Escape to Paradise: Anongnat Greenview Resort Awaits in Khao Yai!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the Khao Yai experience, specifically the Escape to Paradise: Anongnat Greenview Resort – and let me tell you, after spending a few days wandering around, I've got some THOUGHTS. This review isn't your dry, bullet-point travel guide. This is me, unfiltered, telling you what it's REALLY like.
First Impressions & Getting There (The "Ugh, Driving" Part)
Okay, so Khao Yai. It's a bit of a road trip from Bangkok, which, if you're like me and traffic gives you hives, is already a point against. Luckily, the resort, (which has Car Park [free of charge] and Car park [on-site] - thank goodness!) is well-signposted, finally! After what felt like hours of dodging tuk-tuks, we pulled up. First impressions? Lush. Seriously, lush. Greenery everywhere! They’ve got their own little slice of paradise, honestly. And, and… is that a charging station I spy? Car power charging station! Score one for the eco-conscious (or at least, the worried electric car owner).
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, Honestly.
Now, the elephant in the room: Wheelchair Accessible - I can’t provide a definitive answer, but from what I saw, it’s a bit of a mixed bag. There were definitely ramps around the main areas, like the lobby and some of the restaurants, so some accessibility is there. Elevators seem to be present, which is a big plus. However, I'd strongly recommend contacting the resort directly before you book to confirm specifics, especially for room access. They also have Facilities for disabled guests, which hopefully means rooms are tailored.
The Rooms: My Oasis (and Occasional Annoyance)
Alright, let's talk about the room. I’m not going to lie, after that drive, I wanted to collapse. And the room… well, it delivered. We had a Non-smoking room (THANK YOU!). Air conditioning was a godsend. The Air conditioning in public area of course too. It was so hot outside. Free Wi-Fi ( Wi-Fi [free] and Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! ), was a lifesaver because, let's be honest, I NEED my Instagram stories. There was Internet and Internet access – wireless, which was great. Plus, the Internet [LAN] was also great. The Desk was perfectly placed for me to whine about travel blog deadlines.
The bed? Bliss. Extra long bed for maximum sprawling. Blackout curtains? Essential! Wake-up service? Never needed it, I slept like a log. You also have Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea and even a Mini bar (ahem).
Improvements
My only real gripe was the bathroom situation. They need to update the Bathroom phone! The sound was a bit… dated. I think it's still in the 90's, But the Shower was good, and the Separate shower/bathtub was luxurious. I also discovered there was a Slippers and Bathrobes that I didn't even know I need, was awesome.
Food, Glorious Food! (The Dining Scene)
Now, the most important part: the grub. Restaurants? Yep, plural. They've got a few options. Breakfast [buffet] was decent, with Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, and all the usual suspects. (I may or may not have eaten my weight in pastries.) Buffet in restaurant was delicious! Speaking of delicious, the food I had in the restaurant was awesome. They even have Vegetarian restaurant. You can enjoy Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant and Western cuisine in restaurant.
There's also a Coffee/tea in restaurant , which is a must. You can get A la carte in restaurant and Coffee shop as well. You can also get a Bottle of water. You can get Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, and even a Snack bar if you're feeling peckish.
One night we splurged on room service (Room service [24-hour]). It wasn't the best meal I've ever had, but hey, sometimes you just want to eat in your bathrobe. And they have a Poolside bar, and they even have Happy hour!
Cleanliness & Safety: Feeling Relatively Safe (thank goodness)
Okay, post-pandemic travel is all about safety, right? I was pleased with what I saw. Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer stations everywhere, and staff were masked throughout, which I appreciated. They do Hygiene certification too. There are also Anti-viral cleaning products and even Professional-grade sanitizing services. They also has Staff trained in safety protocol.
And of course, there's the usual stuff: Fire extinguisher, Smoke alarms, CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Safety/security features, 24-hour front desk - all good signs!
Here’s my honest, and slightly paranoid, take: I appreciated the precautions. I still carried my own wipes, but the resort clearly takes it seriously. Room sanitization opt-out available, which is a wonderful idea for those who feels a need for extra precautions.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Spa Day, Anyone? (Yes, Please!)
This is where it gets good. Seriously good. Swimming pool? Yep, a beautiful one. Swimming pool [outdoor]? Yup. Amazing. They also have a Pool with view.
Massage, Sauna, Spa, and they even have a Spa/sauna. I had a massage. It was incredible. Seriously, pure bliss. I also went in the Steamroom. They also offer Body scrub and Body wrap if you're feeling extra fancy.
