Escape to Paradise: LaRio Hotel, Krabi's Hidden Gem
Escape to Paradise: LaRio Hotel, Krabi - A Review That's All Over the Place (But Hopefully Helpful!)
Okay, so you're looking at the LaRio Hotel in Krabi, yeah? Let me tell you, after my recent trip… it’s a trip alright. And I mean that in the best, and sometimes the weirdest, way possible. This review is gonna be a bit scattered, just like my brain after a week of Thai sun and Chang beers. But hey, that's life, right? Let's dive in.
First things first: Accessibility - Not quite a slam dunk.
I'm gonna be blunt: LaRio tries on accessibility. It ticks some boxes, but it's not a complete home run. The elevator is a lifesaver, for sure! So that's a big plus. They have facilities for disabled guests, which is great in theory, but… my friend tried to wheel himself around and found some slightly tricky terrain (especially around the pools). So, it’s better than nothing, but if full-blown accessibility is your #1 priority, double-check with the hotel directly and get VERY specific. They seemed genuinely keen to help though, so don't be afraid to ask a ton of questions before you book.
On-Site Grub & Booze - Fueling the Holiday Craziness!
- Restaurants and Lounges: Okay, so they have places to eat. Multiple, in fact. And the pool-side bar? A must. Seriously. Imagine this: scorching afternoon, you're slightly sunburnt, and you're sipping a ridiculously refreshing cocktail while watching the sun dip below the horizon. Pure bliss. Though… I will say, the service sometimes felt a bit laissez-faire, you know? Like, you could be waiting for a while for a menu or a refill. But hey, you're on island time! Relax! (Easier said than done when you're hangry, I know.)
- Dining Options Galore! Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, buffets, a la carte… you name it, they (probably) got it. The Asian cuisine was fantastic. I loaded up on the morning pad thai like it was going out of style (which, in my stomach, it probably was). The coffee shop was clutch for those much-needed caffeine jolts to kickstart the day. And there’s a snack bar for when you're just craving a quick bite between swims
- My Happy Hour Story: Okay, so here's the thing. Happy hour there is… well, it's spirited. One evening, after a particularly grueling day of doing absolutely nothing (tough life, right?), I stumbled into the bar for a post-beach treat. My intentions were simple: a cold beer and maybe some snacks. But one thing led to another… and the next thing I knew, the bartender, a lovely Thai woman who looked like she'd seen it all, was making me a ridiculously potent cocktail. It tasted like pure tropical sunshine. I think I only remember flashes of that night. A group of Swedish tourists, a lot of laughter, and definitely an umbrella in my drink. I woke up the next morning with a killer headache and a profound appreciation for bottled water. Point is, LaRio's bar can be a seriously fun time. Just pace yourself, okay? Or don't. Live a little!
The Spa & Relaxation: Embrace the Bliss (and Maybe a Little Bit of Weirdness)
- Spa/Sauna/Steamroom Chaos: The spa itself is… okay. I’m a sucker for a good massage, so I gave it a whirl. The massage was… good. Not mind-blowing, but good. The sauna and steamroom? Well, they existed. I'm not sure I'm a sauna person, to be honest. Too hot. Too sweaty. Too… quiet.
- The Pool with a View: Absolutely glorious. The pools at LaRio are the kind of pools you dream about while stuck in a dreary office. The infinity pool offers breathtaking views, and the other pool has built-in jacuzzi seats, making it perfect for a lazy afternoon. Sunbathing, swimming, reading… it's just… perfect.
- Body Scrubs and Wraps… and Me? I tried a body scrub. Felt weird. Looked weird. Definitely a bit self-conscious at first, but eventually just embraced the whole slathering-myself-in-goopy-stuff experience. My skin felt amazing afterward. Worth it.
- The Fitness Center. I saw it, but. I peeked in the gym, it was small and I didn't even bother. I'm on holiday, dammit! My fitness routine consisted of walking from the pool to the bar, which, let's be honest, burns a ton of calories.
Cleanliness and Safety - The COVID Thing (Let’s be Real)
- They REALLY Tried: Look, post-pandemic travel is… complicated. LaRio did its best. They had hand sanitizer everywhere, the staff wore masks (most of the time), and they were obsessively cleaning. I'm talking daily disinfection in common areas, professional-grade sanitizing services, and all the usual suspects. Made me feel better, I guess.
- Wrapped Food, More Than You Think: The individually wrapped food options were a nice touch (hello, breakfast takeaway service!). The safe dining setup felt… safe. Sanitized tableware? Check. Safe? Sure. But it also meant a slight reduction in the usual breakfast buffet charm.
