Facts for visiting Golden Buddha Island (Koh Phra Thong)

A:  No, many guests prefer to skip breakfast or lunch.  The prices are:
Breakfast - 250 baht
Lunch - 250 baht
Dinner - 490 baht
Fruit, bakery items and snacks may be purchased at other times
Children 12 years and under - 50% off with paying adult

As required by law, 7% VAT is added to all items.

We have a well stocked bar with beer, spirits and wine. 

If you have special dietary needs, please let us know well in advance and we shall try to accommodate them.

A:  The monsoon season on the Andaman coast is characterised more by high seas and strong breezes rather than the amount of rainfall. Generally the monsoon starts in May and lasts until October by which time the seas have returned to normal. During the monsoon season, the Andaman Sea on our side of the island can be quite rough. We will arrange transportation through the calm channels on the other side of the island to the small fishing community of Tapayoi. From there, it is about a 35 minute trip by 4x4 across the inner savannah of our island to reach Golden Buddha Beach Resort. Rainfall during this period generally consists of one heavy downpour in the afternoon, followed by very clear skies and exquisite sunsets. Spectacular thunderstorms during the night provide beautiful lightening shows over the Andaman sea. During this time islands in Burmese waters, 100 kilometres from Golden Buddha, are visible from the beach. It is also possible that it rains much of the day for 2-3 days at a stretch but this is more common in June and September.

During the sunny season, temperatures gradually rise from November until May with very little rainfall experienced during this period. In January, you can expect highs of 30 - 32ºC with nights cool enough for sleeping under blankets, in April temperatures can climb up to 35ºC accompanied by occasional downpours. During this period, cooling on-shore winds develop each day blowing from the northwest and last until sunset. By bed-time gentle winds develop from the east and last until sunrise.

A: The mid season is an excellent time to visit Golden Buddha Beach Resort and Thailand in general. It is not quite yet the high season, so prices are still discounted, but it is close enough so that the weather is just starting to be perfect. For the most part expect clear sunny days, warm nights with cool ocean breezes, and calm blue water. Occasionally there is still an afternoon shower, but as the mid-season progresses these become less and less likely.

A: No it does not, but the probability for rain is much higher because of the monsoon season. The best way to characterize the weather during this time of year is unpredictable . Some days it can be quite beautiful and sunny and the next day will be rain. It is because of this uncertainty that resorts here significantly reduce their rates during this time of year. Great deals can be found all over Thailand on every aspect of travel and tourism.

A: We recommend traveling light. It's a long trip, getting on and off planes cars and boats. The resort will be able to provide many items that you need to enjoy the island. We have a small shop with fisherman pants, T-shirts, sarongs and nice gift items for your friends working back home. Our dress code is very casual; however, shirts are required at all meals. Remember, most Thai are quite modest, so plan on wearing a cover-up to the beach.

Bring the minimum :

•  Bathing suit

•  Shorts

•  T-shirts

•  Beach cover-up or sarong

•  1-2 pairs of long pants (trousers)

•  Good walking shoes for forest walks

•  Flip-flops for the beach

•  Flashlight (torch)

•  Suntan oil

•  Film or memory for your camera

•  Important personal medicines and supplies

•  Mosquito repellent

We provide linens, soap and shampoo. We also rent masks and fins for snorkeling.

A: We are a eco-resort focused on nature.  Unfortunately part of nature is mosquitoes and other critters. For the most part the mosquitoes are not active during the daylight hours. They tend to come out during sunset and the hour around dusk. After dark, the ocean breeze usually keeps them at bay. We burn natural repellant coils in our restaurant and bar which are also available in all of our houses. The best protection are loose fitting long sleeve shirts and pants, and the traditional mosquito nets incorporated into the design of all of our beds. If used these items are even more effective than a repellant containing deet. Fortunately, there has yet to be a single case of malaria or dengue fever reported by guests of Golden Buddha Beach Resort.

A: We provide laundry service for a fee.   However, remember, we normally send items to the mainland for laundry. Thus, we can not guarantee service in less than 2 nights. Please tell us if you need your laundry back quickly. We will do everything we can to be accommodating.  We are unable to accept responsibity for damage to expensive items submitted for washing.  Please bring only simple, casual clothing and leave your Gucci bag at home!

A: Please bring your own. We keep a few spares for those who forget.  Also we have some reusable rattan beach mats.  As an eco-friendly resort focusing on nature and the environment, we do our best to conserve our natural resources; water among them. Sheets and towels are laundered ever other or every third day. Oversized beach towels, like the ones sometimes provided by conventional beach resorts, would only serve to increase our waste water. Bringing your own beach towel and just shaking out the sand is an alternative where our guests can easily contribute to preserving the environment.

A: To start with, you are likely to get your feet wet! The resort has no jetty and therefore guests will need to wade through shallow water to reach dry land. Unlike other locations, the resort is positioned in the midst of shady tropical forest. As such, you will be able to enjoy some magnificent wildlife on your doorstep (monitor lizards, hornbills and monkeys) but also occasionally contend with some not so pleasant habitants such as mosquitoes and pesky little "no see ems". All beds have protective netting for a good night's sleep. Snacks, toothpaste and the like should be put away during the day to minimise temptation for the monkeys.

