Takhun Mountain: Thailand's Hidden Paradise? (Unbelievable Views!)
Takhun Mountain: Thailand's Hidden Paradise? (Unbelievable Views!), or Just a Really Good Instagram Filter? (And My Take!)
Okay, alright, let's dive headfirst into this whole "Takhun Mountain: Thailand's Hidden Paradise" thing. I’ve been staring at these impossibly gorgeous pictures for weeks, and honestly? My Instagram feed is basically begging me to go. So, I finally pulled the trigger. Did it live up to the hype? Well, buckle up, buttercups, cuz this ain't gonna be your typical, sanitized hotel review. Prepare for a rant, some raves, and a whole lot of, "Hmm… maybe?"
Let's Talk About Getting There (Accessibility & Getting Around - Ugh)
First things first: actually getting to Takhun Mountain. Let's be brutally honest, it's not exactly convenient. The "hidden" part of "Hidden Paradise" leans a little too heavily on the "hidden" part, if you catch my drift. Airport transfer? Yes, they have it. Bless their hearts. But it's a drive. A long drive. And if you're thinking of winging it with public transport? Forget about it. Taxi service? Expensive. Valet parking? Yep, they've got it, but I think I prefer to drive myself than trust the locals. Car park comes free, at least, as a small consolation. Car power charging station? Unfortunately, no. So, bring your own charging cable, just in case!
Okay, real talk? Anyone with mobility issues? Be prepared. While they technically have "Facilities for disabled guests" and an "Elevator", this place is built on a mountain. Think steep inclines, winding paths, and, let’s just say, not everything is exactly wheelchair-friendly. Accessibility is… developing. Let's leave it at that.
The Room (Ah, My Sanctuary… Mostly)
The rooms themselves? Okay, now we're talking. The marketing photos are definitely not lying. The view? Unbelievable. Seriously, I spent a full hour just staring out the window when I first got there. You've got your "Air conditioning" (thank God), "Blackout curtains" (life-savers!), and a "Coffee/tea maker" (essential for morning crankiness). "Internet access – wireless"? Yes, and it's actually "Wi-Fi [free]" in your room. Hallelujah! But just like the mountain, all is not perfect, be prepared to experience Internet access – LAN.
The big selling point, for me? The "Bathtub" AND "Separate shower/bathtub". A soak at the end of the day, while watching the sunset? Priceless (well, not actually priceless, more like quite expensive, but you get the idea). They even give you "Bathrobes," "Slippers," and "Toiletries" – the little things that make a difference. The "extra long bed" was also a huge plus.
Quick shout-out to the "Additional toilet." Genius!
And, thankfully, "Non-smoking rooms". Trust me, you want that. "Room decorations" were lovely and relaxing. "Daily housekeeping" was on point, which is always a plus.
But… the "Soundproofing", I'm less convinced. I could totally hear the couple next door, and let's just say I didn't need a "Wake-up service" because their… enthusiasm… ensured I was awake. #OverShare. Let's also just say that "Interconnecting room(s) available" is a red flag for noise-sensitive sleepers.
Food, Glorious Food (and Some Food… I Won't Talk About)
Alright, the food situation. The restaurants? Multiple! "Restaurants", is a fact, but are they are good, that is up for debate. "Asian breakfast" (yay!) and "Western breakfast" (boo, but options are welcome) are available, but a true buffet can be found. Plus there is a "Vegetarian restaurant," and they serve "Asian cuisine in restaurant," and "International cuisine in restaurant." A menu of "A la carte in restaurant," with a "Salad in restaurant," and "Soup in restaurant."
The "Coffee shop" was a life-saver for those early mornings, but the "Happy hour" offered surprisingly decent drinks. The "Poolside bar" was a must for sunset cocktails (those views again!). The "Mini bar" in the room was standard.
The "Breakfast [buffet]" was… alright. A bit chaotic, but the "Coffee/tea in restaurant", was never lacking. There wasn't really a "Snack bar," which was a bummer because sometimes you just want a damn bag of chips without ordering a whole damn meal. "Room service [24-hour]" comes to your aid when you're desperate to get your hands on their dishes late at night. "Desserts in restaurant" were fine, but not especially memorable.
And let's not forget "Bottle of water" that comes with the room -- essential! "Breakfast takeaway service," is a nice touch. "Alternative meal arrangement," might be useful for your health.
Things to Do (or, How to Actually "Relax")
"Things to do"… alright, here's where Takhun actually shines.
- The Pool with view: The infinity pool is, I admit it, Instagram-worthy. I probably posted way too many pictures of it.
- The View, again: Seriously, just find a spot and look.
- Spa/Sauna combined: The "Spa" is a must. "Body scrub" followed by a "Body wrap"? Pure bliss. I could easily spend half the day in here. "Massage"? Yes, please. And the "Sauna" added a certain level of zen.
