Unbelievable Views! ⛰️ Mon Thawan & Mon Jam, Chiang Mai: Your Dream Escape Awaits!
Unbelievable Views! ⛰️ Mon Thawan & Mon Jam, Chiang Mai: My Dream Escape (and Sometimes Nightmare?) Awaits - A Truly Honest Review!
Okay, folks, buckle up! Because I’m not just writing a review; I'm sharing my experience. Unfiltered. Unapologetic. And hopefully, helpful. This is about Unbelievable Views! ⛰️ Mon Thawan & Mon Jam, Chiang Mai, and let me tell you, it's been a rollercoaster. Think breathtaking vistas…paired with the occasional minor hotel hiccup. But hey, that's life, right? And that's what makes a real adventure.
First, the Good… OH, THE VIEWS!
Let’s get the obvious out of the way: the views. They’re… well, unbelievable. I mean, they named the place right! We're talking rolling hills, lush greenery, and clouds that practically kiss your balcony (if you snag one, which you absolutely should try to). I spent hours just… staring. Lost in the sheer beauty of the Mon Thawan and Mon Jam landscapes. Seriously, forget Instagram filters. Mother Nature's got this covered. Definitely a Pool with View is a must, and the outdoor swimming pool with that view? Pure bliss!
Getting There & Gettin' Around (Accessibility & Getting Lost, Naturally!)
Okay, so getting to Unbelievable Views! isn’t a walk in the park. Think winding roads, maybe a touch of motion sickness (bring your Dramamine!). But honestly, the drive itself becomes part of the charm. Renting a car is probably your best bet as it's not so accessible. Car park [free of charge] is fantastic to have, and Car park [on-site] too. Airport transfer is available which seems perfect, although I ended up just hailing a taxi (that I probably overpaid for – rookie mistake!).
Accessibility is… a mixed bag. While they do mention Facilities for disabled guests, I’d say it’s best to confirm specific needs beforehand. From what I saw, some areas might be tricky. But hey, the staff were super friendly and eager to help whenever they could. CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property and Security [24-hour] felt reassuring.
Rooms & Creature Comforts - My Kingdom for Blackout Curtains!
Alright, let’s talk rooms. I had a room with a view (hallelujah!), and that's essential, trust me! The Air conditioning worked like a dream, which is a lifesaver in the Chiang Mai heat. Bathrobes, slippers and complimentary bottled water were a nice touch - little luxuries make a big difference! Everything was clean, and the daily housekeeping was impeccable. And the blackout curtains? Oh, sweet, sweet blackout curtains! Crucial for sleep when you're adjusting to the time difference. My only criticism? The bed was a tad firm for my liking. But, hey, personal preference, right? I did notice Non-smoking rooms, and that’s a huge plus for me, because no one wants to smell someone else’s cigarette smoke when you’re trying to enjoy the view. You can also arrange a Room sanitization opt-out available.
Internet & the Modern Necessities – Wi-Fi woes!
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! they boast. And… it was… okay. Let’s just say it wasn't the fastest. I mean, adequate for basic browsing, but if you’re planning on streaming movies or doing a crucial video call, temper your expectations. Had I known, i would have checked for Internet access – LAN - but I was too hasty. They do offer Internet access – wireless, but the truth is the Internet was spotty at times, which was annoying. I did appreciate the Laptop workspace though, despite the connection issues.
Dining, Drinking, & Snacking - Food Adventures (and a Few Mishaps…)
The food situation? Another mixed bag, but in a good way. Restaurants and a coffee shop are available, and they did offer Asian breakfast which let me sample the local delights. Western breakfast is also an option. I opted for the Breakfast [buffet] more often than not, which was decent, but nothing to write home about. However, I did have one absolutely transcendent meal there – a spicy Pad Thai in the Asian cuisine in restaurant. I'm not exaggerating; it was the BEST Pad Thai I’ve ever had. The perfect balance of sweet, sour, and spicy, with fresh, crunchy vegetables and tender noodles. Like, I’m salivating just thinking about it. Seriously, find this Pad Thai, and you will be in heaven.
And the poolside bar? Wonderful! Perfect for a sundowner with a view. They also offer a Happy hour. I may or may not have taken advantage of that on a few separate occasions…
Things to Do & Ways to Relax – Spa Day, Anyone? (Almost!)
This is where Unbelievable Views! really shines. The Spa is beautiful (although I think they might be expanding – more on that later). I indulged in a massage and it was pure bliss – a skilled therapist working out all the travel knots. Oh! And the Foot bath afterwards? Heavenly. They also have a pool with a view and a Gym/fitness. I sadly didn't get the chance to visit them, but they looked great!
My single best experience: The View from the Spa (Plus a Tiny Breakdown!)
