Unbelievable Barlan View Khao Kho: Thailand's Hidden Paradise Revealed!
Unbelievable Barlan View Khao Kho: More Than Just a View (And Honestly, That View Alone Could Sell It!) - A Seriously Honest Review.
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I’m about to spill the (hot Thai) tea on Unbelievable Barlan View Khao Kho. Forget the airbrushed brochure shots; I’m here to tell it like it is. And spoiler alert: it’s mostly ridiculously good. Planning a trip to Khao Kho? You’re already halfway there. But finding the right place? That's where I come in.
Accessibility: The Ups and Downs (Mostly Ups, Thankfully!)
Getting There: Okay, first things first – Khao Kho is not a breeze to get to. Roads can be… let’s say “adventurous.” So, Airport transfer is a GODSEND. Seriously, pre-book it. Don't be that person wrestling with a tuk-tuk at 3 AM.
Wheelchair Accessible? This is where things get a little shaky. I honestly didn’t delve into this specifically, but I have a feeling it's not completely perfectly geared for that. Facilities for disabled guests are listed, though, so I’d definitely recommend calling ahead and asking very specific questions. See, I’m a fan of truth, even if it's a bit messy.
On-Site Navigation & More…
Elevator: Yes! Thank goodness for that, because some of those rooms have some views that are high, high, high up.
Car Park [Free of Charge]: YES! A massive, wonderful bonus. You're gonna need a car, and parking is sorted.
Bicycle parking: Didn't see it, but with the terrain, personally, I wouldn't bother.
Internet & More…
Internet Access: Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Hallelujah! Because, let's be real, we're all online addicts. And the connection? Pretty darn reliable.
Internet [LAN]: Yep, there's also LAN access if you're rocking the old-school setup.
Internet Services: They've got it all. Enough of the boring tech details.
Wi-Fi in public areas: Strong and good. I didn't have any problems.
Cleanliness & Safety: Seriously, They're on Top of It!
Let’s cut to the chase: I’m a bit of a germaphobe (don’t judge!). And Unbelievable Barlan View Khao Kho is CLEAN. Like, pristine clean.
Anti-viral cleaning products? You betcha.
Daily disinfection in common areas? Absolutely.
Room sanitization opt-out available? While I didn’t think to use it, It is nice to see.
Rooms sanitized between stays? Without a doubt.
They've got the basics covered, plus the fancy stuff too.
Staff trained in safety protocol: Yep, felt like they weren’t just going through the motions.
Shared stationery removed: Good. Who touches those things?! A plague, I tell ya!
First aid kit: Present and accounted for.
Hygiene certification: Not sure, but the standards are so high I would assume so.
Food & Drink: Oh. My. Goodness.
This is where Unbelievable Barlan View Khao Kho really shines.
Restaurants: Plural! They have a couple of them!
Asian & Western Breakfasts: Both included. So, you can start with a real Thai breakfast then decide you want pancakes later. Genius.
Buffet in restaurant? Yes! and a good one, too. Not all dried-up beige things, but stuff you actually want to eat.
Restaurants, Poolside bar, Snack bar: All present and ready to cater to your every whim.
Room service [24-hour]: Because sometimes, you just need a Pad Thai at 3 AM. (Which I may have done. Don't tell anyone).
Happy hour?: YES! I think I hit that a few times. (Again, shhhh.)
Coffee/tea in restaurant/coffee shop: Excellent! Coffee is a requirement!
A la carte in restaurant: Yes! (I recommend everything.)
Alternative meal arrangement: Yes! Good for picky eaters or dietary needs.
Bottle of water?: The most appreciated thing on earth.
Safe dining setup: Totally. Plates, cutlery, everything felt spotless.
Drinks and Snacking: Everything here is really great here too. The vibe is just right.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Pamper Mode EN-GAGE!
Let's be real: you’re here to chill. And chill you will.
