Shiralea Backpackers Resort, Koh Phangan

Shiralea is definitely a flashpacker hostel. It's designed and run by westerners, and has bamboo bungalows, bamboo bar with plenty of Western food, chlorinated swimming pool. Loud music is played in the bar, which can be heard everywhere. Haad Yao beach is a 3 minute walk, and has restaurants and bars along it, with tables on the sand. When I stayed at Shiralea there was a Contiki tour group. They painted themselves in neon colours and danced under a blacklight in the bar. One guy rang the bell and bought everyone a shot. Depending who you are, this sort of thing is a major pro or con. I didn't mind, and enjoyed the spectacle. The music played until 1am. I was in bed around midnight, and used earplugs. Overall it's the best backpacker hostel I've seen. Cons: Low water pressure around 7am in the morning, which meant the water instant heater on the wall wouldn't stay on. Then the water went off. Granted I only stayed one night. No idea what happened.

Checked in and the front staff was rude right off the bat. Our air conditioning didn’t work, the shower smelled like sulfur and there wasn’t any hot water. the door was literally tapped together and there was mosquitos in the room all night. the bed was so uncomfortable, my boyfriend and i kept having to toss and then just to prevent aches. for the price of this hotel you can literally stay at a much better place. we ended up checking out a day early and going somewhere else because it was so awful. also, the pictures are 100% deceiving.

Wouldnt recomend it. Beds are way to hard. Nothing is offereed from here to see thebisland at all that is bavkpacker affordable. Food is complete rip off here to pricey for upper end people compared to other islands. Its good if u want to be lazy and spend alot but terrible for exploring and being on a budget. And beds will kill your back and neck to so overall id reccomend staying on the other side of the island for sure

One of the best hostels I've stayed in. So clean and the staff are so lovely! The bar/restaurant has great food and I love the general atmosphere of the place. Beautiful pool and so close to the beach

A bit far from the main town and pier of the ferry. But still a great place. Bungalows are in the middle of forest so need to be prepared about animals around. Great common area and bar, definitely the best part of this place.