De MALA Sukhothai: Thailand's Hidden Gem You NEED to See!
De MALA Sukhothai: Thailand's Hidden Gem – Or Is It? (My Honest Take)
Okay, so I just got back from De MALA Sukhothai, and let me tell you, the hype is REAL and also…slightly misleading? Let’s unravel this hidden gem (or maybe slightly tarnished jewel?) together. Buckle up, because I'm about to tell you everything, the good, the bad, and the slightly awkward.
First Impressions & Getting There (Accessibility? Let's Talk!)
The website made it sound like Shangri-La East! And yeah…it looks like it, at first. The drive in was a little…bumpy. Like, seriously, the GPS was convinced we should go down this dirt track. Note to self: Download offline maps next time. As for Accessibility, well, it's present, but it’s definitely not the hotel’s strongest suit. While there are Elevators (thank God! My knees would not have survived those stairs), the overall environment feels a little…less-than-fully-accommodating. I'm guessing it was built before a full embrace of modern accessibility standards. There's a Car park [free of charge], thank heavens, because navigating the streets on foot with bags is not my idea of a good time.
Rooms: The Sanctuary (Or, You Know, A Room)
My room? Ooof, pretty spacious. Definitely enough room to, like, do cartwheels (which I didn't, but I considered it!). The Air conditioning was glorious, THANK YOU! And the Blackout curtains? Amazing. Because jet lag is a beast, and I needed to sleep like a dead person. The Bed was…huge. Almost too huge. I felt a little lost in it! They have Non-smoking rooms, thank goodness, and there were Bathrobes and Slippers! Fancy! There’s a Mini bar, which is always a welcome sight (though mostly filled with overpriced water). The Internet access – wireless was…okay. It dipped and weaved, at times. But hey, I could post that Instagram pic of the pool, so…win? And there's Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Hooray! I especially loved the Seating area; a perfect spot to sip my coffee and watch the sunrise. Available in all rooms, they have Air conditioning, thank goodness. Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea (!!!), Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing…basically, they tried!
The Big Letdown: The Internet!
Oh, dear God, the Internet. I'm a digital nomad, and a blogger. I need the internet. Their Internet access – wireless was the equivalent of a snail on sedatives. I spent more time refreshing pages than actually writing. I’m talking dial-up speed in 2024! They advertise Internet [LAN] as well, but I couldn't find it. It's a crucial area they seriously need to work on.
Food, Glorious Food (and the Occasional Regret)
Okay, the food. Now this is where De MALA redeems itself…mostly. The Breakfast [buffet] was…well, typical for a hotel. I’m talking Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, a whole lot of stuff. The staff serving the buffet, there's clearly been staff trained in safety protocol, they were friendly and helpful. I could grab a Breakfast service in my room. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was perfect. Good coffee, not the burnt stuff. The Buffet in restaurant was good, but I was expecting a little more. Asian cuisine in restaurant was a highlight, but some of the western food was a bit, hmm…lacking. The Restaurants and Coffee shop had a nice vibe. I skipped on the Snack bar and the Desserts in restaurant, but I heard good things. There's a Poolside bar*to enjoy a drink, which I thoroughly enjoyed.
Things to Do and Relax (Spa, Spa, Spa!)
Alright, buckle up, because this is where De MALA shines. The Spa is AMAZING. Truly, genuinely amazing. I mean, the Body scrub? Heaven. The Massage? Absolute bliss. I went for the full Thai massage. It was intense, it was painful, it was exactly what my knots needed. I was so relaxed I could barely walk straight afterwards. They have the Spa/sauna, sauna, steamroom, and foot bath, I didn't check the Pool with view and Swimming pool, but I did check out the Fitness center, which was pretty basic.
Cleanliness & Safety (Pandemic Era)
In this post-Covid world, I'm always a little paranoid. De MALA tried. They seemed to have implemented measures like Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items. I saw the staff cleaning constantly. They even have Individually-wrapped food options and Rooms sanitized between stays. They are even Hygiene certified, which is a relief. However, while they have the basics down, there’s a slight feeling of… well, of it all being a little less than stringent. I still felt safe overall, but maybe not perfectly safe.
Services & Conveniences (The Good, the Bad, and the In-Between)
The staff are generally friendly and helpful. They have a Front desk [24-hour], a Concierge, and Doorman, all of which are helpful. They also provide Laundry service, which is convenient. And there's a Convenience store on site. It also has a Car park [on-site]. I used the Taxi service once.
For the Kids (Family Paradise? Maybe Not.)
They claim to be Family/child friendly, but… I’m not entirely convinced. There are Kids facilities, but I didn’t see a whole lot catered specifically to children. I didn't see the Babysitting service advertised.
