Escape to Nature at Phuwanalee Resort Khao Yai: A Central, Serene & Affordable Retreat

If you’re planning a getaway to Khao Yai—whether it’s a quick weekend escape or a longer vacation—Phuwanalee Resort Khao Yai offers a perfect blend of peaceful resort living, convenient location, comfortable accommodations, and great value. Nestled in the lush landscapes of Thailand’s famed nature escape, this resort is a favorite for families, couples, and nature lovers alike.

 

Phuwanalee Resort

A Great Base for Exploring Khao Yai

One of the standout features of Phuwanalee Resort is its central location in Khao Yai (Pak Chong)—meaning you’re never far from the best attractions the region has to offer:

• Khao Yai National Park — just about 7 km away, making sunrise hikes, waterfalls, and wildlife spotting easy to fit into your itinerary.
• Primo Piazza — iconic lifestyle and shopping spots with boutique shops, cafes, and picture-perfect backdrops for photos.
• Nearby golf courses, vineyards, and more adventures are typically within a short drive from the resort.

Whether you’re planning an action-packed trip or a relaxing nature escape, this location ticks all the boxes for ease of travel and access to key experiences.

Resort Setting — Nature + Comfort

Phuwanalee Resort sits amidst tranquil gardens and greenery, offering a soothing break from urban life. Guests consistently highlight the peaceful atmosphere that pairs perfectly with the lush Khao Yai surroundings.

Inside the resort, you’ll find:

• A large outdoor swimming pool — great for both adults and kids.
• Spacious gardens and open areas for relaxing or morning walks.
• On-site dining with Thai and international cuisine.
• Facilities such as a spa, fitness room, and play areas — perfect for families or longer stays.

 
This blend of nature and resort comfort makes for a memorable stay without feeling isolated.

Map of the resort

Resort breakfast buffet

Rooms & Villas for Every Style

Phuwanalee Resort offers a variety of rooms and villa options to suit different travel styles and group sizes:

Room Types

• Superior & Deluxe Rooms — comfortable spaces with garden views and modern amenities, ideal for couples or solo travelers.
• Boutique Villas & Thai-Style Villas — perfect for families or groups, combining traditional Thai touches with space and comfort.
• Larger Villa Options — multi-bedroom villas available for bigger groups or family stays. 

The variety means you can choose something cozy and budget-friendly or go for a more spacious villa and stretch out in style.

Villa that comprise of 3 separate rooms

Common area at the Villa

Affordability & Value

One of Phuwanalee’s biggest draws is its affordability—especially considering location, facilities, and natural surroundings:

• Rooms here can start from around ~THB 1,000+ per night, offering one of the more budget-friendly stays in the area.
• Mid-range rooms and villas still remain very reasonably priced compared with other international resorts in Khao Yai.
• With breakfast options, free Wi-Fi, and on-site facilities included, it’s easy to enjoy the stay without worrying about hidden costs.

This makes Phuwanalee a fantastic choice whether you’re planning a back-to-basics adventure or a comfortable family holiday without breaking the bank.

Final Thoughts

For travelers seeking a central, scenic, and budget-friendly resort in Khao Yai, Phuwanalee Resort checks all the boxes:

• Perfect location close to top attractions and nature spots.
• Relaxing resort atmosphere with plenty of amenities.
• Flexible room and villa options for solo travelers, couples, and families.
• Strong value for money, ideal for both short escapes and longer stays.

Whether you’re planning your first Khao Yai adventure or returning for another nature-filled getaway, Phuwanalee Resort makes a charming base for your travels.

Midwinter Khao Yai: Michelin-Listed European Dining in a Fairytale Setting

Set against the cool highland climate of Pak Chong, Midwinter Khao Yai is more than just a destination restaurant — it’s a complete experience that blends Michelin Guide-recognized cuisine, storybook European architecture, and a lively open-market atmosphere that invites visitors to linger long after their meal.

Midwinter Khao Yai

Michelin Guide Recognition & Signature Cuisine

Midwinter Khao Yai has earned its place in the Michelin Guide (2023 & 2024) for its consistent quality, thoughtful cooking, and inviting atmosphere. The recognition reflects the restaurant’s focus on modern European cuisine, prepared with care and high-quality ingredients.

Michelin Guide on Midwinter

The kitchen is best known for its European comfort dishes and premium grilled meats, including:

• Wood-fired steaks using carefully selected cuts
• Slow-cooked lamb, pork, and beef dishes with rich sauces
• European classics such as pastas, risottos, and baked mains
• Seasonal farm-to-table produce, sourced locally where possible
• A well-curated wine list, designed to pair seamlessly with grilled and roasted dishes

Rather than overly experimental plates, Midwinter excels at refined, hearty flavors — the kind of food that feels indulgent yet familiar, especially suited to Khao Yai’s cooler weather.

