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.
Athita The Hidden Court Chiang Saen is an ideal destination for a family vacation. We stayed with our two children, and they absolutely loved the experience. The hotel’s peaceful environment allowed us to relax and enjoy quality time together. The rooms were spacious and well-equipped, making it comfortable for the whole family. We were impressed by the variety of activities offered, from cycling through the charming town of Chiang Saen to exploring ancient temples. The hotel staff were incredibly kind and attentive, always going out of their way to ensure our kids were entertained and happy. The traditional Lanna cuisine was a delightful culinary adventure for all of us. We had a fantastic time and will definitely come back!
Have stayed her a few tines over he years and it has always been a an excellent experience. A family run hotel overlooking the Mekong river which has been recently extended and modernised without losing its charm or friendliness. Lucky and staff are very welcoming and attentive. The rooms are comfortable, very clean with all you need for a short stay. Good bathroom and shower with fridge and tea/coffee in the room and also available in the breakfast room. Breakfast was good with 3 set options, Thai style, Northern Thai and European. Location is good to walk along the river and about 15 mins to the market and central area. Would highly recommend this hotel for an inexpensive but comfortable stay.