Ganesha bungalow at Ya Nui beach

Ganesha bungalow at Ya Nui beach Overview

I’ll be honest – when I first heard about Ganesha bungalow at Ya Nui beach, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Ya Nui is one of those smaller beaches on Phuket that most tourists completely miss, tucked away between the more famous Nai Harn and Windmill Viewpoint. But that’s exactly what makes this place special, you know?

The bungalow itself is pretty straightforward – we’re talking about a three-star setup here, so don’t expect luxury resort vibes. What you get instead is something way more authentic. The rooms are clean and functional, with that slightly weathered tropical feel that actually works in its favor. I mean, you’re literally steps from one of the most gorgeous little crescents of sand on the island, so who cares if the furniture isn’t brand new? The air conditioning works (crucial in this heat), the bathroom’s decent, and honestly, you’ll barely be inside anyway. What really got me was waking up and hearing the waves – Ya Nui faces southwest, so you get these incredible sunsets that turn the whole sky orange and pink. The beach itself is tiny, maybe 100 meters long, squeezed between these dramatic limestone cliffs. It’s the kind of spot where you’ll see maybe twenty people max, even during high season.

Here’s what the guidebooks won’t tell you – the walk down to the actual beach is a bit steep, and if you’re hauling beach gear or you’re not great with uneven paths, it might be challenging. But the payoff is incredible. There’s a little local restaurant right on the sand (try the green curry, seriously), and the snorkeling around the rocks on the north end is actually pretty good. The water’s usually calm since the bay is so protected, which makes it perfect for just floating around with a beer. You know what I really appreciated? The lack of jet skis and banana boats and all that touristy noise you get at Patong or Kata. This feels more like stumbling onto a local secret, even though it’s definitely not unknown. Parking can be a bit tricky – there’s a small lot at the top of the hill, but it fills up quickly during peak times, so get there early if you’re driving. The whole area gets pretty quiet after sunset too, which some people love and others might find a bit isolated. For me, falling asleep to just the sound of waves instead of bar music was perfect. It’s definitely more of a chill-out-and-disconnect kind of place rather than a party scene, and the 7.9 rating makes sense – it’s not perfect, but it delivers exactly what it promises without any pretense.

Facilities