The Location (The Hidden Part)
De MALA is tucked away, way off the beaten path. This is both a blessing and a curse. It's incredibly peaceful, but getting anywhere requires a taxi or a long walk. There is a Shrine within the premises.
Overall:
De MALA Sukhothai: Thailand's Hidden Gem… is a bit of an overstatement. It's more like: De MALA Sukhothai: Thailand's Potentially Wonderful Stay, with a few serious caveats.
The Good: Incredible spa. Beautiful grounds. Spacious rooms. Generally friendly staff. The Bad: Crappy wifi is a dealbreaker for some. Inconsistent cleanliness. Slightly dated.
Would I go back? Maybe. If I needed a proper spa escape and could disconnect (or bring my own MiFi device), then absolutely. But it’s not a flawless experience. It's got potential, though.
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My Recommendation:
If you are searching for a truly unique experience, a place to have an escape, a luxurious experience with a full spa, then De MALA Sukhothai might just be for you. BUT bring your own Wi-Fi, lower your expectations, and be prepared to embrace the occasional hiccup.
Here's My Special Offer (Because You Deserve a Discount!):
Book your stay at De MALA Sukhothai through this link, and I'll personally email you a list of my favorite local restaurants and hidden gems (because you will need to leave the hotel at some point!). I'm not gonna give you a huge discount, because I'm not a travel agent. But by booking through THIS link, you'll get an additional 10% discount on your first spa treatment (because you deserve it after the internet situation!). (Insert Affiliate Link Here – *Please note: I am genuinely sharing my experience, and this is not a paid advertisement. This is just a
Escape to Michigan's Hidden Gem: Hilton Garden Inn Benton Harbor!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to get deep into the muck of my Sukhothai adventure. De MALA Sukhothai, people. Sounds fancy, right? Well, let’s see if it lives up to the hype, shall we? This itinerary isn’t a perfect, polished travel brochure. This is real life. My life. And it's probably going to involve me losing my room key at least twice.
Day 1: Arrival and "Oh, This is BEAUTIFUL!" Syndrome
- Morning (like, way too early, let's be real): Fly into Phitsanulok Airport (PHS). The flight better be on time. I am not a patient woman when it comes to delays. Pray for me. The airport is small, thank Buddha. Easy transfer to De MALA Sukhothai in a pre-booked taxi (thank goodness, I needed that comfort after seeing how much a taxi cost in Vietnam).
- Mid-morning: ARRIVAL. Right, the actual place. Okay, De MALA… well, she's a beauty. The place is immediately giving off major "Instagram-worthy" vibes, which, let's be honest, is half the reason I'm here. The rice fields stretching out behind the hotel? Gorgeous. The shimmering pool? Tempting. The staff are sickeningly polite (in a good way!). I find myself wandering around like a puppy, just oohing and aahing. Already feeling the "Oh, This is BEAUTIFUL!" syndrome kick in. And maybe a little bit of champagne-induced haze from that complimentary welcome drink (don't judge).
- Lunch: Trying to find my way to the restaurant. Turns out, it involves getting lost in the hotel grounds. Classic me. Finally locate it, and the food… okay, it's delicious. Pad Thai. Because of course it is. I am still not used to the spice levels here in Thailand, and the tear-jerkers are starting to kick in. I order water. I drink copious amounts of water.
- Afternoon: Pool time! Sunscreen is essential. This is what I came for, am I right? Lie on the sun lounger, pretend I'm sophisticated, and actually contemplate the meaning of existence. And maybe a little bit of napping. I swear, the sun here makes you feel like you weigh next to nothing. This is the life.
- Evening: Dinner at the hotel restaurant again (convenience wins this round). Trying to be adventurous, I order a dish I can't pronounce. Turns out, it’s very spicy. Tears again. Maybe I should’ve stuck with the Pad Thai… This is where I find myself chatting up an elderly couple and feeling like the hotel had placed me on my own private therapy session. They were wonderful.
Day 2: Ancient Ruins and Questionable Motorcycle Skills
Morning: Up before the sun (thanks, jet lag!), and I'm actually excited to explore the Sukhothai Historical Park. I rent a bicycle – a very old-school, slightly wobbly bicycle. I feel like an extra in an Indiana Jones film.
- The Historical Park: WOW. Just…wow. Giant Buddha statues, crumbling temples, and the sheer scale of it all is breathtaking. I'm wandering around, snapping photos every five seconds, completely failing to capture the real beauty. It's overwhelming, and I suddenly get the urge to yell, "I'm a historian!" at the top of my lungs. I don't. But I really, really want to.
