
Uncover the Hidden Gem: Buakham Rim Khong Chiang Saen's Secret Beauty (Chiang Rai)
Uncovering Buakham Rim Khong: Chiang Saen's Secret Beauty… Or Just a Pretty View? (A Review That's Honestly a Hot Mess)
Okay, so I just got back from Buakham Rim Khong in Chiang Saen, Chiang Rai. They call it a “hidden gem.” Honestly? My expectations were sky-high. Chiang Saen itself is gorgeous, right on the Mekong, and the pictures? Yeah, they looked ridiculously dreamy. So, did it live up to the hype? Buckle up, buttercups, because this review? It’s gonna be a bumpy ride. Consider this your spoiler alert.
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- Keywords: Buakham Rim Khong, Chiang Saen, Chiang Rai, hotel review, Mekong River, spa, swimming pool, restaurant, accessibility, family-friendly, luxury, Thailand, travel, Northern Thailand, hotel, resort.
- Meta Description: A brutally honest review of Buakham Rim Khong in Chiang Saen, Chiang Rai. Discover the highs, the lows, and all the messy bits in between, from the dreamy views to the questionable Wi-Fi.
Alright, let's dive in… because honestly, I'm still processing it all.
First Impression: The View… and the Walk (Access & Location, Location, Location!)
The view from my room? Breathtaking. Seriously. The Mekong River snaking through the landscape, Laos on the other side… it was picture-postcard perfect. But getting to the view? That's where things got… interesting.
Accessibility: Okay, so they say they have facilities for disabled guests. But I’m not sure how extensive that is. I didn’t see any obvious ramps or anything on the main areas. Might be worth checking with them directly if you need this. (My legs were fine, I won't comment further.)
Getting Around: Parking was a breeze… free and right on-site. And they had (gasp!) a car power charging station! Though, honestly, getting around within the resort itself felt like… a workout. Maybe it was the heat. Maybe it was the slightly uneven paths. But be prepared to trek a bit from your room to the pool/restaurant, especially from the upper floors.
Check-in/out [Express/Private]: They offered a private check-in/out which was lovely and quick.
Room for Improvement (Literally!)
Available in all rooms: Let's break down the basics of the room, shall we? Air conditioning? Check. Blackout curtains? Thank goodness. Free Wi-Fi? More on that later. Coffee/tea maker? Yes! Refrigerator? Yup! It’s all pretty standard stuff. They had a nice little seating area, great for lounging and staring out the window. But…
Wi-Fi [free]: Okay, about that “free Wi-Fi.” They claim it's in all rooms. I… I’m gonna call bullshit on that. It was a ghost. Phantom connectivity. A digital mirage. I spent more time wrestling with the signal than actually using the internet. It was enough to make me scream into my pillow (covered with extra long bed sheets, to keep things interesting)
Internet access – wireless, and Internet access – LAN: Look, you got two options for internet, maybe one will work?
Other room features I noticed: The bed, ah, the bed. Comfortable. Really comfortable. And the extra long bed sheets were nice too. The bathroom, however, was a slight disappointment. The shower worked, but it wasn’t exactly a spa-like experience. And the toiletries? Basic. Think "hotel-generic." Not what I'd expect given all the fancy stuff.
Room decorations: They’d made an effort, don't get me wrong, the simple flowers were nice. But the vibe felt a tad… dated. A little bit of a refresh wouldn’t go amiss.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Foodie's Lament
Restaurants: They have restaurants, plural! Woohoo! But here’s the deal: Asian breakfast and a Western breakfast. I mostly went for the bacon.
Dining, drinking, and snacking: I’m pretty sure I never ate anything without a salad.
Breakfast [buffet]: Oh, that breakfast buffet… It was decent. The fruit was fresh, which is always a win. But the hot food options… let’s just say it wasn't mind-blowing.
Poolside bar: They had a poolside bar. The bar, on the other hand, was a lifesaver. Pretty good cocktails, actually. Happy hour was a must-do (and probably necessary after wrestling with the Wi-Fi).
Room service [24-hour]: Definitely a perk, especially when the Wi-Fi finally gave up the ghost and I retreated to my room to binge-watch… (wait for it) on-demand movies.
