Unbelievable Khaokho Views: De Monte Khaokho Khao Kho Thailand — You HAVE to See This!
Unbelievable Khaokho Views: De Monte Khaokho - Maybe Actually Worth the Hype? (A Seriously Unfiltered Review)
Okay, buckle up, folks. This isn't your polished brochure-speak. I'm here to tell you about De Monte Khaokho - the place with the views that everyone and their grandma is raving about. And let me tell you, after a trip full of Thai adventure, I was ready for some serious relaxation. Did De Monte deliver? Well, let’s dive in… and I mean really dive in.
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First Impressions & The "Oh Wow" Factor:
Seriously, the views. They actually live up to the hype. Pictures don't quite convey the vastness, the layers of emerald green mountains rolling away into the mist. The moment I saw it, I genuinely gasped. Like, a cartoon-style gasp. That's the good news.
The bad news? The initial entrance - a bit of a winding, bumpy road and a slightly underwhelming reception area. But hey, the view from the terrace… that made up for it, instantly. And the feeling of getting away is immediate, with the cool mountain air filling the lungs.
Accessibility & All That Jazz (Because, Important):
So, on the accessibility front… it's a mixed bag. I didn't personally need wheelchair access, but I did notice some ramps and the elevator. That's a good start. Now, are all areas perfectly wheelchair accessible? I'm not entirely sure. I did see evidence of it being considered, but it's always best to contact the hotel directly to confirm specific needs. The Facilities for disabled guests listing is encouraging, but specifics matter.
Rooms: My Sanctuary (Until I Needed a Nap):
I’m not gonna lie, the Rooms are pretty darn nice. Clean, modern, with that crucial air conditioning blasting away (thank goodness!). The bed… ah, the extra-long bed was a lifesaver after those long days exploring. The bathrobes and slippers were a nice touch, too. They also had a coffee/tea maker, which is a MUST for me. I’m a caffeine fiend.
What wasn't quite perfect? Well, finding a socket near the bed could be challenging, and the lighting system was a bit confusing at first. I'm not a fan of fumbling in the dark looking for a light switch. Minor gripes, though.
Foodie Adventures & Fueling the Adventure:
Okay, the dining situation. Let's be honest, I’m here for the food! And De Monte offers a decent array.
- Restaurants: They've got a few restaurants. They’re pretty good. I especially liked the Asian cuisine restaurant, but there are other cuisines available.
- Breakfast Buffet: The breakfast [buffet] was solid. Loads of options, including Asian and Western choices with some local breakfast options. The freshly squeezed juice was a real perk.
- Room Service (24-hour): I took advantage of the room service [24-hour]. It was a lifesaver after a long day. A bit pricey, but convenient.
- Snack Bar/Coffee Shop: The Coffee Shop was a convenient spot to get that caffeine fix and a decent snack.
Now, here’s the confession: I'm a total sucker for a good Western cuisine in restaurant. When the time comes, I'd take a hearty salad or soup while enjoying the lovely view. (Salad is a must-have during my holidays!)
The Pampering Brigade: Spa, Pool & Relaxation Shenanigans:
This is where De Monte really shines. The Spa! Oh, the Spa.
- The Spa Experience: I indulged in a massage. Seriously, I’m still feeling the benefits. The therapists are skilled, the atmosphere is serene… it was basically heaven. I was so relaxed; I could have fallen asleep on the spot.
- Pool with a View: And the Pool with view? Forget it! Jaw-dropping. Floating in that infinity pool, gazing at the mountains… pure bliss. It's the kind of view that makes you forget all your worries.
- More Relaxation: They have a Sauna, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, and even a Foot bath. I really wanted to try them all, but time was limited!
Things to Do (Besides Staring at the View):
Seriously, sometimes the view is the thing to do. However, here are some options:
- Fitness Center: They do have a fitness center. I didn't use it, but I did see it, and it looked pretty decent.
- Nearby Attractions: There’s plenty to explore in Khao Kho, so it's nice to know that the hotel functions as a base.
Cleanliness, Safety & All That '2023'-ness:
Look, after the pandemic, I'm obsessed with cleanliness. De Monte gets high marks here. They have Anti-viral cleaning products, Staff trained in safety protocol, and Rooms sanitized between stays. I felt genuinely safe. They offer Hand sanitizer everywhere. Everything felt really well-maintained and sterile.