If you’re feeling energetic, there’s a Fitness center and then Gym/fitness. I didn’t bother (the bed was calling), but the facilities looked decent. They even have a Foot bath.
Other Services (The "Oh, They Thought of That" Department)
They thought of a lot. Concierge? Yup. Laundry service and Dry cleaning. Luggage storage? Check. Cash withdrawal? There’s even a Convenience store! Currency exchange? No problem. The Doorman was super helpful with getting the bags. I’m telling you, they thought of EVERYTHING.
For the Kids (if you have 'em)
The resort is Family/child friendly with some amazing Kids facilities. There is even a Babysitting service if you're desperate for a bit of "me" time. They even have a Kids meal!
The Bits That Confused Me
- Couple's room: I didn’t have one, obviously. But I could see it being super romantic.
- Hotel chain: I didn’t know it was one.
- Shrine: I am not sure which one. But cool.
- Exterior corridor: I didn’t experience it.
The Quirks & Imperfections (Because Life Isn’t Always Perfect)
Okay, so. Remember how I said it was lush? Well, with that comes… bugs. And I, being a city slicker, am not a fan. I also heard a rooster crowing at 5 AM. But hey, that’s Khao Yai, right? Embrace the imperfections, people! This place has a certain rustic charm.
The Big Picture: Would I Go Back?
Yes. Absolutely. Despite the bugs and the slightly iffy access, the pros far outweighed the cons. Escape to Paradise: Anongnat Greenview Resort offers a genuinely relaxing experience, great food, and enough activities to keep you busy (or not, if you prefer to just lounge by the pool – no judgment here). It's a perfect escape from the city, a place to recharge and reconnect with… well, yourself. (I'm talking to you, fellow over-stressed humans!)
My Unique Offer to Persuade You To Book NOW
Ready for your Khao Yai adventure? Here's a deal you won't want to miss:
Escape to Paradise: Anongnat Greenview Resort Awaits in Khao Yai! Exclusive Offer:
- Book within the week and receive a complimentary spa treatment (your choice: the full-body massage, or even a foot bath with complimentary bottle of water!).
- Free upgrade to a room with a view because you deserve it.
- Complimentary airport transfer so you don't have to deal
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your glossy, Pinterest-perfect Khao Yai itinerary. This is a real travel log, warts and all, from a trip to Anongnat Greenview Resort. Prepare for a bumpy ride, emotionally speaking. And trust me, you're gonna need a Chang to get through some of this.
Anongnat Greenview Resort: My Khao Yai Chaos - A Messy Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and the Illusion of Tranquility (Spoiler: It Doesn't Last)
- 1:00 PM: Touchdown in Bangkok (BKK). Oh, the heat! I swear, the second you step off that plane, it’s like a giant hairdryer blasts you in the face. Managed to navigate the immigration chaos (thanks, pre-downloaded visa!), and then the glorious taxi-to-bus-to-another-taxi dance begins. My internal monologue during this transport odyssey involved a lot of muttered grumbling and the fervent hope that my luggage wasn’t going the scenic route to… who knows where.
- 4:00 PM: Arrival at Anongnat Greenview. The pictures online promised a rustic-chic paradise. The reality… well, it was mostly there. The pool looked inviting, I'll give it that. The "deluxe" room… let's just say the plumbing had “character.” I swear, that toilet sounded like a dying dinosaur every time I flushed.
- 4:30 PM: The Quest for Wi-Fi and Sanity. Seriously, who decided rural Thailand needed Wi-Fi that sputtered like a dying engine? I swear I spent half an hour wrestling with the router, finally giving up and deciding to embrace digital detox… until the urgent need to order Pad Thai hit me.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at the Resort Restaurant (The Food, the Mosquitoes, and the Existential Dread). Ordered the Pad Thai I was craving, and it was… decent. Not award-winning, but edible. The real star of the show, though, was the battalion of mosquitoes. They were relentless. They were brazen. I’m pretty sure one of them was wearing a tiny general’s uniform. I spent the entire meal slapping myself and wondering if I should have just stayed home.
- 9:00 PM: Sleep. Or Attempt to Sleep. The dinosaur toilet had another go, the AC hummed like a rusty refrigerator, and the sounds of the night (crickets, distant dogs) created a symphony of… something. I finally passed out, dreaming of mosquito-free zones and perfectly working toilets.
Day 2: Khao Yai National Park – Beauty, Beasts, and Backaches
- 7:00 AM: The Morning of Coffee and Regret. The coffee at the resort was weak. Like, seriously weak. I needed a caffeine IV drip. I considered switching to Red Bull but then I thought, "Yeah, let's be a little more sensible" and just stuck with it.
