Erawan Place Tak: Thailand's Hidden Gem You NEED to See!
Erawan Place Tak: Thailand's Hidden Gem? Let's Find Out (and Maybe Get Massaged!)
Okay, so "Hidden Gem" is a phrase thrown around a lot, right? But when I saw the photos of Erawan Place Tak – a place smack-dab in the heart of Tak, Thailand – I thought, "Hmm, maybe… maybe this one actually is." And, look, I'm not going to lie, a week in Thailand, especially one that promises "views," "massage," and a "pool with a view" – well, that's enough to get anyone packing.
So, here's the breakdown – the good, the maybe good, and the stuff that made me raise an eyebrow (and then order another Chang beer). Let's dive in, shall we? And, yes, I'm going to ramble. That's just how I roll.
Accessibility: The Key to Freedom (and avoiding a sweat-soaked climb).
Look, I've had travel experiences that were… less than accessible. Trying to navigate cobblestone streets with a suitcase the size of a small car? Not fun. So, the promise of facilities for disabled guests and an elevator at Erawan Place Tak was music to my weary ears. Accessibility: check. Seriously, it's a huge win.
Arrival & Ease of Use:
- CCTV in common areas + CCTV outside property + 24-hour Security: Makes you feel pretty safe, which is a HUGE plus after a long flight.
- Check-in/out [express] + Check-in/out [private] + Contactless check-in/out: Honestly, I'm all about speed and ease. Less time in the lobby means more time by the pool (or, let's be real, the bar).
- Doorman: Very helpful. Always enjoy someone opening the door for you, especially when you are tired.
Rooms: My Cozy Sanctuary (and the battle with the AC).
Okay, full disclosure: I love a good room. And Erawan Place Tak's rooms? Pretty darn good.
Available in all rooms:
- Air conditioning (essential!): Thank goodness! Though, lemme tell you, getting that AC temp just right was a battle I waged daily. One day it was arctic, the next, a humid swamp. But hey, the struggle is real, right?
- Air conditioning: In public area, a welcome relief.
- Alarm clock + Blackout curtains + Coffee/tea maker: The trifecta of sleep.
- Free bottled water + Complimentary tea: Nice touches. Hydration is key.
- Desk + Laptop workspace: Okay, maybe I did a little work. Don't judge!
- Internet access – LAN + Internet access – wireless + Wi-Fi [free]: Connectivity is life. Especially when trying to upload those jealousy-inducing pool photos.
- Ironing facilities + Ironing service: Wrinkle-free clothes? Yes, please!
- Mini bar + Refrigerator: Stocked with… well, I stocked it with my essentials (beer, mostly).
- Non-smoking + Private bathroom + Separate shower/bathtub: Personal space, ahhhh.
- Room decorations: It's not just a hotel, it's cozy in there.
- Safety/security feature: The safety deposit box was appreciated.
- Satellite/cable channels: Always appreciate some shows.
- Seating area + Sofa: I spent a lot of time in the seating area, let's just say that.
- Shower + Slippers + Toiletries + Towels: Basic needs handled.
- Wake-up service: Worked like a charm.
- Window that opens: Fresh air when you need it is important.
Additional perks: The room was comfortable, the bed was comfy, especially after a long day travelling.
Extra long bed: The bed was plenty long.
High floor: It has a good view from my window.
Internet access – wireless: Always a plus to have wifi in the room.
In-room safe box: I stored my valuables in it.
Mirror: Always need a mirror.
Non-smoking: Very much appreciated.
On-demand movies: They have great movies.
Reading light: Very helpful when reading at night.
Scale: It's there, don't be scared.
Socket near the bed: Very convient.
Soundproofing: I didn't hear a single peep.
Umbrella: I forgot mine, and they had me covered.
Hair dryer: Very helpful.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Where the Calories (and Joy) Live.
Alright, food. It's a big part of my life, and I want the real deal, let's be honest. Erawan Place Tak had a lot of options, which I thought… this could be really really good.
