Rai Saeng Arun Resort

Awesome place at the banks of the Mekong. The area is so vast you can get lost a whole day. The villas riverside a wonderfully decorated, with outside relaxing area and a very comfy bed. Dinner is early but excellent. Very nice people add to the great experience. We'll be back

Rai Saeng Arun is set outside the small town of Chiang Khong and extends from the Mekong River, through rice paddies, and up a forested hill. The 14 wooden bungalows are simple and tasteful. The luxury here is in the location and the attention to small things - the peaceful ambience of the river and forest, fresh produce from their own immaculate gardens, and excellent central Thai cooking. We found this to be a perfect place to which to return after exploring places such as Chiang Saen, for an early dinner on the balcony of the hillside bungalow overlooking the Mekong Valley & hills of Laos, transitioning into a starry night (there is no light pollution). Yes, it is slightly strenuous to reach the hill bungalows (staff carry your luggage & dinner up the hill at your request), but the result is that you are set in the forest with no other people within sight or hearing. The included breakfast is simple and adequate. The Thai soup option is very tasty. For our taste, this resort was absolutely charming.

The pictures of Rai Saeng Arun and its surroundings are beautiful but they do not fully capture the special vibes experienced in this place. We were amazed by the abundance of frangipanis, bamboo trees, rice paddies, various crops and gardens, and the special view of the Mekong overlooking Laos . Extremely calm and quiet. Be ready to climb 200+ stairs every day if you're staying in one of the bungalows on the hill, but there are rooms on the river level - be sure to book the right room for your stay at the reservation stage. When showering, look up and witness trees and plants eclipsing your view of the sky. At night you will shower while looking up to the stars, and since it's a remote area, you will get a crisp view of the milky way. The food is predominantly Thai and delicious - fresh produce is grown around the area, so expect some of the freshest organic food from regions where top notch restaurants in Bangkok likely source from. While you can get much cheaper food in local areas of town, a meal for two here goes for around 600-700 Baht, quite inexpensive for the quality. The people are incredibly nice, as usual with Thai hospitality, but we were lucky to be invited by the manager's nephew on a mini road trip with his family to check out neighboring temples and the golden triangle. The couple didn't charge us a dime and even paid for our temple tickets and dinner. Not that all guests will be this lucky to be awarded this opportunity, but goes to show how genuine and kind the people here are. Advices: If staying on the hill (200+ stairs), pack light. While the hotel offers instant noodles, beverages and water in the rooms, feel free to bring evening snacks of your own as the hotel's restaurant closes at 5pm and the nearest supermarket/convenience store is definitely not walking distance. Reminder that this is a remote place. Most people come with their own cars or arrange drivers for the whole stay. Be sure to plan your day-trips and transportation ahead of the stay. Bring a good book, a good playlist, and unwind. 100% recommend.