- Cashless Payment Service, all the modern conveniences
- Daily disinfection in common areas.
- Room sanitization opt-out available, for those who'd rather not.
- Safe dining setup the whole thing, very well managed.
Services & Conveniences: The Little Touches That Matter:
They’ve got all the basics covered: Air conditioning in public area, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman. The luggage storage was a lifesaver for my departure.
- Internet Access: Thank goodness for the Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! I needed to stay connected.
- Business Facilities: They even have Business facilities if you need to work (I thankfully didn't).
- Concierge: The Concierge was super helpful with arranging transport and activities.
- Car park [free of charge]: Free parking? Always a win!
The Quirks & the Imperfections (Because No Place is Perfect):
Alright, time for some honest confessions.
- The Walk to the Room: Sometimes, the walk to your room felt like a mini-hike, particularly if you're not in great shape.
- More Food, Please! I did want a few more options for the variety of restaurants in the area.
- A bit sterile: Although the hotel runs safe, it felt slightly sterile, but I liked the atmosphere.
The Verdict: Should You Go?
Absolutely. The views alone are worth it. De Monte Khaokho isn't perfect, but it's a fantastic place to unwind, recharge, and soak in some seriously stunning scenery. Would I go back? In a heartbeat. Just give me a room with a view, a good massage, and a big plate of whatever's on the menu
Here is what I really think: De Monte Khaokho is a must-see in Khao Kho, and it's one of the best places I've ever visited. It's a slice of paradise.
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. This is a De Monte Khaokho Khao Kho adventure, and it's gonna be… a thing. Prepare for some glorious chaos.
De Monte Khaokho: My Slightly-Less-Than-Perfect Pilgrimage (and Hopefully Yours Too)
Phase 1: The Arrival & The Fuzzy Feelings (Day 1)
- Morning (and a whole lotta jetlag): Landed in Bangkok. Glorious, humid Bangkok. The air punched me right in the face, which is exactly what I needed after my 17-hour flight. Found the airport chaos surprisingly… invigorating. The food stalls are already calling my name, especially those little mango sticky rice stands. My stomach is also in a weird place…probably the leftover plane peanuts.
- Afternoon (the Great Train Adventure (maybe?)): Attempted to get to Khao Kho. The train to Phitsanulok. My travel buddy, bless her heart, is a terrible planner. We missed the direct bus and had to rely on the allegedly scenic train ride. Train was… a little bit crowded. Picture it: me, squished between a snoring gentleman, a family of ten, and a mountain of durian (the smell!), all while trying to maintain my composure. The scenery was a letdown in the beginning, just endless rice paddies. But the energy of the moving train has a certain charm.
- Evening (Arrival & Agony): Finally (FINALLY) arrived in Phitsanulok. The transfer to Khao Kho involved a questionable minivan ride with a blaring pop soundtrack. My ears are still ringing, but hey, we're here! Checked into our… eclectic… bungalow. The “panoramic view” is mostly obscured by clouds, but the air is crisp. We are here!
My First Evening in Khaokho:
- The Food: We hit up the local market/night market. The chaos! Food vendors were everywhere, grilling meat, selling noodles, and the air just smells, which is something I have never felt before. They had this weird deep-fried, golden-brown thing - turns out they're a type of sweet potato. I can still taste them.
- The View: I would like to see a mountain view. It's nighttime, and Khaokho is known for it. The clouds are rolling in so quickly. It's breathtaking… and a bit terrifying.
- The Sleep: I'm getting some.
Phase 2: Chasing the Clouds (Days 2 & 3)
- Morning (Sunrise or… Fog?): Supposedly, there are epic sunrises in Khao Kho. We were ready early. Turns out, "fog" is the real star of the show. Visibility? Maybe five feet. We saw… nothing. The struggle is real folks.
- Late Morning (Road Trip!): Drove up to the Wat Pha Sorn Kaew. Everyone told us to go, and it's on every list. The drive up there was a white-knuckle experience. The views, even through the fog, were stunning. A bit less beautiful than usual, but wow. We arrived and it was a lot. I am not sure if I loved or hated it. A true spectacle.