Pool with view, Swimming pool [outdoor]: The view is utterly ridiculous. Like, Instagram-breakingly gorgeous. I legit spent an afternoon just staring at it.
Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Foot bath, Body scrub, Body wrap, Massage: The spa is a total haven! The massage…oh, the massage! I opted for the traditional Thai massage, and let me tell you, my knots vanished! I’m almost certain I floated out of there. Book yourself one of these, seriously. It's essential self-care.
Fitness center/Gym/fitness: I attempted to use it, once. The view from the treadmill was, like, tempting, but let’s be honest, the pool won. No judgment, right?
For the Kids: Family Friendly
Babysitting service?: I didn’t have kids, so I can’t give any personal feedback. But they do provide it.
Kids facilities, Kids meal: Seems good, all around.
The Room: Your Personal Oasis (With a Killer View, Duh)
Let's get this right, the rooms are really amazing.
Air conditioning: Essential.
Free Wi-Fi: Yep.
Air conditioning in public area: Totally.
Bathroom phone: Okay, that’s a little old-school, but hey, why not?
Bathtub, Separate shower/bathtub: Both! Luxury!
Blackout curtains: Glorious for sleeping in.
Closet, Desk, Sofa, Seating area: All the comforts you could need.
Additional toilet: Not in my room, but listed, so maybe available in some rooms?
In-room safe box: Always a plus.
Mirror, Slippers, Towels, Toiletries, Wake-up service, Desk: All present and wonderful.
The View…I Can’t Even.
Okay, I’ve mentioned this a few times, but the Pool with a view and the view in general… they are breathtaking. Pictures won't do it justice. You'll be taking so many photos that your phone will die.
Services and Conveniences: They Think of Everything!
Daily housekeeping: Yes!
Concierge: Always helpful.
Cash withdrawal: Convenient.
Laundry service, Dry cleaning, Ironing service: Perfect.
**Facilities for disabled guests: Yes, but you might want to check.
Meeting/banquet facilities:: Probably good for big events
Pet-friendly
Do not bring your pet, it is not allowed.
Getting Around:
Airport transfer: Excellent. Recommend it.
Car park [free of charge, on-site]: Awesome.
What Would I Change?
Honestly? Not much. Maybe add a little more vegan options at every meal (I kept having to ask). But that’s a tiny niggle, and the staff were always super helpful with it.
The Verdict: Book It, Already!
Unbelievable Barlan View Khao Kho isn’t just a hotel; it’s an experience. It’s a place to disconnect, recharge, and soak up some serious natural beauty. You’re getting a fantastic view, a comfortable, clean room, amazing food, and a staff who genuinely care about making your stay special. It's not perfect (because what is?), but it’s damn close. Go. Book it. You won't regret it.
My Unfiltered Recommendation:
Book this hotel if: You want stunning views, peace, quiet, delicious food, and a pampering experience without breaking the bank.
Maybe skip it if: You need a super-lively party scene. This is more about relaxation and connecting with nature. And maybe if mobility is a massive issue.
Are you sold yet? You should be!
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Escape to Paradise: Vestique Hostel Chiang Mai Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercup, because this ain't your grandma's itinerary. This is Barlan View Khao Kho: The Chaos Edition. Prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions, questionable decisions, and probably a mosquito bite or two. Here we go… (deep breath)
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Cloud Chase (AKA, "Where Did I Even Buy This Hat?")
- Morning (Like, really morning, 5:00 AM): Wake up in Bangkok. (Ugh, Bangkok. Love it, hate it. But gotta get to Khao Kho, right?) Taxi to the airport. Airport chaos. Every single shop appears to have closed except a coffee shop that sells coffee I suspect is made of sadness and regret. Buy a hat I will later regret. It's aggressively bright yellow. I'm already judging myself.
- Quirky Observation: The early morning airport crowd is a peculiar mix of bleary-eyed business travellers, frantic backpackers, and families desperately trying to keep the little ones from unleashing nuclear warheads of tantrums. I feel a kinship with the toddlers.