- Temple Hopping: This is where it gets messy. I follow the map like a mad woman, and I have a wonderful time stumbling on incredible sights. I realize I've spent far too long at one stupa, and I'm now in a massive rush. I take a shortcut down a dirt path that looks deceptively smooth. That's when I realised my bike just wasn't up to the job. One tumble, one scraped knee. It's the kind of thing that makes you giggle uncontrollably in a slightly panicked way.
- The Historical Park: WOW. Just…wow. Giant Buddha statues, crumbling temples, and the sheer scale of it all is breathtaking. I'm wandering around, snapping photos every five seconds, completely failing to capture the real beauty. It's overwhelming, and I suddenly get the urge to yell, "I'm a historian!" at the top of my lungs. I don't. But I really, really want to.
Lunch: A small, local eatery. I'm hungry, I'm slightly dusty, and the food is divine. Spicy green curry, sticky rice…oh, heaven. My tummy and my tear ducts agree on the same level of pleasure.
Afternoon: Motorcycle Rental (the "Oh, what could go wrong?" moment). I'm a terrible driver. I know this. But I'm also stubborn. And the idea of zipping around the countryside on two wheels is just too appealing. The guy at the rental place clearly has reservations (you could see it in his eyes), but he hands over the keys.
- The Ride: This is where the day takes a turn. I start off alright, but then… well, let's just say navigating unfamiliar roads on a scooter is harder than it looks. There may or may not have been a near-miss with a tuk-tuk, and I may or may not have briefly considered becoming a pedestrian. The wind whips through my hair, I nearly toppled over, I was more frightened and more exhilarated than I have been in months. I’m laughing and screaming (not necessarily in that order). I'll admit, I had to admit, I was completely terrified.
- The Return: I make it back in one piece (mostly), albeit with a slightly bruised ego and a heightened appreciation for the phrase, "Thai driving is an adventure."
Evening: So, I survived. Back at the hotel, I treated myself to a massage. Needed it after all the stress of biking and bumping through the city, and also to heal my body from all of the spice that day. This time, I opt for a simple curry. I also go to bed early.
Day 3: Culture, Cooking, and a Quiet Goodbye
Morning: A cooking class. I've always wanted to learn how to make actual Thai food (and maybe finally learn how to handle the spice!). We start with the basics: choosing ingredients, understanding the flavour profiles. I'm surprisingly good at it! (Maybe). My Pad Thai is even better than the restaurant's, and I'm totally bragging about it to everyone. This is going to be my lifestyle from now on.
Afternoon: A final wander through the local market. I'm buying souvenirs (mostly for myself. Fine, all for myself). I haggle, I bargain, I try to remember all the Thai phrases I learned… and then I give up and just smile and point. I also had a chance to meet with a local monk to speak about his perspectives in life. It was simple, but insightful.
Evening: A final dinner at the hotel, followed by a quiet drink on my balcony, watching the sunset over the rice fields. The "Oh, This is BEAUTIFUL!" syndrome has faded. I'm tired, I'm happy, and I'm strangely at peace. Sukhothai, you've worked your magic.
Departure: (Tomorrow, and I am sad to go.) Heading back to Phitsanulok airport. Goodbye, De MALA. Goodbye, Sukhothai. Until next time…and I am certain there will be a next time. This trip wasn't perfect, or streamlined, or even particularly well-organized. But it was real. And that's what made it so good. And maybe… just maybe…I'll finally learn how to handle my spice levels next time. Wish me luck.
Okay, Sukhothai... Sounds like some history textbook fodder. But what's the BIG DEAL about De MALA? Seriously, why should I care?
Alright, let's cut the fluff. Sukhothai itself is already epic – ancient temples, serene landscapes… it’s like stepping into a postcard. De MALA? Forget postcards, it’s a goddamn immersive painting you can walk around in. Imagine waking up, and *poof*, you’re in a dream. That's the feeling. Pure, unadulterated escape. Okay, okay, maybe a *slightly* overpriced escape, but worth it. Trust me on this. I just had this mental image of myself, standing in that giant swimming pool, the reflection of the ancient Chedi in the water... Ugh, chills. That's the big deal. That *feeling*.
Is it *actually* a hidden gem? Or just another Instagram trap? (Asking for a friend... who *is* me.)
Okay, so it's getting more popular, the dreaded influencer hordes are starting to circle. But here's the thing: De MALA is still relatively untouched. You won't find the same crush of tourists as some other places, and that, my friends, is a HUGE win. You can actually *breathe*. I went last year, and honestly, I was a bit cynical going in. Expecting the usual Instagram overload. But guess what? It's different. De MALA offers something...genuine. You can still wander around the ancient city in glorious solitude early in the morning (and let me tell you, sunrise over Sukhothai's ruins? *Chef's kiss.*). Plus, the staff, bless their hearts, are so incredibly lovely. Definitely not a manufactured experience. Although, be prepared to take *some* photos. It's impossible *not* to snap a few.