- Fitness center: The "Gym/fitness" is available, so you can still work out your physique while on your vacation.
"Steamroom" is a fine alternative. "Foot bath," is a necessity to rest your feet. There is also a "Swimming pool [outdoor]."
Okay, real talk. The pressure to be "relaxed" and "zen" at these places is immense. Like, can I just… not be "spiritual" for a few hours? I'm just saying, sometimes I just wanted to drink my cocktail in peace and not meditate on the meaning of life. #FirstWorldProblems
Cleanliness, Safety, and (the Dreaded) Covid (or: Are They REALLY Cleaning?)
Okay, let's get serious for a minute. "Cleanliness and safety"? They claim to be taking it very seriously, but you can't always be sure. There's "Anti-viral cleaning products", and "Daily disinfection in common areas." "Sterilizing equipment" is available. "Rooms sanitized between stays," "Safe dining setup," and "Sanitized kitchen and tableware items," all sound good. "Staff trained in safety protocol," is also there.
"Hand sanitizer," is everywhere, which is great. "First aid kit," the hotel will provide when needed. "Hot water linen and laundry washing," is the way. "Hygiene certification," is a plus. "Individually-wrapped food options," is also a welcome detail. "Physical distancing of at least 1 meter," is a thing.
"Doctor/nurse on call," is the kind of detail that makes you feel better. "Room sanitization opt-out available," is also a good point. "Cashless payment service," is a good thing to use. "Shared stationery removed," is also a good step.
But… I’m still a bit suss. It's impossible to know everything that goes on behind the scenes, but I’m hoping for the best.
Services and Conveniences (The Good, The Bad, and the Elevator)
"Services and conveniences" are important to consider. "Air conditioning in public area," is a lifesaver. "Cash withdrawal," is available. A "Concierge" is on hand to provide assistance. "Contactless check-in/out" is well-appreciated. There is a "Convenience store," that saves you from a walk. "Currency exchange," is available. "Daily housekeeping" is important. "Doorman" is a nice touch. The "Elevator" is necessary, for many. "Facilities for disabled guests," are there. "Food delivery" is available. "Gift/souvenir shop," is right there. "Invoice provided," is good for some customers. "Ironing service," is an addition. "Laundry service," is a necessity. "Luggage storage," is a big plus. "Meeting/banquet facilities," is an addition. "On-site event hosting," is a plus. A "Shrine" adds something to the landscape. This location provides a "Terrace." There are "Smoking area," and "Safety/security feature."
For the Kids (Unless You Can't Get Away From the Children)
If you're bringing kids, there are "Babysitting service" available. The location is "Family/child friendly." There are "Kids facilities," like "Kids meal."
Behind the Scenes (And the Price Tag)
"Front desk [24-hour]" is a necessity. The spot is "Hotel chain." "Non-smoking rooms," is nice. They have "Pets allowed unavailable."
**In Summary: Takh
Tbilisi's BEST River View Hotel: Unforgettable Stay!
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this itinerary for Takhun Mountain View? It's gonna be less "precision-engineered holiday" and more "me, a camera, and a questionable amount of Pad Thai." Let's do this…
Takhun Mountain View: Operation "Get Lost (in a Good Way)"
(Warning: May contain excessive enthusiasm, questionable decisions, and an unhealthy obsession with mango sticky rice.)
Day 1: Arrival & "OMG, Mountains!"
- Morning (ish): Arrive at Surat Thani Airport. Air Asia flight, probably delayed. Why do I always expect punctuality? Anyway, sweating buckets already. The air here is thick. Grab a taxi to Khao Sok National Park (about 1.5 hours). The drive? Holy moly, stunning. Rolling hills, temples peeking through the jungle… and me, fighting the urge to scream "I'M FINALLY HERE!" out the window. Tried to take a panoramic photo. Failed. Probably going to fail at that a lot this trip.
- Afternoon: Check into My Khao Sok Lake Resort, or one of the many great Khao Sok accommodation options. I booked a bungalow. Fingers crossed it's not crawling with things… okay, deep breaths. Initial reaction: "Wow." Seriously, wow. Mountain views, the lake… Instagram is going to get so many photos. Spend an hour just… staring. Like, actually slack-jawed, drooling slightly.
- Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant. First Pad Thai of the trip. Verdict: Exquisite. Got a little over-enthusiastic with the chili flakes. Regret it already. Walk back to the bungalow under a sky absolutely choked with stars. Feel small. Feel happy. Feel like maybe this trip is going to be okay after all.
