Guest Reviews

David’s Kitchen: "If this were in Europe it would have a waiting list of 3 months"

"Of course, as the number 1 rated restaurant on Trip Advisor we knew it was going to be good. But we were not prepared for one of the best dining experiences of our whole lives and for the fact that this was going to be much more than just about food. We were greeted by the owner, David, himself, who was entertaining, humble, informative and passionate without being pushy. He made us feel so much at ease and I felt a sense of being at home and being well looked after. This was after a greeter had walked with us to the door shielding us with an umbrella. As we had not booked they had to improvise fast and every table gets a name shield! It is such a nice touch. When you walk into the restaurant area you can feel that the staff love their job. They are all so happy, cannot do enough for you, do not hover, are courteous, smiley and discreet. They exude an aura of people who are well treated. It was more of an extended family atmosphere than anything else. The food was, what I can I say, truly amazing with the best pumpkin soup I have ever tasted in my life and succulent duck with, again, the best mashed potato I have ever eaten, ever. Furthermore, between starter and main course you get served a scoop of sorbet to cleanse your pallet and prior to the soup, a square of watermelon with cottage cheese. Such a delight. We had several chats with David who was floating around, checking that all the diners were happy (amazing that this man is so passionate and committed to his life’s work) and he let us go into the kitchen and meet the chef who was a very unassuming, clearly very talented guy who was also a partner. It was amazing. When we got the bill we laughed as this, in Europe, would have cost 200 Euros at least and we paid 75 Euros (total including all costs and tip) for 3 courses. For fine dining, this is amazing. There is a 10% service charge on top which goes to the staff (we checked) and 7% VAT added but still, we found it amazing value for money for the whole experience you get. As said, if this were in Europe there would be a waiting list of months to come here. When we got home there was an email waiting for us thanking us for our visit. David had remembered everything we talked about and referred to it in his email. We are still raving about our best dining experience in Thailand to date. Service – unbeatable, atmosphere and setting – amazing, food – exquisite, company – out of this world. You MUST come here when you are in Chiang Mai."

Sukoon Houseboat: "Wonderful stay"

"We had 4 nights on this beautiful houseboat and it was everything we had hoped for. Its position is on a quieter part of the lake with amazing views. The staff are charming and attentive, the rooms are well appointed and comfortable with large bathrooms.The food is good, vegetarians are catered for. The large sun deck has comfortable chairs to enjoy the view, and we also had breakfast and lunch there. Free wifi in the public areas. Our stay was over far too soon, wish we could have stayed longer!"

Locavore: "Wonderful Experience, but book ahead or be disappointed"

"Very popular, small, expensive but very very good. We went here for dinner. Thank goodness we had skipped lunch after reading the reviews. We ordered the 5 course Otak-Otak which eventually turned into about 12 dishes as there are delightful little pre/post dinner treats along the way. What a wonderful surprise. The staff are fabulous and explained each dish as each one has it's own quirkiness - a bit fusion east meets west . . . . very tasty. We enjoy the evening very much and after our three hour eating safari we were very full. Would highly recommend for a special dinner or lunch out in Ubud, but do book in advance. No shows and late late comers are fined accordingly."

Amata Lanna: "Great boutique hotel"

Awesome hotel with a really amazing staff that makes you feel welcome from the time you walk in. Rooms were very cozy and we enjoyed the nice firm bed! Close to the night bazar and city center. The staff also helped with taxi's and suggested a great spa that offered free transport! Overall a great time at the Amata Lanna

Golden Buddha Beach Resort: "Paradise!"

"We stayed here for Christmas 2017, it was our fourth visit and everything about Golden Buddha is perfect. The staff are amazing, very professional, always friendly and nothing is too much trouble for them. Valerie the owner has time for everyone, Massi and Theresa manage the resort to perfection and Guy at the pizza bar on the beach is fantastic, he should never be allowed to leave!!! This resort is truly unspoilt Thailand, not the place if you want nightlife but if you are looking for relaxation and to completely chill out this is THE place to go. You will not be disappointed, it exceeds all expectations. All of the houses are individual, we were a party of six so Bann Mangorn was perfect for us, three bedrooms, three bathrooms a wonderful balcony with sea views to relax on. All the banns are extremely clean, mosquito nets are over all the beds and all have outside areas to sit and relax, some with hammocks. The food menu changes everyday always with an excellent choice. Christmas Eve celebrations started with cocktails on the beach beside a huge bonfire, there was a wonderful buffet with so many choices, Entertainment followed by local school children and staff, then down onto the beach to light lanterns and watch them float across the bay. A truly magical evening. The beaches are pristine clean, the front beach is shallow and perfect for children, the other beach gently slopes and is great for swimming. The only downside to this beautiful island is that all to soon it is time to leave. If you are fortunate enough to visit this island you will not be disappointed. Golden Buddha Beach Resort really is a little bit of paradise."