What's the accommodation *really* like? Be honest. Is it just fancy bungalows?
Okay, straight up: it's gorgeous. The rooms are these stunning wooden villas, all designed with traditional Thai architecture. And yes, they *are* fancy. But not in a pretentious, stuffy way. It's all about comfort and understated elegance. The beds are cloud-like, the bathrooms are like mini-spas, and the balconies… oh, those balconies! I spent a concerning amount of time just sprawling on mine, drinking mango smoothies and pretending to be a glamorous, ancient queen. (Don't judge me). They also have different room types, from those romantic pool villas to family-friendly types. And the air conditioning? Glorious. Because let me tell you, Sukhothai gets HOT. Like, "melt your face off" hot. So, yes, fancy bungalows? Absolutely. But damn well-designed fancy bungalows that actually make you *happy*.
Food! The most important question. What about the food?! Is it all bland tourist fare?
ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! The food at De MALA is *amazing*. They have this restaurant, it overlooks the rice paddies, and you eat the freshest Thai food imaginable. Seriously, my tastebuds are still singing praises. They make a mean Pad Thai, and the curries… *chef's kiss*. I had this green curry with chicken one night… Honestly, I think I actually moaned with pleasure. Don't judge! Plus, they do breakfast like a king. Fresh fruit, pastries, all the usual stuff – but the quality is just… superior. Like, I normally hate hotel breakfasts, but I actually looked forward to this one. And the cocktails! Oh, the cocktails! I may or may not have developed a slight addiction to their mango mojitos. It was research, okay? For this FAQ, naturally. Totally worth it.
Beyond the obvious (temples, obviously), what else is there to *do* at De MALA and in the surrounding area? Boredom is my worst enemy.
Okay, so you *are* going to visit the temples. You *have* to. Especially Wat Mahathat and Wat Si Chum (the giant Buddha!). But De MALA itself offers plenty. There's a seriously gorgeous pool (did I mention it's gorgeous?), a spa (hello, massages!), and you can rent bikes to explore the ruins. Don't skip the ruins at night, as well, they are very, very serene at night. They also offer cooking classes, which I highly recommend. I'm no chef, but I managed to make a decent Tom Yum soup, which was a personal victory. The surrounding area? There are local markets, the Sukhothai Historical Park (duh), and a few hidden gems that the staff can help you discover. I went on a bicycle tour of the rice paddies. It was so peaceful, you guys. So damn peaceful. Just me, the sun, and a whole lotta rice. Heaven! Just be careful with the sun, it's brutal!
Okay, you're selling me. But what's the catch? What's the *worst* thing about De MALA? Nobody's perfect.
Alright, here's the truth bomb: it's not cheap. Let's just get that out of the way. Think of it as an investment in your sanity – and your Instagram feed, let's be real. The prices are higher than what you'd pay at a budget backpacker hostel, obviously. A couple other things? The Wi-Fi wasn't always the strongest (but, you know, it's a good excuse to disconnect!). Also, the mosquitoes can be a bit… enthusiastic, so bring bug spray. And the occasional small gecko might decide to join you for a room service breakfast. But honestly, those are minor quibbles. Oh! There's also the fact that you *have* to leave eventually. Which is the worst part. Seriously. I'm still mourning my departure.
So, you REALLY loved the pool, right? Tell me, with all the gushing, what was the absolute best thing ever?
Okay, here's the scene. It's late afternoon. The sun is beginning to dip, painting the sky in these fiery oranges and pinks and the turquoise water in the pool is shimmering. I'm sprawled out on a sun lounger, a ridiculously refreshing cocktail in hand (probably a mango mojito, let's be honest), and I'm looking over the pool. But the beauty doesn't lie in the pool itself (though the pool is gorgeous; it's infinity and looks over rice paddies and the temple), it's the feeling of complete, utter… peace. No work emails, no traffic jams, no drama, just me, this heavenly pool, and the sense that I was a world away. The water was perfect temperature, just the right amount of cool. Each stroke brought a sense of calm so deep that I felt like I had melted into a puddle of bliss. And the view in the distance with the giant Buddha? Yeah, that was all pretty unforgettable. I spent hours in that pool every day to the point that even now, a year later, just thinking about it makes me want to book the next flight. Seriously. That pool… it was transcendent. It was the absolute goddamned best.
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