BANYAN TREE KRABI · Resort Tour & Review · Krabi, Thailand 🇹🇭 Simply, Not For Me

[@tfft]

Drop your questions for future Community Q&As here: bit.ly/tfft_qa1

[@Masterleechan]

What beautiful place your review makes

[@randompersonasdfgh]

this video reminds me why you’re a great reviewer. not just your consistency and integrity, but also your relatable concerns and opinions too. 🎉

[@tfft]

Appreciate that!

[@TheIslanddiva]

You just saved me thousands as this hotel was on my list for three nights ! I've followed your other hotel recommendations ,like Apurva, that I loved.

[@tommykay7427]

That departing "gift" gave a new meaning to 'up yours!' Great vid Kevin. Thanks.

[@carlosburrito]

I don’t comment very often on videos, but as a seasoned traveller with a love of highend value, that is truly shocking. Your 75 score is generous. The river of mud…omg.

[@tfft]

In some countries maybe the river of mud would be a selling point 😂

[@carlosburrito]

@@tfftwhile on value. the best hotel in Asia (imho) is the E&O Penang Malaysia. It was the original sister hotel to Raffles Singapore. Same history, quality and service and 30% of the cost. A MUST TRY.

[@sirpa89]

@@carlosburrito Last year, I visited Penang and was deeply disappointed. Unfortunately, it still hasn't recovered from the effects of covid lockdowns. There was little economic activity, the streets were quiet and Gurney Mall felt deserted-everything seemed lifeless. It's truly sad because Penang is such a beautiful island. Maybe thats why the prices are so cheap

[@carlosburrito]

@@sirpa89 sorry to hear that. I haven’t been since Covid, but was purely commenting on the E&O Hotel. It has always been tremendous value over the years.

[@tfft]

Yeah I've been to the Eastern & Oriental before I started this channel. Penang is hands down one of my favorite places in the region.

[@slumberlisa]

I called my daughter in to the room when you mentioned an entire bread room. She said that she teared up a bit and feels better that it exists in the world! 😂

[@nickflintoff8077]

Very useful vid. Think it will be the Dusit for me on my planned visit to Krabi next Feb.

[@DavidMeggers]

This is, ironically, so entertaining considering this should be such a high end resort, totally appeals to my sense of humour 😂 That mud river was horrendous! Especially for cats. And...$88 for a bath bomb😂 Superb review!

[@lexbends]

I run a design firm - you weren't kidding about the cheap material. You can see it on a video. From experience I can imagine it would've been worse IRL. Thank you for the transparency :)

[@tfft]

Happy to do it!

[@lewisking94]

Huh, I stayed there whilst Thailand was shut during covid. I absolutely loved it. Interesting to see your thoughts and experience though! Admittedly the room was about £70 a night during that time though 🤣

[@notactuallymyrealname]

I remember seeing ads for Banyan Tree resorts in in-flight magazines when I was a teenager and thinking they looked like the absolute pinnacle of attainable luxury. $500/night is out of my price range either way, but I'm glad to have the heads up that if I were to really splash out sometime, I can do better than what Teenage Me would think was S Tier.

[@tfft]

I don't disagree with that in general. I think they *could* be a great example of attainable luxury, but this property was 'telling' me, "Let's be attainable luxury for a new generation... who doesn't know what to expect and won't notice if we cheap out..." Of course there's no way to prove that which is why I didn't put it in the video, but it's the thought I had the entire time.

[@joemcdermott6887]

I stayed here in January and felt the exact same way you did. I literally begged them to let me check out one day earlier so I could go to Kuala Lumpur for one night. The only redeeming quality at the hotel was the private longtail boat tour we went on, which was excellent.

[@tfft]

That’s an expensive long boat tour in that case then lol

[@littlepeculiarthings]

The demo of the cheap building materials and furniture has asmr potential 😂

[@tfft]

My next venture lol

[@Teerifficgolf]

1:10 last time you had something like this was the airline video with the safety issue - looking forward to this now

[@igobyplane]

pretty close to my home base there, krabi is my home airport most of the year, living on koh lanta

[@tfft]

Someone hit the location lottery lol

[@susanchacko-y7f]

I couldn't agree more with what you said about the Banyan Tree brand. I stayed in what's considered by many as the best Banyan Tree hotel, Banyan Tree Seychelles for around $1000 USD a night years ago and it was the most disappointing hotel stay of my life. (hence why it probably doesn't exist anymore and now about to be opened as Cheval Blanc).

