Satun Sea Balcony, Discovering a Homestay Gem in Thailand

Satun Sea Balcony is one of the most unique accommodations I’ve had the pleasure to stay in. Located in the Tanyong Po coastal community of Satun, Thailand, the refurbished waterfront bungalows raise the bar in Satun homestay and boutique hotel options. Although technically falling more into the bed and breakfast category, the triplex designed Sea Balcony offers all the comforts of value luxury waterfront suites while being completely surrounded by a very traditional Thai fishing village. If that’s not a brilliant idea, then nothing is.

 

Satun Homestay Bliss

Of the three units, two are smaller and one is considerably larger and offers much more floor space. I stayed in both styles during my recent return visit to Satun, and from my own personal experience, I found that both of the end units were my favorites. With the smaller end unit winning out as my top choice.

 

Double Room with Seaview and Balcony

The Double Room with Seaview and Balcony is spacious enough for a couple, but with the adjacent balcony you have a lot more walking area. The corner balcony is open on two sides with an expansive view of the scenic waterfront as well as the busy goings on around the neighborhood.

The bed takes up the majority of the room, but it’s a luxurious bed that deserves to be the king of the room. Amenities include aircon, a flat screen TV, minibar (with chargeable snacks and beverages), a hot water kettle and super-fast internet. The room also has a big closet and private bath with hot water shower and big fluffy towels.

For me the only thing really missing was a desk, but I made do with rearranging the TV table a bit. However, the small breakfast table would also be an option for anyone needing a sizable table during their stay. A small table and two seats are also provided on the balcony, as well as an over-the-water sun lounger and hammock. Like I said, it’s unique.

Privacy notes: Curtains separate the balconies of the double rooms, which may or may not be enough privacy for some. Between the two smaller units is also the pantry where staff tend to be between cleaning rooms or preparing food. For picky folks, it could be a bit distracting. But it’s generally short lived and over by noon. It’s pretty darn quiet after that.

 

Suite with Seaview

I also stayed in the Suite with Seaview which is massive. You wouldn’t expect it to be so big inside from looking at it from the outside, but it is. The floorplan is clever and designed to comfortably fit far more than two people.

In addition to having plenty of floor space, the Suite with Seaview has a king-sized bed in an upper loft which overlooks the downstairs and adjacent sea. It may be a bit tricky for some guests to get to as the rungs of the attached ladder are a bit widely spaced out. However, downstairs are two couches that fold out as well as a thick futon.

The suite includes one bath with a hot water rain shower, a larger refrigerator, hot water tea kettle and a flat screen television. The decorative touches around the suite are practical as well as tastefully done.

The unit’s cozy balcony comes with a small table and chairs, a hammock and a day bed, but also offers a small sundeck on the roof. Reachable by climbing a wooden ladder.

Privacy notes: The suite balcony offers 2 walls, with both being slightly slatted. This set up gives more privacy than the other 2 units, but unfortunately cuts down on the cooling sea breeze. The Suite with Seaview has aircon and several electric fans to assist with circulating the air on a windless day.

 

Things to Do at Satun Sea Balcony and Tanyong Po

In addition to simply exploring the surrounding village community on foot, Satun Sea Balcony offers free use of a couple of kayaks. The homestay’s adjacent waters are generally calm and perfect for paddeling around the neighborhood. Fishing trips, or boat rides out to Dragon Island can also be arranged. Pick up and drop off service to/from the Tammalang Jetty or the Satun Bus Station is also available. That may run 600 to 800baht.

Scooter rental is available for exploring other areas near the Satun Sea Balcony. Following the coastal road south visitors will be rewarded  with several interesting local highlights, such as the offshore, sunset view between Langkawi, Malaysia and Koh Tarutao, Thailand or the gigantic Mantis Prawn statue. If you prefer to be driven around the area to see the sights, you can call my friend An, who is a licensed tour guide and Tammalang local. He speaks Thai, English and Malay and is well versed in taking selfies. His number is +66 82 176 6382.

 

My Satun Homestay Experience

I’ve seen my fair share of rustic homestays and houseboat style guest houses, but Satun Sea Balcony is so well appointed in amenities and décor that it’s almost like a show room in comparison. In fact, the front balconies are the perfect vantage point to simply take it all in comfortably without sticking out like a… well, a tourist.

But even walking through the village, there were no locals gaping at ‘the stranger’ or giving me looks of distrust. Only genuine smiles and friendliness. Although I myself actually live in a fishing village in Langkawi, Malaysia, the Tanyong Po village of Ban Had Sai Yao was a completely different experience.

It may be that women are much more active in the Tanyong Po fishing community, with many older ladies gracefully casting their lines out to sea during the day or chopping up bait fish at nearby fisheries. It’s all hands-on deck so to speak. Those who prefer kitchen duty, well that’s alright too. Either way, I immediately felt very comfortable with the surrounding sisterhood and shared gender roles.

As travelers we often don’t have the opportunity to witness first-hand the back story behind some of the foods we eat in local restaurants along the way. I can tell you I was completely dumbstruck to see such fruitful crabbing happening along the local mangroves. Crabs happen to be a big industry in Satun, along with other seafood such as prawns and fish. An industry very much alive in the Satun Sea Balcony’s community.

 

Inconveniences are minimal

Of course, there are a few less than convenient issues to deal with, when staying at Satun Sea Balcony, but they are minimal if you plan ahead a bit. If you have your own transportation then all is good. However, if you find yourself without transportation, the pickings are slim for shops or cafes within walking distance. However! If you need something you can easily contact the Satun Sea Balcony owner or ask the staff and in a blink of an eye you will probably have what you need. Great customer service happens to also be one of their strong points.

 

Pro tips for your stay:

For those with special dietary preferences, bring your own supply of healthy snacks or beverages as local snack choices may be limited.

If you like to fish, bring your own gear and you can fish from the nearby docks (or off your balcony).

Alcohol is not officially allowed, so if you are a drinker being discrete is wise. Leaving a pile of beer cans for staff to clean up is not cool.

If you like more privacy, you may want to bring a few sarongs to hang up for additional barrier between you and the folks next door.

If you don’t want to be disturbed at the crack of dawn, be sure to tell the host, otherwise your breakfast will be delivered at sunrise via the balcony (not a knock on your door).

**Do note that cooking is not allowed, however if you happen to catch some fish, arrangements can be made to have your catch of the day cooked. Just ask the staff, because they have an excellent cook.

Overall, my stay at Satun Sea Balcony was both relaxing and enlightening. Satun Sea Balcony offers the perfect blend of comfort and authenticity, with all three units ideally positioned for glorious sunrises and romantic starry nights. Whether you’re looking to explore the local culture or simply unwind, this accommodation is an excellent choice for anyone visiting the Tanyong Po coastal area. You can check room rates and availability HERE