- 8:00 AM: Off to the National Park! Hired a driver because navigating Thai roads on a scooter is a death wish, particularly after that terrible sleep I had. The drive was scenic, which meant about 20 minutes of not grumbling.
- 9:00 AM: Khao Yai National Park - Waterfall Wonders. Erawan Waterfall. It was stunning. Honestly, breathtaking. The air was cool, the water was clear, and I felt a fleeting moment of pure joy. Then my dodgy knee reminded me I was getting old, and the uphill climbs weren’t as smooth as I had hoped.
- 11:00 AM: Elephants! (Almost). We were supposed to see elephants. Seriously, supposed to! We spent hours meandering through the jungle, sweating like a pig in a sauna, and swatting at bugs. Did we see elephants? Nope. Just some pretty impressive elephant dung. My mood went from ecstatic to "Where is the nearest bar?" pretty quickly.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at a roadside stall. Okay, best decision ever. The local Thai food was incredibly spicy. My mouth felt like it was on fire, but it was delicious!
- 2:00 PM: Back to the resort – and the plumbing problems begin again. Ugh, that toilet.
Day 3: The Vineyard Debacle and the Search for Comfort Food
- 9:00 AM: The Gran Monte Vineyard – Wine, Views, and Mild Disappointment. The vineyard was pretty, the wine was… okay. I'm no wine connoisseur, but it tasted a bit like slightly fermented grape juice. The worst part? All the overly-romantic couples everywhere and I wasn't in the mood.
- 11:00 AM: The Chocolate Factory – Bliss! (Finally). Hello, chocolate! My inner child did a happy dance. Loads of chocolate, and hot chocolate. This was the highlight of the day.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch. Needed comfort food after the romance-fest at the vineyard. Discovered a great little restaurant – can’t remember the name, actually, but it had excellent fried chicken. Because sometimes, you just need fried chicken to save your soul, okay?
- 3:00 PM: Resort Shenanigans and Toilet Woes. Decided to try the pool. It was… lukewarm. The water was clean, but it wasn’t as refreshing as I’d imagined. I managed to get in a short swim before giving up. Meanwhile, back in the room? The Dinosaur Toilet Strikes Back. I suspect it's a sentient being plotting against me.
- 7:00 PM: Trying to Embrace the Calm. Stared at the stars. They were pretty. Ate some snacks. The quiet was almost unbearable. Should have had a drink.
- 10:00 PM: I hate my toilet.
Day 4: Departure and the Lingering Smell of Adventure (and Mosquito Repellent)
- 8:00 AM: Farewell, Anongnat (And Your Faulty Plumbing). Gathered my chaotic belongings, and did a final check of my room. Yep, still there, and a final battle with the Dinosaur Toilet.
- 9:00 AM: The Long Road Back. The journey back to Bangkok was a blur of transport and traffic. But, did I survive? Yes. Would I go back? Eh, maybe. But I'd pack industrial-strength mosquito repellent and a portable toilet.
- 12:00 PM: Arrive in Bangkok. My soul is now re-connected to my body.
- 1:00 PM: Back Home.
Final Thoughts:
Khao Yai was a mixed bag. The natural beauty was undeniable. But the plumbing issues, the mosquitoes, and the occasional feeling that I was a little bit out of my depth? Those were also part of the experience. It wasn’t perfect. It was messy. It was frustrating. But, looking back, it was also undeniably… me. And maybe, just maybe, that's what made it worthwhile. Now, where’s that Chang…?
P.S. If you see the Dinosaur Toilet, tell it I said hello. And bring a plumber. Please.
Mysore's Most Luxurious 4BHK Pearl Stay: Unbelievable Views & Space!Escape to Paradise: Anongnat Greenview Resort - Your Khao Yai Adventure! (Maybe?)
Okay, spill the tea! Is Anongnat Greenview REALLY Paradise? The website photos are SO pretty...
Alright, alright, let's be real. Paradise? Hmm, let's say "Potential Paradise with a Few Quirks." The photos? Yeah, they've got that *glow*. Think Instagram vs. Reality. My first thought pulling up? "Wow, the drive *is* a bit... scenic." Aka, a winding mountain road that might make you question your life choices if you're prone to car sickness. I wouldn't necessarily call it "instant paradise," more like "potential for relaxation after a stressful drive and maybe a slightly too-loud Thai pop concert at the roadside cafe." You know? The kind you secretly enjoy.