[@stevene465]

Enjoyed the video as always Kevin , I think you’re spot on with your review - it looks ok and for a 4 star resort I’d accept that but overall it just lacks something , like something deluxe in the true sense, it just left me wanting something more, what that is I’m not sure but it’s not this place- have stayed at Samui but had a private pool villa so mostly just hung out in it -

[@craigst4635]

We went there earlier this year as our preferred hotel was unavailable. It took us some time to get 'into it' but we found the staff really friendly and we made the most of the time there trying not to compare it to our favourite places. Issues we expereinced were mostly to do with the availability of the restaurants, and the occasional power cuts they had (ironic that the menus were on electronic devices and they used electric buggies to get everywhere!). Great video and a fair review, I'd say!

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching

[@MattBlankenshipPhotography]

Always until the end, including the ads! Sometimes you get what you pay for, but not always!

[@martinkaiser5263]

These 2 seated floating lounges at 8:49 are to set over the river by pulling the rope in my opinion. Either way it looks strange

[@bruceanderson8588]

The walk to the sitting area would have the place closed down almost anywhere in the world

[@ninettemurk7492]

Except Scotland

[@petercowling6769]

Thanks for the review. Visited BT Samui in what must have been 2012. Asked to see a room, and was taken for a show around for a room that looked not so much like it was undergoing maintenance so much as it was unfinished - like tools everywhere, whole areas of the room not fitted out, etc. Asked if they had anything that I could see for a rental today, and they said the room we were looking at was the last one they had available and would be ready later today. I think they were really intending to clear up the room a bit, and sell it if they could. It is on that basis, plus what i've heard since, that I have never stayed in a BT.

[@DeniseSommerRoque]

Wish I could afford it, but you offering concierge service travel itineraries on your Patreon is nothing short of AMAZING! Who knows one day 💭 Thank you for the review of this overpriced gimmicky IKEA resort….PS. Funny, I wrote and submitted this comment 5 minutes before it ended and heard you mention in your final thought IKEA as well 😂

[@tfft]

Yeah, I think we both did a disservice to IKEA though... their quality might be a bit higher haha 😂

[@ninettemurk7492]

You're right: it's a perfectly nice resort, but not at this price point. Take 50% off at least. That 'wade through the pool to get at your seating area' could work - f they provide rubber boots to do so. Branded or not. Nice episode, sir.

[@justapassingbytraveller]

Hi Kevin, thank you for sharing the video. I love Krabi as a destination and thought Banyan Tree Krabi looks stunning from the photos, until one looks closer. After staying at two Banyan Trees, do you feel they are up there in the Ultra Luxury segment or as you say, should be in the Crowne Plaza range?

[@Malongo10]

The 'river' water feature was there before the resort was built and legally is not part of the hotel property, as it's part of the public beach area. This is one of those "this is Thailand" things.

[@racman-oj1sk]

Really appreciate your approach to reviews. Totally agree with your feelings about Banyan Tree: definitely not my cup of tea , though not a bad chain. Tried their first flagship property in Phuket back in 1997 and was rather disappointed regarding the conditions of a rather new resort. Then 3 properties in mainland China in 2011. Lijang was nice, Ringha quite exceptional while Sanya a total disaster! So very inconsistent brand quality. We won't probably try one again in the future. BTW talking about Thailand, we suggest you review Cape Fahn in Koh Samui one day. Curious to know your thoughts. Tks

[@charliebrown5]

Thank You ✈️

[@Mkaczynski1]

I love these videos. Any plans to try out Twinpalms Phuket? Feels like it fits your vibe.

[@jbennison5672]

We stayed at the bangtao one. Don't bother. Nothing exceptional about it, extremely average. Was a MASSIVE disappointment after spending the previous 4 days at Como.

[@Mkaczynski1]

@@jbennison5672 the one is Surin Phuket was so nice. We stayed there back in March. Would like to go back. But I was interested to hear what he had to say about this resort. Sorry to hear about their new location.

[@kevboynet]

The Crowne Plaza doesn't give nasal spray presents, so there goes your comparo.

[@tfft]

But, do you know that? Like... do you know, know that? Vietnam has surely done stranger things 😅

[@iaexo]

Was there in 2022 when Krabi was still pretty much empty and prices were much lower. Nothing's changed at all, from the welcome drink to the layout at the breakfast restaurant. And those random wooden things in the creek. I suppose Banyan Tree panders more to the "family" style holidayers with kids who won't mind paying a premium but also probably don't care too much about "depth" in the resort but appreciate more surface-level conveniences and niceties. Was this filmed around Christmas 2023 by the way? And great idea with the patreon itineraries!

[@tfft]

No, this was just last month.

