Uncover Paradise: ViangPhing Resort's Chiang Rai Secret
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the, well, let's call it slightly chaotic but utterly fascinating world of Uncover Paradise: ViangPhing Resort in Chiang Rai. Forget those perfectly polished, robotic reviews. I'm here to give you the real, slightly sweaty, definitely-had-too-much-pad-thai truth.
First Impressions: The Arrival & Accessibility (or Lack Thereof - SIGH)
Okay, hitting the ground running. The resort is, well, off the beaten path. Which can be a good thing, right? Seclusion, peace, blah blah. But if you're relying on public transport, or have mobility issues… let’s just say "accessibility" might be a slight exaggeration. While they say they have facilities for disabled guests… I didn't exactly see wheelchair ramps everywhere. Think: uneven paths, a few stairs here and there. If you need serious accessibility, double-check with the resort before you book. Consider this your warning siren.
Accessibility - My Rambling Thoughts:
Was it hard to get there? Yes. Is that always a bad thing? Depends on your energy levels.
Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Valet parking: Okay, good news: parking is easy. Bad news: I don't own an electric car so I didn't get to test that out.
Elevator The important bit! Do they have an elevator? Check!
The Tech Stuff: Wi-Fi, Internet, and the Modern Crutch
Internet Access, Internet [LAN], Internet services, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, Wi-Fi in public areas, Wi-Fi for special events: Listen, in a world where even my dog has a TikTok account, Wi-Fi is non-negotiable. And thankfully, ViangPhing gets it. The Wi-Fi was pretty darn excellent in the rooms (thank god, because the walls are thick), and decent in the public areas. I even managed to upload a particularly embarrassing selfie to Instagram without much buffering. So, points for that. They also mention LAN access, which I'd guess for you techy types out there.
Services and Conveniences - A Mixed Bag
- Air conditioning in public area: Yup, thank heavens. Chiang Rai is hot.
- Audio-visual equipment for special events: Didn't host a rave, so can't comment.
- Business facilities, Xerox/fax in business center: If you need to fax something in paradise, more power to you.
- Cash withdrawal, Currency exchange: Very handy.
- Concierge, Doorman, Front desk [24-hour]: Super helpful staff! Especially the doorman, because I got lost…a lot.
- Contactless check-in/out: Smooth as butter.
- Convenience store: Needed to grab some stuff (you know the essentials? Snacks)
- Daily housekeeping: Bless them for cleaning up my mess.
- Dry cleaning, Ironing service, Laundry service: Laundry is a lifesaver, especially since I sweat my weight in a day.
- Invoice provided, Luggage storage: Standard.
- Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings: For the serious hotel types.
- Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events: A plus!
- Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes: Standard.
- Seminars, Shrine: A shrine! That's pretty cool.
- Smoking area, Terrace: Good for both, yeah.
The Rooms: Cozy, But Not Always Flawless (My Inner Critic Awakens)
Available in all rooms, Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
My room? Honestly? Pretty darn lovely. Big, comfy bed with extra-long pillows. Strong AC – a necessity! Mini-bar stocked with the essentials (water, beer, questionable snacks). Oh, and the blackout curtains, bliss. But, and there's always a but, the décor was… a little dated. Think, well, "rustic charm" that might need a tiny refresh. That being said, the bed was so comfortable that I basically melted into it every night. 10/10 for the sleep quality. The bathroom was spacious, I like the bathrobes. Very important.
Dining: Food, Glorious Food! (Mostly)
A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant:
Okay, let's talk food. ViangPhing has multiple dining options. There's the buffet breakfast, which was a solid (if slightly predictable) spread of Asian and Western options. The coffee was meh, but the fresh fruit? Divine! You can order from the a la carte menu at the restaurant, and they have a poolside bar (hello, happy hour!). The food was generally good. The service? A bit inconsistent, but always friendly. One time, I asked for extra chili, and they brought me a plate piled high with the stuff. Bless them.
My Foodie Moment of Truth
- Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop: The coffee in the restaurant was meh. Don't bother. However the cafe had good coffee.