- Mid-Morning (About 8:00 AM): Fly to Phitsanulok. (Pray the flight isn't delayed. Pray harder.) Plane lands. Breathe.
- Late Morning/Early Afternoon (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Pick up rental car. (Note to self: Avoid the automatic. I’m a manual kind of guy, and I’m not as good, or even as okay, as I think I am.) Panic when I realize I can’t remember which side of the road they drive on here. Google Maps is my new deity.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): The Drive. Khao Kho bound! This is the part where I channel my inner Lewis Hamilton and… probably drive at a consistent 40km/h. The scenery is supposed to be stunning. I'll focus on not crashing. Eat some questionable roadside snacks that will probably give me indigestion.
- Emotional Reaction: The air changes as you climb. It gets crisp, fragrant. You can feel the mountains, and it's freaking gorgeous. This… this is why I came. (Try not to cry. Try not to think about that awful yellow hat.)
- Late Afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Arrive at Barlan View. Check in. Gawk at the view. (It's… breathtaking. Seriously, I might actually cry this time.) Stumble over to the balcony and just… breathe.
- Imperfection: Okay, so my room is… slightly less "charming" than the photos online. The wallpaper is a little… intense. And there's a questionable stain on the rug. But the view? Worth it. So, so worth it.
- Evening (7:00 PM onwards): Dinner at a local restaurant. (Recommendations from locals. Definitely a must. Anything is better than my cooking.) Try the Khao Kho famous local dishes that I can’t remember the name of. Drink beer. Watch the sunset paint the mountains in fiery hues. Maybe write a postcard to my mom. (Might be a bit too soppy though.)
- Opinionated Language: This is where it gets religious. The sunset. The mountains. The beer. This is the good stuff. This is what life is all about. Screw that yellow hat.
- Messy Structure: Might try and go for a stroll, get some photos, then I'll just crash after this… assuming my stomach is still my friend after the mystery meat at dinner. And hopefully, no giant bugs. I hate bugs.
Day 2: Cloud Surfing & Coffee Confessions (AKA, "I Think I'm in Love with a Mountain")
- Morning (5:00 AM - 8:00 AM): Wake up. (Hopefully, not too hungover from the beer.) Chase the clouds! Khao Kho is famous for its sea of clouds. I'm aiming for the ultimate photo. The perfect Instagram post. The one that will make everyone back home weep with envy. Fail miserably. Take photos while failing miserably.
- Stream-of-Consciousness:* The air is cold. The wind is biting. The clouds are… elusive. I swear, they’re just taunting me. Like, "You can't catch us, tourist!" I'm starting to feel like a character in a bad cloud-chasing movie.
- Mid-Morning (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM): Visit the Phra That Pha Sorn Kaew Temple. (Buddhist temple with stunning views. Be respectful. Don't be a jerk.) Try to find some inner peace. Probably fail. Take way too many photos. Get distracted by the shimmering colours.
- Emotional Reaction: The temple… it’s overwhelming. In a good way. Just… stunning. The artistry, the colours, the energy… it’s more than just a beautiful building. It’s a place to breathe, to reflect. (Did I just become a Buddhist?)
- Lunchtime (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Eat at a local coffee shop. (Because, coffee. And I need to recover from my emotional experience). Try some of the specialty coffee drinks. Probably spill some on myself. Again.
- Opinionated Language: The coffee in Thailand is… chef's kiss. Seriously, it's like liquid gold. I'm pretty sure I could drink a gallon of it. The coffee shop is cute. I want to live here.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Hike to a waterfall. (Hopefully, I packed my hiking boots. Probably not.) Get lost. Get sweaty. Take even more photos. Accidentally fall in the stream. (Probably.)
- Imperfection: Okay, so the ‘hike’ turned out to be more of a scramble up a very slippery slope. I definitely should have packed those hiking boots. And I absolutely, 100% should not have worn those flip-flops. I almost died. The waterfall was… underwhelming. But the sense of accomplishment? Unforgettable.
