. Things were looking a little tired in areas - the first impression wasn’t great due to the lift up to reception and the pool tiles could do with some TLC. Setting is beautiful and some small local restaurants & shops to walk to. "

"The pool is very nice and clean. I made my own breakfasts. The staff are excellent."

"We stayed in the deluxe bungalow overlooking the beach. It was quiet and perfect for our stay. Breakfast was varied with great options. There were so many pools to swim in but the beach was perfect with warm temperatures. I cannot fault the Moraceo it was perfect for couples solo travelers and families. Nicely spread out. "

"Top location. Super recommended."

"The room was large and clean. Staff were always polite and helpful. Breakfast was basic and good enough. Overall it was good value! The location was just off the main road. And easily walkable to the local shops and the night market. "

"Most amazing hotel, my little girl loved it. The soft play was her favourite! The kids area in the swimming pool was amazing too! So much to do, we were at the end of our 4 week trip around Thailand and so we just stayed in hotel and enjoyed it for the whole week, never got bored! The food was amazing, and the sunsets at the restaurant by the beach was gorgeous! Only downside is the yoga classes are in a room next to the games room, and so for more than half of the yoga class we had to listen to kids screaming and also looking into the room, so being shy it can be off putting. A hotel we stayed in in koh Samui did their classes in the mornings by the pool outdoors early morning whilst breakfast just began, which is just a thought that maybe the hotel should consider theirs in the giant garden by the lake. My daughter loved feeding the fish! Would recommend the hotel to anyone staying in Khao Lak!"

"Clean rooms, friendly staff and very nice surroundings. The only downsides was that our door was really hard to lock and unlock- that was quite a challenge every time we got out/home and we thought the beach would be right next to the pool, however it was across the road - not far. We really enjoyed the stay."

"The team was absolutely amazing: caring, friendly and wonderful. The breakfast is in a league of its own. "