Day 2: Lake Life, Kayaks, And the Great Mosquito Conspiracy
- Morning: Sleepily wander to the dining area with a little coffee. I forgot to buy coffee because I was too busy making sure I got the 'gram. That's the problem with traveling, isn't it? It's all about the experience, but also about documenting the experience. Anyway, let's get on with it.
- Morning (Cont.) Kayaking on Cheow Lan Lake. This is why I came. This is the postcard. Kayaking through the limestone karsts, that surreal, silent, almost-eerie beauty is indescribable. Nearly capsized trying to take a selfie. The lake is as smooth as glass, reflecting the jungle and sky. So tranquil! Except for the constant buzzing of… the mosquitoes. They are everywhere. I’m convinced they’re organized now. There’s a Mosquito Mafia controlling this lake.
- Afternoon: Swim. Dip. Try to sunbathe, but the sun is brutal. Learn that sunscreen is not optional. Wander off to explore the tiny little cave filled with bats!
- Evening: Return to the restaurant, get another Pad Thai. This time no chili. Get the mango sticky rice. The mango sticky rice. It is pure, unadulterated happiness. I may or may not have cried a little. Don't judge me.
Day 3: Rainforest Ramble & The Jungle Tango
- Morning: Hired a longtail boat to start. Got a ride to a trekking spot I'd read about. We are going to hike through the jungle. I packed. I’m ready. I looked at some photos!
- Midday: Hike through the jungle. Okay, this is intense. Humidity is trying to suffocate you. Sweat is cascading down my face. I'm pretty sure I saw a giant spider. I’m pretty sure that's a monkey up there. I'm pretty sure my shoes are going to disintegrate. The guide? Completely unfazed. He's practically skipping. This is his life. This is my… "learning experience."
- Afternoon: Return to the resort - tired, sweaty, and smelling vaguely of damp earth. Shower. Repeat, shower again. Try a Thai massage. Realize I am incredibly tense and I need to do this more often.
- Evening: Try to go out to eat dinner, but the rain is so bad. Ended up at the resort’s restaurant. Had spring rolls. They were good, but not mango sticky rice good. Contemplate life choices.
Day 4: Floating Bungalows, Monkey Business & Goodbye…For Now?
- Morning: Take a longtail boat to the floating bungalows. This is the most "iconic Thailand" experience imaginable. Bungalows bobbing on the lake, limestone cliffs rising above… it's a picture. Spend a little time to be zen.
- Midday: Monkeys. Monkeys everywhere! They’re stealing snacks. They're judging my choice of attire. They're adorable, they're mischievous, and they're basically running the show here. The guide warns us not to feed them, but someone always does, right?
- Afternoon: More swimming, maybe some more kayaking. Try to savor every moment. The view is stunning, the water is cool. You can do this, I tell myself. You can totally do this.
- Evening: Sunset on the lake. Utter perfection. This is the kind of moment that makes you forget everything else and just… be. Dinner at the floating restaurant. Maybe, just maybe, another fix of mango sticky rice. (Okay, definitely.) Then, back to my bungalow, watching the stars, and feeling a kind of peace I haven't felt in… well, years.
- Late Night & Departure: Start thinking about leaving. And then thinking, I don't want to. I want to stay forever. But the next day, it’s time to leave. Tears. Tears for the mango sticky rice. Tears for the mountains. Tears because I'm probably going to miss something.
Day 5: Departure & The Great Question…
- Morning: Pack and prepare for the journey back home. I can't help but feel a little sad. I don't want to leave! The taxi picks me up early.
- Afternoon: Fly out of Surat Thani. Thinking about the next time I'll be here.
Important Notes:
- Mosquito Repellent: Seriously. Buy tons. And then buy more.
- Sunscreen: Mandatory. And reapply, reapply, reapply!
- Pace Yourself: This is a marathon, not a sprint. Take time to breathe, to appreciate, to get utterly lost in the moment.
- Mango Sticky Rice: Find it. Eat it. Love it. Repeat.
- Be Prepared for Anything: Thailand is unpredictable. It rains when it shouldn't. Monkeys steal your snacks. The journey is a little messy, because that just how it goes.
This isn't about perfection. This is about experiences and moments. This is about embracing the mess, the laughter, the longing for more. And that, my friends, is what a trip is all about. Now, go have an adventure. And tell me all about it when you get back! (And send me some mango sticky rice recipes, please.)
Escape to Paradise: Harry's Hotel, Bar & Restaurant in Thailand
Takhun Mountain: Thailand's Hidden Paradise? (Seriously, Unbelievable Views!) - Let's Dive In!
Okay, First Things First: Is Takhun Mountain REALLY as Stunning as the Photos?