The Spa: An Epic Fail (But a Funny One)
Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Massage, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom:
Alright. This is where things get interesting. I went for a massage at the spa. I have to be honest: it was probably the worst massage of my entire life. The masseuse seemed, well, a little distracted. I felt like I was the one doing the work. (Okay, maybe that’s an exaggeration). The sauna was… okay? The steam room? I didn’t even try that, fearing further disappointment. The whole experience was… let's call it character-building. Consider this your warning.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: The High Points (And One Very Weird Low)
Fitness center, Gym/fitness, Pool with view, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]:
Okay, the pool. The pool is glorious. Seriously. It's infinity-edged, overlooks the lush greenery of the mountains. I could have easily spent my entire trip floating there. The fitness center? It looked a bit neglected. But hey, it's Thailand: Walk around and you'll burn more calories than you would in a gym. They had a lot of facilities, swimming pool [outdoor], pool with view, sauna, spa/sauna, spa, steamroom.
Cleanliness & Safety: Feeling Safe-ish
Anti-viral cleaning products, Breakfast in room, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment.
ViangPhing seemed to take COVID precautions seriously. I saw staff sanitizing everywhere. The rooms felt clean.
For the Kids:
Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal:
I have no kids, but there were signs that this place welcome families, even having babysitting services, kids facilities, and even kids' meals.
My Verdict, The Final, Unfiltered, and Slightly Rambling Conclusion:
Would I go back to Uncover Paradise: ViangPhing Resort? Hmmm. It's a tricky one. The location is stunning, the pool is pure bliss, and the staff are lovely. The rooms are comfortable, if a little rough around the edges. But the spa? Avoid. The food? Mostly good, but not exceptional. Overall? If you're looking for a relaxing escape and don't mind a few quirks, it's worth considering. Just… maybe pack your own massage therapist.
Unbelievable Malacca Family Stay: FamilyBaba's Hidden Gem!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because my Chi-ang Rai adventure at ViangPhing Resort is about to get REAL. Forget your perfectly curated Instagram grid; this is more like a Polaroid taken after three too many Singhas. Let's dive in, shall we?
ViangPhing Resort: The Chaos Begins (and I mean that in the best way possible)
Day 1: Arrival and That Damn Mosquito
Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Landing at Chiang Rai Airport, a tiny, adorable airport that makes you feel less like a global traveler and more like a curious tourist. Finding a Grab (hallelujah for modern technology!) and the drive to ViangPhing was already an adventure. The roads, a kaleidoscope of mopeds and tuk-tuks, the landscape, a lush green painting with those dramatic, pointy hills that look like they're guarding a secret. I'm already in love.
Afternoon (12:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Check-in at ViangPhing. The lobby is all dark wood and flowing water features. The staff? Sweet as can be. The room? Gorgeous. Seriously, I almost started crying when I saw the view from the balcony - rice paddies sprawling out like a giant, green quilt. Then, BAM. Mosquito. Little bastard. First bite already! Lesson learned: DEET is your new best friend.
Evening (4:00 PM - Onwards): Exploring the resort, which is a labyrinth of pathways and hidden corners. Found the pool – stunning. Dipped in, thinking, "This is paradise!" Then remembered the mosquito. Swatting at my ankles while trying to appreciate the sunset. Ordered dinner at the resort restaurant. The papaya salad was FIRE. Like, mouth-on-fire delicious. The Singha beer helped. Feeling tipsy, slightly mosquito-bitten bliss.
Day 2: Temples, Taxis, and Total Disorientation
Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Okay, woke up with a slight hangover and an even bigger mosquito bite. Determined to be cultured, decided to hit up Wat Rong Khun (White Temple). HO-LY-MOL-Y! That place is MIND-BLOWING. So bizarre and beautiful, it's almost overwhelming. Spent ages taking pictures, feeling like I was in a crazy, fantastical movie. I swear, I could've spent another hour just taking in the amount of details.
Afternoon (12:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Tried to navigate the city. Taxi scams - they're real; I got ripped off. Lesson learned (again): negotiate the price before you get in. Managed to find the Blue Temple and Wat Huai Pla Kung. Beautiful, but after the White Temple, felt a bit…ordinary. Maybe I'm ruined? Decided to cut my loses and find something to eat. Found a tiny roadside stall and the best Khao Soi of my life. Pure, unadulterated comfort in a bowl.
Evening (4:00 PM - Onwards): Attempted to learn a few Thai phrases – "sawatdee" (hello) and "khop khun" (thank you). Struggled miserably. Watched the sunset from my balcony, mosquito buzzing angrily in my ear. Ordered room service. The pad thai was…okay. Maybe I had too high expectations for everything, thanks to the Khao Soi. Feeling a little bit melancholic.