- A la carte in restaurant + Asian breakfast + Asian cuisine in restaurant + Breakfast [buffet] + Breakfast service + Buffet in restaurant + Coffee/tea in restaurant + Coffee shop + Desserts in restaurant + International cuisine in restaurant + Poolside bar + Restaurants + Salad in restaurant + Snack bar + Soup in restaurant + Vegetarian restaurant + Western breakfast + Western cuisine in restaurant: Okay, wow. That's a lot.
- Breakfast [buffet]: The buffet was a lifesaver. I could fuel up for a day of exploring, and what I especially liked was the variety.
- Coffee shop: Great coffee and some pastries.
- Desserts in restaurant: Dessert was delicious.
- Poolside bar: The poolside bar was a game-changer. Sipping a cocktail while watching the sun go down? Yes, please.
- Restaurants: The restaurant was great and the staff were always friendly, so that was very important to me.
- Alternative meal arrangement + Bottle of water + Room service [24-hour]: I loved there was the ability to get 24-hour room service!
- Happy hour: I had a great time at Happy Hour.
Getting Around: Freedom of Movement.
- Airport transfer + Bicycle parking + Car park [free of charge] + Car park [on-site] + Car power charging station + Taxi service + Valet parking: Plenty of options here. Airport transfer made arrival seamless. Car park was free, which is always a win.
Things to Do (and Ways to Relax): My Happy Place.
Here's where Erawan Place Tak really shines. This is the stuff you daydream about, right?
- Body scrub + Body wrap + Fitness center + Foot bath + Gym/fitness + Massage + Pool with view + Sauna + Spa + Spa/sauna + Steamroom + Swimming pool + Swimming pool [outdoor]: Deep breath. Wow. Okay, now we're talking.
- Pool with view: The pool? Gorgeous. I'm talking Insta-worthy. Lounging by the pool, with a cool drink in hand, was my personal paradise. The view was stunning, and it was the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring.
- Massage: I had one massage. Okay, maybe more than one. It was heavenly. My tense travel knots melted away. I might have even snored. Don't judge me. Definitely a highlight.
- Gym/fitness: I made it to the gym once. Let's just say the pool won out more often than not.
- Spa/sauna + Steamroom: I tried the sauna and steam room, and they were great.
Cleanliness and Safety: Peace of Mind (and Hopefully Avoiding the Dreaded "Travel Bug").
- Anti-viral cleaning products + Daily disinfection in common areas + Hand sanitizer + Hot water linen and laundry washing + Hygiene certification + Individually-wrapped food options + Physical distancing of at least 1 meter + Professional-grade sanitizing services + Room sanitization opt-out available + Rooms sanitized between stays + Safe dining setup + Sanitized kitchen and tableware items + Staff trained in safety protocol + Sterilizing equipment: In a world that feels a bit… germ-conscious these days, this is reassuring. I want to relax, not worry about whatever nasties are lurking.
- Doctor/nurse on call + First aid kit: Safety first!
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter.
- **Air conditioning in public area + Audio-visual equipment for special events + Business facilities + Cash withdrawal + Concierge + Convenience store + Currency exchange + Daily housekeeping + Doorman + Dry cleaning + Elevator + Essential condiments + Facilities for disabled guests + Food delivery + Gift/souvenir shop + Indoor venue for special events + Invoice provided + Laundry service + Luggage storage + Meeting/banquet facilities + Meetings + Meeting stationery + On-site event hosting + Outdoor venue for special events + Projector/LED display + Safety deposit boxes + Seminars + Shrine
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your cookie-cutter, all-perfect itinerary. This is a dive into the beautiful mess that is traveling, specifically, in Erawan Place, Tak, Thailand. Prepare for some rambling, a few questionable food choices, and a whole lotta feels.
Erawan Place, Tak: The Unfiltered Truth (and probable sunburn)
Day 1: Arrival, Initial Panic, and Pad Thai Dreams
- 6:00 AM (ish): Wake up in Bangkok. The flight to Tak was a blur of stale airplane coffee, crying babies, and me desperately clinging to the hope my luggage actually made it.