[@anthonyprice-zm5iu]

Lacking any sense of finesse or sophistication Kevin .. it’s a no from me ! Thanks for the vid! 😊

[@ezkampf]

I stayed at this hotel in September last year, and overall, it was a good experience. However, there were a couple of issues: a giant lizard invading the pool and the large bathroom door that occasionally got stuck. Aside from that, everything went well. I had booked the Two-Bedroom Beachfront Pool Villa, which has a nice view, by the way. It was a family trip. I would return to this hotel, but I'm not so sure about the Krabi region. I feel it’s not as good as Phuket, Ko Yao Yai, or Ko Yao Noi. I’m looking forward to a review of the Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas one day

[@botruong4102]

Wow...wow...it is a beautiful resort Kelvin, thank you for sharing.

[@A380_Flyer]

Banyan tree are very hit and miss. I have stayed at a few and have mixed feelings. Their new opening in Mozambique looks promising though.

[@Centurionguy]

Hey! Love your videos as always. This & Banyan Tree Koh Samui aren't totally managed by Banyan Tree. It's more of a half-child of Banyan Tree. They don't even participate in Accor's Loyalty as well. Also before you completely give up on Banyan Tree Brand, I'd suggest you to try two hotels of them BEFORE completely giving up: 1. Buahan Banyan Tree Escape, Bali 2. Banyan Tree Kyoto You'll not regret

[@tfft]

Well, the Accor relationship is odd to begin with. They only own like 5% of BT. As for the others, I had Buahan booked and cancelled it after this stay. As disappointing as my first two stays with BT were, I’m definitely not willing to risk another lack luster stay at a $1300 property lol.

[@Centurionguy]

@@tfft You can take my words and go to Buahan. They’re amazing. It’s completely different. They’ve one of the best people serving there. The GM is a gem. She was heading a department at Capella Ubud. I can even bet my money on it! Also, do stay at their Seven Peaks Pool Villa.

[@sirpa89]

Another fantastic and informative episode! I have a question: Since you're currently in Thailand, can we expect an upcoming episode on Dusit Thani Bangkok? I’ve noticed a few others, myself included, asking about it, but I haven’t seen a response yet. Or is there perhaps a personal reason or history with the Dusit Group that's holding you back? Thank you + Happy Loy Khatong Day!

[@tfft]

I’m not in Thailand now but I looked to visit next month but the price for the dates I was looking was $1100 per night. So that’s a hard no lol.

[@sirpa89]

@@tfft OMG :D They probably had only presidential suites left , I think their average room rate is around 350$~

[@mandeepbharaj4124]

What was in the bath bomb, gold by any chance?

[@tfft]

The souls of a thousand banyan trees.

[@saranyabiswas2057]

I am always curious to know what kind of work you do that you get to travel so often ..always enjoy your work

[@tfft]

You're looking at it lol. Running this channel is quite literally a 7 day a week job.

[@saranyabiswas2057]

@ it sure is and you are doing a phenomenal job 😎

[@peemaklangniam743]

I think the room layout here is a bad modified version of that at Vana Belle in Samui, which is owned by the same owner. It would have been better if they had just gone for the same room layout as Vana Belle. In terms of value money, Krabi has not many 5-star hotels, which means competition is low and perhaps this is why all of them are overpriced in my opinion. I have been to Sofitel, Amari and Dusit Thani and don’ find any of them worth the money. I have never been to any Banyan Tree resort because they are out of my price range, but it seems to be true that the one in Samui is the best of the three in southern Thailand. Maybe you should check it out next time ;)

[@TheStagswag]

At the start of the video you showed the entrance and those hideous white pillars. Too much white washed wood. What's with the declaration for your own opinion at the start, did Thailand recently change laws or is it more of a just have it anyway? Thanks for another great review!

[@tfft]

Same laws as ever in Thailand. I include the same disclaimer in any slightly negative review from Thailand.

[@cheapercharlie]

@@tfft Smartly done given Thailand laws. That losing face stuff is crazy.

[@anthonypears2306]

Agree Kevin, value for money I would much prefer The Regent Phu Quoc, it is shame as had high expectations for this hotel, it appears there is no great options in Krabi for us, Ritz Carlton just seems over priced as well

[@natk426]

ha ha, the other legalized plant in Thailand (I know what you mean, hint still illegal in many countries). I agree it's overpriced. For the price $400+, I would rather stay at Rayavadee Resort Krabi, the true top rated hotel in Krabi.

[@lifeofsharif]

Every video of yours I watch I get even more confused on which hotel to book 😂🙈🙈.

[@demoncloud6147]

😅

[@eduardghattas9531]

Have you been to phulay bay ritz carlton? Do you have a video for it? If not, which other hotel do you recommend in krabi? Wife and i are torn between krabi or going to hoi an.

[@tfft]

Check the description for release date of Phulay Bay.

