Shiralea Resort

I just finished staying at Shiralea Backpackers Resort, and honestly, wow. The photos look great, but in real life it’s even more beautiful. From the moment I arrived I felt welcomed. The vibe is so relaxed and social, in the best way. The pool is amazing and clean, the showers and toilets are well maintained, everything works properly, and the food is delicious. I stayed in the 18-bed girls’ dorm, which sounds like a lot, but it really doesn’t feel that way. Everyone is respectful and considerate, so you don’t feel crowded at all. The bar is always cozy and there’s almost always someone to talk to. I’ve had such beautiful conversations and met amazing people here. There’s even a gym, which makes it even better. I honestly wish I could stay longer. I’m leaving feeling so grateful and I will definitely come back. Highly recommend.

Amazing place with the most amazing group of people running it. Hostel is very clean, great showers, incredible pool and well equipped gym in place. Kudos to Fong, Sunny, Pinky and Laura who helped me many times find a bed on the last minute.

Honestly shiralea was like home away from home. The food was incredible, and all the staff were so friendly and helpful. The rooms are great standard, and their outdoor gym is a vibe. I think they have the ‘best toilets in Thailand’ - super clean and hygienic. I wasn’t even meant to stay there but I moved hotels to go there as the full atmosphere and way that they run the place had me the day I walked in. The best place I’ve stayed in Koh Phangan!

Shiralee, named after a Star Trek planet, is one of those places where anything can happen. Officially a hostel with three dorms, it's the 30-plus bungalows that create a unique atmosphere for travellers in Ko Phanang. I stayed in one of the 12 fan bungalows for 720 baht (less than 20 euros a night)—amazing value. The bungalows are private, well-maintained, and include a hammock. Less than five minutes' walk to the beautiful sunset beach of Haad Yao, Shiralee sits in the jungle, where monkeys and birds awaken you each morning. It also has a private swimming pool. What sets Shiralee apart is the Hydeout Bar and Restaurant, the heart of the resort. Originally a bar built in 2008, the accommodation, swimming pool, gym, and yoga area followed. Its beautiful hardwood design, built into the rock and perched like a treehouse, was handcrafted by British-Thai owners Seb and View, who've invested 18 years while retaining its unique character. They arrange transportation to nearby attractions and Full Moon parties, making exploration easy. What stood out was the cleanliness, food quality, and hospitality from owners and staff. Guests include families, couples, backpackers, and solo travellers, creating a lively, inclusive atmosphere. Wi-Fi coverage is excellent with charging ports everywhere. The laundry service costs less than 100 baht—clothes returned washed, folded, and sealed the next day. This attention to detail defines Shiralee's service. Diving and Muay Thai lessons are organised on site, and the owners offer taxi services to the Full Moon parties and local attractions and venues. In fact, anything you want can be organised at Shiralee, just ask, and you will receive. Seb’s personal service is Shiralee’s unique selling point, with yoga classes, guided tours, and activities tailored to your interests, ensuring a memorable stay without leaving the resort. I spoke with guests who stayed in the dorms, and they all said they were well above average for what you find in Thailand. Noise at night can be an issue, as a cool rasta club nearby opens every Friday night. The Hydeout bar at Shiralee can stay open late, especially when the Auzzie Contiki groups visit, but it's more spontaneous than regular, which makes stays at Shiralee so quirky. I watched clients who connected with the vibe at Shiralee extend their stay for days, such was the place's appeal. It gets booked out regularly, so it's best to book well in advance to avoid disappointment. I loved my stay at Shiralee. I met good people and enjoyed the hospitality most. Having stayed in many hotels worldwide, I’d rate Shiralee as an experience rather than just accommodation, just like the Star Trek planet it was named after.

The hostel was great 😊 it's suitable for all ages the communal area is very chill. Karim, one of the staff members, was awesome he made friends with us all. In the room the curtains blocked light very well. The hostels food was delicious and it's a 2 min walk from the beach! I highly recommend.

I stayed in the female dorms which was very good and felt very safe. The location is perfect- but for my opinion scooter is a must. I like the free gym and tea, also ate good breakfast in the mornings- you can ask to add protein powder for some for 30 bht. If you sensitive to noise you should sleep with earplugs 😁

+ We liked the bungalow with the nice porch and the overall atmosphere! + Great location (close to the beach). + loved the gym! - Our bed sheets were stained (as other people in the reviews have mentioned). - There was loud-ish music at the bar/restaurant every evening of our stay, which was audible in our bungalow (it was one of the closer ones). - I can’t recommend eating at the restaurant as I got food poisoning.

One night into my stay and was compelled to write a review. Clean, well run accommodations with excellent friendly staff & great value. Excellent food options at on site restaurant as well as a nice little gym & pool available. If you’re on the fence don’t hesitate, just book it 👍