Day 3: The Elephant Sanctuary Saga (This is Where Things Get Interesting)
Morning (8:00 AM - 2:00 PM): Today. Holy. Crap. We're going to an elephant sanctuary. I was SO excited. We're going to these elephants and taking care of them. Getting to the elephant sanctuary wasn't the easiest. But boy, was it worth it. It was amazing. Feeding these gentle giants, showering them with mud, learning about their lives – it was genuinely moving. I cried, I'm not ashamed to admit it. Seeing these majestic animals up close, knowing we were helping them…ugh, my heart.
- Rambling Reflection: Okay, I'm going to gush for a minute. The whole experience was messy, earthy, and profoundly humbling. The elephants were so intelligent, so playful, so vulnerable. It really put everything into perspective. I wish everyone could experience something like this. It’s the kind of thing that changes you, you know? It’s like, you come here thinking you’re going to have a nice holiday, but the elephants make you really, really think, really deeply. I'll probably dream about mud baths for the rest of my life. Just a perfect, imperfect day.
Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Back at the resort, still buzzing from the elephant sanctuary. Took a nap, dreamt of elephants (surprise!).
Evening (5:00 PM - Onwards): Dinner at the resort restaurant again. Ordering with more Thai vocabulary. Ordering Thai food, feeling like I was starting to get the hang of things. Finally, the mosquito bites have turned into itchy, red welts.
Day 4: Relaxation, Regret, and Ready to Depart
Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Morning meditation. Okay, I tried. Mosquito buzzed around my head the entire time. Got distracted by the view. Gave up. Relaxed by the pool instead, finally.
Afternoon (12:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Packing. Regretting not buying more souvenirs. Regretting not trying THAT street food stall. Regretting not spending more time at the elephant sanctuary. Feeling the familiar pang of travel sadness.
Evening (4:00 PM - Onwards): One last sunset. One last Singha. One last attempt to say “aroy mak” (delicious) to the waitress. Said goodbye to the beautiful views. Goodbye ViangPhing. Goodbye Chiang Rai. Farewell Mosquitoes.
Overall Impressions:
ViangPhing Resort: Beautiful, peaceful, just the right amount of rustic. The staff were incredible. The mosquitoes were ruthless.
Chiang Rai: A gem. A little bit rough around the edges, a little bit chaotic, a whole lot of heart. It burrowed its way into my soul. I can totally see why people fall in love with this place. Would I come again? Absolutely. Would I bring more DEET? ABSOLUTELY.
Final Thought: This trip wasn't perfect, far from it. There were times I felt lost, frustrated, and itchy. But in its messiness, in its imperfections, it was truly unforgettable. And yeah, that mosquito? He's probably still there, waiting for the next unsuspecting tourist. But I'll take it, because this trip was worth every bite.
Seychelles' Fleur De Sel: The Secret Ingredient You NEED to Taste Paradise
Okay, spill the tea: Is ViangPhing Resort ACTUALLY a "Chiang Rai Secret"? Like, I want the REAL dirt.
Alright, alright, let's get real. “Secret” is definitely a marketing term, right? I mean, it's on the internet (hi, future Googler!). But, and here's the but, it FEELS secret. It’s not a bustling tourist trap. You won’t trip over selfie sticks. You're more likely to stumble upon a herd of water buffalo (true story, almost did!), or maybe just total, glorious, soul-soothing silence. Honestly, it's not about the 'secret' part, it's about the feeling of discovery. Like, you've found something a little… hidden. And yeah, that's the good stuff.
What's the Vibe? Is it like, super luxurious, or more…rustic chic? (I need to pack accordingly!)
Rustic chic? Nope. DEFINITELY not 'rustic' in the sense of, "Oh, the shower only works sporadically." (Been there, done that, vowed NEVER again). ViangPhing is more like… sophisticated nature. Think comfortable, spacious villas, with gorgeous Thai design. Lots of wood, huge windows (perfect for morning coffee, trust me), and everything you need, without that feeling of overwhelming pretension. You can wear your fancy resort wear, or you can rock the comfy travel sweats; no one’s judging. Just…maybe pack some mosquito repellent? Those little critters are relentless.