Desserts in restaurant: The desserts were a solid win.
Ways to Relax (or Not): The Spa and Pool
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: The pool was gorgeous. Infinity edge, looking out over the river. Stunning. So, I spent a LOT of time there. It was clean, well-maintained, and the perfect place to cool off.
- Pool with view: See above. Seriously. The pool view is what makes this place.
- Spa: I had a massage. It was… okay. Not the best massage of my life, but definitely relaxing.
- Sauna/Spa/Steamroom, Body scrub/Body wrap, Foot bath: Unfortunately, I didn’t go.
For the Kids (or Not):
- Family/child friendly: Yeah, they seemed alright with kids. I saw a few families. They have a babysitting service, but I didn't need to test it.
Cleanliness and Safety (The Important Stuff):
- Daily disinfection in common areas.
- Rooms sanitized between stays.
- Hand sanitizer, Everywhere!
- Anti-viral cleaning products: It was all good stuff. They go the extra mile to maintain safety.
Services and Conveniences: The Perks and Quirks
Services and conveniences: On offer.
Concierge: They were great! Definitely helped with tips on where to go and things like that.
Cash withdrawal, Currency Exchange: Convenient.
Laundry service: Did the job.
Doctor/nurse on call: Always good to know.
Doorman: They had a doorman!
The Verdict (Finally!)
So, would I recommend Buakham Rim Khong? That's complicated.
The Good: The view. The pool. The staff (mostly). The cocktails. The fact that you’re in Chiang Saen!
The Not-So-Good: The Wi-Fi. The dated rooms. The slightly underwhelming food. The trek from some of the rooms.
The Overall Vibe: It's a lovely place. It could be a truly amazing place if they put in a little investment to modernize it.
My Final Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars. It's got potential. Just bring your own hotspot… and maybe a good book, in case the Wi-Fi fails you. And don't go expecting perfection. But hey, it's still a pretty darn sweet spot to watch the Mekong roll by. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to find some better internet… and maybe a decent pad thai.
Escape to Paradise: The Westin Chicago North Shore Wheeling Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive HEADFIRST into the gloriously chaotic world of my Buakham Rim Khong Chiang Saen adventure in Chiang Rai, Thailand. Forget perfect Instagram feeds – this is the raw, unfiltered truth. Prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions, questionable decisions, and enough Singha beer to drown a small elephant.
Day 1: Arrival – River Dreams and Mosquito Nightmares
- Morning (and half the afternoon, honestly): Arrival at Chiang Rai Airport. Smooth sailing… until the luggage carousel decided to stage a rebellion. My backpack, bless its worn seams, took an unscheduled detour. After a frantic hour, it resurfaced, looking less than thrilled. We hopped in a taxi, feeling like triumphant adventurers (despite the baggage drama) and then off to our hotel. The little haven was a cozy place next along the Mekong River. The first thought upon seeing the waterfront view was the best decision to choose a riverside hotel. The view really did not disappoint.
- Lunch: Found a little noodle shop on the river. Had the khao soi. I could feel it immediately: the rich coconut curry and tender noodles. I immediately had a second helping. The shop also had some fried pork skin on the side which was amazing, crispy and salty. This meal was worth traveling across the globe for.
- Afternoon: Wandered by the Mekong. Watched some fisherman. It gave off a very peaceful aura. I saw a little boy chasing some cats and the sounds felt blissful. The breeze was also really nice.
- Evening: This is where things get… messy. Dinner at a riverside restaurant. "Romantic" they said. More like "mosquito paradise" I thought. I didn't see any bites, but I sure felt the potential of this bug city. We ate some food. The food was alright, nothing to write home about. I think I was distracted by the swarm of insects.
- Night: Tossed and turned, slapping at phantom mozzies all night. My sleep was restless, to say the least. I felt like a sacrificial offering to the tiny vampires.
Day 2: Temples, Temples, and a Whole Lot of Temple Fatigue
- Morning: We started our temple trek early, fueled by instant coffee and a grim determination to see all the sights. First stop: the Golden Triangle. It was… alright. The views were spectacular, don't get me wrong. The confluence of the borders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar was awe-inspiring. But the sheer volume of people trying to elbow their way to the perfect selfie spot? Ugh. Reminded me why I prefer less popular locales to these big attractions.