- Afternoon (Market Mayhem): Explored the local markets. Got utterly lost but that's okay. I love that. The street food is, of course, everything. Fried insects for the brave, mango sticky rice for the sensible.
- Evening (Stargazing & Existential Dread): Tried to go stargazing. Another cloud victory, damn it! The darkness of the mountain is magnificent. The lack of stars, less so. Sipped some local tea while contemplating the universe. Why am I here? What am I doing with my life? The usual travel thoughts, you know?
Doubling Down on the Wat Pha Sorn Kaew Experience:
Let's talk about that temple again. Wat Pha Sorn Kaew. The sheer artistry of the place is insane. The mosaics glitter in the sun (when the sun deigns to appear, of course). Walk around the central temple. The tiny, colorful elements create these enormous, cascading patterns. I sat there, just breathing it in, and felt… something. I think I was moved? It might have been the altitude, but the temple's presence felt enormous. I'm not sure I fully understood it, but it was an experience that shifted something within me.
Phase 3: Adventure, Altitude, & Epiphanies (Days 4 & 5)
- Morning (Altitude Sickness & Regret): Decided to hike up a mountain. A beautiful mountain. Turns out, the altitude is a real thing. Felt like I was going to pass out. We made it to the top, the views are epic - when we could see them.
- Afternoon (More Road Chaos): Explored the area around around Phu Thap Boek. The road was pretty rough. Driving uphill is not my strong suit after a sleepless night and altitude sickness. A few times it felt like we were going to roll down the mountain.
- Evening (Hot Pot & Heartbreak): Found a local hot pot restaurant. Everything was delicious but the spicy! My stomach is now my enemy. We decided to watch the sunset. Just as we sat down, the most incredible sunset of the trip. Pure gold.
- The Reflection: What's so special about Khao Kho? It doesn't have the crazy energy of Bangkok. The landscapes are beautiful, but it's not always about the beauty, is it? It's about the moments, the small, messy details, even the fog. It's about realizing that sometimes, the perfect photo isn't the point. It's the feeling. That slightly breathless, slightly overwhelmed, but utterly alive feeling. That's what I'm going for.
Phase 4: Farewell, Khaokho (Day 6)
- Morning (The Final Fog Farewell?): Woke up, and it was even more foggy. Seriously? I have to say my goodbyes.
- Afternoon (Farewell): Left Khao Kho. The bus ride wasn't as bad.
- Evening (The Flight Home): Back in The airport. It's a long flight back home. I can't wait to go home!
Final Thoughts (aka Ramblings):
Khao Kho was… an experience. It was chaotic, beautiful, frustrating, and unforgettable. I didn’t see every sunrise, or capture every perfect photo. But I did get lost, I did laugh (a lot), I did eat some incredible food, and I think I did learn something.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely. But with a warning: embrace the mess. Embrace the fog. Embrace the weirdness. And don’t forget to pack a sweater. Oh, and maybe some extra antacids. You’ll need them.
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Unbelievable Khaokho Views: De Monte Khaokho Khao Kho Thailand — You HAVE to See This! - (Okay, Maybe... Let's Talk!)
Okay, Okay, Seriously, What's the Big Deal About De Monte Khaokho? The Views REALLY THAT Good?
Alright, buckle up, because I'm about to get real with you. The views… yeah, the views are pretty epic. Like, seriously. Picture this: you're waking up, right? Not just 'waking up' like, "Ugh, gotta make coffee." No, *this* is a sunrise that smacks you in the face with gorgeousness. Rolling hills, a sea of fog… sometimes. Sometimes there's a sea of actual *clouds*, I kid you not. It’s the kind of thing that makes you actually *feel* something. My first morning, I nearly tripped over my own feet rushing out onto the balcony in my PJs (don't judge, I was sleep-deprived!). And there it was. Bam! Sun rising. Pure, unadulterated 'wow' factor. I even took a picture, and it *still* doesn't do it justice.
BUT... and there’s always a but, isn't there? Sometimes the fog is a TOTAL tease. You're hyped, you're ready for the Insta-worthy shot, and then... *poof*. Nothing. Just a sad little veil of mist. Happened to me once and honestly, I was grumpy for like, a whole morning. Lesson learned: manage your expectations. Thailand weather is a capricious mistress.
