Quick Facts ✨
- Star Rating: 3 ⭐ (Based on multiple booking platforms)
- Price Range: (70 – 150$ average, varies by season & room type)
- Best For: Families, Couples, Beach Lovers
- Key Highlights: Prime beachfront location on Pattaya Beach, Outdoor Pool, Good Staff Service, Proximity to Walking Street
Welcome to Dong Talay Lipe Beach Resort!
Nestled on the stunning Pattaya Beach in Koh Lipe, Thailand, Dong Talay Koh Lipe offers a serene escape for travelers seeking sun, sand, and sea. With its prime beachfront location, comfortable accommodations, and friendly staff, this resort provides a welcoming base for exploring the island’s natural beauty. Whether you’re traveling with family, as a couple, or solo, Dong Talay has something to offer.
Koh Lipe, often dubbed the “Maldives of Thailand,” is a small island in the Andaman Sea, known for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and laid-back vibe. Dong Talay captures the essence of this tropical paradise, giving guests a chance to unwind and connect with nature.
Special Offers & Packages 🎁
Dong Talay Lipe Beach Resort sometimes offers special packages, especially during the low season (May-October). These might include multi-night stays with breakfast or combined transfer and accommodation deals.
- Seasonal Deals: Look out for significant discounts during the ‘Green Season’ (May-October).
Location, Location, Location! 📍
Dong Talay boasts one of the best locations on Koh Lipe:
- Pattaya Beach: Right on the main beach, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and watching the longtail boats. Guest reviews consistently praise this spot: “Pattaya beach is amazing, and especially the part where Dong Talay is located.” (March 2025)
- Walking Street: Just a 5 minute walk away. This bustling street is the island’s hub for restaurants, bars, shops, dive centers, and ATMs.
- Ferry Arrival: Conveniently located near where speedboats and ferries often arrive on Pattaya Beach.
- Nearby Attractions: Close to snorkeling spots directly off the beach, easy access to arrange longtail boat trips to nearby islands like Koh Adang, or explore Sunrise and Sunset Beaches.
Accommodation Options 🛏️
Dong Talay offers bungalow-style accommodation, catering to different needs:
- Bungalow Options:
- Seafront Bungalows: Highly recommended by past guests for the best views and experience. “Ask for one of the seafront bungalows” (March 2019 tip).
- Deluxe Garden View (Double/Twin): Set slightly back from the beach amidst the gardens.
- Deluxe Suite (Double/Twin): Offering potentially more space or upgraded amenities.
- Standard Family Room: Noted positively in reviews for spaciousness, privacy, and suitability for families, often featuring multiple beds. “The best thing was having the family together in 1 place with our own rooms for privacy.“ (December 2024)
- Standard Double Rooms: Some negative feedback mentioned these rooms can be small, basic, or noisy.
- Room Amenities Generally Include: Air conditioning, Free WiFi (though signal strength/speed can be weak according to reviews), Ensuite bathroom (showers mentioned), TV, Mini-fridge, Safe, Balcony/Terrace (some rooms), complimentary water, instant coffee/tea.
Check-in: 2:00 PM / Check-out: 10:00 AM
Resort Amenities & Services 🏊♂️
Dong Talay provides essential amenities for a comfortable beach holiday:
- Outdoor Swimming Pool: A highlight for many guests, located near the beach. Includes a children’s pool section.
- Beachfront Access: Direct access to Pattaya Beach with shaded areas and free beach chairs mentioned by guests.
- Restaurant (Dong Talay Seafood): Serves Thai cuisine, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Bar/Lounge & Poolside Bar: Places to grab a drink.
- Free WiFi: Available in rooms and public areas, but rated poorly (6.7/10 on Booking.com). Don’t rely on it for heavy use.
- Tour & Ticket Assistance: Can help arrange boat trips, snorkeling excursions, or onward travel.
- Room Service: Available.
- Laundry Service: Offered for guest convenience.
- Airport Transfer: Available upon request (additional fees apply).
- Luggage Storage: Available at the front desk.
- Safety Deposit Boxes: Available.
- Daily Housekeeping: Provided.
- Designated Smoking Area: Available.
