Pangviman Place Resotel, Chiang Mai

Last month I was in Chiang Mai for one of my running adventures and the required visit to Doi Suthep.

We stayed at the Panviman Place Resotel since it seemed to be nearest to the running event, which turned out to be just a three minute walk from the hotel.

One other very favorable reason to book this place was the price, it's a bargain and it has all you need; a fairly big room, fast internet in the room, a pool, a/c and for Thai standards a good breakfast.

The location was fairly central and the staff very friendly and helpful with arranging for transportation when needed.

Recommended if you need a cheap stay and still want all 'the works'

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Guest room

Guest room

Restaurant

Swimming pool

Exterior

Baandin Chiewlarn Resort, Chiew Larn

We stayed here last night and the resort located inside the Rajjaprabha Dam park, which also hosts parts of the Khao Sok National Park. There's lots of beautiful nature surrounding Chiew Larn and the Baandin Chiewlarn Resort is in the midst of it.

Upon arrival we loved it immediately, but once in the room the wall between the other room was very thin and we could almost everything from the other room.

The owner and staff are great though and very friendly and helpful and during the evening there was a nice barbecue going on. Bring your own meat and give it a go! There are a couple of family sized rooms at decent rates.

One thing that turned us off though was a karaoke at the other side of the river that kept blaring music until 11pm to midnight and destroyed the so lovely natural feel of the place.

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Guest room

Loghome exterior

Exterior

The river

Evening barbeque's

Khao Sok Green Valley Resort, Khao Sok

The resort is located just 200 meters from the entrance of the Khao Sok Nation Park and across the road is a bridge where all tubing and kayaking starts in the rainy season which high water in the river.

The rooms are fairly basic but do have a mini fridge, tv with Thai channels and a mini fridge.

The location is good with a beautiful scenery and there's the small Khao Sok village for your immediate needs with a few restaurants and a small local supermarket. No chain supermarket is allowed in the village, up to this date!

A good budget room with a very friendly and helpful owner.

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Guest room

Bungalow

Entrance

Restaurant

River

Khao Sok Tree House Resort, Khao Sok

The Khao Sok Tree House is an adventure! Various sized bungalows, around 15 in total, are located within a large parcel of jungle and most of them are build high in the tree tops.

Not something for the weak hearted, at night walking through the jungle or towards your bed on a walk bridge some 20 meters above the jungle floor, which moves a bit with every step you take.

The bungalows are all unique and lots of fun to visit or sleep in. Some have tents in them for the children, some have bathrooms on a balcony overlooking the jungle but one thing they all have in common, they are unique!

The attached restaurant I also found to be one of the better choices in Khao Sok. All the usual tours to the Khao Sok National Park and tubing trips are offered but they also offer bird watching.

This is one of my fave resorts in the area and I can highly recommend it.

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Guest room

Bungalows in the jungle

Family bungalow which can house up to 10 people

Bungalow in the tree tops

Swimming pool

Entrance

100 Islands Resort & Spa, Surat Thani

The 100 Islands Resort & Spa has been around since a few years near Surat Thani town and has been a favorite of us over the years.

It has a staggering 174 rooms, lots of parking space and a good Thai restaurant. Their pool is interesting, it looks like a small river in a corner of the hotel, including the green(-ish) water.

It's near the new Central Plaza and a big Tesco Lotus is across the busy 4 (or is it 6?) lane road.

The rooms are spacious and the rates are affordable, breakfast is a fairly standard Thai affair. If you need a stopover going to or coming from the airport this is an excellent choice.

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Guest room

Guest room

Guest room

Reception area

Exterior

Chaleena Hotel, Bangkok, Ramkanghaeng

Although the Chaleena hotel is advertised as a 4 star hotel property, those days have long gone by! The rooms are small, clips in the wall aren't fixed, the tapestry is falling off the walls and the rooms have a strong tobacco smell.

Having said that, it's extremely close to the Ramkanghaeng Uni and the sports stadium. If yu need to be in this area, the hotel may suit your needs.

The breakfast isn't great but edible, a typical Asian buffet.

The hotel is cheap in case you need to be in the area.

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Guest room

Guest room

Guest room

Swimming pool

Exterior

Best Western Plus at 20 Sukhumvit, Bangkok

This hotel has a lot of things going for itself, for starters it's fairly new and modern, the staff is very friendly and helpful, the central location and a good price. What else can you ask for in Bangkok?

Terminal 21 shopping mall is around the corner as is Asoke sky train station. Plenty of restaurants are within walking distance, Bei Otto might be an idea and nightlife if you're looking for that.

All 78 rooms have all modern amenities, including iPod docking stations and are comfortable.

We really enjoyed our stay here and can highly recommend this Best Western.

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Guest room

 Guest room

Guest room

Pool

Exterior

Naraya Riverside resort, Surat Thani

The Naraya Riverside Resort is tucked away in the backstreets of Southern Surat Thani town, near the big traffic crossing to Phun Phin and Chumporn and the Central Festival.

If you don't have wheels to get you there and get out again for dinner or other things to do, you might feel as if you're locked up in the middle of nowhere. 

However, if you have wheels there, it's a nice resort, with 28 rooms just waiting to welcome you in a very quiet and relaxed environment with a pool, gym and a small children's playground. 

It's a really good choice for our weekend stays in Surat city at very affordable prices. You may want to try it as well.

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Superior room

Guest room

Pool

Playground

Garden

Wangtai Hotel, Surat Thani

The Wangtai Hotel in Surat Thani town is fairly centrally located, next to the river and on the main road through the city. It's a typical older style Thai provincial hotel, not too modern anymore, maybe a little bit worn out at places but still providing a good deal.

They have 230 rooms on offer and are well known for their meetings during the week and weddings during the weekends. 

The hotel offers a very nice pool, good parking facilities and internet in the rooms plus a fairly decent breakfast with Asian and Western options.

Nothing spectacular but a good and fair option for a sleepover on your way to or from the islands or to/from the airport.

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Suite

Guest room

Guest room

Swimming pool

Exterior

The Sands, Khao Lak

This new resort has all the amenities you need for a holiday. With it's 316 rooms, it's build on a very spacious area not too far away from town, maybe a 10 minute walk which will give you access to plenty more restaurants and shopping opportunities.

There's lots of green and a nice pool and it has access to the beach. A spa, fitness center, tennis court and kids club and pool are all available to you.

Good location at reasonable prices.

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Family Room

Sands room

Pool access Junior suite

Seaside Junior suite

The Sands