Okay, I need to tell you about the spa. The actual SPA ROOM? It was beautiful. Big, airy, with floor-to-ceiling windows framing the unbelievable view. And, truth be told, I had a bit of a… moment there. I was lying on the massage table, getting pampered, and surrounded by this incredible scenery. And suddenly, the sheer beauty of it all overwhelmed me. I welled up. Not a full-on sob, but definitely a few tears. It was just… moving. A reminder of how lucky I am to experience these things. See, it sounds dramatic – and maybe it was! – but It was a genuine, emotional reaction. It was a perfect moment.
BUT! (And there's always a "but," right?) Here's the messy part. During my massage, a tiny insect, maybe a fly, kept buzzing around my head. I tried to ignore it, but my brain wouldn't let me. I ended up, in a moment of sheer panic, slapping at it (and nearly knocking myself off the massage table!). The therapist, bless her heart, pretended not to notice, though I’m pretty sure she caught the whole thing, and I was mortified. But the view, and the massage, and the overall calming vibe? Still amazing.
Cleanliness, Safety, and (Hopefully) a Clean Bill of Health - Safety First, Always!
In these times, safety is paramount. I was happy to see Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer readily available, and the staff clearly trained in safety protocol. Rooms sanitized between stays, and they used Anti-viral cleaning products. I have no complaints there! With the Doctor/nurse on call and a First aid kit, I felt very well cared for.
Services, Conveniences, and the Nitty-Gritty
- Concierge: Helpful and friendly, always willing to assist.
- Doorman: Always a warm welcome.
- Daily housekeeping: Fantastic service!
- Cash withdrawal and Currency exchange: Convenient.
- Food delivery: A nice option, especially if you're feeling lazy.
- Laundry service & Dry cleaning: Handy for longer stays.
- Luggage storage: No problems there.
- Non-smoking rooms: A definite plus for non-smokers like myself.
- Safety deposit boxes: Essential!
- Elevator: A necessity if you've got mobility issues.
- Meeting/banquet facilities if you need to hold business meetings!
For the Kids (I didn't have any with me, but…)
They have Babysitting service and Kids facilities, so families are definitely welcome.
The Quirks, Imperfections, and Overall Vibe
This is not a cookie-cutter, sterile hotel experience. It’s got personality. The staff are genuinely warm and welcoming, even if there are occasional minor slip-ups (like, maybe, forgetting my extra pillow request). You can also opt for a Check-in/out [express] which is useful. Honestly, those little imperfections are part of the charm.
This place is a bit of a drive to get to, and the internet's a little iffy, and the spa got me all emotional. But it was awesome. I felt like I was truly escaping the world. I can't give you a perfect 10 out of 10 rating, because no place is perfect. But for the views alone, and for the truly authentic experience, Unbelievable Views! gets a solid… 8.5 out
Calais Getaway: Unbeatable Holiday Inn Coquelles Deal!
Okay, strap in, because this ain't your average travel brochure. This is a raw, unfiltered plunge into the misty magic of Mon Tawan and Mon Chaem, Chiang Mai, Thailand, as seen through the eyes of… well, me. My soul is ready for this ride.
Day 1: Arrival & Altitude Adjustments (and a whole heap of bewilderment)
Morning (Bangkok to Chiang Mai - Operation: Get There): Okay, let's be honest, Bangkok airport is a freaking zoo. After the chaos and a delay somehow involved some lost luggage. Ugh, I arrive! and my soul is just…tired. Chiang Mai airport is a breath of fresh, slightly-less-crazy air. The taxi driver, bless his cotton socks, tries to make small talk, I'm pretty sure he's trying to sell me an elephant ride and I feel so bad but maybe I should give it a go.
Afternoon (Chiang Mai City to Mon Tawan - Road Trip of Doom): The drive to Mon Tawan? Beautiful? Yes. Stomach-churning? Also yes. The roads started winding and I started regretting my pre-trip pad thai feast. Our driver, a gruff but kind Thai man named Panya, seemed utterly unfazed, navigating the hairpin turns with the grace of a seasoned race car driver. I, on the other hand, was clinging to the seat, alternating between "Wow, clouds!" and, uh, hoping I wouldn't lose my lunch.
Late Afternoon (Mon Tawan - Oh. My. GAWD. View.): We arrive at our "glamping" site. I almost choked at the word. Glamping. I am not a glamper, my life is not glamorous, I'm just here, and I'm pretty much in a tent. But, then I saw it. The view. The rolling hills, the sea of clouds, the sunset painting the sky in hues I didn't even know existed… all the fear, all the stress, washed away. I forgot to breathe. I was speechless. I felt so small and yet, so connected. I felt… happy! I felt a pure, unadulterated joy, and I can no longer remember the lost luggage but that is a small price to pay.
