Traveling to Chiang Mai is easy and convenient. No matter when you choose to travel, getting there is a breeze.
Hello there… This is Mang Noi. This year, I had the opportunity to visit Chiang Mai three times in a short period of time, and it was a journey that covered all types of transportation: car, train, and airplane.
Trip 1: January, 7 nights and 8 days self-driving trip around Chiang Mai, covering popular and trendy spots for food and sightseeing. See the thread "Chiang Mai: Where to Eat and Visit, the Hipster's Guide" for details.
Link: https://pantip.com/topic/36125795
Second trip: February. Take the new express train, the Utrawithi Special Express, from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. Join in making merit to a school in a remote area in Chiang Dao District. In the post "This trip has a story to tell, our destination is Chiang Dao".
Link : https://th.readme.me/p/8042
The third time: May. I had the opportunity to fly for free and stay for free with a good activity of KTC, which was held in the KTC Real Team project, the 44th time, at Coloured by Seasons @Flora Creek Chiang Mai.. The magic of colors of flowers in every season, which is the latest topic this time.
KTC Real Team Project
For those unfamiliar with this project, KTC has organized an activity for KTC card members to provide an opportunity for individuals with a travel and review lifestyle, regardless of fame, to apply. Participants can submit their previous reviews on various social media platforms for the team's consideration. If the work is well-received by the committee and aligns with the designated location or award, participants have the chance to win free trips both domestically and internationally. This marks the 44th iteration of the project. (Insider tip: The most recent 45th edition offered a trip to IRAN. Don't miss out! Apply before the end of May for a chance to win a free international trip.)
For examples of reviews from previous winners, please visit www.ktc.co.th/ktcworld or follow our fan page www.facebook.com/KTCWorldCommunity to stay updated on news and exciting activities hosted by the website.
The prize awarded to Mang Noi is truly heartwarming. It includes:
- A 3-day, 2-night stay in a Deluxe Plantation room for 2 guests, with breakfast included for 2 mornings.
- One lunch with drinks (Thai cuisine).
- One dinner with drinks (Western cuisine).
- A 30-minute neck, shoulder, and back massage for 2 guests.
- Roundtrip airport transfers.
- Roundtrip Nok Air flight tickets for 2 passengers.
In addition to the awards received, Mang Noi also went on additional excursions. Let's join her to see what her 3-day, 2-night experience was like.
This article will share the experiences and atmosphere of a special trip to the Flora Creek Chiang Mai hotel, as experienced by the lucky winners of a recent event.
Prior to my visit, I was unfamiliar with Flora Creek Chiang Mai. After receiving the award, I conducted online research and discovered that it was previously known as Kritsada Doi, a renowned flower park in Chiang Mai. (I was surprised to learn that it was the same location!) Kritsada Doi was once a popular tourist destination and flower garden in the city. However, it was closed for renovations and only reopened in November 2016. The once-familiar appearance of Kritsada Doi has been transformed into a new European-style design, complete with a stylish garden that changes with the seasons. This ensures that visitors will always have new scenery to photograph, regardless of the time of year. The photos I saw were stunning, and I am eager to see it in person.
Scheduled travel: May 8-10, 2017, via Nok Air from Don Mueang Airport.
This time, I visited the new passenger terminal at the airport. It is spacious, bright, comfortable, and visually appealing, significantly reducing the congestion compared to the old terminal. I used the overnight parking service, which costs 250 baht per night (the same price as Suvarnabhumi Airport).
Nokair's check-in counters and service points are located on both sides and have multiple lanes, making the process convenient and fast.
The snacks served on the plane (outbound) had adorable packaging, and the snacks themselves were delicious too.
Snacks served on the plane (return trip)
The journey to Chiang Mai Airport takes approximately one hour. Upon arrival, a hotel shuttle will be waiting to transport you to the hotel, which is approximately a 30-minute drive away.
The hotel is located on a hill in Hang Dong district. Mang Noi has tried to find a map to help those who will travel by private car.
Photo credit: www.floracreekchiangmai.com
The hotel is conveniently located on the main road, making it easy to spot. Upon arrival, guests can simply walk in to check in. The staff was incredibly welcoming, from the moment I stepped off the plane to the lobby.
The Welcome drink is an English Rose, a refreshing blend of rose water and soda.
The lobby boasts a minimalist yet elegant design, featuring a spacious open-air layout that allows for natural ventilation. Comfortable sofas are strategically placed throughout the area, offering guests a relaxing spot to unwind. Large windows provide panoramic views of the stunning surrounding gardens, showcasing the vibrant colors of the local flora. This inviting space seamlessly connects to the Creek Cafe, welcoming both hotel guests and external patrons seeking a delightful dining experience.
This location offers Mac computers with internet access for guests.
The bamboo structure reminds me of Gardens by the Bay in Singapore.
During the stay of the little insects, the hotel was adjusting the topsoil of the garden to plant new trees for the rainy season that is about to change next week. This means that there may not be many colorful flowers to see during the visit, but the lush greenery of other plant species will still be there to refresh you. Plus, the Krisada Doi Garden is very large and open to the public for free. For those who like to take pictures, post on Facebook, update Instagram, or tweet, I guarantee that you will not be disappointed.