- 9:00 AM: (roughly): Land at Tak Airport. Okay, so it's not exactly a bustling hub of international travel. But hey, it's sunshine and a fresh slate! The airport is a charming little thing; probably had more character than that sterile terminal in… well, let’s just say it’s a breath of fresh air. Finding a taxi? That was a whole adventure. Wandering around for 20 minutes, muttering obscenities under my breath, before eventually finding a somewhat-friendly (but probably judging) driver. He probably was thinking "What is wrong with this farang?!" - and I bet he was right.
- 10:00 AM: Arrive at Erawan Place. First thought? "Wow, this place is actually nicer than the pictures. Score!". The lobby is all polished wood and smiling staff. I stumble through check-in, feeling like a sweaty, bewildered tourist. My room is… well, it's a room. Clean, simple, AC blasting – a sanctuary! It feels like a small victory.
- 11:00 AM: Shower, and then some more showering. I'm pretty sure I smell like a combination of airport germs and existential dread. That's the first week of vacation, nailed it!.
- 12:00 PM: First mission: find food. Hunger is my kryptonite. Wander down the street and stumble upon a tiny, hole-in-the-wall place. Pad Thai it is! The woman running the place gives me the side-eye as I fumble with chopsticks. But the Pad Thai? Amazing. Truly a religious experience. The noodles, the peanuts, the tangy sauce… pure bliss. I devoured the whole plate in about five minutes.
- 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Nap time! Jet lag is a beast. Waking up later, feeling slightly less like a zombie.
- 4:00 PM-6:00PM: Explore the area around Erawan Place. Walk around. Mostly observing and people-watching. The market around is alive, bustling with people, and very very loud. Observe the chaos in all its glory. Pick up some snacks and discover my new favorite snack: Mango Sticky Rice!
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. Another round of Pad Thai from the street vendor – because why mess with perfection? Plus, a Chang beer (or two). Life is good.
- 9:00 PM: Crash. Seriously, I’m out like a light. Prepare for the next day.
Day 2: Floating Markets, Fishy Adventures, and a Near-Disaster with a Mosquito.
- 7:00 AM (ish): Wake up! Sun is beating down. Breakfast at the hotel, which is a rather bland affair of toast and watery coffee. But hey, it's fuel!
- 8:00 AM: Arranging a trip to Tak's floating market. This is the reason I came! The hotel staff helps arrange a taxi, which is a decent price.
- 9:00 AM: Arrive at the floating market. Now, this is something! The air is thick with the scent of (what I hope are) delicious things. The boats are vibrant, and the vendors are shouting their wares. I feel like I'm living in a movie. I buy a huge amount of boat noodles, which were the best. Next time, I'll bring more cash!
- 11:00 AM: Explore the area. I walk across the river, take a ride on a local bus and take way too many pictures of the beautiful area.
- 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch! Back to the market for more food! Chicken on sticks, deep-fried bananas… I'm starting to embrace the "eat everything" mentality. Also, I purchase some souvenirs. I can't help but wonder if I'll ever wear the Chang beer T-shirt with the HUGE logo.
- 3:00 PM: Back at Erawan Place for a well-deserved rest.
- 4:00 PM: Near-disaster! I discover a mosquito in my room. Panic ensues. I swear, it's the mosquito war! I spend a good 20 minutes flailing, swatting, and generally looking like a complete idiot before I finally squish the evil little bugger. Victory, but at a cost! 5 bites.
- 5:00 PM: Trying to enjoy my room. It doesn't help that the bites itch like crazy. Decide a cold beer is absolutely essential.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at a local restaurant. More noodles! Different kind. I'm on a quest to try every noodle dish in Tak.
- 9:00 PM: Crash again. Repeat.
Day 3: Temples, Temples, and More Temples; and a Moment of Spiritual Disconnect.
