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Reverse culture shock

Tubkaak Resort in Krabi and the Hong Islands beyond

Luxury travel blog » Places to Travel » Asia Travel » Thailand » Tubkaak Resort in Krabi and the Hong Islands beyond
April 16, 2017 by Carol Perehudoff

If you're visiting Thailand and looking for a luxury resort in an unspoiled setting, check out Tubkaak Resort in Krabi.

This post may contain affiliate links.

If you’re visiting Thailand and looking for an upscale hotel in an unspoiled setting, check out Tubkaak Resort in Krabi. With a prime location on quiet Tubkaak Beach, it will give you a view of the Hong Islands you won’t soon forget.

Hong Islands Krabi

 

Tubkaak Resort and the Hong Islands

I feel as if I’m in some primeval landmass gang fight. Through a pale blue afternoon haze, the limestone Hong Islands are facing me across the water. Rising straight out of Phang Nga Bay in Thailand’s Krabi Province, the craggy limestone islands look more like characters in Michael Jackson’s Thriller video than a clutch of small islands where white-faced gibbons and monitor lizards roam.

Tubkaak Beach Krabi

 

The Hong Islands

The leader of the Hong Islands gang archipelago, is Koh Hong himself. From here he looks menacing, but I hear that up close he’s handsome, with emerald green water and a hidden lagoon. I’ve met his type before – all looks and pretty fish, luring you in with his charm and tempting kayaking routes.

Tubkaak Resort review, Krabi Thailand

 

Tubkaak Resort review

But I won’t be tempted. I’m sticking with Tubkaak Resort, which is pretty darn handsome itself. Looking out towards the Hong Islands, Tubkaak Resort, or Tubkaak Boutique Resort, is a luxury hotel on Tubkaak Beach, a crescent of soft white sand with just a handful of upscale resorts behind it.

Tubkaak Beach, also known as Tab Kaek Beach, itself is quiet and calm, and even though it’s only a 20-minute drive from popular Ao Nang it manages to stay relatively unknown.

Looking for other great places to stay? Read Best Resorts in Thailand

 

Tubkaak Resort Krabi

 

Why choose Tubkaak Boutique Resort

At first glance, Tubkaak Resort might seem like just another high-end beachfront hotel with landscaped gardens, a palm-studded pool and sleek bungalows and villas. Designed by Architect 49, the bungalows and villas have curved roofs and dark beams inspired by local fishing boats, while old coconut and teak elements create seductive contemporary interiors with hints of traditional artistry in the decor.

But that’s not why you should stay here. Look closer.

Tubkaak Boutique Resort Krabi Thailand

 

Designed with the environment in mind

The award-winning Tubkaak Resort was designed around the natural environment, rather than the other way around. Mature trees were protected, which means resort pathways take various unexpected twists and turns, and is why I have a tree poking up from the deck in my premium villa, right between my plunge pool and my outdoor jacuzzi tub.

Tubkaak Resort

 

The trees pay it forward

In return, the trees provide shade, which lowers energy costs, as does the high-quality sun-reflecting cement used in the resort’s construction. The property’s setting at the base of Hak Nak Mountain ensures that a steady stream of fresh mountain water flows right down through the resort to nourish the gardens (along with organic fertilizer) and wind its way through landscaped channels and fountains.

Tubkaak Boutique Resort Review

 

Beach Pool Villas

On my second night at Tubkaak I’m upgraded to a Beach Pool Villa, where I’m torn between using my outdoor shower, my indoor shower, my outdoor jacuzzi tub or the sleek slice of pool that stretches down from my deck toward the beach.

Beach pool villa Tubkaak resort

 

The Andaman Ocean

In the end I opt for a fifth option, the ocean. As I splash around the clear pale water, stalking a little minnow which quickly darts away, I look up and catch their eyes, those sexy-looking Hong Islands, 13 bad boys in battle formation.