The rooms! What are they actually like? Do they live up to the hype? And are there spiders? (Asking for a friend... mainly myself.)
The rooms... okay, here's where things get interesting. I booked a "Deluxe Mountain View" because, you know, *vista*. First impression? "Ooh, the bed is actually pretty comfy." And the view? Stunning, when the clouds cooperate. Which, let's face it, in Khao Yai, is about 50/50. I swear, at one point, I saw a literal *rainbow* arc over the mountains. Magical. BUT... and there's ALWAYS a but... the slightly dated decor is a thing. Imagine a well-loved, slightly faded, but still functional, relative's guest room. And yes, there *might* be the odd tiny spider. I'm not saying they're a recurring theme, but... be prepared for nature. I saw one. I screamed. My husband laughed. Romantic, right?
Food! What about the food? Is it worth venturing outside the room for? Rate it from 1-5 stars!
The food situation... ah, the food. Okay, the breakfast buffet is included, which is always a win. There's the usual suspects: eggs, toast, fruit, the works. They had this one *amazing* Thai noodle soup that I could have eaten for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Seriously. I'd give that FIVE stars. The rest? Let's say... a solid 3.5. The dinner menu was a bit... predictable, but the service was super friendly. However, venturing outside the resort? DO IT. Khao Yai is a FOODIE PARADISE. Seriously, you NEED to explore the local restaurants. Trust me on this. Ditch the resort food for at least a little while.
The Pool! Is it as glorious as it looks? Do you have to fight for a sun lounger?
The pool... okay, the pool is GOOD. Really good. It's big, it's clean, and the view from the edge is spectacular. Here's where it gets real: during peak season, you *might* have to engage in a pre-dawn sun lounger grab for premium real estate. (I'm not proud, but I *may* have participated.) Look, it's a competition. If you're not a morning person, prepare to settle for a lounger with a slightly less-than-perfect mountain view. But hey, who cares? You're in Khao Yai! And the water's lovely. Just... bring your own towel. (Mine mysteriously vanished.)
What about activities? Is there anything to DO besides, you know, breathing?
Activities! Yes! They offer a few things. There's a spa, which I did not utilize. I saw it and then noped out to a spa I had heard about. There's also hiking trails (if the mood strikes, and you're feeling adventurous), plus the whole amazing Khao Yai National Park is just a short drive away! Elephant spotting! Gorgeous waterfalls! But... the "activity" I'm REALLY hung up on is, uh, the resort had a karaoke night. I'm not a fan of karaoke. I don't like to be asked to sing. But... the karaoke night at Anongnat was... an experience. The sound system was... questionable. The song choices were... dated. The audience participation? Glorious. Everyone sang with 100% energy. It was amazing! I watched for two and a half hours. I'm still laughing about it. This alone makes me recommend the resort: if you have one, just ONE drop of fun-loving in your soul, go and get on that karaoke.
Is it kid-friendly? Or a romantic getaway? Or both? (Or neither?)
Kid-friendly? Hmmm. They have a kid's pool, but the vibe is more relaxed than "kiddie carnival." Romantic getaway? Definitely *potential*. The views *are* breathtaking, and you *could* have a very romantic dinner on your balcony (if, you know, the bugs aren't too interested). Really, it's whatever you make of it. I saw families, I saw couples, I saw a solo traveler glued to his iPad (relatable). It's a versatile sort of place. If you're looking for a quiet escape, you might find it! If you're looking for a loud, chaotic adventure, you might find that too!
Best time to visit? I hate crowds AND rain.
The best time to visit Khao Yai (and Anongnat Greenview by extension) is during the dry season: November to February. The weather is usually clear and sunny, with cooler temperatures. Avoid the rainy season (May to October) if you can, unless you enjoy a LOT of cloud cover and the potential for flash floods. If you absolutely MUST go during peak season, book WELL in advance and be prepared for prices to be, shall we say, inflated.
Okay, final verdict: would you go back?
Would I go back? Look, it's not perfect. There were minor inconveniences. It's not the most luxurious place on Earth. The drive is long. But... I had a genuinely good time. The staff was incredibly friendly, the karaoke night was legendary, and that noodle soup! Man, that noodle soup... Also, the views! I'd go back. I might even try to find the Karaoke night, if I'm lucky. Maybe I'll even *sing*. (Okay, probably not.) Plus, for the price, it's a pretty good deal. So yeah, I'd go back. Just... bring your own bug spray. And maybe earplugs for the next karaoke night!