Alright, I'll be brutally honest. Yeah. Mostly. Those photos? They’re not lying. The views are… well, they’re the kind that make you audibly gasp, and then maybe start mumbling things like "breathtaking" and "holy crap." I was up there last month, and let me tell you, I was expecting something good. But the sheer scale of it? The emerald-green water of Cheow Lan Lake nestled against those ridiculously pointy limestone karsts? It's almost too much beauty. Almost.
But here's the messy bit: the *feeling* you get is even more remarkable than the photographic proof. It's a kind of humbling awe. You feel genuinely small, insignificant, and yet… connected to something vast and timeless. I spent like, an hour just staring out and getting sunburned. Didn't even care. My brain went a bit… mushy. Worth it.
How Do You Even *Get* to This Place?! Is it a Nightmare of Buses and Boats?
Okay, so, the journey is part of the adventure. Don't expect a smooth, perfectly paved road right to the top. Nope. It's a bit of a trek, but definitely worth it. Mostly.
You'll probably fly into Surat Thani airport. From there, it's a transfer to Khao Sok National Park (the gateway). Then there's the boat! The longtail boat ride across Cheow Lan Lake itself is incredible. The water is so clear, and the karsts just loom up around you like… well, like giant, prehistoric fingers. Pure theatre!
But the boat rides... they're *long*. Bring snacks! And a good book. Or a friend to gossip with. I ended up chatting to a surprisingly interesting Norwegian guy about the existential dread of automated sandwich-making machines. It was...distracting.
Is Climbing Takhun Mountain Actually… *Climbing*? Or More of a Stroll?
Define "stroll." Because it ain't a walk in the park, honey. Let me tell you. It's more like a slightly terrifying, wonderfully rewarding scramble. Think steep, muddy, and did I mention *steep*?
I went with a guide; a local guy who looked like he'd been born on the mountain. Smart move. He knew the best routes, the dodgy bits, and where the most amazing viewpoints were. He also carried my backpack part of the way (bless him!).
There were times, I swear, where I was clinging to roots and rocks, muttering under my breath about the questionable life choices that led me here. Sweat dripping, heart pounding, the whole shebang. But then… you get to the top, and you see *that view*… and suddenly, all the pain melts away. You forget that you're probably still covered in mud. The feeling is immense.
What are the Accommodation options like on Takhun Mountain? Is it camping only?
Alright, so the accommodation is one of the things that *makes* it paradise, for me. You don't get crazy luxury, but it's still a really wonderful and worthwhile experience. Your choices are generally limited. You are mostly restricted to simple floating bungalows or lodges in the Cheow Lan Lake area.
The bungalows are usually super basic - a bed, maybe a mosquito net, and a shared bathroom (don't expect hot showers!). But the best part is the complete immersion in nature. You're on the water, the sunrises and sunsets are mind-blowing, and the sounds of the jungle lull you to sleep. I slept like a baby that first night. That second night...a monkey tried to steal my cereal. Never Forget.
What Should I Pack? Don't Want to Be *That* Tourist….
Right, listen up. Packing is key. You don't want to be *that* tourist, stumbling around in designer hiking boots and getting eaten alive by bugs. Here's the essential gear:
- Good hiking boots or sturdy shoes: Crucial. Forget your Converse.
- Lightweight, quick-drying clothes: It's hot and humid. You'll sweat. A LOT.
- Rain gear: Even during the dry season, things can get wet.
- Insect repellent: The mosquitos are relentless.
- Sunscreen: Protect yourself.Seriously.
- A headlamp or flashlight: For navigating around at night.
- Your camera: Because you *will* want to take pictures. And if you're like me, you'll probably take a thousand. And still not do the place justice.
- Water Bottle: Stay Hydrated
Don't forget the snacks! Trust me. And maybe a small first-aid kit. Just in case… you know… the mountain tries to eat you.
Is it safe? I am... a bit of a scaredy cat.
Yes and no. Let's be realistic. You're in the jungle. There are snakes, spiders, and the occasional cheeky monkey. You're hiking on steep terrain. But, the risks are manageable.
Go with a reputable guide! They know the area, they know the dangers. Follow their instructions. Pay attention to the weather. Don't wander off on your own. Common sense, basically. I saw a bunch of folks solo hiking whilst I was there. Not sure, I would.
I panicked a few times. That's just me. I'm not exactly Bear Grylls. But I made it back in one piece. And the memories... the memories are worth any potential fear. Just be prepared, be respectful, and try not to scream too loudly if you see a giant spider (guilty).
What's the best time to go? Should I avoid Rainy Season?
Okay, the dry season (November to April) is generally considered the best time. You'll get the clearest skies and the best views. But – and this is a big but – it's also the busiest, so expect more people and potentially higher prices. I went in December. Lovely weather.
The rainy season (May to October) can be beautiful, too. The jungle is even greener, the waterfalls are roaring, and you might have the place mostly to yourself. But, it can rainTravel Stay Guides
