Escape to Paradise: Uncover Baan Plawan Resort's Hidden Chiang Rai Magic
Escape to Paradise: Baan Plawan Resort - Chiang Rai's Secret is Out (And It's Good)
Okay, let's be real. Reviews are usually boring. But this? This is about to be different. I just got back from Baan Plawan Resort in Chiang Rai, and I have to tell you, it wasn’t just a vacation; it was a vibe. And frankly, I'm still riding that wave. Buckle up, because we're ditching the corporate jargon and diving headfirst into the messy, beautiful truth of this place.
First Impressions: Accessibility & Getting There
Right, let’s rip the band-aid off. Accessibility is a big deal. Baan Plawan? They get it. While I didn’t personally need it (phew!), the information on facilities for disabled guests is reassuring. They have an elevator, which is a godsend considering the gorgeous views from the higher floors. And the whole place just feels thoughtfully designed. No awkward ramps or impossible angles. It’s a genuine effort, and that’s something I really appreciate.
Getting there? No sweat. Airport transfer is smooth as silk. They've got car parks, free of charge, so if you're driving, no worries. They even have a car power charging station. Talk about modern!
Seriously, The Rooms Are a Sanctuary
Okay, room time. I’m easily impressed by nice towels and a good view. Baan Plawan blew my mind. My room? Think 'Zen meets Insta-worthy'. Blackout curtains? Yes, please! Essential for those late nights (and early morning jet lag snoozes). The air conditioning was chefs kiss – essential in the Chiang Rai heat. My room had everything: a comfy bed (extra long!), a mini-bar stocked with goodies (they even include complimentary tea - swoon!!!), and a balcony begging for an evening G&T. And let's be honest, I spent a LOT of time there. The Wi-Fi? Free and fast. I could actually work (kinda) and post all my amazing travel pics. (Speaking of which, sorry, not sorry, for the Instagram spam!)
Now, the Dining… Oh, the Dining!!!
Okay, buckle up, foodies. This is where Baan Plawan really shines. The restaurants? Plural. The food? Phenomenal.
- Breakfast: The buffet. Oh, the buffet! Asian breakfast? Check! Western breakfast? Check! Fresh fruit, pastries, eggs cooked every way imaginable… I'm not even kidding, I dream about their mango sticky rice. And the coffee? Strong enough to wake the dead (or, you know, someone battling some serious post-travel fatigue). You can get breakfast in your room too if you're feeling extra lazy (guilty!). They also have breakfast takeaway options.
- Lunch/Dinner: A la carte? Check. Asian cuisine? Check. International cuisine? Check, check, check! The food was incredible. Truly. Fresh ingredients, authentic flavors, and the presentation? Seriously, Instagram-worthy. They have a vegetarian restaurant. Even a soup restaurant. I'm not kidding you, there's a pool side bar with happy hour?! I didn't even ask how it was!
- The Poolside Bar: Let's be real, the Poolside Bar is a game changer. Picture this: a gorgeous pool (more on that later), sunshine, a chilled Chang beer, and… bliss. They have a happy hour (a proper happy hour!), the perfect place to relax, soak up some rays, and plan your next adventure (or just nap, no judgment here).
Relaxing & Recharging: Spa, Pool & That ‘Zen’ Feeling
Right, let’s get to the good stuff. Relaxing! Because, let's face it, that's what a vacation is for.
- The Pool: The pool. The glorious, infinity pool. With a view. A view that melted away all my worries. Seriously, I spent HOURS floating there, just staring at the lush greenery and the mountains in the distance. It's a postcard in real life.
- Spa Time: The spa. I had a massage. A real massage. Like, the kind that leaves you feeling like you've been reborn. They offer body scrubs, body wraps, a sauna, and a steam room. There's a foot bath! I mean, c'mon!! They have a whole menu of treatments, all designed to melt away your stress. My masseuse was amazing, she really knew what she was doing!
- Fitness Center: Hey, even on holiday, you gotta pretend to be healthy sometimes. The fitness center has everything you need to work off those extra portions of mango sticky rice. It’s well-equipped and not too crowded, which is a massive bonus.
Cleanliness, Safety & COVID-19 Considerations (Because, Sadly, Reality)
Look, I'm a worrier. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't slightly on edge about traveling during this whole pandemic thing. But Baan Plawan? They take it seriously.
- Hygiene & Cleaning: Professional-grade sanitizing services. Daily disinfection in common areas. Individually-wrapped food options. Rooms were sanitized between stays. They even used antiviral cleaning products.
- Staff: Staff trained in safety protocol. They all wore masks, and there were hand sanitizer stations everywhere.