Rak Ko Jae Seoul: "A nice respite from a busy life and city"

Rak Ko Jae was truly a peaceful respite after a long day of travel to South Korea. I had read lots of reviews and expected the experience to be a little more... interactive perhaps? Really, this was a pretty solitary experience as we seemed to be the only ones there and only had contact with the staff at meal times. The hanok was smaller than I expected and very quaint. I woke up at 5am and actually WANTED to get out of bed and go outside and just sit and breathe the fresh air and listen to the sparrows sing and fly around me. It was so peaceful and quiet and still. (...) I highly recommend Rak Ko Jae, but I would also say to expect a very quiet and somewhat uneventful experience while you stay. The uneventfulness of our stay was a treat, and we didn't leave once between check-in and check-out! They even reminded us that check-out was 15 minutes away... we were aware, just trying to soak up every bit of our time there.

Manukan Island Resort: "Dive & Stay Package"

We stayed at this resort as part of our Scuba Diving + Stay package. We really love the island and also our Villa! Our villa is on the second floor with a nice beach view. Room is spacious with complete amenities. We don't mind the weak internet connection as we connected with nature more! We also love the local foods offered in their restaurants. As for their staff, they are accommodating and prompt on addressing our requests.

Supanniga Home: "Nice peaceful homey relaxing place in winter"

My family visit here in winter. we will come back again. Love it. Nice food and service. Unbelievable tradition delicious Eastern Thai food in Konkean(a North-East province). Recommend you to visit here in winter.

Dewakan: "A wonderful experience!"

It's my first time trying the modern Malaysian cuisine and it was amazing. Never knew that our local ingredients can be so versatile. Kudos to the chef team for their adventurous experiments. Full of surprises and I did enjoy all the new flavors dancing on my palate. Love the wine and fermented beverages pairing.

Inle Heritage Stilt Houses: "Hôtel Parfait"

"Excellent hôtel-concept. En effet, outre les 6 bungalows, on y trouve aussi une école hôtelière, un espace sur la culture intha et la faune/flore du lac, un parc à chats birmans dont le but est de réintroduire l'espèce dans son pays d'origine. Les chambres sont donc des bungalows sur pilotis en bois. Très bien décorés, modernes et sobres mais dans un style assez local. Très belle salle d'eau avec quelques bambous décoratifs du plus bel effet. Terrasse donnant sur le plan d'eau, magnifique au couché du soleil. La chambre est vaste et la literie est vraiment très bonne, ce qui n'est pas toujours le cas en Birmanie. Il y a aussi de l'eau en suffisance et dans des bouteilles en verre remplies chaque jours, ce qui évite la surconsommation de bouteille en pet. Un safe, le seul vrai que l'on ait vu dans le pays, mais sans doute dans l'endroit où c'est le moins utile. Le personnel, principalement issu de l'école, est aux petits soins et est vraiment dévoué et se fait un plaisir de présenter les différentes parties de la structure. Deux petits bémols: premièrement le bruit des pirogues de tôt le matin à tard le soir (village tout proche et canal important menant au lac Sankar) mais c'est le cas pour tous les hôtels flottant du lac Inlé). Deuxièmement, c'est vraiment dommage qu'il n'y ait pas un spa dans ce magnifique hôtel. C'est peut-être la dernière chose avant la perfection! Ne serait-ce qu'un petit coin massage avec vue sur la superbe végétation lacustre. Attention par contre, il vaut mieux prévoir son arrivée voire même ses activités pour le séjour un peu à l'avance (même si l'hôtel peut le faire sans problème). En effet il faut compter 1h de pirogue (+1h pour que le piroguier puisse rentrer). Donc pensez à arriver assez tôt, 15h30 dernier délai depuis Nyaungshwe, et oubliez tout de suite une arrivée nocturne. Finalement, le soir, pas le choix il faut manger au restaurant de l'hôtel. Ce n'est cependant pas un défaut puisque celui-ci est vraiment de très bonne qualité."