Before I take you to see the overall atmosphere, let me briefly explain the details of this place. Flora Creek Chiang Mai is a 5-star accommodation decorated in a European style in a flower garden. It is located amidst the mountains on an area of over 21 rai. There are streams and waterfalls flowing in almost every part of the hotel, which makes visitors feel the freshness of nature, shade, and relaxation.
The location is convenient, close to landmarks or various tourist attractions. It takes only 15-30 minutes to travel to each place, such as:
- Chiang Mai International Airport
- Central Chiang Mai
- Night Safari Zoo
- Nimmanhaemin Road
- Wat Phra That Doi Kham
- Royal Park Rajapruek
- Grand Canyon Hang Dong
The overall design concept is "Modern-localized boutique resort," which aims to provide guests with an immersive experience of nature and the surrounding floral beauty.
The little ant will take you on a tour of the garden. The photos were taken at different times and are grouped into sets for each zone. Starting at the entrance to the Krisada Doi Garden, you will be able to enjoy the garden with the sound of music, birds singing, and the sound of a waterfall. It's a real treat!
This is likely the most popular spot for visitors to take photos.
Flora House Souvenir Shop (Open 09.00 – 17.00 hrs.)
After capturing the beauty of the garden, I felt a pang of hunger as it neared noon. I decided to indulge in the Creek Cafe, where the hotel had prepared a delightful set menu. The flavors were exquisite, and the portions were so generous that two people could easily be satiated until the next day.
I enjoyed all the dishes, but I especially loved the sweet and sour fried fish.
It's like having the whole orchard to yourself.
Coffee, green tea, sweet, creamy, just right.
Found another cute bottle packaging.
After a satisfying meal, let's take a quick look at the restaurant's ambiance before exploring the guest rooms.
Due to the vastness of the resort, guests can choose to explore the gardens and reach their rooms or other locations by foot, enjoying a leisurely stroll. Alternatively, guests can request a golf cart service from the reception desk to be transported to their desired destinations.
The resort offers 70 rooms in total, making it ideal for corporate retreats or group getaways. The rooms are divided into four categories:
- Superior Garden View (33 sqm, 8 rooms)
- Deluxe Plantation (53 sqm, 42 rooms)
- Deluxe Horizon (63 sqm, 14 rooms)
- Pool Villa (140 sqm, private pool, 6 rooms)
I stayed in the Deluxe Plantation room, which offers 53 sqm of living space.
Upon entering, I was immediately captivated by the room's decor. The beige color scheme exudes elegance and sophistication, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere. The spacious layout and ample natural light contribute to an airy and uncluttered feel.
The highlight that made me smile the most was the adorable welcome sign. I could feel the effort and care put into it, and it truly made me feel special.
The room is fully equipped with standard amenities, but with additional features such as a Bluetooth speaker, which is a great addition for those who enjoy listening to music on their phones or watching YouTube videos with sound through the speaker, which fills the entire room.
The room will be equipped with 6 bottles of drinking water and a Welcome Fruit exchange card that can be redeemed at the Creek Cafe restaurant. As the fruit is chilled, the hotel will not leave it in the room. Additionally, any items in the room that guests wish to keep as souvenirs can be purchased by contacting the reception staff for pricing.
The bathroom and dressing area are cleverly separated into shower, toilet, sink, and dressing room.
The bathroom amenities were a delight, with a matching set of shampoo, hand soap, lotion, and shower gel all sharing the same delightful aromatic scent. Upon inquiry, it was revealed that the products were from the ERB brand.
If you are tired of the air-conditioned room atmosphere, try opening the curtains and doors to welcome the natural breeze, listen to the sound of the stream and the birds singing behind the room. It's another kind of fun.
Take a moment to relax and lie down on the soft bed. Rest for a bit, and then I'll take you on a tour of the different room types to see how comfortable they are.
Deluxe Horizon Room: 63 square meters
Similar to the Deluxe Plantation Room, but with more space. It also has a stream flowing behind it.
Pool Villa with a private pool, offering 140 square meters of living space.
Superior Garden View Room
33 square meters
Each room type is designed in a similar beige tone, but differs in terms of usable space. Each room offers a sense of openness, airiness, and a true connection with nature.
Next, Mang Noi will take you on a tour of the common areas near the accommodation.
Starting from the front of the rooms, there is a zone decorated with neon flowers that light up at night.
Nearby, there is a fitness center and swimming pool nestled amidst the natural beauty of towering trees, offering a refreshing experience.
(Open from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM)
This area features a gate separating the guest rooms from the Krisada Doi Garden, ensuring privacy. The following image shows the point of connection to the Krisada Doi Garden.
The faint outline in the distance is the Feung Fah Restaurant.
Crossing the bridge, you will find the Feung Fah Restaurant, a former restaurant of Kritsada Doi. The restaurant retains its original Lanna architecture and identity, creating a nostalgic atmosphere reminiscent of the past. Here, you can enjoy a meal amidst a flower garden, with a capacity of 150 seats. (Open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM)
Nearby is a spa building called "Green House Spa" (open from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM).
