Justine Vanlmpe-Belgium /TripAdvisor
We had an amazing time with Petchara and Panom, the ecolodge’s owners. They were incredibly welcoming and helpful. When we arrived, we didn’t really have a clue what we’d do for the next few days- we just knew we wanted something off the beaten track and get to enjoy nature. Petchara and Panom concocted a perfect blend of cultural and ecological sightseeing. Panom is a truly gifted guide and we learnt so much about Thailand’s treasures, but also about its cultural heritage, politics, the language… Food was outstanding, beautifully home-cooked meals, simple but probably among the best dishes we had during our entire trip. Great lodgings, super clean. Beautiful private terrace with view on banana trees.The two things we enjoyed the most: the food offering to Buddhist monks – an exceptional way to give something back – and the rice paddies.Ah and last but not least: you have to try their homemade, typical Thai coffee.
Great family environment in a lodge/Mpancorbo-Dubai
If you search for a small family run, out of the beaten path lodge in Chiang Mai area, this is great. Do not expect any kind of luxury or high standard accommodation. It is at about 40min drive from Chiang Mai city, in the mountains. Panom and Petchara are great hosts that from moment zero will make you feel part of their friends or family. The cooking of Petchara is great and there are nice local treks or walks you can do around. Panom can give you all kind of insights in local culture and whereabouts, specially if you are interested in knowing more about Buddhism he can bring a great
deal of new knowledge and insights o you (he was a monk himself for many years).Besides that they are really helpful recommending things to do and places to go and arranging transportation.
Again, if you seek a lodge without pretensions but with all you need and a familiar environment this is a really nice place to go. If you expect to be in the middle of what is happening in Chiang Mai, then you might want to rethink.
A rare find!/Ringoes – New jersey/ TripAdvisor
When we first found Petchara and Panom’s web site for their Chiang Mai Adventure Tour and Thai Language Center, we had our doubts about how they could possibly juggle so many services much less do them all well. Believe me, they not only do all services well, but with grace, humor, endless energy and extensive experience. Our primary goal was to find a quiet retreat where we could do the following: recharge ourselves in one place after many miles of extensive travelling; take Thai language classes; explore the Chiang Mai area and generally immerse ourselves in the northern Thai culture.
Staying at the Ban Rai Eco Lodge more than fulfilled our needs. Panom and Petchara are both English major graduates with an amazing command of the language. Our daily Thai lessons were customized to our needs in preparation for our son’s upcoming wedding to his Thai fiancee. Panom made sure that we not only learned some important phrases but also the cultural nuances that would prevent any farang-y faux pas on our part with the bride’s family. He even prepared toasts for us to give at the wedding celebration. When not taking our lessons, we were able to relax and enjoy the beautiful grounds of the lodge, nestled in the foothills twenty minutes north of Chiang Mai. The evening sounds of frogs and crickets, the morning sounds of birds, the star-studded skies, the cool temps/low humidity with sunny skies all added up to the perfect natural tonic we needed after the unbearable heat and humidity of Bangkok, Saigon, Siem Reap, etc. When our wanderlust needed feeding, Panom and Pechara’s tour service saw to our explorations of the Chiang Mai area. Besides the usual highlights of the area, Penom includes several exclusive sites for his guests, off the beaten path but on the right track with a strong emphasis on cultural enrichment. Having been a monk for ten years, he adds a more personal and in depth experience to the temple/wat visits. A highlight of our trip was making donations to the monks’ one early morning in Chiang Mai. From purchase of food to final blessing from each monk after our offerings were made, we really felt like we were part of a very special experience in the Thai culture and religion. My husband and I stayed at the Ban Rai Eco Lodge for three weeks, truly feeling like we had made it our home. Panom and Petchara included us in as much or as little activity as we wanted, always respectful of schedules and our interests. You’ll have a very long and frustrating search finding a place as special as this, and there’s no better coffee anywhere else in Thailand!
We were sad to leave, but we hope our future can include a return visit to Petchara’s perpetual smile and wonderful cooking and Penom’s engaging humor and inf ectious energy.
Fantastic stay/Kplin-Melburne/ TripAdvisor
Staying at Ban Rai Tin Thai Ngarm Eco Lodge was the highlight of our travels in Thailand. We had a warm welcome at the airport by Panom who provided us with fantastic local knowledge about Chiang Mai. The Eco Lodge was nestled out of the main town amongst beautiful gardens. The setting was tranquil and we spent the night cooking a delicious Thai meal with our lovely hosts.During the day we spent time walking around the told town, experiencing flight of the Gibbon and visiting an elephant orphanage. All of our activities were organised seamlessly by Panom and Petchara who even helped us book our train tickets well in advance to get the best sleeper available! We only had two nights at Ban Rai Tin Thai Ngarm (we wished we hadstayed longer) and the warm hospitality we received made us feel at home in beautiful Chiang Mai. Thank you Panom and Petchara for a wonderful insight into life in Chiang Mai, we are looking forward to seeing you on our next visit.