Koh Hong Thailand

 

Koh Hong attraction

I try to ignore them, but as the sun pats my shoulders and a few soft clouds drift across the sky, they keep beckoning me with their individual charms. There is secluded Lading Island, with its cliff-surrounded bay and swallows’ nests where locals used to go to collect the rare ingredients for bird’s nest soup. And what about Pakbia Island, where a labyrinth of caves have eroded into cliffs.

There are birds and sleepy beaches and snorkelling ops galore. It’s Koh Hong, however, with his leader-of-the-pack charm that steals my heart.

Tubkaak Boutique Resort review

 

Irresistible Koh Hong

That’s it. I can’t resist Koh Hong’s rocky attractions any longer. I get out of the water, pull on a beach coverup and head to the lobby of the resort to book a Hong Island excursion.

Tubkaak Beach Thailand

 

Thwarted

It’s a love affair that’s not meant to be. Excursions from the resort leave in the morning as the longtail boats can’t go out in low tide, and this is my last day here. I seek solace at Tubkaak Resort’s L’Escape Spa with its comforting eucalyptus steam room, sauna and cool plunge pools.

Spa at Tubkaak Resort Krabi
L’Escape Spa

 

Eating my heart out on Tubkaak Beach

I turn to food, feasting on prawns with basil and chilli at Tubkaak’s beachside Arundina Restaurant then shop my way through L’Artisan Gift Shop. I even consider getting one of the resort’s complimentary bikes and cycling to the nearest village, but decide that’s going too far.

View of Hong Islands from Tubkaak Beach

 

Goodbye Hong Islands

Unable to stay away, however, I head back to the beach. The tides have gone out and the early evening sun reflects off the water and sand with metallic shimmers of pewter, gold and bronze. I wander out, it seems for miles, the damp sand like suede under my feet. It feels as if I can walk forever, at least out to Koh Hong, but no. It’s too dark. I have to turn away.

Koh Hong is shadowy now, but I know he’s watching and I give him a wave. I vow I’ll come back, and when I do I’ll get a longtail boat and step onto his sandy shores. Until then, however, he’s the island that got away.

 

 

Travel tips for Tubkaak Beach and the Hong Islands

Where is Tubkaak Beach? Tubkaak Beach is 25 km (about a 25-minute drive) from Ao Nang Beach. Krabi town is 30 km away and the Krabi International Airport is 45 km. From Phuket International Airport it’s about a 2.5 to 3 hour drive.

Pin me!

If you're looking for an eco-friendly luxury resort in Krabi, Thailand, check out The Tubkaak Resort, a boutique hotel on beautiful Tubkaak Beach.

 

Tubkaak Boutique Resort Krabi

Dining at Tubkaak Boutique Resort The resort has 2 restaurants, the Thai Arundina and the Italian seafood restaurant Di Mare. The food is excellent (at least mine was) and the buffet breakfast is complimentary.

L’Escape Spa  The spa offers Oriental and traditional Thai therapies. Bonus: Use of the sauna, steam and plunge pools is free, but make sure you book because it’s popular and they don’t overbook.

Activities at Tubkaak Boutique Resort 

  • Kayaks are free for guests and the water is calm, protected by the islands of Ko Yao Yai and Ko Yao Noi, which lie beyond the Hong Islands.
  • Bicycles are complimentary.
  • Khao Hang Nak National Park lies directly behind Tubkaak Resort and you can trek up to the mountain top. It’s a 2-hour hike each way so take water.
  • Outdoor Yoga is offered at the resort.
  • For an extra charge, you can take a shuttle bus into Ao Nang and Krabi town for the evening.

Price for Tubkaak Resort Prices start at about $175 for a Garden Room in low season and go up.

Tubkaak Boutique Resort environmental awards: Environmentally Friendly Hotel, Thai Tourism Award 2007; Thailand Boutique Awards 2010 in Nature and Environment Southern Region category; Gold Award for Green, Nature and Environment category 2011.

Well done, Tubkaak Resort!

For more information on Tubkaak Resort go here. For more information on Travelling to Thailand visit the Tourism Authority of Thailand website.

