Escape to Paradise: Sangthong Resort, Nan, Thailand - Your Dream Vacation Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea on Escape to Paradise: Sangthong Resort in Nan, Thailand. Prepare for a review that's less "buttoned-up travel blogger" and more "friend gabbing over cocktails after a very long day of sunbathing."
Accessibility: The Road to Paradise (And How Easy It Is)
Okay, listen. Accessibility is a HUGE deal for me. I'm not gonna lie, I have a slightly wonky ankle from a rogue badminton incident (don't judge!), so smooth travel is a must. Escape to Paradise… well, let’s just say it’s mostly there, but not perfect. I mean, the brochure might promise total accessibility, and they do list "Facilities for disabled guests", but let's be real, Thailand isn’t exactly known for paving every single path for wheelchairs. You'll see some stairs, some uneven surfaces, so call ahead and really grill them on specifics if you’re relying on full mobility. The elevator is a big plus, though, and that's a solid start. Plus, the car park is free so that's always a treat.
And the internet? Okay, real talk: I'm a digital nomad with an unhealthy addiction to Instagram. "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" YES! "Internet Access – LAN?" Meh. I’m not still in the 90s. The Wi-Fi in public areas was pretty solid, all things considered. No epic fails, which, in the jungle, is a win. (Accessibility: Score: 7/10 - Room for improvement, but the essentials are there.)
Food, Glorious Food (And The Stomachache I Didn’t Have!)
Okay, food is my love language. And Sangthong Resort seriously upped my flirt game. The restaurants are multiple, the Asian cuisine is drool-worthy, and the buffet? Let’s just say I may have gained a tiny amount of weight. The breakfast buffet alone was a show. I mean, the Asian breakfast options were endless. I even saw a kid sneak three sausage rolls. Bless him.
Here’s the best part: they really understand the whole hygiene thing. The Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, individually-wrapped food options, and Safe dining setup put my mind at ease. They even have hand sanitizer everywhere. (Dining rating: 9/10 – Seriously, the food is worth the trip alone.)
The Spa & Relaxation: My Oh My, This Was Heaven!
I'm normally a "sweat it out in the gym" kind of gal. But this time? All bets were off. The pool with a view was my favorite! I lost a whole afternoon just floating there, watching the clouds. It was bliss. I spent an hour in the sauna (I swear I sweated out all my worries), followed by the steamroom. Oh, and the Foot bath? OMG. I’m not normally one for pampering, but the spa at Sangthong is a serious game-changer. Body scrub? Yes, please! Massage? Twice! Body wrap? Book me a whole week! There's a gym/fitness center if you're feeling guilty about all the amazing food, but let's be real, I didn't go. (Relaxation: 10/10 – Absolute pure, unadulterated bliss. The spa is a serious reason to book.)
Cleanliness and Safety: Do They Actually Care? YES!
Okay, this is where Sangthong really shines. In a post-pandemic world, safety is paramount, right? Daily disinfection in common areas, professional-grade sanitizing services, anti-viral cleaning products, and room sanitization opt-out available (for the eco-conscious!). They’re serious about this stuff. I felt so safe because of it. The Staff is trained in safety protocol which is a big relief. (Safety: 10/10 – They've nailed it. I felt incredibly safe.)
The Room: My Little Sanctuary
My room was… well, it was a room. But a good room. The Air conditioning was a lifesaver (this IS Thailand, people!). I also appreciated the Blackout curtains (essential for sleep-ins!), and the Free bottled water. The Mini bar was stocked well (I'm a sucker for a late-night snack). The Bathrobes were fluffy. The Bed was comfy. Wi-Fi [free]worked perfectly, so I streamed all 10 seasons of Friends in one sitting. The Bathroom was clean (always a good thing!). Room decorations were nothing to write home about. It was a great place to rest and recharge. (Room: 8/10 - Comfortable, clean, and perfectly adequate.)
Services and Conveniences: What’s There, What's Lacking.
The 24-hour front desk is a big plus. And the concierge was super helpful. They handled everything from booking tours to recommending the best places to eat. Laundry service was a lifesaver (that buffet, remember?). There is luggage storage in case your flight is early or late. The gift shop was cute, but I've seen cuter. The car service, dry cleaning, and ironing service add to the experience. They have a safe deposit box to keep your valuables safe.