- Lunch: Found a small restaurant with a shady canopy. I ordered something local. I still couldn't tell you what it was. It was served on a banana leaf. The taste was good, but I can't clearly recall what I ate but it was good enough to not make me complain.
- Afternoon: Temple fatigue officially set in. We saw the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun). Stunning. Weird. Disturbing. All at once. I spent half an hour trying to figure out the symbolism behind the artist's vision, and the other half being utterly baffled by the concept. The temple was beautifully made.
- Evening: We saw a local woman selling some local stuff. The lady was really friendly, and offered some tea. I enjoyed the tea with the gorgeous sunset along the Mekong river. Felt like a perfect ending to a tiring day.
Day 3: Food Frenzy and Motorcycle Mayhem
- Morning: Time to eat. I did some market research. Then I stumbled upon a street food stall. The aroma of grilled meats and spices was intoxicating. I ate until I could barely breathe. My taste buds had been on overload. Everything tasted amazing.
- Lunch: Rented a scooter. I didn't have any prior experience. It was probably a terrible idea in retrospect, but hey, YOLO, right? We were swerving all over the road. I was terrified. I screamed a few times. But we survived, barely.
- Afternoon: Motorcycle adventure part 2. I was starting to get the hang of this. We explored the countryside, stumbling upon a hidden waterfall. It was truly a serene moment, the perfect antidote to the chaos of the morning.
- Evening: The scooter adventure left me exhausted. A massage! I found a little spa. I fell asleep. It was the best nap I had taken in a long time.
Day 4: Slow Day and Farewell
- Morning: Relaxed morning. We visited a little gallery of local artists.
- Lunch: Ate some food at a local shop.
- Afternoon: Packing. Looking back over the trip. Amazing.
- Evening: Farewell dinner. One last meal. I said goodbye.
Quirks, Rambles, and Random Musings:
- I developed a serious addiction to iced coffee.
- The dogs in Chiang Rai are incredibly laid-back. They take naps in the middle of the road.
- I swear, the humidity in the air is alive. It clings to your skin, suffocating your ability to think clearly.
- I saw a gecko fall from the ceiling. It landed on a woman's head. The woman screamed. I laughed.
- I can't wait to come back.
Final Verdict:
Buakham Rim Khong Chiang Saen was a whirlwind of sensory overload, mosquito bites, and questionable life choices. It was messy, imperfect, and utterly unforgettable. Would I go back? Absolutely, without a doubt. In fact, I'm already planning my return. Maybe next time, I'll try to avoid the scooter of doom. Or maybe not. Who knows? It's all part of the adventure!
Escape to Paradise: Wyndham Garden Playa del Carmen Awaits!
Buakham Rim Khong: Chiang Saen's Not-So-Secret (But Still Pretty Damn Special) Beauty - AKA, Your FAQ Guide to Avoiding Tourist Traps and Actually Enjoying Yourself!
Okay, so *exactly* what *is* this Buakham Rim Khong place everyone's raving about? Is it a scam? Because honestly, I'm on the fence.
Alright, breathe. It's no scam. It's basically a whole stretch of the Mekong River, bordering Chiang Saen, Chiang Rai. Think: lush greenery, the slow, muddy river, Laos on the other side (which, let me tell you, peering across the water is weirdly fascinating), and this whole vibe of… well, it's chill. VERY chill. It's less "glitzy tourist trap" and more "hidden gem, if you squint and ignore the slightly aggressive touts at the beginning."
It's not *perfect*. The "hidden" part is debatable these days. But it's got heart, and that's what counts, right? Unless you're a heartless automaton, in which case, maybe go to Phuket.
Getting There: Buses, Scooters, and Existential Dread - How Do I Actually *Get* to Buakham Rim Khong?
Okay, buckle up, buttercup. Getting to Chiang Saen is the first hurdle. You can fly into Chiang Rai, then bus or taxi it. The bus is the budget option, and honestly, it's fine. Just expect it to take a while. I remember one trip, it was pouring rain the entire time, and I swear I thought the bus was going to fall apart. You know, the kind of rain where you start questioning every single decision you've ever made? Good times.
