This photo was from a recent TAT (Tourism Authority of Thailand) Media FAM trip that involved several of the TAT Senior Management and DMCs.
Ban’s Diving Resort in the Gulf of Thailand can’t be pigeonholed. From backpackers looking for a dorm room to well-to-do families keen for a luxury escape – this centrally located Koh Tao resort has something for all budget needs. Read on to get a flavour of this traveller’s village and the appeal of the place.
The location
There’s more than one reason why Koh Tao draws tourists. The smallest of the three most popular islands in Surat Thani province has a laid-back vibe. Crystal water and views of the white, criss-crossing sand bars that connect the three neighbouring islands of Koh Nang Yuan with Koh Tao, are jaw-droppingly beautiful. And particularly the underwater world make this island paradise a diver’s and snorkeller’s favourite.
Many travellers come to Koh Tao to get PADI certified, and understandably so. Deep offshore pinnacles like the 40m-deep Sail Rock, a spectacular rock that breaks the surface; or the Southwest pinnacles, an impressive row of pointed stones offering wall dives, are just some of Koh Tao’s dive sites rumoured to be among the best in the world.
One of the best Koh Tao resorts, Ban’s Diving Resort has a 5-star career and instructor development centre, which offers courses from PADI’s Open Water Diver to Freediver and Rescue Diver, and more.
You’re not a diver, you say?
Koh Tao has calm bays with fine sand that’ll crunch between your toes. You can sit in the shade and let the hours slip past gently, listening to the waves lapping the shore.
You can also find a smidge of nightlife on the island. Think bars with DJs and restaurants with live music. Some of these entertainment options are to be found at Ban’s Diving Resort, which sits on Sairee Beach. While the resort is surrounded by bars and restaurants, there is no reason to leave Ban’s Diving Resort at all.
The facilities
Arguably one of the best resorts in Koh Tao, Ban’s Diving Resort has not one, not two, not three, but four swimming pools to catch some rays and swim laps, or simply relax in the brick whirlpool. If that’s not enough, you can use the swimming pools at Jungle House and Assava Dive Resort, Ban’s two sister properties that are nearby.
Just in front of the hotel sits the house reef. Hotel guests like to kayaks, use paddle boards, or play beach volleyball when the tide permits. Established in 1993, the family-run business also helps people do something together, e.g., by organising evening barbecues on the beach.
The family-run business is owned by Khun Rumluek Assavachin
Depending on the day’s catch, you can splurge on mouthwatering snapper, trevally, or barracuda.
Restaurants
Speaking of barracuda, this diving resort Koh Tao has a restaurant named Barracuda at Darawan, backdropped by the mountainside and overlooking the ocean. As well as Thai fusion seafood dishes and traditional Thai food, this cozy restaurant serves imported meats and cheeses for a taste of home.
If you fancy some tapas or freshly sliced meats called deli, check out The Darawan Deli. The Coffee House scores with home-made cakes, build-your-own paninis, and tasty coffee and tea.
Once twilight falls, slump into a comfy beanbag at Fishbowl Beach Bar. Serving passionfruit mojito till late, the bar turns into a nightlife establishment, hosting the last stop of the renowned Tao pub crawl.
The garden and gym
As you’d expect at a four-star hotel, Ban’s Diving Resort also boasts a fully equipped, 100m2 gym with free weights and assisted weight machines, so you can achieve a healthy work-life balance. Finally, the garden features waterfalls, fish ponds, and gazebos to lounge in.
And the rooms?
From Garden Standard and Superior Rooms to Hilltop Suites and the Jungle House, you’re spoilt for choice.
The Rooms
It’s no secret, a dorm bed isn’t heavy on your pocket. That doesn’t mean you won’t get any decent amenities. Ban’s Diving resort has two mixed dorms and two gender-specific dorms, each kitted out with in-room air-conditioning. Ban’s Diving Resort also offers shared hot water shower facilities for people staying in dorm rooms.
The earth-coloured Hilltop Deluxe Room, on the other hand, is ideal for families. Featuring private space and a balcony, it’s a retreat overlooking the ocean. In-room facilities include a satellite TV and DVD Player, as well as a fridge.
The Darawan Family Villas feature four-poster beds, and Ban’s Hilltop Pool Villa complex comprises three luxury villas – perfect for larger groups. Whatever your preference, each room comes with top amenities and a Thai-style teak design for a homely atmosphere.
Complete with Ban’s Tatar’s Salon, Scuba Store, two convenience stores, and multiple on-site ATMs, Ban’s Diving Resort is an all-out livable resort.