- Room Sanitization Opt-Out? Interesting: I didn't use this, but the option to opt-out was there. Kinda cool, actually. Shows they trust their guests to, you know, not be super-spready.
My Room – The Little Paradise (Mostly)
- Room Rundown: The rooms at LaRio are… nice. Not palace nice, but comfortable and clean. Air conditioning? Check (thank god!). Free Wi-Fi? Check (and it actually worked!). The bed was comfy, the shower had decent water pressure, and the view from my balcony was, as they say, "Instagrammable."
- The Quirks: I had a slight issue with my bathroom; the shower drain was a bit… slow. It wasn't a deal-breaker, but it did make me feel like I was bathing in my own filth for a bit. And the lighting in the room was a bit… dim. Not ideal for late night reading. But hey, minor quibbles. Overall, a pleasant space.
- Wake-Up Call Woes: One morning I overslept my wake-up call. Not the hotel's fault (probably my fault for those potent cocktails). But, yeah… missed the buffet and had to settle for room service. Lesson learned: don't drink all the cocktails the night before a big breakfast!
Services and Conveniences: The Good Stuff…
- The Staff: A Mixed Bag, But Mostly Great: The staff were, generally, lovely! Some were super-efficient, and some… not so much. The doorman was fantastic, always greeting me with a smile. The check-in/check-out process was super smooth. The concierge? Awesome!
- Business Facilities & Meetings: Well, I went to the LaRio to chill, so I didn’t delve into this. I did see a couple of guys in suits looking stressed, so I guess it has the facilities.
- Currency Exchange & Cash Withdrawal - Easy Peasy: Convenient currency exchange at the front desk, and a cash withdrawal option, which is always handy.
- Laundry & Ironing: Laundry and ironing… available. Didn’t use it. Again, on holiday. Who irons on holiday?! (Okay, maybe if you're going to a fancy dinner… but I was mostly in swim trunks.)
- The Gift Shop - Souvenir Heaven: They have a nice little gift/souvenir shop. I stocked up on some Thai snacks for the flight home.
For the Kids:
- Family/Child Friendly: I saw plenty of families, and everything seemed set up for the kiddies. They even had a babysitting service, which is a lifesaver for parents wanting a night out.
Getting Around:
- Airport Transfer: Smooth as Butter: The airport transfer? Fantastic. They were waiting for me, the car was clean, and the air conditioning worked!
- Parking/Taxis: Car park, taxi service… all sorted. No issues there.
The Verdict:
LaRio Hotel is not perfect. It has its flaws, its quirks, and moments where you're like, “Umm, what?” But, overall, it's a great choice for a Krabi getaway. It gets the essentials right: clean rooms, a good pool, tasty (and plentiful) food, and a whole lot of chill vibes. It aims for paradise, and it gets pretty darn close.
Final Thoughts:
Go. Relax. Embrace the chaos. Enjoy the cocktails (but pace yourself). And be prepared for an experience that's a little bit messy, a little bit wonderful, and totally unforgettable. I'd return. Absolutely! I might even see you there, nursing a hangover and a Chang beer.
Escape to Paradise: Geojae Green Hue Pension Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this itinerary for LaRio Hotel Krabi… well, it’s going to be a ride. Forget perfect, pristine travel blogs. We're going for real life. Think less "Instagram-ready" and more "sweaty, slightly sunburned, and fueled by a questionable street-food spring roll."
LaRio Hotel Krabi: My Messy, Mostly Wonderful Adventure (Because Let’s Be Honest, Everything’s a Little Messy, Right?)
Day 1: Arrival, Beach Bliss, and Bali Belly… (Maybe Not Bali Belly, But Definitely Something)
- Morning (6:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Ugh, the flight. Let’s just say budget airlines and my bladder are not friends. Landed in Krabi airport, which, thankfully, wasn’t a complete hellscape. Grabbed a taxi to LaRio. The drive was… vibrant. Scooters weaving in and out of traffic, tuk-tuks honking like aggressive geese, and the smell of… well, Thailand. A mix of exhaust fumes, frangipani, and something I couldn't quite place but was definitely interesting.
- Anecdote: During the taxi ride, the driver kept pointing and shouting, “Monkey! Monkey!” I was so tired I mistook it for a bizarre, enthusiastic greeting. Turns out, there were, like, a dozen rhesus macaques casually hanging out on a power line. Welcome to Thailand, folks!
- Mid-Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Check-in at LaRio. The lobby is nice, I'll give it that. Tropical vibes, smiling staff, mandatory welcome drink (thank god, I needed it). The room? Okay, the view is INCREDIBLE. Infinity pool overlooking Railay Beach. I could spend DAYS here, honestly. Dropped my luggage (probably the biggest bag on the entire planet, who needs THAT much for a week?!), and immediately changed into my bikini.
- Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Hit the hotel restaurant. Fish and chips, because I was feeling like something… bland to ease into the spice. It was fine. Expensive, but you know, the view makes it worth it. Plus, my stomach was rebelling.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Railay Beach. HOLY COW. Seriously, just… wow. The limestone cliffs are just majestic. The water is a turquoise dream. Took photos. Lots of photos. Attempted to learn to stand-up paddleboard. Let's just say I spent more time in the water than on the board. Embarrassing, but hilarious.
- Imperfection: Burnt my shoulders. Like, really badly. Slathered on sunscreen… eventually. I should have applied like, a quart. Lesson learned.
- Evening (5:00 PM - 8:00 PM): Sunset. Drinks. Bliss. Watched the sunset from the hotel's rooftop bar. Ordered a Mai Tai (because, vacation). The view made me forget the sunburn for a moment. Feeling slightly nauseous now. God, did I eat something bad?
- Dinner (8:00 PM - Late): Decided to stroll down a nearby restaurant to get something light for dinner. Picked a place that seemed to be pretty busy, and it was delicious! Maybe it was the sunstroke, but those fried rice wrapped in egg look like they were the most magical things, ever.
Day 2: Caves, Kayaking, and… The Great Toilet Paper Emergency!
- Morning (7:00 AM - 8:00 AM): Woke up with a stomach like a washing machine. Oops. Think I'm gonna have to make do with only water today.
- Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Boat trip to Phra Nang Cave Beach and Railay East. Phra Nang Cave Beach is where the locals go to pray, a place of great beauty. So beautiful, that the limestone cliffs become like a painting! Spent most of the time kayaking. It was the best experience of my life. I felt like a Disney princess.
- Quirky Observation: The monkeys on the beach at Railay East are bold. They'll straight-up try to steal your snacks. Guard your water bottle, and definitely don't leave your bag unattended. Learned that the hard way.
- Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Back to the hotel. Ate toast and tried my best to keep that down. pray for me
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Spent some time by the pool. Did some reading. Mostly tried to recover from my stomach.
- Evening (4:00 PM - Late): Another restaurant. Ordered something simple. Walked around. Realized I was running out of toilet paper. Disaster! Thankfully, the hotel has a shop and I was able to obtain some.
- Opinion: The staff at LaRio are genuinely lovely, and that view… it’s worth every penny, even with my messy trip, I still would rate them a 9.5/10!
Day 3, 4, 5, and onwards: TBD I'm still here!
Transportation: Mostly taxis, longtail boats, and my own two feet (mostly wobbly). Budget: Blowing it. But hey, you only live once, right? (Unless you get food poisoning. Then you might wish you'd lived a little less wildly.) Packing Snafus: Overpacked. Definitely could have left that leather jacket at home. Overall Vibe: Chaotic, beautiful, and I wouldn't trade it for anything. Final Thoughts (for now): Krabi is amazing. LaRio is a great base. Don't be afraid to be a mess. Embrace the imperfection, the sunburn, the questionable street food, and the moments of pure, unadulterated joy. Because hey, that’s what travel is all about, right? Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to attempt to rehydrate and prepare for the next adventure!
Disclaimer: This itinerary is based on ONE person's experience. Your mileage may vary. Also, I am not a trained travel writer. I write from the heart (and the memory of that delicious, possibly ill-fated, spring roll). Stay hydrated. And bring extra toilet paper. You'll thank me later.
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Escape to Paradise: LaRio Hotel, Krabi - Your Burning Questions (and My Ramblings) Answered
So, is LaRio REALLY a "Hidden Gem"? Or is that just marketing fluff?
Okay, let's be real. "Hidden Gem" is tossed around more than a beach ball at a pool party. But... LaRio? Yeah, I think it *actually* fits. I mean, I've seen travel blogs say that about places where the "hidden gem" is a chipped teacup. LaRio is DIFFERENT. It's tucked away, a little bit off the beaten path, like you’re not quite sure you should be there until you *are* there. You know? The kind of place where the taxi driver looks confused for a hot minute before he finds it? Yep. That kinda hidden.
I arrived late – typical, I was delayed at the airport, and a bit hangry from not eating all day – and the front desk guy, bless his heart, was super chill. No perky forced enthusiasm, just... "Welcome. You want a drink? You're tired, right?" Sold. Absolute sold! He definitely gave off "I'm on island time, and I truly don't care what you're doing, as long as you're enjoying your vacation." Vibe.