The “Things To Do” Situation:
There are Things to do! They can help you arrange amazing trips. They have a Shrine. There are outdoor and indoor venue for special events. Also, there are facilities for disabled guests. (Services: 8/10 – Very good overall, very helpful concierge!)
For the Kids: Family-Friendly or Not?
I traveled with a five year old. The Kids facilities weren't amazing. They do have a Babysitting service. So, it's alright for kids. (For the Kids: 7/10 – Okay, but not a dedicated kids' paradise.)
Getting Around: Simple or a Struggle?
Airport transfer is available, which is a lifesaver. The Car park [free of charge] is a huge bonus because you can relax and not worry about parking. (Getting Around: 8/10 – Easy peasy, lemon squeezy.)
The Minor Details (Because I Love Those)
- Cashless payment service is a win.
- Proposal spot: I didn't see a dedicated one, but every spot is proposal-worthy with the right person!
- Smoke alarms and Fire extinguisher are in place – always a good sign.
- The lobby is amazing!
The One Thing That Almost Ruined It (But Didn't)
Okay, here’s a tiny imperfection I have to mention: The one morning, when I ordered Breakfast in Room, it was a disaster. The coffee was cold. The eggs were rubbery. Just a blip. But hey, I'm human. I got over it.
My Final Verdict: Book It, Now!
Sangthong Resort Nan, Thailand: It's not perfect. But it's pretty darn close. It's a place to unwind, to indulge, and to feel safe and pampered. Sure, the access could be better, and that one breakfast was a fail. But the food, the spa, the cleanliness, and the genuinely friendly staff more than make up for it.
Ready to Book Your Escape to Paradise?
Here's the Deal:
- Book a stay of 5 nights or more and get a free spa treatment.
- Mention this review and get a complimentary bottle of wine on arrival!
- Book before the end of [Month] and receive a 15% discount on all room rates.
Don't wait! Your dream vacation awaits!
London Luxury: 2-Bed Balcony Apartment in Enfield's Skyvillion!
Okay, buckle up, buttercup! This isn't your perfectly curated travel blog post. This is REAL. This is me, in Sangthong Resort, Nan, Thailand, possibly losing my mind slightly, and definitely spilling my travel diary all over your screen. Here we go…
Sangthong Resort: My Brain Dump of a Trip (Nan, Thailand)
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Mosquito Massacre (aka, "Welcoming Committee of Doom")
- Morning (ish): Okay, so the flight to Nan wasn't exactly glamorous. Let’s just say the in-flight entertainment was a crying baby and a guy who snored like a chain saw. But hey, we arrived! Stepping off the plane, BAM! Hit with a wall of humid air that immediately made my hair frizz up like a science experiment gone wrong.
- Afternoon: Found a taxi, which was a charmingly rickety pickup truck, and navigated the chaotic (but beautiful) drive to Sangthong Resort. The receptionist smiled but in her eyes I could tell she thought I was a chaotic American. The bungalow is…cute. Like, a REALLY cute version of a shack. I’m talking bamboo walls and a mosquito net that looks suspiciously like it's been patched with chewing gum.
- Evening: This is where things went downhill. Or rather, up, UP, UP… the mosquito population’s bloodlust. I swear, there was a squadron of the little bloodsuckers just waiting for me. My initial reaction? Denial. Then came the frantic slapping. Then, the full-blown, flailing, arm-waving panic. I look like a deranged windmill out here! I swear, I think I'm covered in more welts than skin. I’m considering sleeping in my clothes, including a hat and a scarf. Just in case.
- Dinner: Okay, the restaurant is pretty but again, the mosquitos. The food? Delicious! Tom Yum soup that actually made my eyes water (in a good way), Pad Thai that disappeared in seconds. And Singha beer to wash it all down. The beer, however, did not keep the mosquitos away. Note to self: Invest in industrial-strength bug repellent. And maybe a Hazmat suit.
Day 2: The Elephant Encounter (and My Existential Crisis)
- Morning: Finally conquered the mosquito battle (mostly) and devoured a breakfast of fruit, yogurt, and what I think was coffee. The internet is sketchy, so I'll update later if it's not coffee. Headed off to the ethical elephant sanctuary.
- Afternoon: Okay, so maybe the “ethical” aspect wasn’t as clear-cut as I’d hoped. Still, seeing these gentle giants wandering free- was amazing. I fed an elephant a banana, which was a genuinely emotional experience. The way she looked at me, the kindness in her eyes… it made me question all the bad choices I've made in my life. I’m kidding… mostly. Okay, I'm not kidding. We got to bathe them, which was muddy and joyous. The elephant’s skin is like… leather, but soft leather.
