Escape to Paradise: Baan Porjai Guesthouse, Koh Lanta

Escape to Paradise? My Rollercoaster Ride at Baan Porjai Guesthouse, Koh Lanta: A Review

Okay, buckle up, because this isn't your typical, pristine hotel review. This is my experience at Baan Porjai Guesthouse, Koh Lanta, and let me tell you, it was a trip. Think less "Instagram perfect" and more "slightly sunburnt, emotionally invested, and fueled by too much Chang beer."

SEO & Metadata Stuff (Gotta keep the robots happy!):

Keywords: Koh Lanta, Baan Porjai Guesthouse, Thailand, Accessible Accommodation, Wheelchair Friendly, Spa, Pool, Restaurant, WiFi, Beachfront, Family Friendly, Relaxation, Food, Review, Travel, Accommodation.
Meta Description: My honest, messy, and hilarious review of Baan Porjai Guesthouse in Koh Lanta! Find out if their paradise lives up to the hype, from accessibility and facilities to food and fun. Get ready for some real-life travel stories!

The Arrival: Accessibility & First Impressions (and a Slight Panic)

Right, let's get the practical stuff out of the way. Accessibility. This was a big one for me. Baan Porjai definitely advertises itself as being accommodating. And here's where things got… interesting. They have Facilities for disabled guests. Now, "facilities" could mean anything, right? Turns out, accessing the main areas was doable. There's an Elevator, which is a lifesaver. And the staff, bless their hearts, were incredibly kind and accommodating. Seriously, they genuinely wanted to help.

However, the pathways to some of the bungalows… well, let's just say my wheelchair and I had some intimate moments with sand and uneven terrain. Some of them are just a walk from the main building. I was a little concerned there…

Internet & Communication: My Lifeline (and the occasional frustration)

Internet access is crucial, right? Especially if you're trying to work AND relax. Okay, so, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! – YES! And it actually worked most of the time. I'm pretty sure I spent more time staring at the loading icon than I'd care to admit, but, hey, it was there. I really appreciated the Internet access – wireless in my room and when I was connected, the connection was good enough.

But here's the thing: Internet [LAN] was mentioned, and I didn’t even bother to look for that! When even the main network slows down….

Room Comfort & Amenities: My Personal Sanctuary (with a few hiccups)

My room was a Non-smoking haven, thankfully, and the Air conditioning was a godsend in the Koh Lanta heat. Air conditioning in public area - check! The Blackout curtains were essential for sleeping in after a night of, ahem, "researching" the local cocktail scene. My room had a complimentary tea and free bottled water and that meant a lot.

The Bathroom phone took me by surprise. The Bathtub was inviting, but I'm not sure I actually used it. The bathrobes were comfy! I did appreciate the extra long bed (the best I had in Thailand), and the seating area was perfect for unwinding.

But… the carpet felt a little… worn. And that window that opens? Yeah, let's just say it let in all the sounds of the jungle – the cicadas, the geckos having heated debates, the occasional monkey party. You’re either going to love it or hate it. I fell somewhere in-between.

Dining, Drinking & Snacking: From Pad Thai to Poolside Cocktails (and a food coma or two)

Oh, the food. This is where Baan Porjai really impressed. The Asian breakfast was a glorious spread, and the Western breakfast wasn’t bad either. I could get coffee/tea in restaurant anytime. The Buffet in restaurant was also interesting. The A la carte in restaurant and a selection of desserts in restaurant were not bad too.

The Poolside bar was pure bliss. Sipping a cocktail, overlooking the water? Paradise. The restaurants themselves offered a wide range of choices. The Vegetarian restaurant was a big hit with me; tasty and with the freshest ingredients.

But… the Happy hour, well, the "happy" part sometimes depended on the efficiency of the bar staff. I had to wait a few times. Also, I got a little too adventurous with the Salad in restaurant one day and ended up with a slightly upset stomach. (Lesson learned: stick to the cooked food!)

Things To Do & Ways to Relax: Spa Days & Sunrise Reflections (Finding My Zen, Eventually)

Okay, now this is where Baan Porjai truly shines. The Swimming pool [outdoor] was a stunner, with a view. I spent hours in there, either lazily floating or working up a sweat. The Pool with view was one of the best.

The Spa was an absolute highlight. I splurged on a Body scrub and a Massage, and I'm pretty sure I achieved a level of relaxation I'd never experienced before. The Sauna, Spa/sauna and Steamroom would be interesting, but I did not have time to go in.

