150 Moo 4, Tumbol Khothong, Khao Thong, Thailand | (618) 248-8274
Beautiful setting surrounded by a lake and mountains
Quiet and rural
Lake stocked with some of the biggest fish in the world
Experienced fishing guides
Infinity-edge pool with beautiful views
Abundant green space
Bungalows all have lake views and their own fishing shelter
Unique resort built completely from scratch
Far from town
Aimed solely at the fishing crowd; not well-suited for others
Only one dining option for miles
Gillhams Fishing Resorts is one of Thailand's more distinctive properties. Built from scratch by a U.K. owner, the value resort features a lake that is stocked with the world's largest fish, and invites anglers from worldwide to come make the catch of a lifetime. Set in a beautiful remote karst mountain location near the sea, with simple lakeside bungalows and plenty of quiet, there is nothing to do here but fish, relax by the sunny swimming pool, and talk trade with other anglers all coming here for the same reason.
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Scene
Casual, unpretentious, and completely all about the fishing
It's all about the angling at Gillhams. The resort has 47 species of the largest fish in the world in its lake, along with 11 world record setting largest fish on the planet. As the resort doesn't really cater to those not here to fish, and as the rooms tend to get booked out for months ahead, due to the few rooms and very particular niche market, there is a bit of an old boys' club feeling here. The experienced guides get rave reviews from guests, and work hard to make sure guests have a good experience. Expect lots of fishing yarns over beer after a day at the lake. The scene is casual, unpretentious, and anyone with an interest in angling ought to appreciate this unique spot.
Location
Rural lakeside setting surrounded by mountains
The resort is set in a rural location near the sea and set on a man-made lake surrounded by dramatic limestone karst mountains. The bungalows sit around the lake and provide plenty of privacy for guests, excellent views, and of course ample spots for fishing. It's about a 45-minute drive to get to Krabi Airport, and a good 20 minutes to reach the beach in Ao Nang where there are lots of dining and drinking options.
Rooms
Two-room bungalows with spacious terraces where guests can sit and watch the lake
There are only 14 bungalows here and they are all exactly alike: two-room villas, one room with two twin beds and one with a king-size bed, along with one bathroom. The interiors are simply furnished with tile floors, basic wooden furniture, and modern bedding (topped off with towels folded into swans). Amenities include air-conditioning, mini-fridges, safes, and flat-screen TVs. Tile bathrooms are a bit rustic, with walk-in showers and toilets that have signs asking guests not to flush toilet paper. There are big spacious terraces to sit out on and admire the lake view. It's a few steps down to the lake, where each bungalow has its own little shelter and bank area for fishing. All rooms are non-smoking. Those who don't want to fish can book the rooms through a separate non-fishing rate.
Features
Lakeside swimming pool, small open-air restaurant, and pub
The resort is all about fishing and enjoying the quiet. There aren't really any facilities other than the sunny swimming pool (with beautiful views) and a single restaurant and pub -- pretty much the only dining option in the vicinity -- where breakfast is free. (Breakfast can also be delivered to guests at their fishing stations on the lake.) A small gym is on offer, and the owner has plans to get a spa up and running in the next few years. For fishing, the resort provides rods, tackle, and bait -- included for guests who booked on a fishing rate, but day rates are also available for non-guests. No outside bait is allowed.
