Guest Reviews

Noel Rodrigo’s Leopard Safaris: "Enchantingly Memorable"

"We (family of 4 with kids 8 and 11) spent 2 nights at Noel's camp. This included 4 Safaris. Both Noel and Cecile were our hosts, a lucky thing as they are not always present at the camp. Tent - we are not campers and had just come from several days in Amanwella, so ""glamping"" was the intention. We got the aircon tent, a semi-permanent structure that runs on solar power. Very comfortable, and the AC was a key feature during the stifling dry heat of the day, and also made it a lot easier to fall asleep at night. There were a few quirks here and there but when glamping, you factor that into the mix. Overall the tent delivered beyond expectations. The one observation I will make is on security - nothing happened and there is a safe in the room, but the tents are zipper operated (no locks). The camp site is not that far from village areas. I would advise to bring 2 padlocks to lock the zipper clasps together at the 2 entrances (front flap and back flap leading to the bathroom). Your valuables will be secure enough in the safe but I didn't like the idea that someone could unzip and enter while we are asleep at night. To be clear, none of the camp staff are an issue, but it's outsiders who know the price of staying at this camp who could get ideas. Food - spectacular. They source organic and fresh from the farmers in the area, and their talented chef put together very flavorful breakfasts, lunches and dinners. It was all local cuisine, and there was always spicy plus non spicy varieties to ensure the kids would be fine. Your taste buds will be in for a real treat. Camp ambience - charming. The volunteers (especially Christina from Spain) entertained the kids with games. They also organized the building of an insect hotel which the kids loved, and also had them participate in tree planting to show the importance of giving back to nature when you leave a carbon footprint. Both entertaining and educational. Meals were communal style and made for enjoyable conversation. Breakfast and lunch under a thatched roof, dinner under the stars. Yes you will now and then see a small lizard or mantis or other creature on your armrest or the table... to be expected in a wildlife park. Safaris - prime time to see stuff is at dusk and dawn, so the AM departure is before 6AM and the PM outing is from 3pm to 6:30pm. On our first two outings, we saw numerous spotted and barking deer; eagles, kingfishers, peacocks, many other birds; mongoose; crocs; elephants. Watching 2 alpha deer bucks clash was neat but we still had not seen what we came for - leopards. The third outing was the charm, and we watched a large leopard lounging in the grass. I don't quite know how to describe the feeling of watching a beautiful and free animal in its natural habitat. All I can say is: a zoo ain't the same. My iphone camera shots won't do it justice. Fortunately, Noel was our guide and when you combine a passion for wildlife with an 8kg-supersonic-Nat Geo-caliber camera lens, the results are amazing. Attached are 2 of his pics of our leopard. As a bonus, we also spotted a young sloth bear. Noel is very knowledgeable and gave us valuable insight and commentary during the rides. His Toyota Land Cruiser vehicles were properly decked out, and I noticed in the park many other outfits carrying tourists in rickety vehicles (one was even lopsided due to different sized tires). Also must credit Noel for truly trying hard on safari #3 to spot a leopard. He badly wanted for us to spot one before we depart, and made it his mission. There are no guarantees but it helps when your guide badly wants you to leave happy. We did the 2 night package and I highly recommend it. Had we done 1 night, we would have missed out on safari #3 which was the highlight. After safari #4, we had our fill and were ready to head off so the format was just right. I guess you could get lucky on a 1 night stay but your chances go up much more on the 2 nighter. There are some who do a day excursion from their beach resort, and this would be a mistake as you would arrive past dawn and leave before dusk, i.e. be on safari while the animals are asleep in a hidden shade. This is an eco-minded camp run by owners who are passionate about wildlife and conservation, and keen to impassion others by delivering on client experience. If you visit a big city like London or Manhattan, the hotel you choose plays a part but the city itself largely makes the experience. At a wildlife park, the hosts who run your camp and guide your safaris largely make for good vs bad experience. Is this value for money? I will answer same as when someone asks me that about my Porsche: I won't describe it as value for money but will just say, it's worth every penny."

Rachamankha: "Elegant & beautiful, a pretty perfect south-east Asia hotel"

Two years ago I had dinner here after stumbling across it when wandering round the old town of Chiang Mai. I immediately had hotel envy and as soon as I decided to come back to CM I knew I had to stay here. I was not disappointed. The beautiful courtyards unfold before you, each one shady and alluring, housing antique furniture and prints down the side galleries, and with frangipanis and palm trees dotting the central space, one of them enclosing a lovely quiet pool, another an exquisite library. This is the kind of building you often find yourself paying to wander round, to stay here was a privilege and I loved it. Every detail here was considered and I would definitely recommend it. My only comment to the owners is that the bathrooms need some love and attention, compared to everything else it felt shabby (but in fact, it was absolutely fine and with lovely Molton Brown toiletries - it just didn't live up to the quality of the rest of the experience). Location-wise it's also great, down a small back street inside the old city walls and a five minute walk from the main temple complex and one end of the night market. I was sad to leave, you'll be delighted to arrive.