European-Inspired Architecture in the Highlands

Midwinter’s iconic castle-like architecture is one of its strongest draws. The white stone exterior, tall gables, and symmetrical design evoke a European countryside estate, making it a favorite photo stop for visitors to Khao Yai.

Inside, the restaurant features:

• High ceilings and grand dining halls
• Warm, rustic European décor with alpine influences
• Large windows opening to views of greenery and open skies

The iconic castle like main building

Outdoor seating areas allow guests to dine surrounded by nature, particularly beautiful during sunset when the light softens across the hills. The architecture doesn’t just impress visually — it enhances the dining experience, making meals feel relaxed yet special.

The large outdoor seating area

Children's playground

Open-Market Vibes Around Midwinter

Beyond the main restaurant, Midwinter is part of a larger leisure space that includes open-market style zones. Depending on the season, visitors can explore Midwinter Market or Winter Market, featuring:

• Food stalls and casual bites
• Handmade crafts, fashion, and souvenirs
• Outdoor seating areas perfect for casual strolls and photos

These markets give Midwinter a festival-like atmosphere, making it easy to spend an entire afternoon or evening enjoying both dining and shopping.

Market near the main restaurant

A Must-Visit Khao Yai Experience

Whether you’re visiting for a Michelin-recognized European meal, a romantic dinner among castle-style architecture, or a relaxed outing that blends dining with open-air markets, Midwinter Khao Yai stands out as one of the region’s most complete lifestyle destinations.

It’s a place where good food, beautiful design, and the easy rhythm of Khao Yai come together — making every visit feel like a short escape to another world.

A Sweet Escape at The Chocolate Factory Khao Yai

If your trip to Khao Yai includes exploring vineyards, waterfalls, and lush national parks, make sure you save time for a visit to The Chocolate Factory Khao Yai — a destination that feels like a sugar-lover’s dream come true. Whether you’re into premium chocolates, gourmet dining, or hands-on chocolate fun, this spot has a bit of everything to delight your senses.

The Chocolate Factory, Khao Yai

What Makes It Special

Located in the picturesque Pak Chong district, The Chocolate Factory isn’t just a shop — it’s a culinary landmark. Designed with a charming and photogenic interior, it combines three experiences under one roof: a chocolate shop, a café, and a full-service restaurant. 

From the moment you step inside, you’ll be greeted by the aroma of freshly made chocolates and baked goods, intricate displays of chocolate treats, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere perfect for families, couples, and chocolate lovers alike.

Chocolate Shop & Treats

At the heart of the experience is the chocolate shop zone — a treasure trove of artisanal chocolates, handmade confections, and sweets crafted daily. You’ll find classic favorites like dark and milk chocolate pieces, pralines, chocolate cookies, lemon pound cake, and seasonal specialties that go beyond the ordinary. 

Chocolate shop at Level 1

Luxury goods shaped chocolate

Chocolate making display area beside the shop

The shop is the ideal place to pick up sweet souvenirs to bring back home, whether they’re gifts for friends or just indulgent treats for yourself. 

Chocolate Workshops — Hands On Fun

One of the highlights that sets The Chocolate Factory apart is its chocolate workshop experiences. These interactive sessions invite guests of all ages to get hands-on with chocolate, whether it’s decorating, painting designs with chocolate, or creating your own sweet masterpiece.

Workshops typically run at set intervals throughout the day, are suitable for kids and adults, and offer a fun way to learn about chocolate-making — with delicious results that you can take home. Prices (150 Thai Baht per pax as of Dec 2024) and formats can vary, so it’s a good idea to check with the staff when you arrive.

Chocolate Making Workshop at Level 2

Not only is it a creative experience, but it also makes for a memorable family activity or a unique date idea amidst the beautiful surroundings of Khao Yai.

Café & Dessert Delights

If you’re craving something sweet after your workshop (or just want to relax), head upstairs to the café zone. This is where chocolate lovers can indulge in rich drinks — from signature iced chocolate and mocha concoctions to classic espressos with a chocolate twist.

Dessert options here include gooey chocolate lava cakes, bingsu, brownies, and other bakery treats perfect with a cup of coffee or chocolate drink. Many visitors rave about the quality and creativity of the desserts — a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth.