Evening (Mon Tawan - Dinner and Stargazing that almost got me lost): Dinner was… well, it was food. Delicious, authentic Thai food, but after the winding roads, my appetite was more of a distant memory. But the stars… the stars were insane. I went for a walk, got completely lost for a terrifying moment. Scared and alone in the darkness, but the stars were like diamonds scattered on a velvet cloth. I finally found my way back, slightly ashamed but overwhelmed.
Day 2: Mon Chaem – More View, More Adventure, and My Own Private Meltdown
Morning (Mon Tawan - Sunrise Serenity…and Mosquitoes): Woke up to the sunrise, which was breathtaking. The air so fresh, the sounds of nature the only sound, oh the bliss… Then, the mosquitoes descended. I felt like a walking buffet. Bug spray quickly became my best friend. I was seriously considering selling all my belongings to this place, but the bugs were pretty rough. Still, the view was worth it.
Mid-Morning (Mon Tawan to Mon Chaem – The Jeep…and My Sanity?): We hired a jeep. Let's just say the "Jeep" was not the most reliable vehicle. The engine sputtered and coughed its way up the mountains, making noises that made my heart hitch in my chest. I had a moment of existential dread. Was I really ready to conquer this place? I'm not sure I was ever ready.
Lunch (Mon Chaem – Eating with a View (and a Side of Regret)): Mon Chaem is a photographer's paradise. Every single angle is Instagram-worthy. We ate at a local restaurant with… you guessed it… another incredible view. The food was good, but the constant stream of people taking selfies? A little draining. I swear, sometimes I get the feeling if everyone is just in a rush to post the pics, not to actually experience it.
Afternoon (Mon Chaem – The Strawberry Farm… and the Tourist Throngs): We went to the strawberry farm. The strawberries were ridiculously tiny, and the whole place was packed with tourists, which I found annoying. I just wanted to experience the moment.
Late Afternoon (Mon Chaem – The Mountain Side): We visited the local hill tribe villages, walking through the village, you could tell the locals weren't exactly thrilled about our presence, and I am not surprised.
Evening (Back to Mon Tawan - Fireside Tales…and Mild Panic): Back at our glamping site, we built a small fire, which, after a couple of tries we were able to get it going. I started feeling homesick, which led to another existential dread, and I started wondering if this trip was worth it. But, as I looked up at the stars, listening to the crackling fire, the peace settled.
Day 3: Farewell, Mountains (and a Promise to Return - eventually)
Morning (Sunrise, Packing, and the Aftermath): More sunrise. More breathtaking views. I actually had a lump in my throat as I packed my bags. This place had gotten under my skin. The air, the views, the simplicity of it all… I was going to miss it.
Mid-morning (The Drive Down - Smooth Sailing (mostly)): The drive down was better than the drive up. Maybe my stomach had adapted… or maybe I was just in denial.
Afternoon (Chiang Mai City): Back in Chiang Mai city, my head was still in the clouds. I was starting to feel a kind of sadness. A kind of "what now?" Then I stopped thinking about it. It was over. I needed to start planning my next adventure.
Evening (Departure - Until Next Time… or Never): I said goodbye to the mountains. It was a bittersweet moment. I still had some baggage, and I might never be the same. But I knew, in my heart, that I would be back. Mon Tawan and Mon Chaem, you beautiful, chaotic, bug-ridden paradise, I'll see you again… someday… maybe.
Final Thoughts (Because Why Not?):
This trip wasn't perfect. I got lost. There were bugs. The jeep nearly died. But it was real. It was messy. It was me. And that's the best kind of adventure, right? So, if you're thinking about going to Mon Tawan and Mon Chaem, go. Just pack bug spray, expect the unexpected, and prepare to have your soul (and your stomach) thoroughly tested. You won't regret it. Probably. Maybe. Okay, definitely. Just go.
Liverpool Studio: City Centre Chic - Unbeatable Location!
Unbelievable Views! ⛰️ Mon Thawan & Mon Jam, Chiang Mai: Your Dream Escape That (Probably) Won't Go Exactly As Planned!
Okay, So... What *Actually* Is Mon Thawan & Mon Jam? More Than Just Pretty Pictures, Right?
Alright, let's cut the crap. You've seen the Instagram pics, the perfectly posed influencers, the *stunning* sunrise shots… and you're thinking, “Sign me up!” Well, yes, it *is* stunning. Mon Thawan and Mon Jam (or "Mon" as they're affectionately called, because who has time for full names?) are these mountain peaks in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Think rolling hills, flower fields, and views that will make your jaw drop… for about five seconds. Seriously. Expect a lot of "Wow, that's pretty," followed by, "Okay, what do we do now?"
Mon Thawan is a little more low-key, maybe a bit more "authentic," if you're into that buzzword. It's like the quiet, slightly shy sibling. Mon Jam, on the other hand? It's the flashy, party-loving one. Packed with restaurants, cafes, and enough photo ops to make your phone spontaneously combust from storage overload. It's a bit… touristy, but hey, sometimes touristy is fun. Just mentally prepare yourself for crowds that might make you want to hide in your hotel room and eat instant noodles. (Which, by the way, isn't a terrible idea, especially after a long hike.)
