Takbailagoon Resort — a small riverside resort on the Tak Bai River where you can eat halal by the water, near the border crossing
If you drive all the way down to Tak Bai — the southernmost district of Narathiwat, with its river lagoon, the sea and a crossing into Malaysia — and you want somewhere quiet by the water rather than a hotel tower in town, Takbailagoon Resort (Tak Bai Lagoon Resort) is a name people here mention often · It's a small resort of around 7–10 rooms in Che Hey, set right on the Tak Bai River, with a Thai-Chinese halal restaurant that's been open for more than 20 years · What guests consistently praise is the riverside setting, the good, well-priced food and the warm welcome · Rates start at approx. ฿700/night · On TripAdvisor it ranks near the top of the lodging in the Tak Bai area · Real guest reviews praise the views and the food, with a few things to allow for around the age of the buildings.
Takbailagoon Resort is a small riverside resort in Che Hey Sub-district, Tak Bai District, Narathiwat Province, set right on the Tak Bai River near the lagoon where it flows out to the Gulf of Thailand · It has only around 7–10 rooms in a low-rise resort layout rather than a tower, so it's quiet and private · Tak Bai is the southernmost district of Narathiwat, beside the Tak Ba crossing into Pengkalan Kubor in Malaysia's Kelantan state, so most guests are border-crossers, people on business and travellers who want to experience a quiet riverside border town.
What guests talk about most is the setting and the food · The resort comes with a riverside Thai-Chinese halal restaurant that's been open for more than 20 years, where you eat looking out over the Tak Bai River with a mosque on the opposite bank — a calm that you don't find in town · Many reviews say the food is good and modestly priced, and the staff welcome is genuinely warm · The rooms are simple but clean, with air conditioning, a TV, a fridge and hot water · One foreign traveller even wrote that after a long search in the middle of Muslim villages, finding this place felt like paradise.
"After a long search in the middle of Muslim villages we found this resort, and it was just like paradise — a warm welcome, great food, good rooms and a beautiful riverside view."
Because the area is mostly Muslim, the kitchen here is entirely halal, which suits halal-observant guests · One thing that surprises some visitors is that the resort still serves beer, which is unusual in this area · The location is well suited to anyone driving — it's not far from the Tak Ba border crossing, Wat Chonthara Singhe (the old temple that's a landmark of Tak Bai) and Talo Kapo Beach · There's easy parking on the grounds, making it a good base for exploring Tak Bai District or crossing the border · But because it's in a village away from the town centre, options for eating out at night are limited, so most guests simply eat at the resort's own restaurant.
Honestly, from real reviews: this is a small resort built around its riverside setting and food, not a luxury, full-facility resort · The buildings and rooms are showing their age and some wear, and there are reviews mentioning bathroom plumbing that isn't always perfect · There's no swimming pool or gym, and with so few rooms you should call ahead to book (tel. 073-581478) · Getting here means driving or taking a motorcycle taxi, as it's in a village away from public transport · Set your expectations to a sensible, essentials-only riverside border-town stay and you'll be happy with what you get.
In short, if you're in Tak Bai to cross the border, visit Wat Chonthara Singhe, stroll by the lagoon, or simply sleep to the sound of the river in a quiet border town, and you want a riverside place with good halal food at a modest price, Takbailagoon Resort is a sensible, characterful pick for a one- or two-night stay · But if you want a brand-new room, flawless bathroom plumbing or the facilities of a big resort, this won't be it, because the appeal here is the riverside views, the food and the welcome, not newness or a full set of facilities.
A tip from following the reviews here: call to book directly in advance (073-581478) and ask for a room facing the river, as rooms are few and the riverside view is the main draw · Be sure to eat at the resort's riverside restaurant — the Thai-Chinese halal cooking is the standout that keeps people coming back · If you're driving, the on-site parking is the advantage — use it as a base before heading to the Tak Ba crossing, Wat Chonthara Singhe or into Narathiwat town · And if you're crossing into Kelantan, check the Tak Ba border opening hours and have your documents ready in advance.
Summary from Booking & Agoda
- ✓ Quiet riverside setting on the Tak Bai River, lovely views
- ✓ Good, well-priced Thai-Chinese halal food
- ✓ Warm welcome, English-speaking staff
- ✓ Good value, with easy parking
- ! Buildings and rooms are showing their age and some wear
- ! Bathroom plumbing isn't always perfect
- ! In a village away from town; you drive or take a motorcycle taxi
- ✓ Quiet, private riverside stay
- ✓ Halal kitchen, good for halal-observant guests
- ✓ Food and rooms above the price point
- ✓ Near the Tak Ba crossing and Wat Chonthara Singhe for onward sightseeing
- ! Very few rooms; book ahead
- ! Essentials-only amenities, no pool or gym
- ! Away from the town centre; limited eating out at night
- 💡If you're crossing at Tak Ba or touring around Tak Bai — the riverside views, good halal food and easy parking are exactly what it does well → ideal for a one- or two-night riverside stay.
- 💡If you want a brand-new room with flawless bathroom plumbing — the buildings and rooms here are ageing, and reviews mention plumbing issues → choose a newer hotel in Narathiwat town if that matters to you.
- 💡If you want somewhere within walking distance of town-centre restaurants and the market — the resort is in Che Hey village away from town, so you'll drive → eat at the resort's own riverside restaurant or keep a car ready for dinner.