There's a Fitness center (if you're into that kind of thing, which I am not primarily) and a Foot bath. The atmosphere was super chill, the staff trained expertly. I even considered a Body wrap, but my inner sloth won out.

Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Safe (mostly)

They definitely made an effort. The Anti-viral cleaning products were reassuring. Daily disinfection in common areas, Rooms sanitized between stays, and Sanitized kitchen and tableware items were a welcome touch. The staff were friendly while being trained in their Hygiene certification.

But… the Smoke alarms were a little too sensitive at one point! And I didn’t see any doctor/nurse on call. That being said, I felt relatively safe.

Services and Conveniences: The Nitty-Gritty (and the occasional missed opportunity)

They offer a ton of Services and conveniences: Daily housekeeping, Laundry service, Dry cleaning, blah blah blah. The Cash withdrawal was a lifesaver, and the Convenience store meant I could grab snacks and essentials anytime.

But… the Concierge wasn't always super helpful. And I wish there had been a bit more information about local attractions.

For the Kids: Family Friendly? (My Observations)

While I was there, I did see a few families with kids. The Family/child friendly rating is correct. I was a little bit skeptical about the Babysitting service.

Getting Around: Transportation & Parking

Airport transfer was easy and stress-free. The car park [free of charge] was a bonus (although a little tricky to navigate!), and I didn’t need a Car power charging station myself. There was Taxi service available.

The Verdict: Would I "Escape to Paradise" Again?

Okay, here's the honest truth. Baan Porjai Guesthouse is not a perfect paradise. It's a little rough around the edges, a bit quirky, and it definitely has its flaws. Was it everything I expected? No. Did I fall in love with it? Absolutely.

The location is stunning, the staff are lovely, and the spa is phenomenal. The food is amazing, and the general vibe is relaxed and friendly. Honestly, seeing the beauty of the island through the lens of the imperfect, made the experience even better.

Read More

My advice? Go with realistic expectations, embrace the flaws, and be prepared to leave Koh Lanta feeling utterly blissed out. I rate it 4 stars.

MilanYilan: Taiwan's Hidden Gem You NEED to See!

Book Now

Baan Porjai Guesthouse Koh Lanta Thailand

Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to embark on a slightly-less-than-perfect, utterly-human journey to Baan Porjai Guesthouse on Koh Lanta. This isn't your glossy travel brochure itinerary, folks. This is real life, with sandy toes, sunburns, and the occasional existential crisis fueled by too much Chang beer.

Koh Lanta: Operation Sunshine & Sanity (Mostly)

Day 1: Arrival & "I'm Finally Here!" Euphoria (Followed by Mild Panic)

Morning (ish): Landed in Krabi! Already sweating like a pig in a silk shirt, which is, like, my natural state in Thailand. Taxi to the pier. The driver, bless his heart, clearly hadn't seen a speed limit in his life. We're hurtling through the countryside.
- Anecdote: I swear, I saw a monkey on a scooter. Or maybe it was the heat. Or the lack of sleep. Whatever.
Noon: Ferry to Koh Lanta. The sea breeze! The promise of island life! And the faint smell of diesel. Still, bliss.
Afternoon: Arrive at Baan Porjai! (Insert angels singing). The guesthouse is even lovelier than the pictures. Lush gardens, a pool that actually sparkles, and the air smells like… well, like paradise and maybe a hint of mosquito repellent. Checked in. Met “Mama Noi” (not her real name, but she’s definitely the matriarch), the owner. She’s a tiny, energetic woman with eyes that miss NOTHING. Already feel judged for my luggage-packing choices.
- Quirky Observation: The fan in my room sounds like a dying pterodactyl. I kinda love it. It's character! And it's keeping me alive in this heat.
Evening: Walked to the beach. OMG. The sunset. Seriously, the most ridiculous, Instagram-worthy sunset I've ever seen. Sat on the sand, ordered a Singha beer, and felt actual, genuine contentment. Maybe I can handle this digital detox I planned.
- Imperfection: I forgot my sunscreen. Already a little pink. Rookie mistake.
- Emotional Reaction: Pure, unadulterated JOY. This – this – is what I needed.
Dinner: Found a little beach shack. Pad Thai, naturally. It was… okay. Needed more peanuts. My expectations may have been set way too high after the sunset.
Evening Wrap Up: Back to the room. Pterodactyl fan whirring. Writing in my journal. I can already feel the sand trying to infiltrate every pore.

