Escape to Paradise: Nan Nan's Riverfront Haven (Pua, Thailand)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the jungle (well, the near jungle, anyway) and reviewing Escape to Paradise: Nan Nan's Riverfront Haven in Pua, Thailand. This is going to be less a polished travel brochure and more like that slightly tipsy conversation you have with your best friend at 2 AM, filled with the good, the bad, and the "OMG, remember that time…"
First Impressions (and a Whole Lot of Anticipation)
Right off the bat, the name Escape to Paradise sets a high bar. Sounds lovely, idyllic. But let's be real, paradise is subjective and sometimes, you just need a damn good cup of coffee. And a comfortable bed. And NO MOSQUITOES. So, did Nan Nan's Riverfront Haven deliver on the promise? Well, let’s unpack this, shall we?
Accessibility – The Ups and Downs (and a Bit of a Shuffle)
Okay, this is where things get a little… nuanced. I need to be honest with you.
- Wheelchair Accessible: The hotel says they have facilities for disabled guests, and there is an elevator, but be sure to call directly to double-check its accessibility for specific needs and room types.
The Nitty-Gritty: What's on Offer (and Where I Got REALLY Excited)
Let's get into the good stuff, the stuff that makes or breaks a vacation, the stuff you really want to know about:
Internet: This is important for a digital nomad such as myself. And thank god, they have Wi-Fi! Which works, which is the most important thing.
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Okay, good start.
- Internet [LAN]: Nice to have options!
Things to Do, Ways to Relax (and My Personal Utopia, aka The Spa):
- Body scrub, Body wrap: I'm in.
- Fitness center: I’ll be honest, I peaked inside once, did a quick assessment of my fitness level (low) and decided to stick to the "relaxing" options.
- Foot bath: Yes, please! After a day of exploring, I need this.
- Gym/fitness: Covered above.
- Massage: ESSENTIAL. And the Thai massages, people, are legendary. They will knead your worries away.
- Pool with view: Score! Nothing beats floating in a pool with a gorgeous view.
- Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom: Okay, I might never leave. Sign me up!
And, the absolute highlight… THE SPA
Let me paint you a picture. Waking up in this place, the sky is a watercolour painting. Everything is so green and lush. You walk to the spa and you are immediately transported somewhere else. The aromatherapy is potent. The masseuse is a wizard with hands. You get a massage, then a body scrub…I was almost asleep during it (I'm not sure).
- My anecdote: I was so relaxed, I accidentally drifted off into a light doze and nearly snored! I'm sure I embarrassed myself.
- Emotional Reaction: pure bliss! The best spa treatment I've had in YEARS.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (aka, Where I Found My Happiness):
- **Asian breakfast, **International cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant: Yes to all of this.
- Breakfast [buffet]: Always a winner.
- Poolside bar: Cocktails in the sunshine? Yes, please!
- Restaurants: So many options! I tried them all, obviously, for research purposes.
- My anecdote: I remember I order the green curry (I love spicy food, but it was HOT!). My mouth was on fire. And I loved it.
- Emotional reaction: A wide array of culinary options offering different tastes as well as comfort.
Cleanliness and Safety (Because We're All Thinking About This Now):
Okay, let's talk reality. We're all a little hyper-aware of cleanliness these days (thanks, COVID). Nan Nan's seems to be taking it seriously, which is a HUGE plus.
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Rooms sanitized between stays: Good. Very good.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere. Love it.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: They seem to be trying.
Services and Conveniences (The Little Things That Make a Big Difference):
- Breakfast in room: Perfect for those lazy mornings or when you just want to avoid people.
- Concierge: Always helpful.
- Daily housekeeping: Yay for fresh towels!
- Dry cleaning, Ironing service, Laundry service: Essentials, especially if you're like me and tend to pack one pair of pants for a week.
- Car park [free of charge]: Huge bonus!
For the Kids (If You're Traveling with Tiny Humans):
- Babysitting service: Useful.
- Family/child friendly: They claim to be.
Rooms (The Make-or-Break Zone):
- Air conditioning, Free bottled water, Wi-Fi [free], Hair dryer: ALL ESSENTIAL.
- Blackout curtains: THANK YOU. Sleep is vital on vacation.
