I needed to find a hotel with a swimming pool in Korat (Khorat) city. This took my search results down from a hundred to just a handful. I was also working on a pretty tight budget as well which directed me to the Sripattana Hotel. Every ninety days I am required to make my way down to Thai immigration to ‘check-in’. Although married to a Thai national, this is still a process. I must complete whether I'm here on a marriage visa or with a work permit. As a family we try to make the most of these trips and will usually spend the night in Korat. Korat is the closest immigration check point to us, and is about a two hour drive from home. The … [Read more...]
The Switzerland of Northeast Thailand: Wang Nam Khiao
We ended up in Wang Nam Khiao on a whim. Initially we were planning a trip to Khao Yai, Thailand’s largest national park, and while I was looking for affordable, high-quality accommodation I came across Nicslongstay. It appeared to be exactly what we were looking for. Wang Nam Khiao is a district in Nakhonratchasima Province and is situated between two national parks: Khao Yai and Thap Lan. Wang Nam Khiao is guarded from development due to the fact that the national parks are protected land and you can only access the area by passing through a mountainous range. We arrived during the week; the area is slow moving but I’m told during the … [Read more...]
5 Tips to Book a Hotel, Guesthouse or Resort in Thailand
1. Book Ahead Through Agoda Agoda.com is widely used throughout Thailand. You'll find Thai hotels, guesthouses and resorts that aren't advertised on other English language booking sites. 2. Read A Lot Of Reviews Ideally locate independent blogs that have reviewed the hotel / guesthouse / resort you're interested in. Typically they're more in-depth and include photos of the establishment's current amenities (not promo pics that may be a decade old, or Photoshopped). 3. Understand Thai Transliteration Inconsistencies Many cities share the same name as the province they reside in. Should this be the case, the city will be listed as Amphoe Meuang (Ampeur … [Read more...]
Hotel Review: San Juan Surf Resort, San Juan, La Union, Philippines
The San Juan Surf Resort was the first establishment that emerged on Urbiztondo Beach, in San Juan, La Union. Currently it stands as a fully functioning resort equipped with a wide selection of accommodations, free WiFi, a restaurant, a surf school and surf shop. The Rooms I stayed at the resort on two separate occasions, initially sharing a room with two other people and later in a smaller room alone. The larger room was equipped with four beds / two sets of bunk beds and aircon; the smaller with a double bed and a mounted fan. Both rooms had television. Neither offered hot water. Although the smaller room lacked a window, the high vaulted … [Read more...]
Hotel Review: Lola Nanny’s, San Juan, La Union, the Philippines
Located steps from the sea along Urbiztondo beach, Lola Nanny's offers accommodation for the guest on a budget. At time of writing, a basic rooms with a fan, shared lavatories and an outdoor (no privacy) shower begin at 500 PHP (11.70 USD) at time of writing. Rooftop bungalows, meaning a bamboo thatched personal hut located on the roof of the main building begin at 400 PHP (9.36 USD). Rooms with aircon and private bathrooms are also available. I rented a 500 PHP room for one night. Basic? Definitely. Clean? No complaints. This includes the shared facilities. Lola Nanny's Bonus Points 1. The food. Worth … [Read more...]
Hotel Review: Hacienda Peter Resort, San Juan, La Union, Philippines
Of the more economical accommodations choices on Urbiztondo beach, Hacienda Peter isn't a compromise for the budget minded traveler. The feel of Hacienda Peter is warm without being intrusive, chill without being aloof. The horseshoe layout encourages community as guests can relax outside of their rooms. In addition, there are hang out spots that facilitate community. I stayed for over two weeks and was rarely wakened by the noise of others. Hacienda Peter is a spot where you are apt to find long-term surf enthusiasts. There's a quality to it that feels like someplace to stay for awhile. The Rooms Colourful, simple … [Read more...]
Hotel Review: The Phanasan Hotel, Tak
The Phanasan Hotel is conveniently located within a short walking distance to the Taksin Maharachanuson Fair that is annually held from December 28 to January 3. The hotel offers a variety of accommodations from small attached rooms to detached bungalows. It's country living in the city. The Room Sparse and functional, the bungalow I rented offered a good night's rest as it was far from the main street. It was very clean upon entering, but for some reason my room wasn't cleaned daily. I suggest asking. The Staff The definite highlight of my stay, The Phanasan Hotel staff were … [Read more...]
Hotel Review: The Hoongthip Hotel, Savannakhet, Laos
I found out about The Hoongthip Hotel from an individual I met at the Thai/Laos border. The Hoongthip was his choice of preference in the city of Savannakhet after having stayed at a few other lesser priced establishments on a previous trip. I took his word for it and spent one night at the hotel. As I have only spent minimal time in the country, I have nothing to compare the hotel's standards to. To compare it to Thailand would be unfair as Thailand's economy, inclusive of the tourist industry is much more prosperous than that of Laos. The Hoongthip is also the only hotel Savannakhet offers that I've been to, in any capacity (i.e. checking out rooms). I've stayed in … [Read more...]
Hotel Review: THE VASIDTEE CITY HOTEL, SUPHANBURI, THAILAND
Conveniently located across from the Suphanburi bus station, I arrived on a whim. The bus I was hoping to catch to Kanchanaburi had stopped running and I needed a convenient place to crash for the night. The Vasidtee City Hotel was a treat. From the moment I walked in until the moment I left it was perfect. The Staff Outgoing, helpful and friendly. The Room A modern cosmic love spot. Red lights in the bedroom, blue in the bathroom, all accomplished without seediness. The room was large and clean, the bed comfortable. Very unique. I loved it. The … [Read more...]
Hotel Review: RABIANGMUK, MUKDAHAN, THAILAND
The Rabiangmuk Hotel is a fairly new addition to the city of Mukdahan and I was happy to know of it, as I made my way into the city long after its citizens seemed to retire the night of my initial stay. The attendant was incredibly polite and friendly and quickly showed me to my room. The Room(s) I stayed at The Rabiangmuk twice on the same trip, once on my way to Laos and then again, on my way return to Thailand. Each room was warmly lit, spacious, elegant, and clean with floor to ceiling balcony doors. Each room included a balcony, with a wooden bench - a perfect spot for me to enjoy my finds at the night market which about a ten … [Read more...]
Hotel Review: TOP NORTH HOTEL, CHIANG MAI, THAILAND
Situated in the Old City and a few minute walk from Thae Pae Gate, Top North Hotel offered resort style accommodation in the heart of the city. The Room Clean, spacious with aircon, hot water and a bathtub, the tub being difficult to find in Thailand. There were plenty of staff working to have your room made each morning without a long wait. No complaints. The Food The morning buffet was great. The food was a consistent mix of Thai and Western norms and I looked forward to sitting outside at the restaurant enjoying it every morning. The coffee was always fresh as was the juice. No msg if you stick to … [Read more...]
Hotel Review: A-One Inn, Bangkok, Thailand
A-One Inn has been my main spot to stay in Bangkok for a number of reasons: The location is ideal and straight in Siam-Ratchadamri, the main shopping district of the city a.k.a. within walking distance of Siam Discovery, Siam Paragon, Siam Square, Siam Center, Central World, Platinum Fashion Mall, Pratunam (wholesale district), MBK and a large Tesco Lotus. It is also a short walk from National Stadium BTS (public transit stop). The rooms are economically priced for the area. The rooms are clean. The staff are always incredibly friendly, helpful and in short, just really cool people. … [Read more...]