Le Bel Air Resort is a waterfront resort at the Old Bridge in Ban Muang Nga, next to an 18-hole golf course on the edge of the peninsula. It has 66 rooms, spread between garden-view and river-view balconies and low bungalows facing the pool or the river, and room names that nod to the French explorers of the region. Rooms have air conditioning, a ceiling fan, a minibar, an electric kettle, a coffee and tea maker, a rainfall shower and a pillow menu, and families will find that several categories sleep three. The grounds include an outdoor pool with sun loungers, a separate children's pool, a full-service spa open daily, a terrace and garden, a library and a small gift shop. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and there are two bars, including one by the pool. Free bicycles let you ride into the old town or along the river, and golfers can book a tee time on the course next door. Concierge, turndown and daily housekeeping give it a resort feel at a price that sits well below the top-tier hotels in the area.
Location and getting around
The resort sits on the river by the old bridge, on the quieter side of the old town. Mount Phousi is about a fourteen minute walk, the night market is around seventeen minutes on foot and the morning market about twenty. The Royal Palace Museum is a six minute drive, Wat Xieng Thong is about seven minutes by car and the airport is a very short ride of around three minutes, which suits early or late flights.
A paid airport shuttle can be arranged on request, so ask for the current charge when you book.
What to expect
The pool area and the river terrace are the best places to spend the heat of the afternoon, and the children's pool makes this a practical choice for families. The bungalows are popular with couples who want a little more privacy, while the balcony rooms give garden or river views from a private seat.
Breakfast is available as a buffet for an additional charge, so confirm whether your rate includes it. The spa offers a menu of massages and body treatments, and golfers will appreciate having the course on the doorstep. The resort has no lift, so ask for a ground-level room if you need one.
Good to know
Le Bel Air is a good mid-range pick for people who want a pool, a spa and a bit of space without paying luxury prices. The trade-off is that you will walk or ride a bicycle for most evening outings, and the walk to the night market is longer than from a central guesthouse.
Free cancellation is offered on some room rates, and the hotel asks that guests be at least eighteen at check-in. Credit card payments at the property may carry a surcharge. Book ahead for November to February, when the pool-view bungalows go first.
Why stay here
- ✓66 rooms and bungalows
- ✓Outdoor pool and children's pool
- ✓Full-service spa
- ✓Restaurant serving three meals
- ✓Two bars including a poolside bar
- ✓Adjacent 18-hole golf course
- ✓Free bicycle rental
- ✓Library, terrace and garden
Good questions
How close is Le Bel Air to the airport?+
It is very close, around three minutes by car, which is handy for early or late flights. An airport shuttle can be arranged on request for an extra charge.
Is it walkable to Mount Phousi and the night market?+
Yes. Mount Phousi is roughly a fourteen minute walk and the night market about seventeen minutes, though many guests ride the free bicycles or take a tuk-tuk in the evening.
Does the resort have a children's pool?+
Yes. There is a separate children's pool beside the main outdoor pool. Younger children need adult supervision in the water.
