Family-friendly bliss at Twin Bay Resort, Koh Lanta: REVIEW

Location and arriving to Twin Bay Resort Koh Lanta

Click here to book your ferry to/from Koh Lanta

If you’re arriving into Koh Lanta by ferry, it’s likely you’ll disembark at the Saladan Pier, only a few minutes drive away in a taxi or tuk-tuk. The resort can arrange for a driver to wait for you at the pier, total cost of the transfer is THB150.

We loved the location of the resort as it was tucked away at a quiet part of Khlong Dao Beach, far away from some of the tiredness that seems to have crept in at the southern end. If we ever needed to head over to Lanta Walking Street, it was only a short tuk-tuk ride away (THB100). The resort can call one for you but there can be quite a wait after 7.00pm; it’s often easier to get the WhatsApp number of a reliable driver and message them yourself.

Our room

Despite its beachfront setting, there are only a few rooms with unobstructed views of the water, and these come at quite a premium. Families will typically choose one of the Superior Family Bungalows that sit one row away from the beach, which unfortunately means your view of the ocean is blocked by other bungalows.

Inside, the rooms are cleverly laid out, with a large comfortable double-bed and bunk beds for the kids, fridge, air-conditioning, ensuite bathroom and outside terrace.

One criticism is the bungalows didn’t feel very private, with the pathway leading directly outside the terrace, so everyone could see into the room when they walked past. With this, and the somewhat obstructed view, we didn’t end up sitting outside as much as we expected.

Swimming pool and facilities (including amazing massages)

A huge plus-point for families staying at Twin Bay Resort is how family and kid-focused the pool and facilities are, including an air-conditioned kids room right next to the bar (genius idea), with toys, games and Smart TV. It’s more aimed at under 7s, so our kids gave it a wide berth, but for younger ones it’s ideal and also allows the parents to relax nearby.

The pool complex has a main infinity pool overlooking the beach and ocean (although it’s approximately 1.5m depth in most place, so not ideal for non-swimming kids). There’s also a connected kids pool that idea for little splashers, and a jacuzzi for older splashers, handily located for the pool bar serving cocktails, beers and soft drinks.

On the far edge of the resort you’ll find the massage area, which is equally incredible and popular, so make sure you book in advance if possible, especially if you’re planning to go in the late-afternoon when they’re extra busy. For THB350, you’ll get one of the best massages of your life.

In addition to the sun loungers spread around the pool, there’s a lovely lawn area next to the beach with bean bags spread around. It’s a lovely spot to watch the sunset and enjoy a cold drink, ideally while the kids are occupied elsewhere 😉.

Restaurant and pool bar

We always try to book a resort with breakfast included and the standard at Twin Bay Resort was solid rather than spectacular. As we were visiting during the crossover from high to low season, the restaurant and breakfast offerings were being reduced. Breakfast was filling but limited, with a choice of eggs, rice, green curry, sausages and fried potatoes. There was also a choice of tea, coffee, juice, with salads and breads completing the line-up. The food was certainly tasty but there could have perhaps been more selection and some of the food wasn’t kept warm throughout service.

In high season, the restaurant is open all day for food, right through to 9.00pm (in low season they stop taking orders around 7.15pm). As with elsewhere on Koh Lanta, the menu is a mix of Western and Thai dishes, with the latter being the highlights. Prices are reasonable for a resort, and the staff are friendly and attentive.

As we mentioned above, the pool bar is a popular spot in the afternoons, and there’s a cool roof terrace with bean bags available if you need somewhere more comfortable.

Is it kid friendly?

Yes, absolutely. In fact, it’s one of the most kid-centric resorts we’ve visited in Thailand, largely thanks to the friendly staff, kids room, lovely pool and specific area where the family bungalows are located. It’s very popular with other families so you’re likely to feel relaxed and comfortable here.

Surrounding area and Koh Lanta

READ: Koh Lanta with kids travel guide

Twin Bay Resort leads directly onto Khlong Dao Beach, providing simple access to one of the prettiest stretches of sand in Thailand. The wide arc of the bay is ideal for afternoon strolls and games of frisbee or football, although do take note that the tide comes in and out a long way (right in to the resort boundary and a few hundred metres out). This does mean that the sea is shallow and safe to swim in at all times.

The main road through Koh Lanta is only a five minute tuk-tuk drive away (walkable if you fancy some exercise) and Walking Street is another two minutes drive from there. If you walk along the beach, it’s around forty minutes to reach the southern edge, although this area is looking quite rundown nowadays and nowhere near as attractive as the beach outside Twin Bay.

Around ten minutes walk along the beach, you’ll reach several beachfront bars and restaurants, our favourite was SALT Pizzeria at the Costa Lanta resort and their delicious wood-fired pizzas.

Further afield, Koh Lanta is a lively Thai island with plenty of activities and options to keep families occupied including mangrove tours in kayaks, Muay Thai lessons and visits to the atmospheric Old Town. Check out our guide to visiting Koh Lanta with kids for more inspiration.