- Late Afternoon/Evening (4:00 PM - 7:00 PM): Return to Barlan View. Shower. (I really need a shower.) Relax on the balcony. Watch the sunset. Write in my journal (or, let's be honest, scribble some nonsense). Contemplate if I should go back to the restaurant that almost killed me (maybe not).
- Quirky Observation: I'm starting to think I'm developing a genuine relationship with this mountain. It's the most steady, beautiful, and non-judgmental "thing" I've had in my life. It's a welcome change.
- Evening (7:00 PM onwards): Dinner (somewhere, probably not on the "questionable mystery meat" restaurant list). Drink more beer. Stare at the stars. Maybe find a local to chat with about the "real" Khao Kho. Try not to think about the yellow hat. It's probably still judging me from inside my suitcase.
Day 3: The Battlefield & Leaving (AKA, "Goodbye, Mountain. I'll Be Back… Eventually")
- Morning (8:00 AM - 11:00 AM): Visit the Khao Kho Memorial. (Learn about the area’s history. Be respectful.) Reflect. Realize I know absolutely nothing about history.
- Rambling: The memorial is… sobering. You get a sense of the sacrifices made here. The stories of the people who lived and fought here. It gives you perspective. It makes you realize your own silly worries are… well, really, really silly.
- Late Morning (11:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Last coffee. Last view. Try to memorize every single detail. (Fail.) Buy more coffee beans to take home. (Yay!)
- Afternoon (12:00 PM- 4:00 PM): The drive back to Phitsanulok. (Try not to cry.) Return the rental car. (Successfully, even if the parking was a trial.)
- Opinionated Language: The drive back is… bittersweet. I’m excited to go home, to see my friends, but I also feel a pang of sadness. I'm actually going to miss this place, this mountain, this… chaos.
- Late Afternoon (4:00 PM - 7:00 PM): Fly back to Bangkok. (Pray for no delays. Again.) Airport chaos.
- Evening (7:00 PM onwards): Say goodbye to Khao Kho until next time.
Final Thoughts:
This itinerary is a suggestion, not a rule. Feel free to get lost. Get off track. Embrace the mess. Khao Kho, you beautiful, frustrating, amazing place, I'll be back to fail at cloud-chasing again soon. Also, never buy a bright yellow hat on impulse.
Escape to Paradise: Nantou's Hidden Gem, Publicity Villa B&B
Unbelievable Barlan View Khao Kho: FAQs - My Brain Dump (Because You Asked)
Okay, so... where *even* is Barlan View? Seriously, is it on a map? My GPS is a liar.
Alright, picture this: You're in Thailand, right? (Duh). Then you're heading towards Khao Kho, which itself feels like something out of a travel brochure – rolling hills, misty mornings, the whole shebang. Barlan View? It's *in* Khao Kho. Think of it as Khao Kho's secret, slightly less-polished, but infinitely more charming cousin. Finding it... well, let's just say my GPS nearly took me on a scenic tour of a farmer's rice paddies. Pay attention! The road signs are… let’s politely call them “suggestive.” But stick with it. The view waiting on you is worth the "are we there yet?!" moments. It's up high, overlooking EVERYTHING. So, yes, it's on a map, but mostly it's up in the clouds. Trust me, though, it's there. I *think*. (I eventually got there!).
Is it actually "unbelievable"? Because some places over-promise and under-deliver. Spill the tea.
Okay, look, "unbelievable" is a strong word, right? But... yeah, it kind of is. I'm a jaded traveler, I've seen a lot of "amazing" views, and sometimes I feel like I've seen more than amazing. But this? This actually made me gasp. The sheer scale of it! You're looking at rolling hills, stretching into a hazy horizon. The clouds? Sometimes they're *below* you. It’s like living inside a postcard. (Unless, of course, it's raining and you're stuck in a puddle of your own disappointment. More on that later.) But yes, it *delivered* on the view. Big time. My phone *died* taking photos! I'm a photographer, I'm supposed to take pictures and I didn't even take a single shot when I really needed to.