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast. Fuel me for a day of exploring.
- 9:00 AM: Time to explore some temples! I visit a few of them. Honestly, by the third temple, they all start to blend together. The gold is dazzling, the incense is overpowering, and all I can think is "I hope I'm not offending anyone by wearing these shorts." I mean, I appreciate the beauty of the architecture, the serenity… It's just… a bit much.
- 11:00 AM: Trying to find my zen. I sit in the shade for far too long, feeling a bit overwhelmed. Is this what they call “temple fatigue”?
- 12:00 PM: Lunch. I tried something new: green curry. It was spicy, delicious, and made me sweat like a pig.
- 1:00 PM -3:00 PM: Shopping! I wander through another market, looking for more souvenirs. This is where my inner hoarder comes out.
- 4:00 PM: Back to the Hotel. Taking a nap, while dealing with the mosquito bites.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at the restaurant. The food is okay.
- 8:00 PM: Preparing for the next day.
Day 4: Back to Bangkok, Goodbye Tak, and Maybe I'll Return.
- 7:00 AM: Breakfast. Last breakfast at Erawan Place.
- 8:00 AM: Check out.
- 9:00 AM: Head to the airport.
- 12:00 PM: Arrive in Bangkok.
- 1:00 PM: Final thoughts. Tak was a blast. A bit messy, a little overwhelming, but ultimately, an amazing experience. The food was incredible, the people were friendly, and the mosquito bite situation? Well, at least it's a good story. Would I go back? Absolutely. Next time, I’m bringing a whole arsenal of mosquito repellent, and I’m totally mastering those chopsticks.
The Imperfect Stuff:
- Lost in Translation Moments: Plenty. My Thai is basically non-existent, leading to some hilarious miscommunications.
- The Food Regrets: I’m sure I’ll regret some of the street food choices later. But hey, live a little!
- The Sunburn: It's inevitable. I'm currently a shade of red that's probably illegal in some countries.
- The Emotional Rollercoaster: One minute, I'm overwhelmed by the beauty of a temple; the next, I’m sobbing because I can’t find decent coffee. That's travel for you.
- The Real Moments: I’ve had more than a few moments of absolute, unadulterated joy. The feeling of eating Pad Thai or the vibrant energy of the floating market.
This, my friends, is my raw, unfiltered journey through Erawan Place, Tak. The memories, the food, the mosquitoes, and the moments of sheer awe – it's all part of the beautiful, messy experience. Go explore, get lost, and embrace the chaos. You might just discover something incredible. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go find some aloe vera.
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Erawan Place Tak: The Unfiltered Truth - 'Cause You Know You're Curious!
Okay, Spill the Beans! What *is* Erawan Place Tak, Anyway? Is it a real place or some travel blogger's fever dream?
Alright, alright, settle down! It's REAL. Erawan Place Tak is basically a hidden riverside resort in Tak province, Thailand. Think... less Phuket, more... "Thai countryside charm with a dash of I-didn't-know-this-existed". It's got bungalows on the Ping River. And yes, I thought the name sounded fancy, maybe promising something opulent. It's not *exactly* opulent. But it's got heart! And character. And you know, sometimes character trumps marble countertops. Mostly.
Is it ACTUALLY a "hidden gem" or just some glorified motel with a river view? Be honest!
Okay, let's get *real* real. It *is* a bit off the beaten path. You're not going to stumble upon it accidentally. But "glorified motel"? Nah. Think... rustic chic? Chic-rust? Look, the rooms are comfy enough, nothing fancy, but clean. The river view? SPECTACULAR. Seriously. Watched the sun set over the water one night, and I nearly cried. (Okay, maybe I *did* cry a little. It was dusty. And beautiful.) It's not the Four Seasons, but it's a world away from the usual tourist traps. It’s a proper escape… until the rooster wakes you up at 5 am. Seriously, that rooster. I have issues.
What's the vibe? Is it party central or a place for quiet contemplation? I need to know before I pack my glitter cannon.
