Staycation ideas around 20K?

[anotheruser]

So I was just in Ayutthaya, stayed in a great place for two nights. Did nothing but relax and eat. We stayed two nights and with the taxi and everything else ended up paying around 20,000 Baht all in. The taxi was 1,000 each way and the room was around 4,000 Baht each night but above average for what we paid in my opinion. The rest was on eating and drinking and miscellaneous. It was hot and we had a good view of the temples on the river from our balcony (views were also stupendous from the cool of the pool) so maybe next time we will actually put effort into going out to see some others.

What are some ideas people have that are easy and affordable for what you pay? I am willing to fly but it adds up with two people so prefer land travel (taxis or perhaps the train but not really buses) to get a better room with in that budget. Also the stay can be longer than 2 days maybe up to 4 if there are places that are good value.

One example is I have never wanted to go to Pitsanoluk in particular, however there is a very nice resort that gets great reviews and sounds like that it could be a place to just relax and if we see anything of the town that is fine too. It is probably best to fly up there (Sukhothai) but the quality of the resort for the price would offset the cost of flights.

Hua Hin has great possibilities as well. Now before somebody starts crying I don't want to see the real Thailand, let me make it clear I don't want to see the "real" Thailand in particular. I am looking for ease of access from Bangkok, a reasonable price for being pampered and hotels that are normally going to be unique or not too corporate.

The one in Ayutthaya was called Iudia and was very good for the price and I do not impress so easily. A fraction of the price of what one would pay in the city or on Phuket or Samui given the quality. Because of flights and ocean front premiums I am looking mostly at places inland. I couldn't have done the same going to Samui for example.

The place I have in mind in Pitsanulok is:

http://en.directrooms.com/hotels/info/1-1-228-39970/?aw_campaignid=116215875&aw_adgroupid=6901966995&aw_matchtype=e&aw_device=c&aw_network=g&aw_placement=&aw_target=&aw_adposition=1t3&aw_targetid=kwd-15963666899&aw_loc_physical_ms=1012728&aw_creative=29498639115&gclid=CLuq04LG4cwCFUsfaAodbjYNUg

Give me a nice place with nothing to do with a great boutique hotel and I am a happy camper. Nature is appreciated so balconies, pools, gardens are what I am really looking for. Places that are nice enough you really don't need to venture out.

Obviously a bit higher budget is okay but I am trying to limit room expenditures to around 5,000 a night and transport to around 4,000 baht total door to door for two people. I don't worry about eating and drinking expenses as those can be adjusted as one.. drinks.

[stoneyboy]

I have stayed at the resort you talk of in Phitsanulok and was very happy all round to be fair,one gripe was the fact that the pool if I remember correctly is salt water and was very hot when swimming in it.

The rooms were lovely and all in all we enjoyed our stay,you forget that you are really amongst the hustle and bustle of a large city like Plok,the staff were attentive and the breakfast was good as well.

[anotheruser]

Great response Stony!

I am thinking to go a little later so that should mitigate a warm pool. A couple more rains and it will be fine. However if the pool is warm I am giving them only one star on tripadvisor.

[1FinickyOne]

I would try Chiang Rai - there are some nice resorts up there and can be scenic too... good value for money as well...

We also stayed in a nice place in Nan Province as well... no pool but pleasant views, just outside of the city... good food - great atmosphere - only 6 cabins.

We also had a nice trip to Mae Taeng - a luxury resort next to an elephant training camp and our cottage room, actually a one bedroom was right on the river and could both watch and play with the elephants as they roamed past...

We had a nice stay in a secluded resort in Krabi too...

pm me if you want names...

[Familyaffairs]

Phuket expensive? That is a myth, and maybe way in the past....we recently stayed in this apartment, great value and far preferable to any pokey hotel room, and only 3 mins walk to 2 of Phuket's best beaches. We are travellers from Ireland. https://www.airbnb.ie/rooms/624298

[Benben]

By staycation, i assume you are looking at weekends? There are some beautiful beachside resorts in Hua Hin area, but weekend rates are usually higher. As for transport, I supposed you can easily get a private car + driver to send you door to door for the budget you mentioned.

[robertson468]

Clearly you do not know Samui? PM me for advice and well within your budget. However, minimum stay is 7 days.

[anotheruser]

Great responses guys keep them coming. Chiang rai is a place I will definitely be looking into. Haven't been up there in ages. Anybody know of any secluded resorts up there that are up to snuff?

Edited May 19, 2016 by anotheruser

[stevensg]

Great responses guys keep them coming. Chiang rai is a place I will definitely be looking into. Haven't been up there in ages. Anybody know of any secluded resorts up there that are up to snuff?

Try here

https://m.facebook.com/eagleadventuretour/

The manager can speak English and friendly too

her name is farm