We really enjoyed our stay on Ko Yao Noi, although it was the island that truly delighted us, Lom'Lae was just part of the atmosphere.

Ko Yao Noi is still very untouristed for southern Thailand, and Lom'Lae was probably one of the first resorts to open here. It still has that "pioneer" feel - the welcome and service is more like a friendly backpacker place than a luxury modern resort. The bungalows and the common areas, too, are rustic in their design and showing their age a little. If you're happy with "laid back" rather than "luxurious", then you can relax and enjoy yourself as we did.

The owner and staff were very friendly. Yes, they are careful to explain what everything costs and things like bike and kayak hire are charged, so if your idea of a relaxing resort is just to pay one up-front price and have everything free on arrival then it may not be your kind of place.

The food here is okay, but not good at the price. You should head along the coast to some of the lovely fish restaurants for your evening meals.

The beachfront setting is absolutely beautiful, and kayak trips are great fun - either going out yourself straight from the beach to a nearby island, or getting a trip organised to go further afield. Lom'Lae doesn't have a swimming beach, but you ought to know that Ko Yao Noi in general is *not* for snorkelling anyway, the waters aren't clear and there's no coral.

There is a lot of wildlife around, and so if this is one of your passions then I'll give it a very positive recommendation. Monitor lizards clinging to palm tree trunks, hermit crabs wandering the beach at night, birdsong in the trees, a big frog and a huge spider in our bathroom, and we hung a banana on a piece of string on our veranda at night to watch the fruit bats come and take a bite!

Lom'Lae is not great value, and is not the kind of all-in luxury resort you'll find in Phuket. But if you have been dreaming of a rustic bungalow below palm trees looking out over an almost deserted tropical beach then it fits the bill. Especially if you like wildlife.

Lom Lae is truly a piece of paradise. We stayed in the family bungalow just steps from the beach (as most of them are) we came at low tide so we couldn't really swim but it was fun looking for sea creatures and we found alot including sea cucumbers. Shells are abundant as well! It was so nice falling asleep to the sound of the crashing waves. Accomadations are rustic and not for those who love luxury but they are clean and the staff and owner are incredibly helpful and nice. Hammocks are set up all along the beach so there's plenty of places to relax. We were able to rent motorbikes cheaply from the hotel to explore the island. This place is a little out of the way but very worth it.....it was our favorite by far during our 3 weeks in Thailand. I dream of going back one day.

We started off a few weeks in the area with 5 days at Lom Lae. I wouldn't have bothered writing a review if I hadn't come back & seen a few negative comments from other people which I found to be completely unfair. We had a great time!

When we arrived we were one of only 2 couples staying there. We had a superb bungalow (yes, no A/C, but we didn't expect A/C as the website made it clear they didn't have any). Our bungalow was a nice size, with a big bed, and a nice bathroom. Yes, you do have to put up with the odd frog in the bathroom, but that comes with staying in rustic villa's! When i say rustic I do not mean run down - I mean made traditionally, so yes, there are a few gaps in the walls (but none in the roof!), but they were immaculately clean, well maintained and very cosy. The lights were a bit dim, but that just added to the romance! So what if you have to buy a candle to read?!

What was special here, which we didn't find anywhere else on our trip, was how spaced out & private the bungalows were. Other places we stayed were more like a Butlins camp, but Lom Lae was the polar opposite to this.

Yes, the beach is not ideal, as you can only swim at high tide, but it is quite beautiful. We rented a canoe and paddled out to the little island across the bay for a little picnic. There are quite a few crabs, and my partner did get nipped by one, but then she did pick it up & play with it! They are everywhere, but they are generally scared of people & hide as you get close. No, the water isn't clear blue & good for snorkling- but it isn't anywhere this far north in the bay, you need to head to an island further south for that, or over to the eastern side of Thailand.

The manager is a lovely German lady, so you have Thai tranquility combined with German efficiency! There is also a great little cocktail bar by the beach where another lovely, jolly lady will keep you entertained and, frankly, hammered, with her fresh fruit cocktails.

The food was okay, nothing to write home about, but perfectly adequate. Apart from the Seafood Platter - that was something very special! We had it on the last night (you need to book it in advance so they can buy in all the food fresh) and words cannot describe how delightful, and HUGE, it was. By the end of our stay there were 4 couples including us, and the other 3 couples ended up joining our table just to help us get through the massive pile of prawns & crab we couldn't get close to finishing.

Anyone who complains about this place has no one but themselves to blame for not reading up on the place first and setting their expectations accordingly. Lom Lae is not a 5* resort, its a private little rustic hideaway. If you are after a pool, A/C, all mod-cons etc, then stay in a hotel. If you want peace, tranquility, privacy, maybe to spend some quality time with a loved one, then I couldn't recommend Lom Lae more. If you do want a lively night out, head out of the resort & turn right, and a couple of KM down the road you'll find a lively bar with live music.

Value for money? Well, its not the cheapest place, but then again they haven't tried to ram in as many bungalows on their plot as other cheaper places, so in that respect you get what you pay for. Personally I thought it was reasonably priced for what you get. i certainly never felt like they were following me around looking for ways to get more money off us as another person reported.

We had such a lovely time we're planning on going back!

My husband and I discovered Lom’Lae and Koh Yao Noi in 2003 and I have been here every year since. Located off the main road that circles the island, Lom’Lae is a quiet and peaceful place to visit after spending time in cities. No traffic noise, no bright lights. If you love nature and a place to just lie back and chill, Lom’Lae is a great destination. The long beach at the resort is tide-dependent for swimming and is wonderful when the tide is in. When the tide is out, you can beach comb and explore the small sea life in the tidal flat.

If you are looking for a boisterous setting with emphasis on night life, it is not the place for you, but if you are a family with small children or just someone who appreciates nature, it is definitely right for you. Each bungalow is unique and very picturesque. They are spaced far apart, providing privacy and quietude. The restaurant is spacious but cozy, with four separate seating areas, all with views of Phang Nga Bay. Both Thai and Western food are served. The Thai food is toned down spice-wise because most foreigners prefer a milder flavor, but should you like hot, spicy authentic Thai cuisine, all you have to do is ask.

The local market is just minutes away by tuk-tuk or motor bike and boat trips are available for touring Phang Nga Bay. A good way to cut the cost of the boat trip is to schedule with other guests to share the cost. Snorkeling is marginal at Lom’Lae but the boat trips take you where snorkeling and the view of smaller islands are fantastic.

Lom’Lae is closed in the low season but that doesn’t mean they live off the fat of the high season. The low season is spent in upgrading and maintaining the bungalows. Each year, they seem to improve. Since I’ve been going there, they have increased the size of the restaurant and some of the bungalows, installed hot water heaters for the showers, upgraded the electricity, added free wi-fi for the guests with laptops, and Internet service for others. They now provide coffee in the rooms for early risers (the restaurant opens at 8:00 a.m.), and I understand that the booking will include a free breakfast next season. There is no charge for extra beds, towels, chairs, etc. as some resorts tack on.

What can I say? I love Lom’Lae.