Day 2: Beach, Beach, Beach (Plus a Near-Disaster)

Morning: Slept. (Thank god for air conditioning, bless it). Woke up and walked from the guesthouse to the beach. Ate mango sticky rice for breakfast. (Pure bliss).
Morning: Beach day! This is what I came for, people! Sunbathing, swimming, pretending to be a graceful mermaid (spoiler alert: I am not). My sunburn is getting serious, though. Note to self: next time, apply sunscreen.
- Opinionated Language: I swear, the sun here is more aggressive than back home. It's like it's out to get you.
Afternoon: Rented a scooter! Okay, should probably note that I have zero experience on two wheels. Terrified. Mama Noi gave me the "look". You know the one. But I did it! Driven to a picturesque beach.
- Anecdote: I almost ran over a tiny, adorable puppy. Swerved. Screamed. The puppy seemed unfazed. I, however, was traumatized.
Emotional Reaction: Oh. My. GOD. Scooter was so scary, but the view on the beach was so perfect.
Evening: Dinner at a restaurant overlooking the sea. Fresh seafood. Amazing. Made eye contact with a particularly handsome waiter. Flustered. Ordered another Singha. Maybe too many.
Evening: Stumbled back to the guesthouse. Failed attempt to star-gaze (too many palm trees and too much beer). Passed out in my bed. Didn't even remember to brush my teeth. Living my best (slightly messy) life.

Day 3: Exploring & The Great Kayak Debacle

Morning: Mild hangover. Regret. But also: Sunrise on the beach! Worth it. Coffee at a little cafe overlooking the ocean. Decided to be more adventurous.
Afternoon: Kayaking. Thought it would be relaxing. Wrong.
- Stream-of-consciousness: Got the kayak! The paddles were too long. The water was choppy. I kept going in circles. I capsized. Twice. My sunglasses sank to the bottom of the sea. I swallowed half the Andaman Sea. I looked like a drowned rat. My muscles screamed. Embarrassment washed over me. I hate ocean! What did I get myself into? Thought about selling everything and becoming a hermit.
- Opinionated Language: Kayaking is THE WORST. It is so incredibly humbling.
Evening: Salty, exhausted, and slightly defeated, I dragged myself back to Baan Porjai. Mama Noi saw my state and, bless her heart, made me a soothing tea. I ate food. Then, I slept. Hard.

Day 4: Cooking Class (Hopefully, No Disasters) & Farewell (For Now)

Morning: Cooking class! Hoping to redeem myself after the kayak fiasco. Learnt to make Green curry, papaya salad and coconut soup. Succeeded!
- Anecdote: Accidentally added too much chili to my curry. Almost set my mouth on fire. But hey, at least I learned something!
Afternoon: Tried to purchase a souvenir. Failed to bargain hard.
Evening: Farewell dinner at a restaurant overlooking the beach. Watched the sunset. Said goodbye to Mama Noi.
Emotional Reaction: Bittersweet. So glad I did this. But I'm going to miss this place. Maybe Koh Lanta and I will have a lasting and happy relationship.
Evening Wrap Up: Checked out. Taxi to pier.
- Messier Structure: This isn't even a goodbye! I'm coming back. I have to. Need a do-over on the kayaking. Need more mango sticky rice.
- Rambles: I'm already dreaming of the palm trees and the sea. Baan Porjai, I'll be back! Maybe with a better plan. More sunscreen. Less beer. (Okay, maybe not less beer). And definitely, definitely a less disastrous kayaking experience.

Whew! That's it, folks. Or, more accurately, that's some of it. The rest is a blur of sunshine, salty air, and a whole lot of messy, beautiful living. Now go out there and make your own mess! You won't regret it. (Probably).

YHA London Earl's Court: Your Epic London Adventure Starts Here!

Book Now

Baan Porjai Guesthouse Koh Lanta Thailand```html

Okay, spill it: Is Baan Porjai actually Paradise? 'Cause I'm skeptical.

Okay, so… "Paradise" is a loaded word, right? Like, promises a unicorn ride on a rainbow bridge. Baan Porjai? Closer to a really, really good, slightly sandy, ice cream sundae. Definitely not a unicorn. It's got its quirks. The WiFi? Let's just say it's on island time. One day, the router went *poof* mid-video call with my boss. Mortifying. Spent half an hour apologizing to the manager, bless her heart, and another hour pacing the beach, muttering about deadlines. (Don't tell my boss.)