- More: There was a doctor/nurse on call. A first aid kit in every area. The dining setup was safe and well-spaced out.
I felt safe. Really, truly safe. It's a huge weight off your mind when you can actually relax and enjoy your holiday without constantly worrying. They also have a lot of contactless methods for you to pay for things.
Things To Do (Besides Lounging by the Pool – Though, Let's Be Honest, That's a Major Perk)
Baan Plawan is an amazing base in Chiang Rai.
- Exploring: Exploring the temples, walking around the city, or shopping.
- On-Site Events: The resort has indoor and outdoor venue facilities for special events. Perhaps I'll host a seminar someday.
- Services and conveniences The resort has a concierge, dry cleaning, laundry service, and luggage storage.
The Little Things: Services & Quirks
Beyond the big stuff, it's the little things that make Baan Plawan special.
- The Staff: The staff are incredible. Friendly, helpful, and genuinely wanting you to have a good time. They're a huge part of the experience.
- The Atmosphere: It's relaxed. It's peaceful. It's the perfect escape. No loud parties, no annoying crowds. Just pure, unadulterated relaxation.
- The Hidden Gems: The gift shop which has some great local crafts. The coffee shop which is perfect for a afternoon break.
The Imperfections (Because Perfection Is Boring)
Okay, no place is perfect. And honestly, that's part of the charm.
- The Internet: Yes, there's free Wi-Fi. And yes, it generally works well. But sometimes, it can be a little…patchy. Especially during peak hours. This is more of a minor annoyance.
- The Location: While it's peaceful, it's a little bit outside the main city center. So, you'll need transport if you want to explore the surrounding areas.
My Verdict: Book It! (Seriously, Do It!)
Alright, so here's the deal. Baan Plawan Resort is not just a hotel. It's an experience. It's a chance to disconnect, recharge, and rediscover your inner peace. It's the kind of place you'll tell your friends about. The kind of place you'll want to keep returning to.
Here's a deal - you can book your stay for a lower price if you are staying a longer time. Don't miss out!
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Iloilo's BEST Pool View Condo: Lafayette Park Square Balcony!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your sterile, robot-generated itinerary. This is my Baan Plawan Resort, Chiang Rai, Thailand adventure, and it’s gonna get real. Think less "perfectly coordinated symphony" and more "slightly tipsy singalong around a campfire."
Day 1: Arrival and Mild Disorientation (AKA "Where Am I?")
Morning (Approximately 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Landed in Chiang Rai. Airport was… well, an airport. Clean, efficient, blessedly not overflowing with screaming children (though I'm sure that's coming). Pre-booked a transfer to Baan Plawan. I am SO glad I did. That drive, while picturesque, would have been impossible to navigate after a 20-hour flight and a questionable airplane breakfast.
Midday (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Checked in. The smell of the resort hit me the second I stepped out of the taxi. Jasmine? Frangipani? Something intoxicatingly floral and… relaxing. The lobby is all open-air, and I swear, butterflies were flitting around like they had important meetings. The staff? Seriously, they're all smiles and "Sawasdee krap"-ing me to death. In the best way. I'm given a welcome drink: cold hibiscus tea. Heaven. I’m handed the key to my bungalow… I will lose this key. Mark my words.
Afternoon (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Bungalow exploration! Okay, it’s less "exploration," more "giddy flailing." My room is straight out of a magazine. I’m almost afraid to touch anything. The mosquito net is all billowy and romantic, the bathroom has an outdoor shower (!!), and the view… oh, the view. Jungle greens for miles. I swear, I think I saw a monkey flick a banana peel in the distance. This will be the best week ever. I immediately started questioning the internet’s accessibility.
Late Afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Poolside. Finally. The first swim. The sun is warm, but not oppressive. The water is that perfect, cool-but-not-freezing temperature. I got a little sunburn. I'm already regretting not packing a proper hat. The Thai beer is cold and crisp. Life = Good. My plan of actually reading my book goes promptly out the window, replaced with just… existing.
Evening (6:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Dinner at the resort restaurant. The food… oh, the food. I ordered the Gaeng Keow Wan Gai (green curry). It was so flavourful, so fragrant, it was like a party in my mouth. I ate WAY too much. Definitely going to need a walk afterward. The resort had some ambient music with a flute that I am absolutely going to hum for the next three days.
Night (9:00 PM onward): Mosquito check (they’re out!). Attempt to read. Failed. Stared at the stars, which are unbelievably bright here. Drank another beer. Realized I'd forgotten to pack bug spray despite it being a major consideration. Sigh. Probably a good time to hit the hay. I'm going to get eaten alive, I'm sure.