Activity or relaxation, the choice is yours!/hubhopper-Bristol/ TripAdvisor
We’re back, and for six nights this time. We took some good circular walks (2km to 10 km) that took us through small settlements of local people, local shops where you could get a tea or coffee. Rural landscapes, still some rice farming in evidence with a hilly backdrop to it all. We also borrowed bicycles (free) for an easy, mainly flat ride to waterfalls at Mae SA in Doi Suthep Doi Pui National Park where you can swim. There are plenty of good food stalls for lunch. The roads around Ban Rai are quiet and good for walking, running or cycling. Local people a friendly, we were given a lift in a basket on the side of a motorcycle one day, and without any expectation of payment – just for the fun of it or ‘sanuk’. Accommodation is clean, comfortable and very peaceful. Covered outdoor spaces are good for relaxation in the heat of the day.If you want organised trips or transfers your host can deliver and in the past we’ve travelled all over the north of Thailand with him.
The perfect base for Northern Thailand loop/warwick_fish -Wellington, New Zealand/ TripAdvisor
The lodge is beautifully set in a lush environment and the owners are gracious, helpful and knowledgeable folks who can arrange any local tours or guided trips around the north of Thailand. Local cafes are only a short drive away. The tourist sights like Elephants, Tigers, temples etc are within a few kilometres. You can be assured that you will experience true Thai hospitality here
Quiet place, near most of the activities of Chiang Mai (without the noise and stress of this town)/Saint-Pierre-en-Faucigny, France/ TripAdvisor
When we arrived at this place, we were a bit anxious. It seems so far from Chiang Mai…but after speaking with the very nice people there, we discovered all that we wanted to see and visit was closer than staying down town. After a few days, and spending one evening down Chiang Mai, we just realize that we made the good choice.No stress, no noise, a wonderful landscape, nice restaurants and bars around (easy to rent and drive a scooter there).The place to stay if you need calm and serene nights…Thank you to the owner who also took us when needed with his taxi. Thank you for your kindness and hope we can come back one day!
Outstanding Family Vacation/Peter – Canada/ TripAdvisor
Our second stay in five years and the second visit was as outstanding as the first. If your a family traveling in the Chiang Mai area I strongly recommend a visit to Mae Rim and a stay at the Ban Rai Tin Thai Ngarm Eco Lodge. The hosts are an amazing couple with an ease in helping you with your travel and accommodation needs. Trust in their guidance, you wont be disappointed.
A quaint homestay experience/BFK-Sweden/ TripAdvisor
My husband and I recently enjoyed a three night stay at this family run homestay resort nestled in the hills outside of Chiang Mai.The simple bungalows were clean and comfortable and offered views of either the gardens or the surrounding hills. The owners were very nice and made us feel welcome. We took advantage of their pick up and drop off service. In fact any trip or excursion can easily be arranged through the resort.We enjoyed just heading out on foot and exploring the surrounding countryside. This resort would be a good choice if you want to enjoy a “simpler” Thai experience.We did!
Some places are perfect/Jay T-Tucson, Arizona/ TripAdvisor
After Chiang Mai I was ready. Chiang Mai had been great. Great weather, great food, great to be “not home”. Now I wanted to read a little and relax. Soak it in. Mae Rim is not Chiang Mai. It’s hilly, rural, beautiful and open. Just what I wanted. I chose Bin Tin Thai Ngarm Eco Lodge because of the pictures. It looked perfect. At first I was positive, then I was negative, then positive again. There was a loud party across the street.I had delicious meals.WiFi didn’t always reach my room. The days were beautiful and tranquil. All the TV channels are in Thai. I learned about Thai cooking and language. It wasn’t “easy” to go out somewhere.