But then… sunset happened. And the crashing waves. And the beer they serve at their little bar is *cold*. And the staff are basically like your own goofy extended family. So… is it paradise? Maybe not for the hyper-connected digital nomad. But for someone who wants to actually *feel* like they’ve escaped? Yeah. Definitely feeling like a sundae kind of paradise.

What’s the vibe? Is it all yoga pants and earnest conversation?

Okay, look: I've seen yoga AND earnest conversation. But also, board shorts and a *lot* of beers. It's a very relaxed vibe. Think less structured resort, more… friendly backpacker hangout with proper rooms and air conditioning. I once saw a family with three small kids, and the dad was building a sandcastle that would've put the Taj Mahal to shame. Then there was a couple who seemed to spend the entire week just *staring* at the ocean. Lovely, but I was convinced they'd either elope or start a cult by the end. (They didn't, thankfully. They just seemed very, very happy.)

The rooms… are they like, actual rooms, or glorified glorified beach huts?

Actual rooms! Thank goodness. Not fancy, mind you. Don't expect gold-plated faucets. But they’re clean, comfortable, and the AC is… a *lifesaver*. I booked a room with a sea view, and every morning I'd wake up to that, and it was such a mood booster. My only tiny grumble? The shower pressure wasn't the strongest. But honestly, after a day in the sun, a lukewarm shower is better than no shower. The rooms may not be The Ritz, but you're there to enjoy the beach, not to be in your room anyways!

Oh! and a mosquito net! That's a win in my book right off the bat. I hate mosquito nets! But they're *necessary*!

Food? Tell me about the food! Because I'm always about the food.

Okay, focus! The food is good. Really good. Nothing Michelin-star, but seriously tasty and fresh. Their breakfast is included, and it's a solid spread: fresh fruit, eggs (cooked any way you want!), toast, coffee, all the essentials to get you prepped for the day. They have a little restaurant on-site that serves lunch and dinner. Try the Pad Thai. Seriously. I ate Pad Thai practically every day. It's a danger. A delicious, carb-filled danger. The green curry was also a highlight. The cook is amazing. And the cost? Super affordable. I ate like a king and didn't break the bank.

I once tried to make a smoothie myself in the restaurant and the staff was so helpful. They helped me find all the ingredients. It was an adventure. I almost put too much ginger and wanted to cry, but it was still fun!

Anything particularly annoying? Because every place has a catch.

Hmm... besides the slightly patchy WiFi? (Which, let's be honest, is an island-wide problem, not just Baan Porjai). It's not *super* close to the main hubbub of Long Beach. You need to walk down the beach, or get a scooter to get there. It's not a super long walk, but at the end of a long day of sunbathing? It's probably a longer walk then you'd like. But honestly, that's also part of the charm. It's quieter. It's away from the crowds. So, is it annoying? Maybe. Does it also add to the overall appeal? Absolutely.

I was also a bit put out that the restaurant stopped serving food from 3pm to 6pm. But then I realized that's because everybody is out on the beach and it doesn't matter. I was a little too busy napping and swimming.

The staff? Are they actually friendly, or just faking it for tips?

No faking. These people are genuinely lovely. You know how you can *tell* when someone actually cares? They chat, they ask about your day, they remember your name (even if you're terrible with remembering theirs, which I am.) The woman at reception even helped me find a tailor when my favourite shorts got ruined. She was great! They're not just employees, they're part of the experience. They seem to really enjoy working there, and honestly, that makes a huge difference. Never experienced that before.

Okay, let’s talk beach. Because… that's the point, right?

The beach. Ohhh, the beach. It's beautiful. Long, sandy, perfect for long walks. The sand is that perfect, soft, white sand that you just *siiiiiiink* into. The waves? Gentle mostly, great for swimming. I spent a good chunk of my time just doing nothing else. It's so peaceful. You can rent kayaks, and paddle around. And the sunsets... the sunsets are just... wow. Words fail me. Seriously. Just… wow. One night, I was walking back after enjoying the sunset and I saw a couple snuggling under a blanket. It looked like a movie scene. Ugh, so romantic!

I also saw a monkey. Just casually strolling along the beach. It stole a banana from a beach bag. Don't leave anything edible unattended. Seriously. They are sneaky little guys!

Is it good for kids? Because I'm traveling with a small army…

It looks good. I didn't travel with a small army, so I can't say *specifically*. But from what I saw? Yes. The beach is shallow and safe for small children. There were lots of families when I went there, and the staff are very friendly and great with kids. And hey, the food is kid-friendly, mostly. (They might have to swap out the pad thai in theFind Your Perfect Stay