Maisons Wat Kor: "The most charming hotel"

We stayed here for 3 nights during our honeymoon recently and it was a highlight! What a beautiful hidden gem, we just loved it. The staff here are so incredibly friendly, we were sad to say goodbye to them. The whole place was very relaxing and we enjoyed spending some time by the peaceful swimming pool area, as well as enjoying a massage in the serene pavilion that overlooks the pond. The food choices were a little bit limited, but we understand that this is only a small hotel and they take great pride in creating local dishes from home-grown produce etc. We visited Battambang town several times during our stay by tuk tuk, which only cost a few dollars and could be easily arranged from the property. We can see what Angelina Jolie stayed here - we can't wait until we can come and stay again!

Reverie Siam: "2nd Fabulous Stay"

"I had my 2nd fabulous stay at Reverie Siam, in as many months, and cannot add anything that has not already been said in the other reviews, except for the fact that everything was consistently great for my 2nd stay as for my 1st (see my 1st review) (…) The resort is definitely a gem, a serene & luxurious oasis, that is equally perfect for couples or singles looking for a relaxing, or romantic get-away. (...) The background music & nightly live music adds an intimate enjoyment while enjoying a refreshing cocktail or a glass (or 2!) of wine. All of these things, and the too-many-special-added-touches to mention, creates a wonderful ambience of peace, serenity, intimacy, romance, and enjoyment for discerning couples & singles. I cannot recommend this resort enough, but on the other hand, I would like to keep it my secret! I am already planning my 3rd stay soon at my home-away-from-home!"

Samanea Beach Resort: "Relaxing"

"Pros: - Spacious, traditional-style villas with large bathrooms complete with outdoor showers and hot tubs - Very peaceful, lush landscaped grounds with stunning views over the Bay of Thailand and Bokor Mountain - Extremely friendly, helpful and attentive staff - Sea View restaurant menu is focused but of great quality, and the unlimited a la carte breakfast is a delightful start to the day - Lounges and huts overlooking the pool & sea are quiet and comfortable Cons - The private beach is man-made and the sea water is very shallow and not suitable for swimming - Our Junior Suite Villa front doors didn’t completely close shut Considerations: - The resort is located between a mangrove which can heighten the alert for mosquitoes - The centre of Kep is a 5 minute tuk tuk ride away Bottom Line: The Samanea Beach Resort makes for a very pleasant stay in Kep and is a great choice for its views, excellent staff and reasonable room rates for the area"

Supanniga Eating Room: "Supanniga Cruise Menu"

Wow! What a nice surprise. This was my first river cruise in Bangkok, and I never really expected a Thai gourmet dinner. The food was very good and beautifully presented. There was: Taittinger champagne and an Amuse Bouche of fried Thai mackerel wrapped with Chaplu leaves, an Appetizer of 3 minced pork stir-fried with garlic and peanuts, pomelo salad with grilled prawn and spicy minced chicken salad, a Soup- Thai spicy soup with jumbo prawn, then 5 main dishes- pork, crab, fish and "Son-in-law" eggs, Dessert- mango sticky rice (the mango had been shaped into a flower) and to finish Petit Fours and Tea. All outstanding

Supanniga Luxury Bangkok River Cruises: "Nice and Cozy"

"I went on the cruise in late winter (beginning of Jan), still not that hot and humid. Went on the cruise at Their small eating room which is nice location and nice traditional Thai food. Cruise Staff is really nice and smiley, drinks are good. Fantastic decoration. Love it!!"

Blackitch Artisan Kitchen: "Amazing Chef’s Table experience"

"Had no idea what to expect when we booked this restaurant, and not knowing even made it better. We almost left because we didn't know where the restaurant was, we entered the bar adjacent and they said it was next door but next door was a gelato place which was closed. Blackitch was above this gelato place but we felt weird entering a closed shop. Luckily as we were about to leave, a lady came out and let us in, led us up into this quaint and small space. It was the restaurant and it would only fit about 12 people (2 tables and a bar area) making it super intimate. The food consisted of a 9-course set menu which is meticulously prepared by the Chef who comes out to explain each course. It changes all the time and his philosophy is very farm-to-table, local, nose-to-mouth cooking. His cooking ideals are admirable and we would definitely go back to try the other dishes he comes up with as the dishes were delicious (lots of Thai flavors fused with other cuisines). A meal for 4 of us cost around 7000 baht with drink and corkage as be bought a bottle of wine along."

The Cabochon Hotel: "Boutique & Elegant – Perfect Hideaway"

by far the most boutique hotel I've ever stayed - 8 rooms. Our two bedroom suite came with a fully equipped kitchen, living room and dining area. And each bedroom has a balcony. Since there are so few rooms, I hardly came across other guests. It felt like I was staying at a friend's house while on vacation, very cozy, comfortable and right at home. I love the mattress and the bedding. Slept like a baby every night. I tried most of the items on the breakfast menu- all tasted great. The front desk recommended massage in room and it was excellent! Next time I would like to book the entire hotel of 8 rooms and throw a party there with friends!

Samanea Beach Resort: "True Service in a Relaxing Getaway"

Samanea is delightful and the staff is very responsive to any questions or requests you may have. They truly desire to respond to your needs. We did a package for two vegetarians and the chef designed meals for us that were delcious - so much food! Lovely bungalows with mosquito nets. Charming woman who gives the spa treatments - her reflexologies and body wraps are so relaxing. Jonathan was very helpful in helping design the package and answer any questions we had. We had dinner on the beach, on the rooftop. Took a tour of the town. They have computers and a printer for your use. It was a peaceful stay where we could not have asked for anything more.