The little one went to explore and use the 30-minute neck, shoulder, and shoulder massage service. It was so enjoyable and comfortable.
Note: To use the spa service, you must call and make a reservation 1 hour in advance so that the staff can prepare and the queue does not overlap with others.
If you enjoy a massage with a beautiful view, head to the second floor.
After the massage, enjoy a refreshing herbal drink.
The building next to the spa will be a Superior Garden View accommodation with only 8 rooms available.
This garden area boasts a rich abundance of large trees. Small and large pine cones have fallen, adorning the lawn in a charming manner.
The little ant walked around the garden, exercising for several rounds because it was really wide.
The First Day of Stay
On the first day of their stay, the guests did not venture out for any sightseeing. Instead, they opted for dinner at the Creek Cafe restaurant, as they had done the previous evening. This time, the hotel prepared a Western-style meal for them, which they thoroughly enjoyed.
(Dinner is served from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM. Orders can be placed until 10:30 PM.)
The meal concluded with a decadent dessert: a rich chocolate brownie drizzled with luscious chocolate sauce, accompanied by a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The combination of flavors was simply divine.
The atmosphere of the restaurant at night
On the way back to the room, you will see the neon flower garden, which is arranged in the concept of "Lighten up at Krisdadoi". It is beautiful and colorful.
Upon arrival at the room, the hotel staff entered to arrange the room, clean it, and place snacks for us.
The breakfast room is open from 6:30 AM to 10:00 AM. If there are less than 20 guests, the breakfast will be served a la carte. If there are more than 20 guests, the breakfast will be served buffet style. On the day of my visit, there were not many guests, so I ordered from the set menu, which included options such as rice porridge, noodles, fried rice, and American breakfast. All sets come with a choice of salads, and my favorite was the grilled vegetable salad. Guests can also request additional food if they are not full.
Today, I decided to have lunch outside to change the atmosphere.
Today, I planned to go out to Nimmanhaemin Road. When I came back, I received the same dessert as before, but in a different color. I asked the staff, and they said that they would bring it to me according to the color of the day. It's so cute and has a good gimmick.
The hotel also offers a variety of other services, including car rental, airport transfers, currency exchange, and laundry services. In short, you can find everything you need here.
For those interested in hosting seminars or group tours, Mang Noi believes this hotel is also a good choice. The hotel has a large conference room and banquet hall, covering an area of 250 square meters and accommodating over 100 people. It is equipped with all the necessary facilities for meetings, including a sound system, LCD projector, and high-speed internet. The conference room is located in a building adjacent to the lobby.
To conclude, we present a video showcasing the captivating beauty of a pristine natural garden, accompanied by the soothing sounds of waterfalls, streams, and birdsong. Immerse yourself in the ambiance alongside the little insect as you enjoy this delightful spectacle.
Every time I visit Chiang Mai, I always make it a point to eat the purple noodle soup at "Anchan Noodle Shop" on Sirimangkalajarn Road, Soi 9. This time, I specifically wanted to try the crispy pork, but unfortunately, it was sold out. Nevertheless, the noodle soup was as delicious as ever, and I was not disappointed.
Ristr8to Lab: A Stylish Cafe with Delicious Coffee
Ristr8to Lab, located on Nimmanhaemin Road Soi 3, is a popular cafe known for its stylish design and delicious coffee. The cafe's second branch offers a more relaxed atmosphere than the first, making it a perfect spot to unwind and enjoy a cup of coffee.
On my recent visit, I tried two of their new menu items: the Oreo coffee, served in a test tube-like glass, and the skull-shaped caramel macchiato. Both were incredibly flavorful and well-balanced, exceeding my expectations.
Ristr8to Lab is not just about aesthetics; the quality of their coffee is truly exceptional. I highly recommend this cafe to anyone looking for a stylish and enjoyable coffee experience.
Despite visiting the restaurant several times and seeing it consistently packed with customers, I finally decided to give it a try. "Tong Tem Toh," located on Nimmanhaemin Road Soi 13, always has a full house. Be prepared to wait at least 10-20 minutes after receiving a queue number. Surprisingly, there was no som tam (papaya salad) on the menu. The overall taste was not to my liking, as it lacked the bold flavors I prefer. The khao moo yang (grilled pork neck) was the highlight of the meal.
This coffee shop is located on the way to my hotel, so I decided to stop by. I was immediately impressed by the cool, hipster vibe and the abundance of photogenic corners. In addition to the stylish atmosphere and decor, the drinks were delicious and reasonably priced.
Bannok Coffee Roasters
Little Bee has taken many pictures of this shop. If you want to see more pictures, please follow this link.
link : https://th.readme.me/p/9638
Finally, I would like to thank KTC for awarding me this special prize. I would also like to thank the Flora Creek Chiang Mai Hotel for their warm welcome and excellent service throughout my stay. All the staff were friendly and helpful, making me feel right at home. See you in my next review. Goodbye.
Malang Lunla
Tuesday, October 8, 2024 10:28 AM