So, Is the "De Monte" Part Just Fancy Marketing, Or is There an Actual Place? And Does it Matter?
Yes, there is an actual De Monte. It's the name of the... well, the *thing*. It’s a resort, essentially. And yes, it does matter. Because it dictates where you're sleeping and eating and generally, how you’re experiencing all the *views*. It's not just like, a general area you can wander around in. (Although, you *can* wander, the area is huge!).
Here’s the slightly messy truth: the resort itself… it's… *okay*. It's not the Four Seasons, okay? Let's be clear. Think more… charmingly rustic. Buildings are built to match the surrounding nature and a bit of a minimalist look. Some rooms have amazing views, some, not so much. Be sure to ask. And the food… well, it's serviceable. Nothing to write home about, except maybe to moan about the lack of proper coffee. (Bring your own instant if you’re a caffeine addict, trust me!). But you know, at the end of the day, you’re not there for Michelin-star dining, are you? You're there for the freaking *views*. And they’re worth putting up with… the slightly less-than-perfect coffee.
Okay, Break it Down. How do I Actually *Get* to Khao Kho and De Monte? (Logistics, Ugh!)
Alright, this is where things get… interesting. Because Khao Kho is a bit off the beaten path. It’s not like you can just hop on a BTS and be there. (That would be *amazing*, but alas...).
The usual suspects:
- Rent a Car: This is your best bet. Gives you the freedom to explore. Roads are mostly good (they're in Thailand, so expect some potholes - I'm not kidding!), and driving around is pretty straightforward. Just don’t be that guy who drifts around corners.
- Driver from Bangkok: You can find drivers who will take you for a fee.
- Bus: This is the budget option. There are buses to Phetchabun, then a minivan or taxi to Khao Kho. Takes *forever* and will be a pain. But hey, if you're on a serious shoestring budget…
From Bangkok it's like a 5-6-hour drive. That’s a long haul, no messing about. Pack snacks, water, and a good playlist (or, you know, podcasts to keep you sane). And get ready for some of the most winding roads you’ve probably ever seen. I got carsick the first time. Seriously. Learnt that one the hard way. Don't be like me. Bring motion sickness pills!
Is it Worth It To Go To De Monte With Kids? (Or, You Know, Am I Going To Be Pulling My Hair Out?)
Ah, the million-dollar question! Okay, I'll be honest. Khao Kho is not Disneyland. There aren't a bazillion kid-specific activities. My observation is that kids tend to be easily impressed by nature, but teenagers can be bored easily.
For the little ones, the open spaces are great. They can run around, breathe fresh air, and discover the wonderful world around them. Let them explore!
For slightly older kids, it really depends on *your* kids. If your kids are the type that love hiking and exploring, sure. If they're glued to their screens and whine about everything… maybe reconsider. Consider bringing board games, cards, and ways to entertain yourselves. Just, whatever you do, be sure to pack snacks!
What Else is There To *Do* in Khao Kho Besides Stare at the Horizon? (And, Like, Eat?)
Okay, good question! You can't just… stand there, staring at the hills all day, right? (Although, honestly, I could). Here's the lowdown:
- Local Temples: Thailand is all about the temples so go explore them. There's Phra That Pha Son Kaew Temple, which is all bright colors and a really amazing, unique building.
- Campsites: you can go camping if you're into it.
- The Windmills: You will probably see windmills around the area.
And of course, there's always food! The local markets sell amazing food. Be sure to try the local fruits, the fresh coffee (though, as I said, maybe bring your own!), and the Pad Thai. (Gotta have Pad Thai).
Honestly, the key is to go with the flow. Don't over-schedule. Be prepared to… do nothing. And embrace the peace.
What's the Best Time of Year to Go For those Epic Views? And Should I Worry About "High Season"?
Okay, this is the big one! Views, views, views! The best time to go is during the cool season, which is roughly November to February. You'll have the coolest temps and the clearest skies, which means the highest chance of those Instagram-worthy sunrises and that dreamy fog.
High season… yeah, it can get busy. But it's not like, peak-season-in-Bali busy. It's manageable. If you can, try to go mid-week. And definitely book your accommodation in advance. Don't show up onStay Mapped