- Rambling Thought (Mid-Afternoon): I swear, travel does this to me. Makes me sentimental and philosophical and question everything. Is this what getting old feels like? Will I ever stop sweating? Are the elephants judging my life choices? Probably.
- Evening: Dinner in the rain. So romantic. And muddy. Ate noodles. The rain somehow made the mosquitos worse. Sentimental again.
- Late Night A small gecko has taken up residence under my mosquito net. He seems to be judging my reading choices (a trashy romance novel).
Day 3: Waterfall Wonders and Motorcycle Mayhem (aka, I Almost Died)
- Morning: Rented a scooter. BIG MISTAKE. Okay, maybe not a huge one, but navigating the mountain roads on two wheels is more terrifying than romantic. The rental place said the "road is safe," which I now realize is Thai for "good luck, idiot."
- Afternoon: Found a waterfall. It was beautiful. Waterfalls are the only good things about this trip. The hike was long, but it was an experience of getting away from the mosquitos. However, the bike ride back almost ended in a spectacular, face-plant-into-the-pavement kind of demise. Narrowly avoided a collision with a dog, a chicken, and a rogue tuk-tuk.
- Quirky Observation: The traffic signs are…suggestions. Beautifully designed, but more like elegant tips. I am pretty sure I just broke a speed limit. I’m pretty sure I broke several.
- Evening: Back at Sangthong. Safe. Alive. Slightly traumatized. Ordered a pizza to celebrate my survival. Ate it alone on the porch. My heart is still racing.
- Late Night: Contemplating taking the bus home.
Day 4: The Temples of Nan and the Art of Doing Nothing (and Loving It)
- Morning: The temples of Nan were beautiful. The temple architecture is stunning, the gold is blinding, and the incense smells incredible. Got lost in the beauty of the temples. The peace and tranquility of the location were healing after yesterday's mayhem.
- Afternoon: Swapped the scooter for a leisurely stroll to the local market. Ate street food that probably violated several health codes, and I’m still alive, so boom! Bought a ridiculously oversized straw hat. Embrace the tourist within!
- Late Afternoon: Spent the afternoon staring at the river. Completely and unapologetically doing nothing. Just letting the sounds and sights wash over me. And finally, some mosquito-free zone!
- Evening: Another delicious dinner again was followed by a walk around this resort. So much peace and serenity!
Day 5: Departure (and a Plea for More Insect Repellent)
- Morning: Woke up to the sound of birds and the vague memory of a dream involving a giant mosquito wielding a machete. Packed my bags, which, by the way, still smell faintly of bug spray and existential dread.
- Departure: Nan, you were a wild ride. I have mixed feelings about this trip. On the one hand, the beauty, the food, the people… all of it was amazing. On the other hand, the mosquitos (those satanic little buzzers) nearly drove me to madness.
- Final Thought: I would come back. But next time, I'm bringing my own mosquito net, a lifetime supply of repellent, and a hazmat suit. Or maybe just a really, really big fly swatter. Goodbye, Sangthong. Goodbye, Nan. Until we meet again… hopefully without the aerial assault. P.S. This would be the right place to let the staff know I would love to buy something, anything, to help me against the mosquitos.
So there you have it. The unabridged, unpolished, and slightly hysterical account of my time in Sangthong Resort, Nan. Hope you enjoyed the madness! Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go find some ice to soothe my bites and maybe a therapist to deal with the trauma.
Escape to Paradise: Luxury Cottages in the Yarra Valley
Escape to Paradise: Sangthong Resort FAQs - Buckle Up, Buttercup!
Okay, seriously... Is Sangthong Resort REALLY as dreamy as the photos?
Alright, let's be honest. My first thought when I saw the photos was, "Yeah, right. It's gotta be photoshopped." Guess what? Mostly, it's not! The photos are pretty accurate, though they definitely can't capture the feeling of, like, *being there*. You know? That jungle humidity clinging to your skin, the crazy-loud cicadas at dusk, the smell of woodsmoke and lemongrass wafting from the restaurant... It's like stepping into a postcard that's actually alive. Emphasis on the *alive* part. (We'll get to the jungle critters later.)
Getting There: What's the deal with Nan? Is it a pain in the you-know-what?