All the accommodation is comfortable. Air conditioning is not used but is compensated for by the sea breeze. There is no television but sunsets provide the best early evening show you could wish for. Power is available 6-11 PM for personal equipment. There is no hot water heating system (although most of us find a cool shower to be more preferable in the tropics).

The very remoteness of the island provides a form of luxury that is becoming more difficult to find. The beach extends for over 10km and there are no other resorts on the island to share it. At Golden Buddha Beach Resort you can truly be alone with nature. Learn important, amusing and frightening things by downloading our information booklet for guests.

A: We do not have a swimming pool. Our alternative is over 10 kilometers of pristine beach and a private lagoon and bay. Also some of the best snorkeling in Thailand can be found less than an hour away by speedboat in the Surin Islands National Park . We are the closest land mass to these islands so we can offer daily trips, rather than having to sleep on a live-aboard boat.  This is an all day event and includes lunch, drinks, and snacks.

A: Mobile phone coverage on the island is somewhat limited. There are a couple of "hot-spots" that you can usually find, but this depends on both your phone and your service. It is best to tell your associates that you can only be reached by phone when you are on the beach by the bay. This is not a misnomer, because the most reliable coverage tends to be at the far cove of our island.

A: Yes we do but do not plan upon extensive internet service. We use a satellite system which is not totally reliable or inexpensive. However, you will be able to check for urgent messages and send brief notes to the boss to show that you care.

A: There are no banks, foreign currency exchange services or even shops on the island. At the resort we accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express credit cards and cash (Thai baht only).  Debit cards generally will not proces; please check with your bank before leaving home if you wish to use a debit card. Credit card charges are processed in US dollars. We make the conversion from Thai baht on the date of processing which may be delayed for as many as two weeks after your departure from the resort. The conversion is calculated at the current international credit card rate plus two percent which partially covers our foreign exchange costs.  By using Thai baht, you avoid this cost.

A: Children have been enjoying the resort for many years. When available and for a 400 baht/3 hours, our staff are able to mind children. Many activities can be enjoyed by youngsters and adults alike. However, it should be emphasised that the remoteness of the island may not lend itself to accommodate young children and thus it might not be the right holiday spot for your family. There are no medical facilities on the island and an emergency evacuation may be costly.  We strongly recommend the purchase of travel insurance. 

The journey is long and once on the island specialist services and/or special food will not be available. We suggest you contact us directly before considering bringing very young children and babies. Our staff love children of all ages and we have had many happy families with very young children, but it may not be for yours.

Similarly, teenagers may find the lack of shopping, TV and computers too much for them.  If they are not the outdoors types, this may not be their ideal holiday spot.

A: Although it is always nice to stay right on the beach, we would recommend one of our Luxury Sea View Homes for a family with young children. Most of these houses are a single, large structure so it is easier to keep a close eye on the children at all times. Also since these houses are not directly on the beach, there is less of a chance for young, curious children to wander off close to the sea. The beach, however, is less than 2 minutes walk away. Luxury Sea View Homes are quite spacious, well appointed, and styled in classic Thai design with European influences.

A: There may be great conditions from late November until mid April for scuba diving and snorkeling. We offer trips to world class diving locations in the Andaman Sea like the Surin Islands and Richelieu Rock (famed for the regularity of Whale Shark sightings). The dive and snorkeling trips are organized as full-day events (including two dives and lunch aboard the dive boat), leaving in morning and returning to Golden Buddha around 4:00 in the afternoon.

NOTE:  All diving and snorkeling is carried out by operators licensed by the National Park service.  Trips operate based upon weather conditions, demand and operational support.  We regret that we cannot book specific dates in advance.

A: Our resort manager is Thanya and she can be reached by telephone: +66 8 1892 2208 (or 5228) outside of Thailand and 08 1892 2208 from within Thailand.  Regarding getting to the island

A: We are not close to Bangkok; however, there is excellent air service to Phuket (HKT).  Normally, our latest pickup in Phuket is 13:30 (1:30 PM). However, as a convenience for our guests, we can arrange transportation to the island for flights scheduled to arrive between 13:30 & 16:00 at a surcharge of 1600 baht per group. It is a 2.5 hour drive from the airport to Kuraburi's pier. We suggest that you let us hire a private car with driver to meet you and take you directly to the pier, or even take you for some shopping before the drive north. The ground transportation tariffs are below. If you need to arrive in Phuket later in the day, we can recommend accommodations in Phuket or have a car bring you to Kuraburi for an overnight stay near the pier. 

Alternatively, you may chose to fly to Krabi, Ronong or Surathani which are only slightly further from us than Phuket.