Then, you're in Chiang Saen! From there, a tuk-tuk, taxi, or rented scooter... the scooter is fun, but only if you feel confident. The roads aren't *terrible*, but Thai drivers and traffic... well, let's just say they have their own brand of *organized chaos*. Driving after dark? Not for the faint of heart. My first scooter experience? Let's just say I learned the hard way that gravel bends really, really fast.
The existential dread, though? Comes with the scenery. Seriously, the quiet, the vastness of the river... it can hit you. Pack a good book (or a distracting game on your phone).
Accommodation Apocalypse: Where Should I Stay (and Avoid the Bed Bugs)?
Ah, the million-dollar (or maybe 500-baht) question. Accommodation ranges from ultra-basic guesthouses to slightly nicer, more modern hotels. Avoid anything that looks *too* cheap, unless you're incredibly hardy. I once stayed in a place that looked like a scene from a low-budget horror movie. No, seriously. Cobwebs, weird smells, a flickering lightbulb... I slept with all my clothes on and checked the bed religiously for creepy crawlies.
Look for something with good reviews, preferably with pictures that weren't taken in the 1980s. Riverfront places are amazing! Waking up to that view? Pure bliss. But, and this is a BIG BUT, be prepared for mosquitos. Stock up on repellent!
One place I *loved* was this little guesthouse tucked away from the main road. Simple, but clean, with a tiny balcony overlooking the river. The owner was this sweet old lady who made the *best* mango sticky rice. That alone made it worth the trip. (I may have eaten it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Don't judge.)
The Food Fight: What Should I Eat (and Where?)
Oh, the food. This is where things get *really* good. Fish from the Mekong is a must! Try the Pla Nin (Tilapia), grilled or steamed. Seriously, melt-in-your-mouth delicious. There are loads of little riverside restaurants; just pick one at random. The atmosphere usually makes up for any culinary imperfections.
Also, don't be afraid of the street food. Pad Thai, green curry... if it looks busy with locals, it's probably good. Just be mindful of hygiene, and maybe ease into the spicy stuff. I learned the hard way that "mild" in Thailand often translates to "blow your face off."
One time, I stumbled upon this tiny little shack that was *obviously* a local favorite. I couldn't even read the menu, so I pointed at something random. It turned out to be this incredibly spicy (but unbelievably tasty) noodle soup with mountains of herbs. My eyes were watering, my nose was running, but I ate the whole damn thing. It was an experience, to say the least. (And I was sweating for hours.)
Activities: Beyond Sunbathing and River Gazing (If You Can Even Handle Doing Those, that's just fine too!)
Okay, so yes, lounging by the river is a perfectly acceptable activity. But if you're feeling adventurous...
Visit the Golden Triangle! It's where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet. It's historically significant (cough... opium... cough) and the views are breathtaking. But, fair warning, it's touristy. You *will* be surrounded by people.
Explore the temples! Chiang Saen has some beautiful, ancient temples. They're a bit tattered around the edges, but they're REAL. It's the authentic, unpolished version of a temple. You get the whole experience here – the incense, the chanting, the sense that you're actually in a place with history, not just some Instagram backdrop.
Take a boat trip! You can explore the river, see the Laos side up close, and get a completely different perspective. The river itself is amazing, and you might even spot some wildlife. But be prepared for the sun. I once did a boat trip and forgot sunscreen. I looked like a lobster for a week. Seriously, the pain... the shame...
The Dark Side: What Are the Downsides? (Because Nothing Is Perfect)
Alright, honesty time.
Mosquitos. Bring repellent. Seriously.
Touts. Especially around the Golden Triangle. They can be pushy. Practice your best "mai ao" (no, thank you). Firmly. Be polite, but firm.
The heat. It can be brutal, especially during the hottest months. Drink plenty of water. And embrace the shade.
Sometimes, it feels a bit... sleepy. Not a bad thing, necessarily, but if you're looking for constant action, this might not be the place for you. It's a place to *be*, not a place to *do*.
And honestly? There's a chance you might get a bit bored. But, you know, sometimes boredom is beautiful. Embrace the slow pace and let yourself unwind. That's the whole point, isn't it?
My Most Memorable Buakham Rim Khong Experience (Ocean View Inn