What are the rooms like? Fancy? Rustic? Somewhere in between? And, let's be honest, are they clean?
Okay, the rooms. Not "fancy." Thank GOD. Fancy is my nightmare. Think... comfortable. Think airy. Think "I could happily live here for a month." The décor is very "beachy chic, but not in that annoyingly contrived way." Think natural wood, lots of light, breezy curtains. And the best part? Each room has a balcony or patio. Honestly, I spent way too much time just chilling on mine, reading a book and listening to the jungle sounds. (Which, by the way, includes the occasional playful monkey – more on that later).
And the cleanliness? Spotless. I'm a bit of a germaphobe, I'll admit it. But I didn't find a single dust bunny. The bathroom was sparkling, the sheets smelled fresh… I felt like I could actually *relax* without worrying about... stuff. Which, for me, is a huge win. (Especially after a flight from hell, with crying babies and one guy who, I swear, never stopped fidgeting.)
The Pool! Tell me about the pool! Is it Instagrammable? (I'm judging you, don't act like you don't know what I mean.)
OMG, the pool. Okay, so... Instagrammable? Yes, absolutely. BUT it's not just *for* Instagram. It's actually... lovely. Seriously. It's this gorgeous turquoise color, surrounded by lush greenery. They have these amazing sun loungers, and you can order cocktails directly to your... floating device of choice. (I'm not a fan of the term "floating device" but that's all other people are calling pool furniture.)
I spent an entire afternoon by that pool, alternating between swimming, reading, and occasionally staring at the sky and just breathing. It was... perfect. And the best part? It never felt overcrowded. Plenty of space to chill, even when the hotel was busy. No fighting for a spot, no having to put your towel down at 6 am to "reserve" a lounger. It was genuinely relaxing. Until... well, until the monkeys showed up.
Monkeys? Okay, spill. What's the monkey situation? (And are they going to steal my phone?)
Alright, buckle up, because the monkeys are a whole THING. They are adorable, yes. Mischievous. Utterly unpredictable. And yes, they *might* steal your phone. Or your flip-flops. Or your breakfast.
It started innocently enough. I was enjoying (key word: *enjoying*) a mango smoothie on my balcony, when suddenly, a little monkey, maybe the size of a small cat, swung down from a tree and stared at me. I froze. It stared back. I think it was judging my smoothie choices. (Mango is delicious, for the record). Then, another one arrived. And another. Before I knew it, I was surrounded by a veritable monkey convention. They were definitely not shy.
One of them actually *tried* to get into my room. I almost had a heart attack. I slammed the sliding door shut just in time. I started laughing, it was honestly so ridiculous. It was both terrifying and hilarious. The staff? They're used to it. They calmly shooed them away, but they also seemed to find it amusing. You get the feeling that's just how it is. You're sharing the place with them. And sometimes they'll cause mayhem. I made sure to keep all my belongings out of reach for the rest of my stay.
So, the monkey situation? Be vigilant. Watch your stuff. Embrace the chaos. They're part of the charm, even though they almost gave me a nervous breakdown. Also, don't leave your food unattended. Lesson learned.
Food! Is the food good? What's on the menu? Because I'm always hungry on vacation.
The food. Okay, I'm a foodie, so I have strong opinions. And the food at LaRio? Delicious. Seriously. They have a mix of Thai and Western dishes, and everything I tried was fantastic. The breakfast buffet was amazing, so fresh and a huge variety. The Pad Thai was the best I had during my entire trip. The mango sticky rice? To die for. (And yes, I kept away from the open fruit in the mornings after my monkey experience, I was not giving those little dudes any more ammo.)
The vibe is very relaxed; they're not rushing you. It's all about leisurely meals. The restaurant overlooks the pool, so you get to enjoy the views while you eat. They also have a small bar where you can get cocktails. I strongly recommend the Mai Tai. Or three. (Don't judge.)
What's the location like? Is it close to everything? Or am I going to be stuck in the middle of nowhere?
Okay, so the location is... perfect. It's close enough to the main beach, Ao Nang, so you can easily get there by taxi or tuk-tuk (which is part of the fun!). You can get your fill of restaurants, bars and shops when you want. But it's also far enough away that you feel like you've escaped the crowds and the noise. It's a little bit secluded, which is a great thing. (Unless, like me, you have a tendency to get lost, then you'll want to carry a map.)
There's a few local restaurants nearby. If you walk down the road you’ll find markets, and great places to get street food. It's all very accessible. You can easily explore the area without feeling overwhelmed.
Okay, so would you recommend LaRio? Be honestBook Hotels Now