Chocolate Dome

Restaurant Experience

Above and beyond sweets, The Chocolate Factory also features a full-service restaurant offering a diverse menu of Thai and European dishes. Think pizzas, pastas, steaks, seafood, and innovative savory dishes — some even featuring chocolate-inspired sauces.

Whether you’re in the mood for a leisurely lunch or a dinner with friends after a day of sightseeing, the restaurant’s mix of comfort food and creative cuisine makes for a satisfying stop. Outdoor and indoor seating options make the most of the relaxed, nature-filled ambiance of the area.

Tips for Visiting

• Best Time to Visit: Afternoons and weekends are lively, but weekdays offer a more relaxed vibe.
• Peak Hours: The café and restaurant can get busy around lunch and dinner hours — reservations are recommended.
• Photo Ops: There are plenty of cute corners and chocolate displays perfect for Instagram-worthy moments.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a chocolate aficionado, a foodie explorer, or just looking for a fun and tasty stop on your Khao Yai adventure, The Chocolate Factory Khao Yai offers a unique and delicious experience. With its combination of handmade chocolates, interactive workshops, delightful café treats, and hearty restaurant dishes, it’s a destination that satisfies both the sweet tooth and the appetite for something extraordinary.

Timeo Coffee Shop at Lago Di Khao Yai: A Quiet Moment by the Lake

Nestled within the picturesque grounds of Lago Di Khao Yai, Timeo Coffee Shop is the kind of place that invites you to slow down. Surrounded by rolling hills, European-inspired architecture, and a serene lakeside setting, this café feels less like a quick coffee stop and more like a pause in time—true to its name, Timeo, which suggests savoring the moment.

First Impressions

Arriving at Timeo Coffee Shop, the first thing you notice is the atmosphere. The café blends seamlessly into its surroundings, with soft earth tones, elegant design, and large windows that frame the lake and greenery outside. Whether you choose a seat indoors or outdoors, the space feels calm, airy, and thoughtfully designed for relaxation.

It’s the kind of place where conversations naturally quiet down, replaced by the gentle sounds of nature and the occasional clink of coffee cups.

Coffee, Comfort, and Simple Pleasures

Timeo focuses on quality and comfort rather than overcomplication. The coffee is well-crafted, aromatic, and satisfying—perfect for both casual coffee drinkers and those who appreciate a carefully brewed cup. Alongside the coffee, you’ll find a selection of pastries and light bites that pair beautifully with the tranquil setting.





Instead of rushing through your order, Timeo encourages you to linger. Sip slowly, take in the view, and let the pace of Khao Yai set the rhythm of your day.

A View Worth Staying For

What truly elevates Timeo Coffee Shop is its lakeside location. The reflective water, changing light, and surrounding greenery create a scene that feels almost cinematic. It’s especially beautiful in the morning, when the air is cool and the lake is still, or in the late afternoon, when soft sunlight adds warmth to the landscape.

For photographers, couples, or solo travelers seeking a peaceful escape, this view alone is reason enough to stay awhile.

Perfect for a Khao Yai Escape

Whether you’re visiting Lago Di Khao Yai as a destination or simply passing through the area, Timeo Coffee Shop makes for an ideal stop. It suits:

• A quiet morning coffee before exploring Khao Yai
• A relaxed afternoon break from sightseeing
• A calm space to read, reflect, or enjoy unhurried conversation

Final Thoughts

Timeo Coffee Shop at Lago Di Khao Yai isn’t just about coffee—it’s about atmosphere, balance, and presence. In a region known for natural beauty and leisurely escapes, Timeo fits perfectly, offering a gentle reminder to slow down and enjoy where you are.

If you’re looking for a café that delivers more than caffeine—one that offers calm, scenery, and a moment of stillness—Timeo Coffee Shop is well worth the visit.

My UNESCO World Heritage Sites Journey

Whenever I travel to other countries or cities, any UNESCO World Heritage Sites would be my prime attractions to visit. These are places of great historical and cultural significance, some of them also portrayed the greatness what human mankind can do, and the great creation under the work of nature.

I have listed the sites that I have visited so far, and I will be adding more to the list in the future.

One Day Shopping Trip in Bangkok, Featuring Chatuchak Weekend Market, Terminal 21 and Train Night Market Ratchada

Day 4

On the second day of our Bangkok tour, we would be travelling further out of the Pratunam area for more shopping activities. But before that, we had breakfast at our First House Hotel first. The breakfast was buffet style and already included as part of our stay. They had a wide spread of food to choose from, including bread, sausages, ham, omelette, salad, fruits, and hot beverages, as well as local/Asian offerings like fried rice and noodles, Dim Sum and seasoned vegetables. Considering the price we paid for the hotel, the breakfast was well worth it.

