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Pana is one of the first establishments you reach going up the hill off Makasanti Road so not quite as far out of town as some up this way. Allow 10 to 15 minutes to walk into town and it certainly is a quiet spot on the occasion when the resident hounds are chilled out.

Cool bungalow. Photo: Mark Ord

As you arrive you’ll see a small reception and cafe area at street level with a flight of steps leading down to where the half a dozen or so chalets are widely scattered across a small valley. The grounds include mature palms, stands of bamboo, vegetable plots, fruit trees and a few laid out borders along the windy pebble paths. Funky rather than manicured springs to mind and if you’re the sort who squeals at the sight of a beetle on your balcony, gecko on your wall or frog in your bathroom you should probably stop reading right now.

The exteriors of the woven bamboo, wood-framed, stilt chalets are deceptive and you’d assume bog-standard budget huts with mattress on the floor, tatty Isaan cushion on the balcony and at best a gaudy acrylic sunset nailed to the wall but the sometime shabby outsides (certain chalets have been renovated others not) actually hide sumptuous and well-maintained interiors.

Comfortable interior too. Photo: Mark Ord

Pleated bamboo walls are home to Lanna wall hangings and mosquito nets hang over well-dressed and decent sized beds. Otherwise, furniture is minimal but adequate in the small to medium rooms but each chalet comes with a tiled and stucco walled bathroom with modern fittings and everyone has a balcony out front with table and chairs. There’s WiFi but no TV or minibar, yet with a price tag of 400 to 500 baht a night we reckon Pana is an all-round very good deal indeed.

Staff members are helpful and friendly and the usual travel advice and assistance is available. There’s a simple cafe on site but you’re also welcome to use the kitchen yourselves which is a nice touch. This is no frills, but if you want to experience a truly rustic and authentic yet comfortable jungle vibe with a friendly family style atmosphere, Pana’s the one to go for.