[@eduardghattas9531]

@@tfft thank you! just saw that

[@wouwout]

Why do hotels seem to particularly love the name Saffron for their restaurants?

[@FonBKK-d4y]

I went there twice. If you stay at beach pool villa that ugly water feature is a direct access for guests from beach pool villa to roll that pier up to the beach. It doesn't make sense but i think it was for instagram effect. Less function oriented. had the covid rates when it opens first year on average only 3,000 Baht a night, $80 usd. But right now, price is rather super unaffordable peak season. Thailand is all expensive now especially South and Thai locals cannot afford to go. They gave 'parting gifts' as free upgrade to highest category, bottle of champagne, free high tea, free lunch and a small turtle doll bean bags, and 75% discount for spa products.

[@petek5523]

I mean, it’s not a horrible resort but the price point is ridiculous. $200-$300 CAD per night max, during high season 😅. Thanks for sharing 😊🎉

[@tfft]

Agree

[@jakesonaplane_]

yeah, hard pass. My $50 a night hotel in Krabi had a gorgeous rooftop pool and was a 5 min walk from all the shops and the main beach

[@MarkusWehrhahn-k1s]

The Sofitel in Krabi is a much better property!!! You can stay in their best suite for less than that crappy room

[@FredFred-uj6no]

Enoyed the review as always. Can I just say that I found the choice of music not very fitting and even slightly annoying.

[@tfft]

Can't win them all lol

[@tanletran7270]

Banyan Tree properties are inconsistent Some are downright beautiful such as Banyan Tree Lang Co and some are borderline disgusting such as this one and the one in Laguna Phuket

[@tfft]

I’m learning this lol

[@guillaumesoumillon6682]

BT is all in on price gouging, at least in Thailand. BT Koh Samui has doubled its prices over recent years. So I’m with you on this feeling. Lang Co is cheaper and more in line with what you would expect from a BT property, although in dire need for refurbishment. Floating docks for cats, LMAO

[@jbennison5672]

Ridiculous pricing. Will keep Banyan Tree on my banned list.

[@rburns4048]

lol I have stayed at $100 places in Bali and around Thailand that blow this one out of the water. Skip anything banyan tree. Noted.

[@tfft]

Agree, for the money I'd rather be spending $120/night at the Dusit Thani down the road.

[@soupdragon1]

I did look at banyan tree Krabi saw the price then immediately booked The Dusit thani Krabi 😂

[@MissyHii]

The rooms doesn’t feel luxurious.the beach was very nice when the tide is high though.

[@felixbuchwald2634]

Looks indeed very disappointing. Room size is truly shocking. Also, you clearly see how the whole forest disappeared for this place :(

[@demoncloud6147]

Wow ! Since when Thailand became 1$-really ? That you have to Tiptoe with Thai laws as disclaimer for your rights ? In this day and age, you can't even say a single thing without getting someone sobbing in the corner

[@leneeanderson4848]

What an odd place!

[@sig_7760]

You nailed it, no soul, no depth... built for mainland chinese to take wechat moments

[@tfft]

Yeah, I was hesitant to say it but it’s more of a WeChat crowd than Insta crowd lol

[@huyhuyable]

For me room way too simple . It's cute but premium is right . Def not luxury

[@dolorumvir8484]

The owner is too stingy and greedy, this material and design of the hotel is not more than $300 a night

[@adenwellsmith6908]

Nasal inhaler? lol

[@94vrcommodore]

Around $500 per night in Krabi…… no thanks I’ll pass.

[@topgammar3763]

This video reflects a disgruntled tone.

[@tfft]

I’d say the same about your comment, but then again, some people just don’t enjoy honesty.

[@topgammar3763]

@@tfft It sounds as if you had a fight with the hotel staff. Is the negative feedback in retaliation?

[@tfft]

You know what they say about people that assume things, right? No, I had no such fight, if I did- I would have said I did and I would have given them a lower score for Service......

[@topgammar3763]

​@@tfft Perhaps you should have given them a much lower score, considering the many negative aspects you pointed out about the Banyan Hotel in your review. Based on the one-step-above-IKEA-grade materials used in this so-called 5-star resort alone, I don’t see why they deserve more than a Holiday Inn rating. Giving a 75/100 to a resort with such a mismatch between its pricey brand and the quality of products makes me wonder if something beyond these subpar elements influenced your score. Perhaps you should be more specific about which features of the resort are unacceptable and which ones are merely satisfactory. The phrase 'some very friendly service' as a positive note is confusing-if it’s just some, it doesn’t seem good enough for a high-end resort and should be considered a negative point. Since your review doesn’t highlight anything above expectations and focuses primarily on negative points, a 75/100 rating seems significantly overrated. Don’t you think?