I met kind and gracious people. Back and forth, you get the picture.A 3 minute walk up the road is the Sala Cafe. Don’t miss it. It is beautiful. Take your camera, I’m not kidding. If you’re getting a ride to the Eco Lodge, everyone here knows where the Sala Cafe is. 200 meters before it is the Eco Lodge. The Eco Lodge is not perfect, but I had many perfect moments here that I wouldn’t give back
Justin T/Gorgeous/TripAdvisor
If you are looking for a beautiful place to stay with excellent scenery look no further. The resort is close to several attractions in Mae Rim and only a short drive to Chiang Mai but far enough away from the hustle of urban life to put your soul at ease. The hosts are fantastic and go out of their way to make you feel welcomed. Waking up in the morning with a fantastic view of the mountains and the sounds of nature is a experience I certainly will never forget
Kathryn G-Oakland, California/Home away from home/TripAdvisor
This beautiful lodge – and hosts Petchara and Panom – were one of the loveliest part of my travels in Thailand. It’s situated just a half hour or so outside of Chiang Mai but it feels like another planet. Quiet, serene, beautiful… a lovely escape. The hosts – and their two adorable dogs – welcomed me and made me feel like family. Panom is also a guide and showed me around local temples – his knowledge is very impressive. And Petchara cooked delicious, authentic Thai food, helped with outings and transport and was generally the warmest hostess imaginable.The resort itself is clean and quiet and beautifully situated in a village I spent hours wandering around. Their landscaping is colorful and organic and serene.
Karen – Colchester, United Kingdom/Beautiful!!!/TripAdvisor
We travelled as a family of three, with our 13 year old son. We could not have felt more welcome by our hosts! The accommodation is beautiful, the grounds are peaceful, the food and the welcome are amazing. Our son Matthew regularly joined Petchara in the kitchen where she taught him how to cook Thai food, we arranged personalised trips with Phonem, they offer a very personalised touch in everything they do,welcoming you into their home. It really was one of the highlights of our whole trip around Thailand! Thank-you Phonem and Petchara!
0Aussie-Brisbane, Australia/Excellent stay, see the real hailand!/TripAdvisor
Petchara and Panom were fantastic hosts. They really made you feel at home and went out of their way to make sure we were comfortable and had everything we needed. Also, their helper Ung (I hope I spelt that correctly) was lovely and made some fantastic food for us during our stay.We had one of the newer bungalows which was very well equipped and had an amazing view. After the craziness that was Phuket and Bangkok, the Eco Lodge in Mae Rim was a welcome change with how serene and quiet it was. Petchara and Panom let us borrow their bikes on a number of occasions so we could cycle around the local village and to the nearby waterfall (which costs 100 baht per person to enter but is well worth it). We also did some cooking with Petchara one night which was great, and we were invited to her local dancing (my partner joined in the dancing and played soccer with some of the locals), we had a great time! We also stayed spent half our time in Chiang Mai proper and we both enjoyed Eco Lodge and the Mae Rim area much more. There are a number of nearby places to eat and explore, including a local restaurant which is just down the hill from Eco Lodge, they don’t speak much English but they make a delicious green papaya salad (just ask Panom about the restaurant which won the award for the Papaya salad and he will point you in the right direction). There were also a number of very good cafes and strawberry farms to visit, have sit and read a book.
Overall we would strongly recommend Eco Lodge!
Gemma S-Bristol, United Kingdom/Beautiful place in a peaceful setting/TripAdvisor
Firstly, as others have said, Petchara and Panom were extremely welcoming, friendly and helpful hosts. We didn’t have a car with us and they let us borrow their bicycles to get around which was ideal. The accommodation itself was great and way above the standard we were expecting. We stayed in one of the hilltop chalets and our room was perfect – very modern, comfortable, spotlessly clean and big windows that meant we could take advantage of the stunning view even in the rain. No problems with mosquitoes because there are good window nets. The garden area is a very peaceful and natural setting which is well kept. Breakfast was plentiful and tasty. We also took advantage of enjoying our evening meals here which were freshly prepared, absolutely delicious and brilliant value. We are vegetarian and this was no problem. This place is really beautiful and we would definitely return if we were in the area. I really do recommend it for some relaxing time away from busy towns.
Michael S-Orvelte, Drenthe, Netherlands/tranquility, peace and excellent service!/TripAdvisor
We stayed with the three of us in two appartments. Petchara and Panom where the best hosts you could wish for, nothing was too much. We stayed a week which was great, could have easily stayed longer. The hosts are very knowlegdeable and willing to show things. We went on lovely trips with them including eating and dancing with the locals. We went to offer food to the monks and even did an evening service and meditation in the local Temple. We are hoping to go back there in the future
John G/A Special Place/TripAdvisor
I stayed at this place two times this fall and it was wonderful! The views of the surrounding forests and mountains are excellent from the higher-up sitting cottages. The cottages are super-clean, modern, big and comfortable. The owners, Panom and Petchara, are nice, kind, thoughtful people who speak English and are knowledgeable about the area and have maps and recommendations for sight-seeing. I really enjoyed this place as a place to relax, sit on the porch, and look at nature, and as a base from which to see the sights in and around Mae Rim