- In-room safe box: Always a good idea. Put those valuables away.
Getting Around (The Practical Stuff):
- Airport transfer: YES! Make life easy.
- Car park [on-site]: Convenience is key.
The Quirks (The Things That Made Me Smile, and Maybe Cringe a Little):
- Smoking area: Sigh.
- Shrine: Adds a touch of local culture. Lovely.
- Room decorations: These may or may not tickle your fancy, but they're there!
The Emotional Rollercoaster:
Look, Escape to Paradise isn't flawless. It's got its quirks, its minor imperfections. But that's life, right? And honestly, the good stuff – the spa, the friendly staff, the beautiful views – far outweighed anything else.
My Honest Verdict: I actually had a really good time at Nan Nan's. It made me feel relaxed, even though I was working as well. I loved the spa, the rooms were comfy, and the staff was friendly.
The "Buy Now" Pitch (Because You Deserve a Treat):
Are you ready to escape the chaos and find your inner zen? Here's why you NEED to book Escape to Paradise: Nan Nan's Riverfront Haven NOW:
- Seriously Amazing Spa: That's the main attraction. You’ll go home feeling like a brand-new person.
- The Food Will Make You Happy: Prepare for a culinary adventure! From fresh local cuisine to international delights, your taste buds will be doing a happy dance.
- Peace and Quiet: If you're tired of the noise and the crowds, this is your sanctuary.
- The Little Things: Free Wi-Fi, comfy beds, and all the amenities you need to feel pampered.
- Safety First, Fun Always: Nan Nan's is committed to your health and well-being, so you can relax and enjoy your vacation worry-free.
Book NOW and escape to paradise. Trust me, you deserve it!
Call to Action (Because, Seriously, Book It!):
Visit their website (once you research) or call them directly to get a quote. Don't wait! Your slice of paradise is waiting!
Escape to Paradise: Pocheon Swimpyo Pension Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this isn't your average, perfectly-curated travel blog. This is going to be a chaotic, glorious mess of emotions and questionable decisions in Pua, Nan, Thailand. And trust me, you're going to feel it. Get ready for my trip to Forest Forest: little house by the river.
FOREST FOREST FREAKOUT: PUA, NAN, THAILAND (THE UNFILTERED EDITION)
Day 1: Arrival and the "Cozy Cottage of Doom"
- 1:00 PM: ARRIVE. Bangkok air. Stuffy. Sweaty. That familiar post-flight existential dread kicks in. Did I pack enough socks? Important questions. The train, a sweaty odyssey of elbows and questionable durian smells, finally spews me out at some godforsaken bus station. My luggage? Seems to have adopted a new life of its own, perpetually late.
- 5:00 PM: Land in Pua. The air is different here. Cleaner, greener. Instantly better. Take a Tuk-Tuk to Forest Forest: little house by the river. I booked it solely on the picture of a tiny bamboo hut practically nestled in the jungle. Romantic, no? Yeah, well…
- 5:30 PM: Check in at Forest Forest: The Cottage. It is… rustic. Like, "the spiders have probably already paid rent" rustic. Don't get me wrong, it is very pretty. But the mosquitoes? They're like vampires with a bad sense of direction. The "river" is more of a slightly-less-stagnant-than-a-puddle situation, But the view! Oh my god, the view! Green, green, GREEN. I swear I saw a monkey steal a mango. It was beautiful and my heart exploded, a tiny bit.
- 6:30 PM: The first of many (too many) Chang beers. Already. Self-medicating the travel exhaustion. Stumbling around, trying to find somewhere to eat.
- 7:30 PM: Dinner at a restaurant. I ordered something with noodles. I ended up with a fiery, chili-laden, noodle-based entity. I swear the waiter was smirking. Trying not to cry. It was a delicious cry, though.
Day 2: Temples, Temples, and Maybe a Mountain (If I Don't Die)
- 8:00 AM: Wake up. Mosquito bites. Itchy. Miserable. But the sunlight streaming through the bamboo slats makes it worth it.
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast. Stale toast. Weak coffee. But the view! The view conquers all.
- 10:00 AM: Rent a motorbike. This is where things get interesting. I'm a city girl. Motorbikes? My nemesis. I nearly killed a small dog (sorry, dog!). Eventually, I get the hang of it. Sort of.
