Phowadol: Chang Rai’s Forgotten Luxury Resort
Phowadol: Chang Rai’s Forgotten Luxury Resort
You know those places that you visit and can only imagine what they were like when they first opened? Back when it was truly in their prime. They won a gold standard award back in 2010, but it seems like they kind of rode that high until today without trying to improve or even fully maintain their peak. However, we aren’t saying that Phowadol isn’t still a nice place to stay if you’re visiting Chang Rai. Surrounded by verdant gardens and serene water features, Phowadol Resort offers a retreat for those seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With its warm Thai hospitality and its location hidden away from the noise but still easily accessible to all the main attractions, this resort provides an adequate accommodation for your relaxing visit.
Here is what we will cover in this article!
- Location & Accessibility
- Accommodation Features
- Facilities & Services
- Value for Money
- Our Experience & Thoughts
- Additional Information
Copyright Notice: All material on this travel blog site is the sole property of Travel Munchers. This includes blog posts, pages, design and all photos (whether watermarked or not). Any use of materials from this site without express written consent will be considered copyright infringement.
Disclaimer: Some items contain affiliate links and I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. I really appreciate your support if you like my recommendations!
Location & Accessibility
Description of the hotel’s location
Located just a short drive from the bustling city center, this luxurious resort provides a serene retreat amidst lush greenery and tranquil water features. Guests at Phowadol Resort can easily explore Chiang Rai’s renowned attractions, including the iconic White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), the historic Golden Triangle, and vibrant local markets. With its perfect blend of seclusion and accessibility, Phowadol Resort serves as an ideal base for discovering the wonders of Chiang Rai while enjoying unparalleled comfort and hospitality. Discover why Phowadol Resort’s prime location makes it a top choice for travelers seeking both adventure and relaxation in Northern Thailand.
Proximity to transportation hubs, attractions, and amenities
The majority of the main attractions are all within a 20-30 minute scooter ride from Phowadol Resort. We were able to easily plan our visits to the temples, night markets and cafes with no stress about it taking too much time from our day. If you wish to venture further north to the Golden Triangle and such you will need half a day devoted to this. We rented a scooter for our trip as it gave us the most flexibility but there are various options to choose from.
While Chiang Rai’s public transport system may not be as extensive as in larger cities, it still offers several modes of transportation to get around efficiently. One of the most common forms of public transport in Chiang Rai is the songthaew, a shared open-air minibus that follows specific routes around the city and neighboring areas. These colorful vehicles are affordable and can be flagged down along main roads, making them ideal for short trips and getting around town. Additionally, travelers can use tuk-tuks, which are three-wheeled taxis, for short distances or private hires. Renting a scooter or motorbike is also a popular choice for visitors who prefer flexibility and independence while exploring Chiang Rai’s temples, markets, and surrounding countryside. However, it’s essential to have proper licensing and safety gear when riding motorized vehicles. For longer distances or traveling between towns, travelers can use taxis or private car services.
Tips for Using Public Transportation in Chiang Rai
- Negotiation is Key: For tuk-tuks and songthaews, always agree on the fare before starting your journey.
- Have Small Change: It’s helpful to carry small denominations for bus fares and local transport.
- Use Translation Apps: Language barriers can be a challenge, so having a translation app can ease communication with drivers.
- Plan Ahead: Research and plan your routes in advance, especially if using local buses or songthaews with less clearly marked stops and schedules.
Accommodation Features
Room types and amenities offered
Superior Room (Building)
Bedrooms available either with double or twin sized beds. Size of this room type is 28 sq.m. The third adult/children shall be automatically charged an extra bed for 1 person.
Superior Cottage
Bedrooms available either with double or twin sized beds. Size of this room type is 34 sq.m. The third adult/children shall be automatically charged an extra bed for 1 person.
Deluxe Cottage
Bedrooms available either with double or Hollywood twin sized beds. Size of this room type is 36 sq.m. The third adult/children shall be automatically charged an extra bed for 1 person.
Cottage Suite (Closed for renovation 2024)
Bedrooms available either with double sized bed. Size of this room type is 36 sq.m. The third adult/children shall be automatically charged an extra bed for 1 person.
Workspace availability and quality
All rooms are equipped with a desk space and wifi connection. There is no designated co-working spaces at the resort.
Internet speed and reliability
Internet was surprisingly decent throughout our stay. Only once did I have some speed issues while working in the room. For its location practically in a jungle I was very satirized with the speed and reliability.
Noise levels and privacy
One of the best aspects of our stay at Phowadol is we felt as if we had the place to ourselves. We occasionally would run into other guest crossing paths on our return or departure from the resort. Otherwise, we felt truly secluded and peaceful. There was one incident with a karaoke like sound nearby on the very first evening which thankfully was short lived. After that, zero noise issues.
Facilities & Services
On-site facilities such as gyms, pools, co-working spaces, etc.
Gym
While it isn’t a state of the art gym, the gym has all the basics needed to get the job done. It is quite spacious, and had multiple fans to help keep the area cool as there is no Ac inside. It’s clean, towels are available and if you need a light workout during your stay you should be able to accomplish your goal.
Pool
We were quite excited to book a place that had a pool due to the heat and humidity. However, we were quite disappointed by the state of the pool and surrounding facilities. Its very run down, didn’t look cleaned or well kept and we decided not to use it during our stay.
Restaurant
There is a restaurant as well as a bar located on the property. We were not very impressed by the food selections and decided to have all our our meals outside of the resort. Therefore, we cannot personally attest to the taste or quality of food served at either of the establishments.
Quality of services provided (housekeeping, front desk, etc.)
Housing keeping was diligent and came daily even when we told them it was no necessary. They replaced towels, gave new toilet paper and made the beds each day. The front desk staff was kind enough to help me receive a package when I needed an item mailed to me at the resort.
Value for Money
Pricing compared to similar accommodations in the area
One of the things that enticed us was the price of Phowadol despite it being classified as a 4-star resort. It is incredibly affordable and we paid less for a full week here than we did for a night or two in many other locations. When it comes to price for accommodation in the area, you cannot get a better deal.
Inclusion of value-added services or perks
There were not many value added perks included in the price of the accommodation. The mini bar did have complimentary water but the rest required additional payment. Laundry services were extra and we found a laundry mat right down the road for a fraction of the cost and had a good time doing our laundry there, where there was great wifi even! Scooter rentals can be arranged but we found a better deal off-site.
Our Experience & Thoughts
Personal experience and impressions
Overall our stay at Phowadol was one of relaxation. After a month on the road, having 5 nights in one location was a welcome relief. Our room was very spacious, the AC and wifi worked well. We were close to all the main attractions for the most part by a quick and fun scooter ride. It’s a little sad because you can tell it was once a grand place when it first opened and it simply hasn’t been maintained or cared for in the time since then. The shower was also a little disappointing as it could never maintain a temperature and would fluctuate from scolding hot to freezing cold with very little time in between.
Recommendations and tips for future guests
Keep your expectations realistic. The photos online do not match the current condition it is in today. Location and budget are worth it in our opinion but don’t expect a true luxury 4-star resort. Rent a scooter with B-riders for a better deal (they also drop off and pick up for you!). If you need to do laundry go down the road to the ONO for better prices and AC with wifi while waiting.
Additional Information
Contact details and booking information
If you want to find the best price for Phowadol, start by looking here as this is where we found our discounted prices making it a steak for a week!
Happy travels xx
Like it? Pin it!
2 Comments