The Accommodation: What's the vibe? Is it luxury? Rustic? Do I need to pack my own mosquito net?
Alright, here's where things get a little… diverse. Barlan View *isn't* a five-star resort. Thank goodness! It's more like "charming, slightly quirky, and with a view that pays for itself in Insta-likes." (Though, fair warning, the wifi can be as patchy as my tan lines after a day on the beach... and the Wi-Fi password is “theviewisthebest” what a cliche, but, hey, it's true). There's a variety of accommodations. Some are proper little bungalows with balconies that'll make you weep with joy. Others are… let's say "cosy" is the word. Think clean and simple, maybe a little bit of wear-and-tear (that's part of the charm, right?). Personally, I stayed in a bungalow, which was amazing, but I'm not going to lie I was concerned about the door lock. It's a bit of a gamble. The mosquito situation? Not too bad when I was there, but pack some repellent, just in case. Trust me, the view will make up for any, uh, "rustic" elements. As long as the bed is clean, then it's okay. Oh, and bring a flashlight. Because night time.
Is it romantic? Because I need to know if this is a date-night kind of place, or more like a bring-the-whole-family-and-burn-the-marshmallows kind of place?
Romantic? Oh, absolutely. I mean, there are few things more romantic than sharing a sunset with someone (or even just by yourself *with* a bottle of something delicious). The views, the quiet evenings, the distant jungle sounds… Yep, couple goals right there. However, it’s also got a family-friendly vibe. Kids would absolutely love running around in all that space. But if you're desperate to make it date night, well, that's what the balconies are for! Away from the noise and the kids. But even that's okay, the communal areas are big and airy. I’m pretty sure I saw a family with like, eight kids, having a blast. So, the answer is: It's versatile. Romantic? Yes. Family-friendly? Also yes. Just maybe pack some earplugs if you're going for romance *and* there are eight kids.
What's the food situation? Restaurants? Street food? Or am I going to be living off instant noodles for a week? (Please, no more instant noodles!)
Praise be, no instant noodles! Though, hey, they'd probably taste pretty good with that view... But no, you're in luck. There are restaurants on site, and nearby. The food is generally Thai, simple, and utterly delicious. And reasonably priced. I swear I ate the best Pad Thai of my entire life sitting on a patio, overlooking the mountains. (I actually cried a little from the joy of it. Don't judge.) You can easily find street food in the nearby towns, too, which is always an adventure. My advice? Try everything. And be prepared for your taste buds to explode with happiness. But please, please double-check the food, they sometimes play a little loose with the seasoning, and the kitchen's ability to understand "not spicy".
Okay, so, what's there to *do*? Besides staring at the view (though, admittedly, that sounds pretty good).
Okay, beyond view-gazing (which, let's be honest, is a perfectly valid activity), there's a bunch of stuff. There are waterfalls nearby (perfect for a refreshing dip if you're feeling ambitious). You can rent a scooter and explore the surrounding countryside, which I highly recommend, but maybe check your travel insurance first). Visit local markets. There are plenty of temples to explore. Hike, if you're into that. Get a massage (because, Thailand). And, crucially, just *chill*. This isn't a place for rushing around. It's a place to slow down, breathe, and escape the madness. (Unless it’s raining. Then, well, that’s another story. See below.)
Rainy Season: Friend or Foe? Hit me with the brutal honesty.
Oh, the rainy season. Buckle up. So, yeah, the view can get obscured. Like, completely. One day I woke up and... nothing. Just a wall of grey. The whole "view" concept was under attack. Now, don’t get me wrong, there are times when the rain is a blessing, as there are times when it's all just a bit of a downer. Think of it as a mood, you have to be prepared for anything and everything. But *that* day? I was miserable. Stuck in my bungalow, listening to theBook For Rest