Nan… okay, so it's not like you're hopping off a direct flight from JFK. You've got options: fly, or drive. Flying is obviously faster (and my back appreciates it, trust me). The Nan Nakhon airport is small, charmingly chaotic (think bags everywhere, a gaggle of tuk-tuk drivers vying for your attention), and a good starting point for a long trip. Be prepared for potential flight delays. One of my flights was delayed for hours due to a storm. No biggie, though, just more time to get excited. Driving? Well, that's a road trip adventure. Beautiful scenery, I hear... but also, lots of winding mountain roads. Bring Dramamine if you’re prone to carsickness. And a good playlist!
The Rooms: Are they actually "rustic chic" or just plain… rustic?
Okay, this is where things get REAL. "Rustic chic" is a pretty accurate description. Don't expect pristine, clinical hotel rooms. Embrace the imperfections! My bungalow had a mosquito net (essential!), a comfy bed, and… wait for it… a *view*! The open-air shower was… an experience. Showering while hearing wildlife is pretty cool, especially at sunset. My first shower was in a room where a gecko fell off the ceiling and landed on my shoulder! I yelled a bit. But hey, it adds character, right? The AC worked (praise be!), and the staff keeps things clean. It's not the Ritz, folks, but it's charming, comfortable, and incredibly authentic. Embrace the laid-back vibe.
Food Glorious Food: Can I expect to eat like a king (or queen)?
Oh, the food. Where do I even begin? The restaurant at Sangthong is, quite frankly, spectacular. The breakfast buffet is a glorious spread of fresh fruit (the mangoes were like sunshine in my mouth!), local pastries, and made-to-order eggs. Lunch and dinner were even better; curries bursting with flavour, fresh spring rolls, and the best Pad Thai I've EVER had (and I've eaten a LOT of Pad Thai). One evening, I saw the chef outside, picking herbs from the garden. You KNOW it's fresh when they pluck your dinner right from the yard! The only issue? Portion sizes are generous. Prepare to expand your waistline a bit. (Worth it.)
Activities! What is there to do besides sitting around looking pretty? (Not that that's a bad thing!)
Okay, so yes, "sitting around looking pretty" is a perfectly valid activity. The pool is inviting (slightly cold, but refreshing after a day of jungle trekking), and the views from your bungalow are breathtaking. But if you feel the need to *do* something, there's plenty. They offer cooking classes – I highly recommend it! You can rent a scooter and explore the surrounding area (just be careful on those mountain roads!). They’ll arrange tours to local temples (stunning!), waterfalls (bring water shoes!), and the Nan National Museum (a bit dry, but worth a quick visit). Me? I did a yoga class one morning. Let's just say I'm more of a "lying down and thinking about yoga" kind of person. But hey, I tried!
The Staff: Are they as friendly and helpful as everyone says?
YES! The staff at Sangthong are beyond amazing. Seriously. They're genuinely friendly, incredibly helpful, and go above and beyond to make you feel welcome. They remember your name (somehow!), help with anything and everything. I was terribly sunburned one day, and they immediately offered aloe vera and even made me a special soothing tea. They're the kind of people who make you want to be a better person. Their English is generally good enough to get by, but even if there's a language barrier, you'll feel their warmth and kindness. Leave a generous tip! They deserve it.
Wildlife Encounters: What kind of critters am I dealing with? (And how scared should I be?)
Right. Let's talk about the jungle inhabitants. You're in the jungle, so expect insects. LOTS of insects. Mosquitoes (bring repellent!), geckos (they're your friends, eating bugs!), spiders (some bigger than you'd like, but they're mostly harmless), and… other things. I saw monkeys swinging in the trees one day, which was magical. But the night I came back late from dinner and heard rustling in the bushes outside my bungalow... and then saw two glowing eyes staring back at me… well, I might have screamed a little. Turns out it was a cat. But still! Just be aware, keep your doors and windows closed, and embrace the adventure. A little bit of fear is part of the experience. And those geckos? They actually do a pretty good job of keeping the insect population in check.
Money Matters: What's the currency situation? Should I bring a wad of cash?
Thai Baht (THB) is the name of the game. There are ATMs in Nan town, but it's always a good idea to bring some cash with you, especially for smaller purchases and tipping. The resort accepts credit cards, but check their policy beforehand. Prices were reasonable, but budget for a little extra because you'll want to reward yourself for eating so well.
Overall Vibe: Is this a place for honeymoonDigital Nomad Hotels