Breakfast buffet at First House Hotel

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BTS Skytrain

After our sumptuous breakfast, we walked approximately 15 minutes to the Rachathewi BTS Station. We would be taking the BTS Skytrain on Sukhumvit Line to Mo Chit BTS Station, where Chatuchak Weekend Market (our destination) is located.

Train platform at Rachathewi BTS Station

BTS Skytrain is one of the rail systems within Bangkok city, with the other 2 main systems being the MRT and Airport Rail Line. Other serving different parts of the city, the main difference between BTS Skytrain and MRT is BTS Skytrain travels using the viaduct, while MRT is underground. 

We purchased the Rabbit Card at the Rachathewi BTS Station, which is a rechargeable contactless store value card, like EZ-Link Card in Singapore and Oyster Card in London. Other than using it for rides on the BTS Skytrain, the Rabbit Card can also be used for payment at many retail outlets and fast-food restaurants. Do note that Rabbit Card cannot be used for MRT rides.

Adult Rabbit Card

The BTS Skytrain is air-conditioned, spacious, and ride is cheap, which is a good option to beat the sweltering heat and the slow-moving road traffic in Bangkok.

Chatuchak Weekend Market

After we arrived at Mo Chit BTS Station, it was just a short distance walk to the eastern entrance of the Chatuchak Weekend Market. Chatuchak Weekend Market is the World's largest weekend market, with more than 15,000 stalls selling a wide variety of the things, such as clothing and accessories, handicrafts, home decor, plants and gardening equipment, pets and accessories, and food and beverages. Over 200,000 visitors (both locals and tourists) visit the market every weekend, so you could image the crowd. 

The stalls are organized into multiple lanes within large market, making it like a maze and visitor could easily get lost inside. There is a Clock Tower in the middle of the market and serves as a very prominent landmark to meet and gather. The main market is sheltered, but open concept with no air-conditioning. On a hot day, like the day we went, the interior of the market can become warm and stuffy. 

Chatuchak Weekend Market

Lunch @ Amulets Gallery & Coffee

We toured and shopped around the market for approximately 2.5 hours, we were tired and hungry by then. We eventually dropped by a small restaurant called Amulets Gallery & Coffee for our lunch, which was one of the few eateries that was air-conditioned. 

Amulets Gallery & Coffee

We ordered their shrimp and pork fried rice, which was tasty, reasonably priced, and nice looking in a "Heart-Shaped" presentation. Most importantly was we could enjoy our lunch in the air-conditioned cooling environment.

Shrimp Fried Rice

Pork Fried Rice

Terminal 21 Shopping Center

We departed Chatuchak Weekend Market after lunch and headed for our next destination, Terminal 21 Shopping Center. We returned to the Mo Chit BTS Station and took the Sukhumvit Line to Asok BTS Station, which has a direct link to Level 2 of the shopping center.

Terminal 21 Shopping Center is a popular lifestyle mall, which is themed as an airport terminal. Each level of the mall is decorated with a different travel destination theme, such as Caribbean, Tokyo, London, Paris, San Francisco, and Hollywood. This is where the mall stands out from other typical shopping centers in Bangkok.

We mainly window shopped around, taking photographs of the different "landmarks and icons", such as the Golden Gate Bridge of San Francisco.

The Golden Gate Bridge at Terminal 21

Mural of San Francisco

Train Night Market Ratchada

As it nears the evening time, we departed the mall for our last destination of the day, Train Night Market Ratchada. We went to the nearby Sukhumvit MRT Station and took the Blue Line to Thailand Cultural Centre MRT Station, which is just 3 stops away. The market is located behind the Esplanade Mall, so we had to skirt around the mall from the MRT station exit.

Train platform at Sukhumvit MRT Station

The plastic token used for MRT ride

Train Night Market Ratchada. also known as Rot Fai Market Ratchada, is an outdoor market with rows of colourful tents selling clothes, fashion accessories, hand phone covers, toys, street food and beverages. The market is huge and took us a long time to cover all the rows of stalls. As it was dinner time too, we also took the chance to buy some of the street food, which included grilled pork, pork ribs, sweet potato balls, crispy crepes, and mango sticky rice. 

Entrance to Train Night Market Ratchada

Rows of colour tent stalls

It had been a long day of walking and our legs were already sored and tired. We decided to call it a day and headed back to our hotel, retracing the same way we came by taking the MRT and BTS Skytrain.