- Spa Services: Some booking sites mention a full-service spa on-site.
Dining & Nearby Restaurants 🍽️
- Dong Talay Seafood: The resort’s own restaurant serves breakfast (often praised for variety like fruits, eggs, pastries, though some critiques about flies or day-to-day repetition exist), lunch, and dinner, specializing in Thai cuisine and seafood. “Breakfast was a highlight, offering a variety of options…“ (December 2024)
- Nearby Options: A huge variety of dining awaits just a short walk away on Walking Street. You’ll find:
- Fresh Seafood BBQ
- Authentic Thai street food stalls
- Western cafes and restaurants (Italian, Bakeries, etc.)
- Indian cuisine
- Beachfront bars and restaurants along Pattaya Beach and nearby Sunrise Beach.
Guest Reviews & Ratings ⭐
Guest feedback for Dong Talay Lipe Beach Resort presents a mixed but generally positive picture, strongly influenced by its prime location.
Overall Scores:
- Agoda: 8.1/10 (353 reviews)
- Booking.com: 8.0/10 (489 reviews)
- Tripadvisor: 3.7/5 (36 reviews – suggests more mixed feelings here)
Key Insights from Reviews:
- 👍 Strengths:
- Location: Overwhelmingly positive feedback (8.9-9.4/10, 5.0/5). Guests love being right on Pattaya Beach, close to the water and Walking Street.
- Staff: Frequently described as friendly, accommodating, and helpful (8.5-8.7/10, 4.1/5). “The staff were absolutely amazing and excellent…” (April 2023)
- Pool: The seafront pool is often mentioned as a positive feature.
- Family Bungalows: Appreciated for space and privacy.
- 👎 Weaknesses:
- Aging Infrastructure: A common point of criticism is that the resort feels dated, especially bathrooms and some pool areas needing refurbishment. “The age and the condition of the resort is showing, specifically in the bathrooms (all need to be totally rebuilt).” (April 2023)
- Value for Money: Ratings are moderate (7.4-7.7/10, 3.3/5), suggesting some guests feel it’s slightly overpriced for the facilities offered.
- Facilities: General facility scores are okay but not exceptional (7.6-7.9/10).
- WiFi: Consistently rated poorly (6.7/10 on Booking.com).
- Room Issues: Some complaints about basic/small standard rooms, occasional smells, or noise. “The bathroom smells disgusting…” (January 2023 – note: this might be an isolated issue).
- Minor Service Gaps: Occasional mentions of small lapses like lack of arrival assistance with luggage. “There was no one from the resort to meet us from the boat on arrival.” (February 2024)
Tip: Manage expectations – you’re paying primarily for the fantastic location and friendly service, not for brand-new luxury facilities. If you want something a bit more up market consider Bundhaya Villas, Ananya Lipe Resort or Akira Lipe Resort.
Practical Information 📝
- Transportation:
- Getting to Koh Lipe: Fly to Hat Yai (HDY) or Langkawi (LGK, Malaysia). From Hat Yai, take a minivan/taxi (approx. 1.5-2 hrs) to Pak Bara Pier, then a speedboat (approx. 1.5 hrs) to Koh Lipe. From Langkawi, direct ferries operate (approx. 1.5 hrs, immigration required). Speedboats arrive at a floating platform off Pattaya Beach; a longtail boat transfer (paid locally, approx. 50 THB) takes you to the beach.
- Getting Around Koh Lipe: The island is small and walkable. Pattaya Beach, Sunrise Beach, and Walking Street are easily reached on foot. Motorbike taxis (with sidecars) are available for longer distances or carrying luggage. Longtail boats act as water taxis between beaches.
- Money: Thai Baht (THB). ATMs are available on Walking Street. While some larger places accept cards, many smaller vendors, local restaurants, and longtail boats operate on a cash basis. Bring sufficient cash.
- Safety: Koh Lipe is generally safe. Use common sense, secure valuables (use room safe), and be aware of your surroundings, especially at night. Be cautious with motorbike rentals if inexperienced.
- Health: Basic pharmacies are on Walking Street. Bring personal medications, insect repellent, and high-SPF sunscreen. Drink bottled water. Healthcare facilities are basic; serious issues require evacuation to the mainland. Travel insurance is highly recommended.