- 11:00 AM: Visit Wat Phumin. Breathtaking. The murals! The colors! The quiet! I actually felt a tiny flutter of peace, before I accidentally dropped my sunglasses in a puddle.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch. Something vaguely resembling food. It was hot, and tasty and I don't even know what was in it!
- 2:00 PM: THOUGHTS. Okay, I am a bit of a disaster. But I am here. I am in Thailand. I am a beautiful, sweating, slightly-sunburnt, mosquito-bitten mess of a human, and I AM LOVING IT!
- 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM: Wat Nong Bua. I went on a little trek. I found a waterfall. It was beautiful and I found inner peace, and then nearly slipped on a mossy rock. I am too human to be a mountain person.
- 4:30 PM: Back to Forest Forest. Beer. Staring at the river. Contemplating my existence… and the continued threat of mosquito attacks.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner with a view. The food was incredible. Maybe the best meal of my entire life. I took a picture to commemorate the occasion.
- 8:00 PM: Thinking about everything. I was so happy.
Day 3: Coffee, Crafts, and the Great Chang Consumption
- 7:00 AM: Wake up to the sounds of the jungle. Birds chirping, a faint stream babbling, the distinct whine of a mosquito about to feast. Coffee. Strong coffee. Needed.
- 8:00 AM: Coffee at a cafe with a panoramic view of the rice fields. So pretty! I feel my heart break at the same time.
- 9:00 AM: I decided to experience the local market and visit local craft shops. I bought some beautiful items made by local people.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at the cafe. I felt as though I had been transported into a movie. If I could stay here forever, I would.
- 1:00 PM: Back to Forest Forest. Time to let my body rest.
- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Napping and staring at the view. The feeling of inner peace. I started crying as I felt this.
- 4:00 PM: Beer. This is the life.
- 7:00 PM: I found a tiny restaurant that only offered fried noodles. The atmosphere was incredible. It was the best meal I have ever had.
- 8:00 PM: I walked back to the cottage. I watched the stars. I was happy.
Day 4: Farewell, Pua. You Beautiful, Messy Place.
- 8:00 AM: Another sunrise. Another mosquito bite. But this time, I'm almost sad to leave. Almost.
- 9:00 AM: Last breakfast. This time the coffee is perfect. Perhaps because I'm accepting the chaos.
- 10:00 AM: Check out. Said goodbye to my little hut. Actually felt a little teary.
- 10:30 AM: The Tuk-Tuk ride. A final, bumpy goodbye to the jungle.
- 11:30 AM: The Bus. Sweaty. Crowded. Back to Bangkok. Back to "real" life. But I'm different now. Less of a disaster, maybe. And I still miss those damn mosquitoes.
- The End: I think the best thing about this trip was doing things I did not want to do. And it was the best, most beautiful adventure I've ever had!
1. Ummm, where *exactly* is this place? Is it, like, in the middle of nowhere? (Because I'm not sure I'm down with remote.)
Alright, so Pua, Thailand. Let's be honest, it's not exactly on the well-trodden backpacker superhighway. It’s in Nan province, which is *north* north Thailand. Think… lush mountains, rice paddies, and a general vibe of “chill the heck out.” Yeah, it’s not Bangkok. It *is* remote-ish. My GPS *did* try to send me down a dirt track that could swallow a small elephant. But hey, that’s half the adventure, right? (And honestly, the other half is sweating your way through the instructions in Thai, but more on that later.). Driving is easiest. I got lost three times. Each time was beautiful.
2. What's the actual accommodation like? Is it…romantic? Rustic? Bug-infested (please say no to that one)
Okay, the cabins themselves are…charming. Romantic? Absolutely, if you're into falling asleep to the gentle *chirp-chirp* of crickets and waking up to the sunrise over the Nan River. Rustic? Oh, yeah. Think lots of wood, open-air spaces, and the constant feeling of being *in* nature. Bug-infested? Okay, let’s be real. You’re in Thailand. Insects exist. Mosquitoes? Yes. But the mosquito nets actually worked. I'm not going to lie, I did see a spider the size of my thumb. But I chose to believe it was guarding the secret of happiness, so I left him be. He was probably just as afraid of me. The bed was comfy! The view from the balcony? Priceless. Seriously. Priceless.