The Pool! Tell me about the pool! Is it Instagram-worthy? Because let's be honest, that's important.
Okay, the pool. Yes, the pool is…pretty freaking awesome. It's infinity edge, overlooking the lush greenery. It DOES have that 'gram appeal, for sure. I spent HOURS there! The water is the perfect temperature. The sun? Glorious. I may have *accidentally* fallen asleep on a lounge chair and gotten a mild sunburn. So, yeah. Instagram-worthy? Absolutely. But also, don’t forget the sunscreen, you idiot. (That was me, talking to me. Still peeling, actually).
The Food. What’s the food situation? Amazing or "meh"? (My stomach is demanding answers).
The food... ah, the food! Okay, here's the deal. Amazing, mostly. There's a restaurant on site, with a good variety. The breakfast buffet? Solid. Pancakes, fruit, eggs… the usual suspects. But sometimes, you just crave something… MORE. One night, I was feeling adventurous, and ordered the *Gaeng Hung Lay* (pork belly curry). Holy mother of… it was transcendent. Like, the kind of dish that makes you want to hug the chef. Other times? The Pad Thai was a little... bland. Look, perfection is a myth, right? It's good food, good atmosphere and sometimes, that's all you need. And even the 'meh' moments are part of the experience, you know?
Activities! What's there to DO besides eat and swim? (Because I have a serious case of wanderlust).
Okay, wanderlust, I feel you. There's the usual stuff – tours to the White Temple (it's as dazzling as you've heard!) and the Black House (which... is interesting, to put it mildly). You can arrange elephant experiences (do your research and choose a responsible sanctuary – there are some truly awful places), and jungle treks. But honestly… the magic of ViangPhing is the doing *nothing*. Seriously. I spent an entire day just lounging on my balcony, reading a book, and listening to the birds. It was bliss. Try it, you may find you actually LIKE doing nothing. I know, crazy, right?
Okay, but *really*… any downsides? Anything I should know BEFORE I book?
Okay, here's the truth bomb. It's not *perfect*. The service, while generally good, can be a little… leisurely. Don't be in a rush. Things happen on "Thai time", which means sometimes, you're waiting. One time, I ordered a club sandwich at the pool and it took, like, an hour and a half. I was STARVING!! But, on the other hand...it was the BEST club sandwich I've ever, ever eaten, once it finally arrived, and I felt it was worth the wait. The mosquitos? Relentless. Bring ALL the repellent. And, it's a bit out there… a taxi ride to the main city costs a bit. So if you want to be in the middle of the action, this probably isn't the place for you. BUT, if you want peace, serenity, and beauty? Go. Just go.
Let's Talk About Getting There: How do you actually *get* to this "secret" spot? (I'm directionally challenged!)
Alright, the logistical nightmare. First, you fly into Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI). From there, you’ll need a taxi or pre-arrange a transfer with the resort, which is what I did. It's about an hour drive. The drive itself is beautiful – rolling hills, rice paddies, the works – which is a good thing because you’re going to need that beauty to distract you from the, ahem, *interesting* driving styles of some of the taxi drivers. Just hold on tight and try not to freak out! Seriously, it's a bit of a drive and at times, my knuckles turned white. I remember thinking, "Am I *sure* I remembered to pack my travel insurance?" Overall, the journey is relatively straightforward, but don't expect to just stumble upon the place. And definitely download offline maps, as cell service can be spotty. Always a good call for me, I am always getting lost.
Okay, you had me at pool. But tell me, what was the single *best* experience you had there? What's the one thing that I *absolutely cannot miss*?
Alright, brace yourself. Because I'm about to get gushy. The BEST experience? No contest. One evening, I was sitting on my balcony, watching the sunset. The sky was ablaze with colors – oranges, pinks, purples – the most insane sunset I've ever seen. I was sipping a Chang beer, listening to the sounds of the jungle. Cicadas were chirping. The air was warm. It was pure, unadulterated, perfect bliss. Then, as the last of the light faded, a whole host of fireflies appeared, dancing around the trees. It was like being inside a fairytale. I felt this overwhelming sense of peace and gratitude. I started, like, tearing up from all the beauty. It was almost embarrassing how emotional I got. Seriously, I was just… a mess. I swear, I will forever remember that moment. It was just… magical. YouHotelish