 


 

About the Hong Islands

The Hong Islands are part of Than Bok Khorani National Park, one of Thailand’s national marine parks, and there is an entrance fee of 300 Baht.

Hong Island excursions are offered from the resort. If you’re not staying at the resort you can hire a longtail boat in Ao Nang.

A half day Hong Islands tour by private longtail boat from Tubkaak Boutique Resort is 1700 baht for 1-2 people and 2500 for 3-4. As it’s a private tour, you can discuss the route with your guide. To avoid crowds, departure is recommended between 8 and 9 a.m. It includes snorkelling masks and life jackets but not lunch. You may want to bring a picnic lunch with you.

About Krabi Province

The southern province of Krabi is home to many national parks and is truly stunning with limestone cliffs and lush rainforests. With more than 80 islands, you can go island hopping to your heart’s content. Ao Nang and Railay Beach are two of the most popular destinations.

Note: My stay was arranged by the the Tourism Authority of Thailand. All opinions and scandalous love affairs with Thai islands are my own.

For information on other luxury resorts in Thailand check out my Keemala Resort review or my review of Sri Panwa Phuket.

Category: Hotel Reviews, Thailand

About Carol Perehudoff

A former freelance travel columnist for the Toronto Star, Carol has won more than 30 writing awards and honours. A spa and luxury travel expert, she’s written for top travel publications around the globe.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kathy Lober

    Carol, thanks so much – it appears I’ll need to fly over! Are there any other forums that might be helpful?
    Thanks Kathy

  2. Carol Perehudoff

    I wish I could help you more, Kathy. The beach at Tubkaak is pretty terrific, though you’ll want to watch out for low tide if you want waves lapping at your feet. I’ve heard good things about the Ritz, but haven’t been there myself. If I were still there, I’d do a site visit for you.

  3. kathy lober

    Hello, Our son and girlfriend are looking at resorts in Krabi to be married. The Ritz was our first choice but I’ve read the beach isn’t really great and they do intend to be married on the beach. The second choice is Tubkaak and finally Dusit. It would be great to be able to select a resort without doing a site visit – but that may not be possible! Any help is greatly appreciated

  4. Carol Perehudoff

    Thanks, Reshma – The islands make a great day trip from Tubkaak Beach – definitely worth checking out.

  5. Reshma

    I have been to Phuket and Krabi, and boy, never knew I was this close to these gorgeous islands! The Hong Islands look wonderful and the fact that they’re less crowded and unknown to many makes them even more appealing to me! I’m definitely gonna check this on my next trip!

  6. A Taste for Travel

    Tubkaak Resort looks like incredible luxury and all those tempting islands as well? Definitely dreamy

  7. knycx

    Looks great and thanks for sharing – I get to know a new place in Thailand and would love to visit there some day. It seems very relaxing! @ knycx.journeying

  8. Carol Perehudoff

    Thanks, Sherianne. There are so many great destinations around the world, and this is definitely one of them.

  9. Carol Perehudoff

    It’s one of the best parts of Thailand to visit, Carolina.

  10. Carol Perehudoff

    I so agree, Sarah. It’s so good when a resort can find harmony between luxury and the environment.

  11. Sarah Stierch

    Looks like an amazing place. Love this: “I have a tree poking up from the deck in my premium villa, right between my plunge pool and my outdoor jacuzzi tub.” Very cool that they kept the old growth trees and do their best to use eco-friendly practices. Cheers!

  12. Carolina Colborn

    Those Hong Islands look mystical! Never realized there was this side of Thailand!

  13. SherianneKay

    I hadn’t heard of the Hong Islands. This is absolutely gorgeous, you find the best places to stay!

  14. Sand In My Suitcase

    This looks like a lovely resort in Krabi! And, yes, beautiful views of the Hong Islands. A few years ago, we had the opportunity to stay in Krabi also, with views of the Hong Islands – but we were at the Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Phulay Bay, also a lovely property… Thailand rocks when it comes to tropical luxury resorts — think we’ll have to plan a return trip :-).

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About Wandering Carol

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