- Cultural Tips: Thailand is known as the “Land of Smiles.” Be polite and respectful. The ‘Wai’ (palms together gesture) is the traditional greeting. Dress modestly when away from the beach (cover shoulders/knees if visiting temples, though none are on Lipe). Remove shoes before entering homes or some shops.
Activities & Attractions 🏄♀️
Koh Lipe and its surroundings offer plenty to do:
- Snorkeling: Excellent snorkeling directly off Pattaya and Sunrise Beaches. Look for coral and marine life near rocky areas.
- Diving: Numerous dive shops on the island offer courses and fun dives to explore the rich marine life of Tarutao National Marine Park.
- Boat Trips: A must-do! Hire a private longtail boat or join a group tour to:
- Koh Adang: Nearby large island with viewpoints, waterfalls, and quieter beaches. A great day trip suggestion from past guests.
- Inner Islands Tour: Typically includes Koh Hin Ngam (unique black stone island), Jabang (soft corals), Koh Rawi (picnic lunch spot), and Koh Yang.
- Outer Islands Tour: Goes further to places like Koh Dong and Koh Rokroy (beautiful lagoons).
- Kayaking: Rent kayaks to explore the coastline at your own pace.
- Beach Hopping: Explore Pattaya, Sunrise (Hat Chao Ley), and Sunset (Hat Pramong) beaches.
- Walking Street: Explore the shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants.
- Sunrises & Sunsets: Catch the sunrise from Sunrise Beach and the sunset from Sunset Beach.
- Relaxing: Enjoy the pool, beach chairs, or get a traditional Thai massage.
Seasonal Considerations 🌦️
Koh Lipe has two main seasons:
- High Season (approx. November – April):
- Weather: Generally dry, sunny, calm seas, lower humidity. Temperatures average 28-33°C (82-91°F). Peak tourist season is Dec-Feb.
- Pros: Best weather for beach activities, diving/snorkeling visibility is excellent, more boat services available (including inter-island routes).
- Cons: More crowded, accommodation prices are highest, booking in advance is essential, especially during holidays.
- Low/Green Season (approx. May – October):
- Weather: Higher chance of rain, often in short, heavy bursts, but still plenty of sunshine. Higher humidity. Seas can be rougher. Temperatures remain warm (28-35°C / 82-95°F). Peak rainfall is usually Sept-Oct.
- Pros: Fewer tourists, quieter island vibe, significant discounts on accommodation, lush green scenery.
- Cons: Some businesses may close, boat schedules (especially inter-island) might be reduced or cancelled due to weather, water visibility may be lower. Access is typically still reliable via Pak Bara.
Shoulder Seasons (Late Oct-Nov & Late Apr-June): Can offer a good balance of decent weather, fewer crowds, and slightly lower prices than peak season.
Accessibility Features ♿
Information specific to Dong Talay Lipe Beach Resort’s accessibility features is limited in search results. However, general accessibility on Thai islands like Koh Lipe, especially at older resorts built on sandy terrain, can be challenging.
- Wheelchair Access: Likely limited. Pathways might be sandy or uneven. Reaching bungalows might involve steps. Getting on/off longtail boats is typically not wheelchair accessible.
- Accessible Rooms: Unlikely to have specifically designed accessible rooms with features like roll-in showers or grab bars unless explicitly stated by the resort.
- Facilities: Access to the pool, restaurant, and beach areas might involve navigating uneven ground or steps.
Sustainability Practices 🌱
Specific details on Dong Talay Lipe Beach Resort’s sustainability initiatives are not readily available from search results or the provided PDF.
While many Thai hotels are increasingly adopting eco-friendly practices (like reducing single-use plastics, managing waste, using solar energy), the level of implementation varies greatly. General trends in Thai tourism include:
- Efforts to reduce plastic bottle use (refill stations).
- Waste separation programs.
- Supporting local communities.
- Energy-saving measures (LED lighting, key card power).
Some luxury resorts on Koh Lipe, like Irene Resort, actively promote their sustainability efforts (eco-friendly materials, waste reduction, wildlife preservation).
