Looking for peaceful retreat

[bignok]

Would consider beach or mountain. Under 1000 baht a night. Even better if monthly deal. Some food, scenary, few things to do. No bogans, chavs or wannabes. Prefer Thai area.

 

Ideally an area that is good for a scooter.

 

Any ideas welcome.

[bignok]

Timeframe 3 weeks.

Food prefer Lanna so north best. Would consider beach but Im not sure about that.

 

 

[save the frogs]

12 minutes ago, bignok said:

No bogans, chavs or wannabes.

i think i know what bogan means. but not chavs. 

hope you find your ideal spot. 

 

 

[dddave]

5 minutes ago, bignok said:

Timeframe 3 weeks.

Food prefer Lanna so north best. Would consider beach but Im not sure about that.

 

 

The sad reality is that most such places are now swarming with "influencer" wanna-be's vying to be the first to tell the world  and bring the Chinese busloads.

The province of Pitsanulok has some surprisingly beautiful areas.  Already popular among Thais but not too many international tourists, yet.

[bignok]

1 minute ago, dddave said:

The sad reality is that most such places are now swarming with "influencer" wanna-be's vying to be the first to tell the world  and bring the Chinese busloads.

The province of Pitsanulok has some surprisingly beautiful areas.  Already popular among Thais but not too many international tourists, yet.

Phitsanulok we would consider if there's a small town there. 

[stoner]

trang and phattahalung 

[scubascuba3]

I enjoyed Mai Hong Son, good trekking, can stop at Pai on the way

Edited July 9, 2023 by scubascuba3

[bignok]

Mhs - too hard to get to.

Pai - wannabes

Phrae - not sure if town is any good

Phayao - went there long ago. Option.

Nan - never been. Option.

Rai - been there long ago. Not sure. Option.

Chiang Saen - never been not sure.

 

Top 3 options probably Nan, Rai and Phayao.

[thaibeachlovers]

24 minutes ago, scubascuba3 said:

can stop at Pai on the way

Did you not see where the OP said " No bogans, chavs or wannabes."?

 

However, I always stopped at Pai on the bit of road where honeymooners can get their photo taken in front of a big heart thing. Great scenery and lots of nice restaurants. I only made the mistake of going through the area the bagpackers hang out once- the horror the horror.

 

[Bday Prang]

               Sangklaburi although its nearly 20 years since I was there I was there I was quite impressed, quiet and a bit off the beaten track, not too far from Kanchanaburi and close to the 3 chedi pass / border crossing into myanmar, I  only saw one westerner whilst I was there. 

              Its in a nice location with a huge lake, Kayaks can be rented to explore, and the whole area is picturesque, There were not many resorts there at the time, only about 3 were listed in the lonely planet guide (at that time) but looking on google maps there seems to be a few more now, and the road seems to have been upgraded.

           I stayed at the P resort which was a really nice rustic place on the edge of the lake, individual stone chalets, nice bar area and a terrace overlooking the water,  nice food.

Well worth a visit, and was  thinking of revisiting the place myself one day, Hope it hasn't changed too much

[scubascuba3]

6 minutes ago, thaibeachlovers said:

Did you not see where the OP said " No bogans, chavs or wannabes."?

 

However, I always stopped at Pai on the bit of road where honeymooners can get their photo taken in front of a big heart thing. Great scenery and lots of nice restaurants. I only made the mistake of going through the area the bagpackers hang out once- the horror the horror.

 

It used to be popular with backpackers, i just passed through on the way to Mae Hong Son, didn't stop at Pai

[KhunLA]

31 minutes ago, bignok said:

Mhs - too hard to get to.

Pai - wannabes

Phrae - not sure if town is any good

Phayao - went there long ago. Option.

Nan - never been. Option.

Rai - been there long ago. Not sure. Option.

Chiang Saen - never been not sure.

 

Top 3 options probably Nan, Rai and Phayao.

Heading to Nan next week or so, after a family thing in NBLP.  Actually a 1st for me, strangely, and looking good.  2 or 3 nights should do it.   A pitstop at Phrae, then CR after Nan ... I think.  

 

Only have reservation at NBLP, as usually finalize things the night before or on the way.  Got a ball park idea though, with options to chose from.