Day 2: Temple Hopping and Elephant Encounters (and a bit of a tourist whimper)
Morning (8:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Breakfast at the resort. Actually managed to eat most of it. The smoothie bar is a game-changer. Pancakes, yes. Fresh fruit, yes. Coffee, yes. I feel… optimistic.
Morning (10:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Trip to the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) and the Black House (Baan Dam Museum). Okay, the White Temple is… stunning. Seriously, otherworldly. The detail is insane. I spent ages just staring, trying to decipher all the symbolism. The crowds, though… woof. The art is fantastic, but it's a little difficult to enjoy the art without getting shoved. Then the Black House. Totally different vibe. Dark, gothic, and unsettling in the best way. A bit too many taxidermied animals for this gal. The drive between the two was also a bit rough because the AC in the taxicab was broken.
Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Lunch, followed by a visit to an elephant sanctuary. This was the REAL highlight of my trip. This place is amazing. The elephants are treated respectfully, and you can feed them, and there's no riding! I’m a sucker for a majestic animal. Tears may have been shed while watching an adorable baby elephant splash around in the mud. That's what you call a good cry.
Late Afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Returned to the resort. Pool time (again!). This time I brought a proper hat! Took a nap on the deck. I'm starting to feel like a local.
Evening (6:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Cooking class. I managed to chop a few vegetables without losing a finger! Learn to make Pad Thai. I'm not sure if it was the best Pad Thai ever made outside of Thailand; still, I'll proudly say, "I made that." And I mean, how can you mess up a recipe that tastes this good?
Night (9:00 PM onward): Sit outside on the veranda I think I was supposed to be more adventurous. I could hear the bugs and the occasional gecko. And it was so quiet, as quiet as it could be. I am absolutely content.
Day 3: The Golden Triangle and a Brush with History (and a near-disaster with a river cruise)
Morning (8:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Breakfast. The staff remembered my usual seat. I feel loved.
Morning (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Golden Triangle tour. Okay, history lesson time. This is where the borders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet, a notorious region for opium production. It's a truly beautiful place. I visit a museum about opium production. The boat ride on the Mekong River was gorgeous. The air was fresh and I just loved the view.
Afternoon (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Lunch at a riverside restaurant. Tried grilled river fish. Delicious, but I had about a thousand bones in it. (Note to self: become a better fish eater.)
Afternoon (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): A minor disaster. The tour included a short visit to Laos. Getting back onto the boat after the visit, and the boat began to take off. I was halfway across the bridge and my bag was still on the dock. I was yelling, the tour guide was yelling, the boatman started the engine and drove fast. The boat kept driving. My bag was full of my passport, wallet, my phone. It was an absolute chaos! I swear, I saw my life flash before my eyes. A helpful dude eventually grabbed it. Oh, crisis averted, but I am still shaken.
Late Afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Back at the resort. And immediately went back to the pool, desperately trying to shake off the near-drowning experience. The pool is my safety blanket. Thank god for Thai beer.
Evening (6:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Dinner. A slightly more subdued. I ordered chicken katsu this time just to be safe.
Night (9:00 PM onward): Journaling! Needed to document this day. I'll never forget it. The bugs still keep me company, but now I'm mostly just grateful to be in one piece.
Day 4: Exploring the Nature (and Getting Lost on the way)
Morning (8:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Breakfast. I’m starting to recognize the other guests. We share knowing glances, the unspoken language of “we’re living the dream.” I had the omelette this time.
Morning (10:00 AM - 1:00 PM): The resort offered a scooter rental. I thought, “I’m adventurous! I can handle this!” Spoiler alert: I’m not. I managed to navigate the local, rather chaotic, roads, and ended up quite lost. I went looking for a waterfall the staff recommended. I was told how far away from the resort it was. I was told how to get there. I was told which landmarks to look toward. I was still quite lost.
Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Found the waterfall! The air was cool, the water cold, and I was completely on my own. It was paradise. I spent a couple of hours exploring
Okay, so, Baan Plawan…what’s the *deal*? Is it actually paradise?
The rooms… what are they like? Are they… clean? Because that’s kind of important…
What’s the food like? Because, honestly, that’s *crucial*.
Okay, so the pool… is it Instagrammable? Because… priorities.
What about things to *do*? Is it all just eating and lying around? Because, I have a serious attention span of a goldfish.
The staff… are they nice? Because, let's face it, bad service can ruin a vacation.
Is it worth the money? Because let's be real, vacations cost MONEY.
Okay, last thing. Any regrets? Anything you *wouldn't* do again?
