There is a moment when most anglers hear about Gillhams Fishing Resort that follows a familiar script: someone mentions the price per day, there is a sharp intake of breath, and then they look at the fish photographs. After the fish photographs, the conversation changes.
Gillhams sits in a clearing in the jungle outside Krabi, about 30 kilometres inland from the coast. It is a privately managed freshwater lake stocked with some of the largest sport fish on earth — arapaima that dwarf what most pay-lakes can offer, giant snakehead in numbers that would be remarkable anywhere in Thailand, Mekong giant catfish, Siamese carp, Asian redtail catfish, and more. The setting alone — limestone karst peaks framing a perfectly maintained lake — would justify a visit even if you never picked up a rod.
But the reason serious anglers pay to come here is the fishing, and to understand whether it is worth the cost, you need to understand exactly what that cost covers.
Gillhams' pricing is structured around all-inclusive packages. The rates in this guide reflect general market ranges at time of writing. Package costs, seasonal rates, and inclusions can change — always confirm current pricing directly with the resort before booking.
How Gillhams Pricing Works
Gillhams does not operate like a pay-lake. There is no day ticket, no bait counter, no pick-your-own platform. The model is closer to a fishing lodge — a full package that bundles accommodation, food, and fishing into a per-day per-person rate.
This structure means the headline number is higher than anything you will see quoted for a Bangkok day-lake fee. It also means the true comparison is different: you are not comparing a Gillhams day to a Bungsamran day fee. You are comparing it to a Bungsamran day fee plus accommodation near Krabi plus all meals plus transport plus guiding plus bait. Stack those up, and the gap narrows considerably.
Package Cost Ranges
Gillhams' standard all-inclusive fishing packages typically fall in the range of $250–500 USD per angler per day, depending on:
- The room category (standard bungalow vs. premium room)
- The length of stay (longer stays sometimes attract a lower per-day rate)
- The season and promotional availability
- Whether the package includes airport transfers
A three-night minimum stay is common for most packages, which means a realistic entry-level Gillhams trip typically starts around $750–1,500 USD per angler before you consider flights and incidentals. A week-long stay scales accordingly.
Non-fishing partners or guests staying without fishing access are usually accommodated at a lower per-day rate — confirm the current non-angler rate directly with the resort.
At Gillhams, the headline package price is almost the entire cost. When the food, guiding, and accommodation are all included, there is very little that catches you by surprise.
What Is Included
This is where Gillhams' pricing logic becomes compelling for the right kind of angler.
Accommodation: Resort-standard bungalows and rooms with air conditioning, en-suite bathrooms, and the kind of comfort you would expect from a dedicated fishing lodge. Nothing five-star, but thoroughly comfortable after a long day on the water.
All meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included. The resort restaurant covers both Thai and Western options, and the quality is consistently praised by visiting anglers. Tea and coffee are freely available throughout the day.
Unlimited fishing: There is no rod limit or session cap. You can fish from first light until you are too exhausted to continue. This unlimited access is one of the most significant parts of the value proposition — at a pay-lake, your day fee buys you a slot. At Gillhams, it buys you as much fishing as you can physically manage.
Professional guiding: A guide or gillie is assigned to assist you throughout the day. For first-time visitors who may not be familiar with the specific rigs and techniques that work on Gillhams' fish, this is genuinely useful.
Airport transfers: Most packages include a return transfer from Krabi Airport or Ao Nang. Confirm when booking, as this is an important variable — taxis and private transfers from Krabi to the resort add a meaningful cost if not included.
Use of the resort's rod inventory: Standard rods, reels, and basic terminal tackle are supplied. You do not need to bring your own fishing equipment, though many experienced anglers choose to.
What Is Extra
The all-inclusive nature of Gillhams means the list of extras is genuinely short compared to most fishing destinations. The main items that fall outside the package price:
Alcohol: Beer, wine, and spirits are not included in standard packages and are purchased separately at the bar. Budget accordingly for a multi-day stay.
Premium lures and specialist tackle: The resort supplies standard gear, but if you want specific lures or terminal tackle beyond the basics, bring your own or discuss what is available to purchase on-site.
Personal items: Sunscreen, medication, personal toiletries — anything personal that falls outside board and lodging.
Gratuities: Tips for your guide are not included and are discretionary but widely practised. See our tipping guide for appropriate norms at resort operations.
International and domestic flights: Getting to Krabi is your own cost. Krabi Airport is served by direct flights from Bangkok (typically 90 minutes, with fares ranging from around 800–3,000 THB depending on the airline and booking window) and some direct international connections.
Getting to Gillhams — Transport Costs
If your Gillhams package includes airport transfers, your transport cost from Krabi Airport to the resort is covered. If not, a private taxi or rideshare from Krabi Airport to the resort typically runs 600–1,200 THB each way.
From Bangkok, the most practical route is a direct flight to Krabi. Budget airlines (AirAsia, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air) frequently have Bangkok–Krabi fares in the 800–2,000 THB range for advance bookings. Thai Airways and Bangkok Airways serve the route at higher fares.
Krabi is also reachable from Phuket by road — roughly two hours — which opens up the option of a combined Phuket charter and Gillhams resort itinerary. See the 7-day Thailand fishing itinerary for a suggested structure.
Who Gillhams Is Worth It For
The honest answer to whether Gillhams is worth the price depends entirely on what kind of angler you are.
If you fish Thailand regularly and primarily visit Bangkok pay-lakes, Gillhams is a different experience — more remote, more personal, and operating in a different bracket. The fish are extraordinary. The setting is extraordinary. And the all-inclusive structure means your entire mental energy goes toward fishing, not logistics.
If you are a once-or-twice-a-decade destination angler looking for a bucket-list freshwater trip, Gillhams competes directly with fishing lodges in the Amazon, Alaska, or the Congo — at a price point that is often lower and with better food.
If you are a budget-first angler for whom the Bangkok pay-lake scene is the primary draw, Gillhams is a luxury add-on rather than a base itinerary. There is nothing wrong with that calculation.
Comparing Gillhams to the Alternatives
| Option | Typical Cost Range | Notes | |---|---|---| | Gillhams full package | $250–500 USD/day | All-inclusive: lodging, meals, guiding, fishing | | Bangkok pay-lake (premium) | $40–100 USD/day | Day fee + bait + food + transport | | Jurassic Mountain Resort | Enquire directly | Similar lodge-style model, different location | | Phuket private charter | $400–2,000 USD/day | No accommodation included |
For the broadest context on Thailand fishing costs, see the complete Thailand fishing cost guide. For hidden costs that catch anglers off guard across all venues, see hidden costs of fishing in Thailand.
Booking Gillhams
Gillhams takes bookings directly through their website and by email. Given the resort's international reputation and limited capacity, popular dates — particularly school holiday periods and the November-to-April dry season — can book up months in advance. If you have specific dates in mind, contact them early.
The resort is transparent about their pricing structure and happy to discuss custom packages for groups or longer stays. Direct communication with the team will give you the most accurate current pricing and availability.