 

Looks like Ayutthaya, NBLP, Phrae, Nan are definite stops, and probably CR.  Not near any of the cities of (Muang district), but the countryside.  Only 2 GHs picked so far, one near a birding hotspot at Ayutthaya, the other near family for the get together.

 

Agree with MHS & Pai thoughts, though haven't told wife the road to Nan and beyond will be a bit winding.  Rest of your list is worth stopping in, though I usually don't do 'downtown' any more, though have, but years ago, so no recs from me, along with so much has changed since actually stopping in.  One wooden guest overlooking Phayao was cool if still there.

Snaps of (smog season)

 

Just took a streetview stroll, what a difference, although place we stayed at is still there.  Nice perch on 3rd floor balcony, though be careful it doesn't push you off ???? they can't be trusted.

โรงแรมบัวแก้วเพลส (Buakaewplace hotel)

 

Edited July 9, 2023 by KhunLA

[ezzra]

I was always told that a total peace and rest you can only get in the grave.

[pomchop]

Prachuap kiri khan.....chiang rai

[pagallim]

I would recommend Phang Nga province, but away from the Andaman coast (some good resorts there, but you'll pay for them).   Closer to Phang Nga town, there are numerous natural attractions, virtually nil farang tourists, and easy reach of the northern most areas of Phang Nga Bay.   I've cycled quite a lot in that area, and the roads are good for two wheels, whether powered or not.   A quick Google gave me this, with a reasonable span of cost options.   Less than one hour from Phuket airport.

 

https://www.google.com/travel/search?q=muang phang nga resorts&g2lb=2502548%2C2503771%2C2503781%2C4258168%2C4270442%2C4284970%2C4291517%2C4429192%2C4597339%2C4757164%2C4814050%2C4850738%2C4864715%2C4874190%2C4886480%2C4893075%2C4924070%2C4965990%2C4990494%2C72248281%2C72264422%2C72281254%2C72286089%2C72288621%2C72296744%2C72300991%2C72301168%2C72304078&hl=en-TH&gl=th&ssta=1&ts=CAESCAoCCAMKAggDGhwSGhIUCgcI5w8QBxgKEgcI5w8QBxgLGAEyAhAAKgcKBToDVEhC&qs=CAE4Bg&ap=SABoAQ&ictx=1&ved=0CAAQ5JsGahcKEwi4u5v-0YCAAxUAAAAAHQAAAAAQCw

[thaibeachlovers]

46 minutes ago, bignok said:

Mhs - too hard to get to.

Pai - wannabes

Phrae - not sure if town is any good

Phayao - went there long ago. Option.

Nan - never been. Option.

Rai - been there long ago. Not sure. Option.

Chiang Saen - never been not sure.

 

Top 3 options probably Nan, Rai and Phayao.

Phayao is nice. Loved driving around the lake on the m'bike. Close to loads of nice day trips in the hills.

Plenty of restaurants along the lake to suit all tastes.

Quiet town, no farangs to speak of.

[Kwasaki]

1 hour ago, bignok said:

Would consider beach or mountain. Under 1000 baht a night. Even better if monthly deal. Some food, scenary, few things to do. No bogans, chavs or wannabes. Prefer Thai area.

 

Ideally an area that is good for a scooter.

 

Any ideas welcome.

Sukhothai mountain many nice places to stay under 1000 and you can camp out at the top of the mountain for one night.

https://guide2thailand.com/ramkhamhaeng-national-park-khao-luang/

[BKKBike09]

1 hour ago, bignok said:

Would consider beach or mountain. Under 1000 baht a night. Even better if monthly deal. Some food, scenary, few things to do. No bogans, chavs or wannabes. Prefer Thai area.

 

Ideally an area that is good for a scooter.

 

Any ideas welcome.

Ban Krud along to Bangsaphan Noi - between Prachuab and Chumporn. Some bits of Chumporn (Tung wua laen) are pretty relaxing. Or try Upper NE on the Mekong; somewhere between Nakorn Panom up around to Bueng Kan.

 

[bkk6060]

The mountains above Mae Rim near Monjam.  Plenty of small hotels and lots of camp sites with tents already in place.

[orang37]

On 7/9/2023 at 9:49 AM, KhunLA said:

Only have reservation at NBL

what does NBLP mean here ?

 

thanks !

[KhunLA]

1 minute ago, orang37 said:

what does NBLP mean here ?