3. The food! Tell me all about the food! (I need to know if I should pack my emergency ramen.)
Ramen? Honey, leave that at home. The food… *sigh* …the food. Nan Nan’s kitchen is incredible. Authentic Thai, bursting with flavor. You want Pad Thai? Delicious. (Though, let's be honest, I ate Pad Thai *every* day. No regrets.) The curries? Spicy, fragrant, and perfect for mopping up with rice. They even had a fried whole fish! I’d never eaten a fish with its eyes still staring at me before. It was a bit…intense. But GOOD. Breakfast was included (bless). Fresh fruit, eggs, toast, all that jazz. I ate so much fruit I swear I glowed. Don't skip the mango sticky rice. It's practically a religious experience. And the prices? Laughably cheap. Seriously, I over-tipped just because I felt guilty.
4. What is there to *do* there? Besides eat copious amounts of delicious food, obviously.
Okay, so this isn't a place for non-stop partying. It's about…well, escaping. You can kayak on the Nan River. Beautiful. Peaceful. You can cycle around the local villages (rent a bike, trust me). There are temples to explore, waterfalls to hike to, and stunning rice paddies for Instagramming (just kidding, don't be *that* person…mostly). I spent hours just sitting on my balcony, listening to the river, and reading. Pure bliss. There’s a local market in Pua town, which is a real eye-opener. The people are incredibly friendly. (And you'll probably need Google Translate. My conversational Thai is… non-existent.). One day I attempted to learn how to make fried banana. Let's just say the bananas were delicious, but the kitchen was a disaster. And the banana was not fried, yet. Still, I had the best time.
5. How's the Wi-Fi? Because, you know…social media and all that. (I'm shallow, sue me.)
Okay, the Wi-Fi is…adequate. Let's put it that way. It works. Sometimes. Don’t expect lightning-fast streaming. Embrace the digital detox! Honestly, it was kind of freeing. I actually *talked* to the other guests. Shocking, I know. One afternoon, the internet completely died, which was a blessing. I went and sat at the edge of the river and watched the sun set. It was one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen. So, yeah, the Wi-Fi is imperfect, and sometimes it’s frustrating but you know what? You’ll survive. And you might actually *enjoy* it.
6. Any downsides? Be honest! I can handle it. Unless it's a giant snake. (I'm very bad with snakes.)
Alright, the downsides. Okay, first of all, you're in nature. You'll see bugs. Accept it. Second, getting there is a bit of a trek. I can’t emphasize this enough. Plan your transport in advance. The road is long. Third, the service, while incredibly friendly, isn't always lightning fast. Sometimes you have to wait a little while to get your food or a drink. Don’t expect super-luxury, 5-star pampering. It's a mellow vibe, not a frantic one. And about the snakes…I didn’t see any. Whew! But there were a lot of geckos. Adorable, tiny, wall-crawling things. (Okay, maybe *slightly* creepy at first.) But overall, the pros far outweigh the cons. Way, way outweigh them.
7. Okay, so you clearly loved it. Would you go back? And *should* I go?
Would I go back? In a heartbeat. Seriously. As soon as I can scrape together enough money, I’m going back. I'm already dreaming of the mango sticky rice. Should *you* go? Okay, here's the deal. If you're looking for glitz and glamor, this isn't the place. If you need constant entertainment and a bustling nightlife, look elsewhere. But, if you’re looking for peace, tranquility, stunning scenery, incredible food, and an escape from the constant digital world, then YES. Absolutely, unequivocally, YES. Pack your mosquito repellent, your sense of adventure, and your willingness to embrace the beautiful imperfections, and go. You won’t regret it. I am so obsessed with this place that I’m starting to think about learning Thai. Wish me luck!
8. Okay, spill the tea. What was your *absolute* best moment there? Tell me a story!
Alright, fine. You twisted my arm. My absolute best moment? Okay, picture this: One afternoon, I was kayaking on the Nan River. The water was so still, reflecting the colors of the sky – it was like paddling through a painting. Suddenly, I saw it: a flash of blue, then another,Find Your Perfect Stay
