The Thai Pirate - Thai Blog and Travel Stories

The Grand Garden Resort - Prachinburi

Having spent a fair amount of time on the road in Thailand, I've searched high and low for the best value places to stay..... Most times in cheaper accommodation you get used to not expecting too much, random service, a dodgy room etc, but after all, as you're only paying 400-800 baht per night, you can't really complain....

However, on just a few occasions, you might just be lucky enough to discover a real gem (...truthfully though, I never stumbled across the Grand Garden Resort, it was recommended to me).

The most obvious thing about the Grand Garden is the low price. 500 Baht per night. Having heard this, you brace yourself for a 'slightly' naff room, but, like me, you'll probably be surprised to find that, for your 500 baht, you get a very nice, well put together room, and a good size.

It doesn't stop there... the owners of the GGR (pic above) really have some sound ideas for offering a great service and getting your repeat custom (unusual for budget accommodation in Thailand I've found)... One example, you can pour yourself free coffee, at all times night and day, at a little hut outside the room (top pic).. a nice touch. Also, you can get laundry done, for free!

But, by FAR the best thing about the Grand Garden Resort is the absolutely blinding Restaurant! which is easily one of the best I've ever eaten in. It's something else. Having stayed there for over a week, every night I looked forward to getting in that restaurant. The great atmosphere and amazing food keep you wanting more.

So, next time you find yourself wanting for somewhere to stay in Prachinburi (near to Khao Yai), head for the Grand Garden Resort, you won't be disappointed. Fantastic value. (if you want directions email ben@thethaipirate.com)

The Sofitel Gardens - Hua Hin

'Park life' in Thailand is alive, but can sometimes be hard to find. Unlike England, when a weekend jaunt in the park is always an option, in Thailand there tends to be a general lack of park amusement, a shame, and most likely due to the heat... Time spent in the various malls is probably a substitute for younger Thai's, or a game of footie under a expressway bridge!

But there are public parks and gardens in most cities in Thailand .... By far the best I have come across so far are the Sofitel Hotel Gardens in Hua Hin.

Even on hot days, the huge topiary birds and elephants offer welcome shade... The grounds are large enough that you can get lost in them, there are lots of little quiet places to sit and if you have small ones they can run amok without creating too much attention.

Time inside the grounds is well spent.. Especially so if you are used to hustle and bustle, and stop / start of Bangkok traffic. The green haze, clean air and colour will bring you back to earth pleasantly.... The whole experience can be so easily missed though, as the main entrance into the Sofitel is also the main road leading to the beach, and so most visitors are pulled in that direction.... A shame, as although the beach is OK, take my word for it, it's not got anything on the gardens...

If you find yourself heading inside the Sofitel grounds.... You might be a little reluctant at first, especially if you're not staying there... but carry on, you'll find all the staff will welcome you and are more than happy for you to enjoy the grounds.

The Hua Hin Vineyard

Good wine (like cheap holidays) doesn't immediately spring to mind when you think of Thailand, however, nestled deep in the hillsides of Hua Hin, you can find Thailand's answer to the Napa Valley - The Hua Hin Hills Vineyard....

It's pretty easy to find the Vineyard, it's well signed from the main town centre, but prepare for a 20-25km drive off the beaten track, as always, it's good to have a Thai handy for sign reading and getting directions. It's a nice drive though, and as you get into the more hilly regions you may see wild monkeys or even elephants in the bush.

The main building offers a great panoramic view of the surrounding terrain, which could easily be mistaken for a wine producing area in Italy or Northern Europe. They've got a half decent menu of Thai and Farang food, and of course you can sample the produce.

Even if you're more a sang som man, or prefer a polythene bag of chang's, the Hua Hin Vineyard is still worth the trek, if only for the chance to feel as though you're sitting atop of the world, having a good plate of food, whilst enjoying the scenery.

Hua Hin Vineyard Website here.

Places to Visit (if you have kids) in Thailand - Funarium Soi Sukhumvit 26

For parents in and around Bangkok, if you have a spare weekend or weekday (far less busy) then take the toddlers to a place called 'Funarium' on Sukhumvit Soi 26. Its apparently 'the largest kids indoor playground' in Thailand, but to be honest, it's not too big or hectic so don't let that put you off.

It is nicely put together, 2000 sq.m of slides, climbing frames and matted areas all sufficiently padded to help the nippers avoid braining each other. Parents generally shuffle about for 10 minutes in the thick of the mayhem, before retreating to the food bit. There is the customary mix of Thai / Expat parents and kids, all very nice and friendly.

The restaurant isn't bad either, fairly good choices, clearly homing in on / encouraging healthy eating, with lunches, juices and smoothies. Those that are more tuned into thai food pricing will balk a little at the prices, I think I paid a whopping 160 baht for a spagetti boll, oh the pain!

To get in this hellhole costs 90 Baht per adult and 180 baht for little kids, which isn't too terrible eh (for that you get 3 hours).

Its a great place for the little 'uns to mix, so if you're around Bangkok armed with kids take a look, it's a well spent few hours. The only real downer is, unless you're all willing to 'family-up' on a taxi moped, you can't avoid the hellish traffic along Sukhumvit (which doesn't put off hardened Bangkok-ites I know :)

Website here: funarium bangkok

Something spotted on the Mekong...

Have spent some time recently in the rather pleasant province of Ubon Ratchathani in the East of Thailand.... A thoroughly recommended place to stay, with super views across the Mekong (with Laos the other side - pic) is the Tohsang Khongjiam Resort in Khongjiam, Ubon.

I stood on the restaurant terrace overlooking the river when I spotted an odd shape sticking out near the waters edge (above pic: white shape inbetween the two chairs).

Venturing down the steep slopes and across the sandy rockfaces, it became clear it was an umbrella.

The old man had stolen grandson for a spot of Mekong Fishing.

Not only do you get the fantastic views and surrounding landscape at the Tohsang Khongjiam Resort, you also get the opportunity to get your rod out and fish the Mekong....

The old man wasn't going to break the habit of a lifetime though, being that he caught feck all.

More on the Tohsang later on...