Pa Sak Tong Villa

Pa Sak Tong is unique in many ways. If one were to rate it 5* then most other places would go down to about 3*, so settle on 10*. We have travelled a lot and had just reached the end of 5 fascinating weeks in South East Asia when somewhat travel weary we arrived at Pa Sak Tong for a regrettably short stay of four nights. We were greeted by the GM John who is a great host together with one of his 4 'angels. Tai, Nid, Ni (the personal chef) and Annie have a remarkable ability to appear with smoothies and cold towels just when needed but least expected. They were always there to look after your every need but then faded away. One could not ask for four more delightful and charming ladies If you like to escape from normal boutique or Hilton style hotels and other tourists then this is the place to be. Total privacy, no other guests except your own party, whether a couple or a family ,peace, quiet and tranquility. My wife and I stayed in the large teak finished villa which caters to all tastes with plenty of space in the living floor with much very tasteful art, exquisite furniture and fittings to add to the feeling of privilege. A long balcony provides for relaxation and a delightful place for meals with wonderful views. The ground floor has a gym, play area for children and a massage facility, where Mimi provides outstanding and relaxing Thai massages for 90 minutes. The private heated pool, not overheated as so many are, is large and a great means of relaxation The villa is set in an oasis of rice fields, water buffalo close to hand, the other side of a beautiful lotus pond, an organic garden and walks of your chosen length in and around he lush undergrowth. The service from the angels extends from the offer to unpack on arrival to personal care of all needs, meals superbly presented and managed, to a final fond farewell. There are no menus .No doubt a menu can be provided if so desired. There is a list of suggested meal ideas from which one can order most things the day before from breakfast through dinner, the latter is preceded by tasty snacks and drinks - all of which are part of the deal. We enjoyed sumptous breakfasts of all the usual offerings, delightuf lunches and dinners. The meals varied from Thai specialities including,Thai curries carefully spiced as is the way of Northern Thailand, to delicious lamb chops. One evening we were entertained to an excellent Japanese dinner in a separate but suitably desiged small restaurant. Our first evening John joined us for a briefing of the facilities, over very generous G& T's.plus a bottle of champagne. We slept well the first night and thereafter. The tasteful bedroom had plentiful storage facilites plus a full bathroom with spa. Our penultimate day we were driven by one of the angelsf for about an hour to a lovely spot on Doi Chang mountain where we were taken on a gentle hike throught the forests on private trails past shrines and lotus ponds: we returned to no ordinay picnic beatifully laid out overlooking the surrounding mountains and valleys. Sadly our chances of returning,for say two relaxing and rejuvenating weeks are small.

We were a family of 4 with a couple from the US. This is our second visit and the first for our US guests. John Dunbar, the GM made it another glorious, adventurous and fun learning stay. Pa Sak Tong is a serene, pampering and soul refreshing retreat. We have visited most of the luxury resorts in Chiangrai and not one comes close. Why is that? If one is looking to be seen, this place is not for you as the only ones seeing you will be the water buffalos. Pa Sak Tong is impeccable and well taken care of. Even more, we come back because of John and the angels that care for us without being in our face. The food was catered to all our taste buds and never once disappointed us. Our guests were teary eyed when they saw the evening dinner with Thai dancer and singer with lights lit overlooking elephant mountain. This time round, we went to the Golden Triangle, Opium Museum, Hiked elephant mountain and brought the hill tribe children to the elephant sanctuary. The elephant sanctuary is a place to rehabilitate elephants back into the wild. We used to ride on the elephants and we now understand why the gentle giants should be kept in the wild and not for human amusement. I had for the first time met with Khun MIMI and I slept through each of the massages. Sometimes, I ponder about not telling many about Pa Sak Tong as I would like to keep it as a secret for selfish reasons to ensure their purity. Pa Sak Tong with John and the Angels is a place that rejuvenates our minds and souls. Money can NEVER buy this effect and occasionally some " well to do" individuals do forget this! All we can say is, we will be back again to experience the team however we also want to give back by being proper guests! BIG HUGS TO JOHN AND THE ANGELS!