The airlines serving Phuket that are most convenient for international guests to book online are 1) Thai Airways, 2) Bangkok Air, and low cost carrier Air Asia.  They all operate from the new international airport.  Thai Airways even operates from the old airport too!

Air Asia has one flight a day to Ranong which is the closet airport to our island, but only on Friday, Sunday and Tuesday.

Note: Bangkok has two airports with flights to Phuket and Krabi. BKK is the new airport and its name is pronounced "su-wan-na-boom". It serves both international and domestic. The old airport is used for domestic flights only and is called Don Mueang Airport, DMK. It takes 3-4 hours to change airports. The good news is that Thai Air Asia and Bangkok Airways work from BKK.  Thai Airways has flights from both airports to Phuket. Check carefully!

Avoid disappointment I. Please call your airline or look online to confirm the time of your flight's departure.  Local airlines reschedule often!

Avoid Disappointment II or Departing the island without stress.  When flying from Phuket, we support flight departures after 13:00 (14:00 in the rainy season). The earliest possible departure from the resort is 8:00am.  If one books a speedboat to the mainland, then it is possible to make a 12 noon departure from Phuket's airport in the dry season but it is tight and quite risky to depend on things working out for you.

We urge you to plan to get to the airport 2 hours before flight time. A typical trip to Phuket Airport from the resort will take 4 1/2 hours.  Therefore, a normal 8am departure from the island is perfect for a 14:30 (2:30pm) flight.

GBBR and Lost Horizon Resort Co. Ltd. cannot accept any responsiblities for missed flights.  We strongly suggest that you purchase travel insurance.

A: Golden Buddha Beach Resort offers charter sea plane flights to Kho Phra Thong.  This is the fastest and most direct way to reach our beach resort. Guest arriving at Phuket International Airport will be greeted by Destination Air's staff at the baggage claim area.  They will escort you to a private lounge to relax until your flight is ready for departure.  For passengers flying directly to Phuket on an international flight (originating outside of Thailand ) Destination Air's staff will assist with Custom formalities.  The last departure from Phuket is 15:00 (3pm) so your flight must be scheduled to arrive in Phuket by 14:00 to use the seaplane. Note: we have been informed that this service will only be operated on a charter basis which means that the price is 50,000 baht for one to seven persons, one way.

From Phuket the flight to Golden Buddha Beach Resort is less than 40 minutes. The Cessna Amphibian planes, operated by Destination Air, fly at low altitude along the coastline of the Andaman Sea for great views of the beaches, ocean, and the Similan Islands . Your Andaman Sea adventure will begin with the take-off directly over the sea. Please note, the plane may stop at other destinations in route to Kho Phra Thong: be careful where you get out!

After landing directly in the calm water of one of our island's bays, the plane taxis to a floating pontoon where you will be met by our resort staff. All of your luggage will be transported to your private beach villa or bungalow awaiting your arrival. From the pontoon you will get a tour of Yapayoi fishing village and  30 minute journey in a 4x4 across the inner savannah of our island to reach the resort.

Flight times, prices, and availabilities vary, so please make sure to book in advance.

A: The boat trip takes about 90 minutes. There is no scheduled boat service to Koh Phra Thong ( Golden Buddha Island ). We must coordinate boat service to meet your arrival time at the pier. The boat costs 1900 Thai baht (plus VAT) for 1 to 2 persons. See below for costs for more people. You will get your feet wet going from the boat to our beach as there is no pier on our end! We suggest that you wear comfortable, very casual clothes with flip flops or sandals that you can take off easily. In addition, you may get wet in the boat if the wind is strong, so please do not wear expensive clothes.  All arrivals after dark are subject to a) availability and b) 1600 baht surchare.  It is not safe to travel over the sea after dark.

A. GBBR transportation & other costs may be paid at the resort by major credit card or in Thai Baht only.  Due to the recent increases in fuel prices, all transportation is subject to a fuel surcharge by the private service providers. 

Boat, one-way, between Kuraburi pier and the resort is 1900 THB  plus VAT

Departures from the pier after 16:00 (4pm) - require 1600 THB surcharge per boat as you must go to the Tapayoi village on the east side of the island and then use a 4x4 to come to the resort.  Travel on the waterways is not safe in the dark!

Private Car (mini van is about higher) one-way, between Kuraburi pier and:
Phuket Airport : 3,100 THB plus VAT
Phuket Town : 3,300 THB plus VAT
Other destinations and car types are found here in our comprehesive transportation price list (due to the current situation, we are adding a 15% fuel surcharge to the prices in this file, we hope the diesel prices will go down).

Seaplane: Due to the current high fuel prices, this is by charter only; 50,000 baht for 1 to 7 persons/one way. 

All prices require a 7% VAT addition. 

A. As an eco resort located on a remote tropical island, we must generate our own power. From 6-11 PM we operate our generators supplying electricity to each house. Most our guests have found this sufficient for thier needs. Limiting the hours when we run the generator helps to conserve resources and reduce damage to the environment. Occasionally we will run the generators outside of the normal hours, but for the most part only expect electricity during the evenings.