Recommendation: If sustainability is a key factor in your choice, inquire directly with Dong Talay or look for certifications (like Green Hotel certification) if available. Be aware that “green” practices might be less formalized at mid-range or older properties.
Comparing Dong Talay With Nearby Resorts
Here’s a quick comparison with other resorts on or near Pattaya Beach:
| Feature | Dong Talay Lipe Beach Resort | Bundhaya Resort | AKIRA Lipe Resort | Sita Beach Resort & Spa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Location | Excellent (Mid Pattaya Beach) | Excellent (South Pattaya Beach, near ferry point) | Excellent (Mid Pattaya Beach, near Walking St access) | Excellent (South end Pattaya Beach) |
| Price Range* | $$ – $$$ | $$$ – $$$$ | $$$$ – $$$$$ | $$$ – $$$$ |
| Style | Traditional Thai Bungalows, beachfront | Mix of older bungalows & modern rooms/villas | Modern, Chic, Multiple Pools | Modern Thai, Large Pool Area, Villas |
| Key Strengths | Prime Location, Beachfront Access, Staff | Location Convenience, Value Option, Dive Center | Modern facilities, Excellent Pools, Gym, Location | Large pool complex, Spa, Comfortable rooms |
| Best For | Couples/Families wanting prime beach access, value | Budget-conscious travelers, Divers, Convenience seekers | Couples, Families seeking modern luxury & pools | Families, Couples wanting resort amenities/spa focus |
*Price Range Guide (relative, varies greatly by season & room type):
$$ = Budget/Value
$$$ = Mid-Range/Upper Mid-Range
$$$$ = Upper Mid-Range/Luxury
$$$$$ = Luxury/Premium
Hotel Contact Details 📞
- Phone Number: +66 650 473 636
- Address: 443 Moo 7, T. Koh Sarai (or T. Parknam), Pattaya Beach, Ko Lipe, Satun, Thailand, 91000
Frequently Asked Questions ❓
- Is Dong Talay Lipe Beach Resort good for families?
Yes, reviews specifically mention the family bungalows are spacious and suitable. The beachfront location and pool are also kid-friendly. Children aged 4-8 may stay free of charge (verify policy when booking). - How good is the WiFi at Dong Talay?
Reviews consistently rate the free WiFi as poor (6.7/10 on Booking.com). Expect basic connectivity, but don’t rely on it for streaming or heavy work. Consider getting a local SIM card with data if you need reliable internet. - Is breakfast included?
It depends on the rate booked. Many booking options include breakfast, which generally gets positive reviews for variety, though some minor critiques exist. Continental breakfast might be available for a surcharge (approx. 500 THB adult / 300 THB child, according to one source). - How do I get from the ferry arrival point to the resort?
Speedboats usually drop you at a floating pontoon off Pattaya Beach. You’ll take a short longtail boat ride (pay locally, ~50 THB) to the beach. Dong Talay is located directly on Pattaya Beach, likely a short walk along the sand from where the longtail drops you. Request luggage assistance in advance if needed, as some guests reported having to carry their own bags. - Does the resort have a nice beach area?
Yes, its location on Pattaya Beach is considered a major strength. Guests mention shaded areas and free beach chairs provided by the resort. The beach itself is beautiful white sand with clear turquoise water.
Final Thoughts
Dong Talay Lipe Beach Resort offers a solid, if slightly no-frills, beach holiday experience defined by its fantastic location right on Pattaya Beach. If being steps from the sand and sea, close to the island’s main attractions, and enjoying friendly service are your priorities, this resort is a strong contender, especially for families and couples who value convenience.
Be prepared for potentially dated bathrooms or facilities and don’t expect lightning-fast WiFi. However, the allure of waking up to Pattaya Beach views, lounging by the seafront pool, and having Walking Street’s buzz just minutes away often outweighs these minor drawbacks for many guests. It represents reasonable value for one of the best spots on Koh Lipe.
Recommended if: You prioritize location above all else, want easy beach access, appreciate friendly staff, and are looking for a mid-range option on Pattaya Beach.
Consider alternatives if: You require modern, newly renovated facilities, guaranteed strong WiFi, or a luxury, high-end resort experience.