Best Time to Go? (Because I *Need* That Perfect Sunrise Photo, Obviously)
Oh, the sunrise. The Holy Grail of Mon experiences. They're gorgeous, no doubt. But let me tell you a story… I woke up at the ungodly hour of 4:30 AM, fueled by lukewarm coffee and a misguided sense of adventure. It was cold. Freezing, actually. I trudged up the mountain with a gaggle of other sleep-deprived souls, all vying for the *perfect* spot. And… the sunrise was amazing! For, like, five minutes. Then the clouds rolled in. And then it rained. And then I was grumpy.
So, the *theoretical* best time is during the dry season (November to February), but even then, the weather is unpredictable. Sunrise is always a gamble. Pack layers! Seriously. And a good attitude. The truth is, you can go anytime, and it'll probably be beautiful… *eventually*. Just don't pin all your hopes on that Instagrammable sunrise, or you'll end up as bitter as my coffee that morning.
Getting There: Do I Need a Sherpa? (Asking For A Friend)
No, you don't need a Sherpa. Unless you're really, *really* out of shape. You can get there a few ways. Most people hire a driver or rent a car. Driving yourself is…an experience. The roads are winding, the hills are steep, and the locals drive like they're auditioning for a Fast & Furious movie. I did it, and let me tell you, my knuckles are still white. (Note to self: invest in some driving gloves.)
Taxis or Grab are available, to a point– getting up into the actual Mon areas can be tricky, so probably will require a transfer. Hiring a local driver is probably the most relaxing option. You can arrange a whole day trip and they'll handle the navigation and the crazy roads. Plus, they know the best spots for food, and trust me, you'll need that. After one misadventure that involved a truly terrifying ride on a motorbike taxi up a muddy mountain path, (and my near-death experience) I'm *strongly* advocating for a car and a driver. Unless death by adventure is your thing, then go for it.
Another important travel tip. If you're prone to car sickness, take something! The drive can be a rollercoaster.
Accommodation: Glamping or Bust? (Or, Probably Somewhere In Between)
Ah, accommodation. This is where things get interesting. There's the "glamping" option. Think: stylish tents, comfy beds, and maybe even a private balcony overlooking the… well, the view. Sounds idyllic, right? It is! …Except for the fact that it can get *damn* cold at night. And the "glam" part also usually comes with a higher price tag.
Then there are local homestays, sometimes a bit rustic but with a genuine charm. You'll be closer to the local culture, the food will likely be delicious, and your money will go directly to the community. Just be prepared for simple amenities and possibly a lack of hot water. (Pro tip: embrace the cold shower! It'll wake you up!)
I stayed in a little bungalow once that was *supposed* to be charming. It was… quaint. Let's just say the "en-suite bathroom" shared more space with the spiders than it did with me. It also had a thin wall situation. Hearing the snoring of the guests next door all night gave me quite the character on the other days. I'm all for embracing the local way of life, but sometimes a slightly more comfortable bed is worth the extra baht. Do your research, read the reviews (seriously, *read* the reviews), and choose wisely.
Food, Glorious Food! What Should I Stuff My Face With?
Oh, this is the best part! Thai food, in general, is incredible. And up in the Mon areas, you'll find some real treats. Think: fresh produce, incredible flavors, and portions that will both delight and terrify you.
Get ready for some amazing hot pot. It's the perfect meal for a cold mountain evening. And try the local coffee. It's strong, it's flavorful, and it'll give you the energy you need to climb those hills (or at least take some good photos). Hit up the street food stalls. Everything in Thailand, including the road side restaurants, is good. Just be open, be adventurous, and come hungry! And be careful, because the chili is a real thing.
I once ordered a dish that was advertised as "mildly spicy." Mildly. I nearly burst into flames. My mouth was on fire, my eyes were watering, and I'm pretty sure I saw my life flash before my eyes. (Okay, maybe I'm exaggerating *slightly*). But the point is, ask about the spice levels! Or just embrace the pain. You'll probably regret it, but for the love of good food, you'll have a blast doing so.
What Should I Pack? (Besides My Camera and My Dreams)
Okay, so you've got the camera, the hopes, and the dreams of Instagram fame. But what *else* do you need? Here's the stuff nobody tells you:
- Layers, layers, layers! It can be sunny, then cold, then rainy all in the span of an hour. Pack for all seasons. A light jacket and a scarf are non-negotiable.
- Good walking shoes. You'll be doingSmart Traveller Innsม่อนตะวัน ม่อนแจ่ม Chiang Mai Thailand
ม่อนตะวัน ม่อนแจ่ม Chiang Mai Thailand