Glitter cannon? Probably not. Unless… you *are* the glitter cannon, by which I mean you bring all the fun. The vibe is definitely more chill-axed. Think laid-back, families, couples, the occasional solo adventurer (like yours truly, after the aforementioned sun-induced tears). It's a place to disconnect, read a book, and just... breathe. I'm not gonna lie, there's a distinct absence of pounding techno. Thank GOD. You can wander on the banks of the river, find some peace. This is not the place for a raging all-nighter, although the river *does* look magical at night.... which reminds me of a specific experience… Oh, getting there!
Food! Tell me about the food! Is it all Pad Thai and predictable tourist fare?
Okay, the food. This is where things get interesting. There’s Pad Thai, yes. And it's actually pretty good! But the real gems are the local dishes. Think REALLY local. I had this fish, I *think* it's called Pla Nin, grilled on the river, fresh, with a crispy skin. Unbelievable. The flavors! Spicy, savory, a little bit sweet. They use local ingredients. And the prices? You'll be practically ashamed at how cheap it is. Don't expect Michelin stars; expect delicious, authentic Thai food. And about that grilled fish… Oh, it was a story. We (my travel buddy and I, we'll call her "M") went to get fish. We were chatting it up with the local fishermen when suddenly, a gust of wind blew my hat into the river. I’m talking a *massive* gust. The hat was new and I loved it, was my favorite sun hat. I dove in like a lunatic (I mean, dramatic!) but the current was fast. Eventually, the fisherman had to drag me back to shore, hat-less and covered in river muck. M, bless her heart, was in hysterics. The fisherman, bless their hearts, thought it was hilarious. The fish, though... worth the humiliation, and even the hat. Lesson learned: Tie your hat securely when near fast-flowing water.
What are the activities like? Do I have to be glued to my phone, or is there stuff to DO?
Activities! Finally, something to *do*! Okay, the big draw is chilling by the river. Seriously, just sitting there and watching the world go by is a legitimate activity. But! You can kayak or paddleboard (I tried, I wobbled a lot). You can take a boat trip to see the local temples (some really beautiful ones, especially Wat Chantharam). You can also explore the Tak city, which is nearby and is well worth exploring. You can honestly just sit and enjoy the sunrise with a steaming coffee, which is one thing I *loved*. Also, there's a market nearby offering a variety of local products and food. I bought some dried mangoes and the vendor was super happy because I spoke some basic Thai ("Sawasdee Ka!" apparently does the trick). But let's be real, part of the draw is *un*plugging. Leave the phone in the bungalow. Embrace the quiet. It's good for the soul. Try it! Your Insta-followers can wait.
How do I get there? Is it easily accessible or a mission for Indiana Jones?
Getting there... is not exactly a hop, skip, and a jump. It's inland, so you'll likely fly into Bangkok (BKK) and then take either a domestic flight, or a bus or a private taxi to Tak province. From Tak, you're looking at a taxi or local transport to Erawan Place. It's easier than finding the Ark of the Covenant, but it requires a bit of planning. Ask the resort directly to arrange transport; they are helpful. Just avoid the rush hour in Bangkok – trust me, it is an experience. But worth it, absolutely.
Pros and Cons - Hit me with the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly!
Alright, let's get down to brass tacks. Pros: * The River View: Unbeatable. Seriously, book a riverside bungalow. You'll thank me. * Authenticity: This isn't a manufactured tourist experience. It's *real* Thailand. * Food: Amazing, and cheap! Fresh from the river and farm. * Serenity: Perfect for a digital detox and soul-searching. * Low prices You will be able to travel on a budget. * Friendly locals The people are warm and welcoming. Cons: * Roosters: The early alarm clock. BRUTAL. Earplugs are your friend. (And maybe a death stare directed at the rooster, from me to you). * Mosquitoes: Bring repellent. Seriously. They're sneaky little buggers. * Limited English: AHotel Whisperer
