Da Kanda Villa Beach Resort

Dakanda Villa Beach Resort is a small family-run hotel set along a quiet white-sand beach, far removed from the island's buzzing party scene. The hotel's only real asset is the oceanfront setting, but unfortunately the beach is too shallow for swimming, which is the case for much of Koh Phangan's southern coastline. Few leisure facilities are on offer and the hotel is significantly aged and poorly maintained. The scene is more geared towards relaxation than partying, and tends to attract a wide range of travelers, including groups of friends, families, and couples who are drawn to the beach access and low rates. 

Da Kanda Villa is set along a white-sand beach, on the quiet outskirts of Thong Sala's downtown (a 10-minute walk away). The hotel's immediate area has a few simple dining options and shops, but overall it's fairly bare and unappealing. Kiteboarding is a popular activity along Phangan's southern coast, and the full-service Kiteboarding Asia school is located next door at Lime n Soda Beachfront Resort. Thong Sala has a ton of restaurants, bars, shops, and the vibrant Phantip Night Market, which features a diverse range of food stalls serving traditional Thai cuisine. The island's famous Full Moon Parties are hosted at Haad Rin Beach, a 30-minute drive from the hotel. Other popular monthly parties are the Half Moon, Black Moon, and Jungle Experience Parties, which are all within a 15-minute drive away.

A majority of the guest rooms at Da Kanda Villa are underwhelming to say the least, and are basically budget crash pads to sleep and shower between trips to the beach. The premier category, Beachfront Bungalows, are a big step up from the rest, with cleaner and more spacious interiors, plus direct beach access and stunning ocean views. All other room types are extremely rundown, with issues like mold, peeling paint, musty smells, and highly dated amenities such as old tube -style TVs and ineffective air conditioners. Decor is also garish and dated, with splashes of bright colors that clash and cheap furnishings. Rooms are outfitted with built-in concrete beds and firm mattresses, sofas, balcony seating, and wardrobes. Amenities include air-conditioning, TVs, safes, mini-fridges, and free Wi-Fi (unreliable connection), plus two bottles of water per day. Only Beachfront bungalows and Deluxe Cottages have coffee- and tea-making facilities, Standard Rooms don't. Beachfront Bungalow bathrooms are fairly plain, tiled in an ugly brown, and don't have stable water pressure or temperature, though overall are clean and useable. Bathrooms in all other room types are depressing. Set in cave-like spaces with damp concrete walls, awful smelling drains, and fittings in need of an update. Bottles of soap and shampoo are provided but hairdryers are only include in higher-tier rooms.

Da Kanda Villa Beach Resort is a small budget hotel with limited facilities. The main feature is the large outdoor swimming pool, which includes a shallow kids' section and a large wooden deck lined with lots of lounge chairs. The pool tends to be a hub of activity throughout day, as the beach itself is too shallow for swimming and doesn't have many lounge chairs laid out. The restaurant serves a mix of Thai and Western favorites and is set seafront. Although, numerous past guest reports complain about the poor quality of meals. Breakfast is served a la carte for an added charge. There's also a small cabana bar, but in reality it isn't much more than a ramshackle hut on the beach. Tour arrangements and vehicle rentals are offered through reception. On-site parking is available and Wi-Fi is free throughout, but the connection is unreliable.