“Lala Mukha Tented Resort”:http://lalamukha.com/ is located on the edge of Thailand’s Khao Yai National Park.
On arrival, the ability to multi-task was required. Whilst trying to enjoy the welcome drink, we had to produce passports and credit card, complete a form and accept a torch and small bag, whilst trying to listen to, and take in, a rapid and complicated explanation about the bag contents. There were insect repellent wipes, swipe cards for the two security gates, an unusual gizmo to operate the tent padlock, an information card with meal times and ear plugs. Bearing in mind our location, I asked if the latter were necessary and was told there might be noisy dogs or birds!
We felt exhausted and were grateful there was a golf buggy to transport us and our luggage through the extensive grounds to tent 207 (one of 31, although there were also some interesting looking family tree houses).
Our spacious tent looked impressive but lacked design, lighting and shelving and we ended up using a large leather sofa for our clothes. The safe needed its batteries replacing, but on the plus side a mini bar was stacked with complimentary soft drinks with snacks and tea and coffee making facilities were available. There was a TV, ceiling fan and air conditioning and the double bed was large and comfortable.
The large bathroom had towels for the pool and bathroom, bath robes and slippers. There was a large circular shower and hot water which was reasonably powerful.
There were two chairs on the deck which allowed us to enjoy views of the distant scenery, extensive grounds and large central lake. To reach reception, you had to walk either a long way around (the route taken by the golf buggy) or cross a hanging bridge, which was beautifully lit at night, but which had a serious wobble to it. As there was no telephone in the room, if you wanted to ask a question, or report the faulty safe, it was a trek. Although there were a couple of outdoor fire pits surrounded by chairs they weren’t lit during our stay.
Dinner was available from 7pm either in an enclosed air-conditioned restaurant area, a covered patio or under the stars. Service on our three nights was variable: on the first night we waited so long for our food, we were given a 10% discount, whilst on the second it was excellent mainly due to a change in personnel. The menu was mainly Thai with dishes like beef in oyster sauce, chicken with cashew nuts and massaman curry. However, the food was as variable as the service, and we enjoyed some dishes much more than others.
Breakfast was a splendid affair. There was fruit, yoghurt in jars, cereals, cold meats and salads, hot English food, an egg chef and then a good selection of hot Thai dishes including stir fries and noodles. It was all self-service, including the tea and coffee and a good selection of pastries and biscuits. One day we had an early morning park visit and took a picnic breakfast. This consisted of scrambled egg (which was cold by the time we ate it), horrific looking frankfurter sausages, two squares of cold ham and a pot of tomato sauce, three mini Danish pastries with a pot of jam and water.
There was a beautiful infinity swimming pool with loungers at the side and in the shallow end of the water. Unfortunately, when we had free time, the weather wasn’t great.
As the camp is within a couple of hours drive from Bangkok, it’s popular with Thai families at weekends which you may want to avoid.