 

thanks !

Nong Bua LamPhu

[KhunLA]

On 7/9/2023 at 10:09 AM, pagallim said:

I would recommend Phang Nga province, but away from the Andaman coast (some good resorts there, but you'll pay for them).   Closer to Phang Nga town, there are numerous natural attractions, virtually nil farang tourists, and easy reach of the northern most areas of Phang Nga Bay.   I've cycled quite a lot in that area, and the roads are good for two wheels, whether powered or not.   A quick Google gave me this, with a reasonable span of cost options.   Less than one hour from Phuket airport.

If wanting to stay near Andaman Sea @ Phang-Nga, then just north of Sarasin Bridge.  Think I was one of the only farangs in the area.

 

Great for a sunset with plenty of local vendors around ... my snaps:

Natai Beach

Might see one of my friends, cruising for a munch:

Edited July 10, 2023 by KhunLA

[bignok]

20 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

Nong Bua LamPhu

Stayed 1 night there. Most people never heard of it.

[Yellowtail]

23 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

Nong Bua LamPhu

Hey, where do you recommend staying in Prachuap Khiri Khan <B3-4K/night? 

[Denim]

What's Fang like these days ? Used to be possible to take a boat from there to Chiang Rai. Don't know if this is still possible.?

 

Never quite made it there as our hire car broke down some 20 years ago.

 

Looks nice if you can afford it.

 

https://www.booking.com/hotel/th/maekok-river-village-resort.en-gb.html?aid=304142&label=gen173bo-1FCAEoggI46AdICVgDaN0BiAEBmAEJuAEXyAEM2AEB6AEB-AEDiAIBmAICqAIDuALXg66lBsACAdICJDI1MTUyY2E3LWY4YjUtNDk2ZS1hYTExLTcxYTU3OGQ4NGZiN9gCBeACAQ&sid=daa906956711f9ab862839b3eb47e643&all_sr_blocks=26970801_204734284_0_9_0&checkin=2023-07-20&checkout=2023-07-21&dest_id=-3247720&dest_type=city&dist=0&group_adults=2&group_children=0&hapos=19&highlighted_blocks=26970801_204734284_0_9_0&hpos=19&matching_block_id=26970801_204734284_0_9_0&no_rooms=1&req_adults=2&req_children=0&room1=A%2CA&sb_price_type=total&sr_order=popularity&sr_pri_blocks=26970801_204734284_0_9_0__216000&srepoch=1688961526&srpvid=6f5e1bfa654d01bd&type=total&ucfs=1&activeTab=photosGallery

Edited July 10, 2023 by Denim

[KhunLA]

1 minute ago, bignok said:

Stayed 1 night there. Most people never heard of it.

Really no reason to, as not much there, except wife's home tambon (Na Klang) and some family still there.

 

Only reason I've been there, except for passing through during very early visit to Erawan Cave, which is actually in Loei.

[KhunLA]

20 minutes ago, Yellowtail said:

Hey, where do you recommend staying in Prachuap Khiri Khan <B3-4K/night? 

Don't need to spend that much, or even possible, locally. 

 

I've only stayed surfside at Hadthong (dated) w/good restaurant, 'The View', the View and at Thur GH, basic but comfy, and nice hosts. Thur

 

New place would probably be best now, though haven't been, Zea Zide Hotel

 

Swimmer's beach is Ao Manao, and there are accommodations there.  Been upgraded since I stayed there, so probably good.  Is on RTAF Wing 5 base, but no issues being so.

 

Weekend has nice night market along the surf, at pier area & N of.

Edited July 10, 2023 by KhunLA

[bignok]

22 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

Really no reason to, as not much there, except wife's home tambon (Na Klang) and some family still there.

 

Only reason I've been there, except for passing through during very early visit to Erawan Cave, which is actually in Loei.

Wanted to go. Had food poisoning. So went to town.

[carlyai]

On 7/9/2023 at 9:13 AM, scubascuba3 said:

I enjoyed Mai Hong Son, good trekking, can stop at Pai on the way

Do they still smoke those funny pipes in the trekking village overnight stays?

[KhunLA]

1 minute ago, bignok said:

Wanted to go. Had food poisoning. So went to town.

You didn't miss much, though have to admit, I'm not a cave fan.