25 years of experience and helpful staff
Malee’s Nature Lovers Bungalows has been going for some 25 years now, though never fear, rooms and facilities have fortunately seen regular upgrades and makeovers through the years.
This friendly spot has a range of options to suit flash-packer to mid-range travellers with the various bungalows placed in a pleasant and lush garden setting. The bungalows are well-maintained with either wooden or tiled floors, clean bathrooms and bamboo finishing on the walls.
Honeymoon chalets are a cut above the rest—more spacious and with more attention to decor—and would make for a good splurge. (It was pointed out to us that you don’t have to be on honeymoon to be able to use them). All rooms have fans only but air-con isn’t usually necessary up this way.
Free WiFi extends throughout and the salt water swimming pool is a tiny, albeit agreeable, bonus. Bicycles and motorbikes are available for rent (for 100 baht and 300 baht respectively) and tours, hikes and treks can easily be arranged through super-experienced owner Malee and her husband. These include one or two-day ascents of Doi Chiang Dao, a three-day trek with stays in hill-tribe villages or easy one-day hikes and birdwatching tours. Itineraries, prices and further details can be found on their website.
The location is slightly back towards town from The Nest so there are several eating and drinking possibilities nearby and with that in mind, Malee’s kitchen is restricted to drinks and the complimentary breakfasts. Overall, this is an excellent choice whether you hope to explore the area or simply kick back and enjoy the peaceful, friendly atmosphere.
On a minor note, although overall the room prices are a good deal with a commendable lack of seasonal supplements, we did find their admittedly large family room rates slightly steep and if we were travelling with older kids we’d simply book two adjacent chalets or with younger ones an extra bed. We’d happily stay there though.
Address: 144/2 Moo 5, Ban Tham, Chiang Dao
T: (081) 961 8387;
Email: maleenature@gmail.com
Web: http://www.maleenature.com
Coordinates (for GPS): 98º55'34.5" E, 19º24'13.04" N
See position in Apple or Google Maps: Apple Maps | Google Maps
Room rates: 600B to 1,500B
What we were quoted as a walk-in.
Bungalow fan private bathroom | 800 baht | 800 baht |
Deluxe bungalow Honeymoon suite. | 1,250 baht | 1,250 baht |
Family room Up to 2,100 baht | 1,800 baht | 1,800 baht |
Reviewed by
Mark Ord
Based in Chiang Mai, Mark Ord has been travelling Southeast Asia for over two decades and first crossed paths with Travelfish on Ko Lipe in the early 1990s.
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