One Day Shopping at Bangkok Pratunam Market and Platinum Fashion Mall

Day 3

On the third day in Phuket, we checked out of our hotel (Saladee Gallery Residence) very early in the morning for the transfer to the airport. We would be taking the AirAsia domestic flight from Phuket International Airport to Bangkok Don Mueang Airport and spend the next 5 days travelling in Bangkok.

After a short 1 hour and 20 minutes flight, we arrived at the Bangkok Don Mueang Airport. As the Don Mueang Airport now mainly serves low-cost airlines and domestic flights, the airport was not crowded, and we managed to collect the luggage relatively quick. For our stay in Bangkok, we would travel mainly on free and easy, but we still engaged a local travel agency (WE Tour Thailand) to arrange for the airport transfer to our hotel and a full day city tour on one of the days.

View from our flight to Bangkok

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First House Hotel

After the pick-up at the airport, the bus took us straight to our hotel (First House Hotel) located in Pratunam, driving through the infamous Bangkok heavy traffic. We had chosen First House Hotel for our stay in Bangkok because of several reasons. The most important is it is in an excellent location, directly in the Pratunam Market, and within walking distance to BTS Skytrain Station, Platinum Fashion Mall, Central World and Erawan Shrine etc. In addition, it received very good reviews from other travelers on online platform such as Trip.com. Lastly, the price was affordable too. When we entered our room, we were surprised to find the room space was big, equipped with all necessities like complimentary bottled water, coffee, and tea. 

Modern Deluxe Triple Room at First House Hotel

Bathroom

Lunch @ SabX2 Wanton Noodles

As it was lunch time already, we did not spend too much time in the hotel. So, we assembled again at the hotel lobby after dropping the luggage in the rooms. Our hotel is located exactly along Soi Phetchaburi 19 and guess what the most famous food was here, it was SabX2 Wanton Noodles! Literally just 60m away towards the Platinum Fashion Mall, we joined the long queue outside the shop to try out the popular Wanton noodles. I could sense most people in the shop and queue were tourists, especially Singaporeans. Interestingly, we could see many signboards at the shop claiming "No Branch in Singapore". 

Queuing outside SabX2 Wanton Noodles shop

Other than Wanton noodles, the shop also sells pig trotter too. After some 20 minutes wait in the queue, we were brought to the tables. As it was full house inside, we had to share tables with other patrons. The dry Wanton noodles I ordered came with the usual pork char siew, Wanton dumpling, vegetables like in Singapore. But on top of that, they have crab meat inside and lots of pork lard.

Full house setting inside the restaurant

My dry Wanton Noodle

Overall, the noodle was delicious, although the portion was small and expensive (100 Baht) by local standard. That explained why most customers were foreign tourists.

Pratunam Market

After our lunch, we headed outside for the official tour around Pratunam Market. Pratunam Market is a popular shopping destination for locals as well as tourists, which is known for selling clothes, bags, and other fashion accessories at cheap wholesale prices. The market is not located in a single building but refers to a large area comprising of several streets and shopping centres. 

Pratunam Market with Baiyoke Sky and Suite Hotels at the background

The offerings here was so large that it can cater to everyone's needs, for women, men, old, teenagers and children. Along the streets, we could also find many push-cart vendors selling local snacks and drinks. Most of the clothing and fashion shops require you to buy 3 or more pieces to enjoy the wholesale price, but many also sell single piece at higher retail price. 

Platinum Fashion Mall

After Pratunam Market, we went to the Platinum Fashion Mall located across the Phetchaburi Road for more shopping. The mall is fully air-conditioned and offers a much more comfortable shopping experience as compared to Pratunam Market, which is mainly open air and susceptible to the hot and humid weather. Platinum Fashion Mall has more than 1000 shops spread across 6 levels, selling pretty much similar items like at Pratunam Market, but in my opinion were of better quality. Approximate 90% of the shops sell lady's wear. 

T-Shirts

One of the many shops selling evening gown

Most of the shops were small outlets, packed in the many small lanes at each level. The entire area looks like a maze. There were many instances that we wanted to revisit a particular shop for the clothes we had checked earlier, but unable to find in the sea of shops! 

Dinner @ Platinum Fashion Mall Food Court

After hours of non-stop shopping, we were tired and hungry already. We went up to the highest level of the mall to have our dinner at the large food court. Other than the popular local Thai food, we could also find other cuisines, such as Chinese, Indian, and western. Many locals ate here as well, thus the prices of the food were quite affordable. We had ordered Pad Thai, Green Curry Chicken, as well as some desserts.

Bingsu Dessert

After dinner, we decided to head back to our hotel to wrap up the long day.