Turtle Village Shops & Cuisine

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About Turtle Village Shops & Cuisine

Turtle Village, a popular destination for tourists, offers a variety of dining and shopping options. It's conveniently accessible via a free shuttle service from the JW Marriot Resort and Spa in Mai Khao, which runs every 15 minutes. One of the highlights of the village is Bill Bentley's, a sports pub that serves a mix of Thai and Mexican cuisine. The pub is particularly recommended for those following a gluten-free diet.

In addition to the pub, Turtle Village is home to a variety of other eateries, including a pizza restaurant, a Thai restaurant, a noodle restaurant, and a cafe. For those with a sweet tooth, there's also an ice cream shop. The village also houses a grocery store, Turtle Mart, where visitors can find a wide range of snacks, beverages, and instant meals. The store is a great place to pick up affordable lunch options or stock up on supplies.

However, not all aspects of Turtle Village are met with approval. Some visitors have expressed concern over the elephant show, which they feel is inhumane and outdated. They argue that such shows are a disgrace to tourism and should be banned by authorities.

The village also features a variety of shops, including a pharmacy and several stores selling beach clothing, shoes, and souvenirs. There's even a shop that sells floats and other swimming gear. However, some visitors have noted that the prices in these shops can be quite high, especially compared to local Thai goods.

Despite this, Turtle Village remains a popular alternative to dining and shopping within the nearby resorts. The village offers a number of ATMs, making it convenient for visitors to withdraw cash. Some of the more notable stores include Jim Thompson, Espirit, and a swimwear store.

However, visitors should be aware of the presence of timeshare salespeople in the village. Some visitors have reported being approached by these salespeople and being subjected to aggressive sales pitches. These experiences have left a negative impression on some visitors, who felt that the salespeople were intrusive and pushy.

Despite these issues, Turtle Village still has its charms. The ice cream shop, for example, is a hit with kids, thanks to its variety of flavors and themed atmosphere. The Coffee Club is another popular spot, offering an extensive menu that caters to all meals of the day.

However, some visitors feel that Turtle Village could do more to offer an authentic Thai experience. They argue that the village feels too manufactured and touristy, and that it would benefit from allowing local people to open their own shops and restaurants. This, they believe, would create a sense of community and allow tourists to immerse themselves in the local culture.

In conclusion, while Turtle Village has its pros and cons, it remains a convenient and popular destination for tourists staying in the Mai Khao area. Whether it's for dining, shopping, or simply to pass the time, the village offers a variety of options to suit all tastes and budgets. However, visitors should be prepared for the presence of timeshare salespeople and be aware that not all experiences in the village may live up to their expectations.