Escape to Paradise: Ban Ratsameethong Homestay Awaits in Rayong!
Escape to Paradise: Ban Ratsameethong Homestay - My Rayong Ramble! (Honest Review + Plea to Book!)
Okay, folks, buckle up. I'm back from a whirlwind trip to Rayong, Thailand, and I’m still trying to process the sheer… stuff… of Ban Ratsameethong Homestay. "Escape to Paradise" they say? Well, let’s just say, paradise, like life, is a little… complicated. But in the best way possible, mostly.
First, the Essentials (Because, Adulting):
- Accessibility: Okay, this is ALWAYS a big one for me (and should be for you too!). The website says there are facilities for disabled guests. I didn't personally test them, but it’s worth confirming with the homestay beforehand. I hate to say, but if you have specific needs, CALL and have a proper chat. Don't rely on the website.
- Internet, Glorious Internet: Yes! Free Wi-Fi in the rooms! (And apparently, in public areas, too, although I spent most of my time hiding in my room, binge-watching Thai dramas. Shhh… don’t judge). Internet [LAN] is also available like your old friend.
- Cleanliness & Safety (Because, 2024): Look, I’m a bit of a germaphobe, so I was watching everything. The homestay seems to take things seriously. Hand sanitizer everywhere, staff masked up, and signs everywhere. They use anti-viral cleaning products. They even offer room sanitization opt-out, which is a nice touch (I opted in, obviously.) Daily disinfection? Check. Individually-wrapped food options? Check. Rooms sanitized between stays? Double check. They claim professional-grade sanitizing services. They even have a sterile kitchen. I feel pretty safe though.
The "Stuff to Do" (or, “How I Spent My Days Avoiding Reality”):
- Ways to Relax: Okay, THIS is where Ban Ratsameethong shines. Forget your usual humdrum hotels. This place is built for chillaxing. They have a pool with a view. And I mean a really good one. I didn't try the spa, but I saw people getting massages and, honestly, they looked like they'd reached peak zen. They have a sauna and a steam room to further chill. There is a foot bath. I also saw a fitness center, but, let's be honest, my fitness center is the mini-bar.
- What About a Body Scrub? It appears to be on offer!
- For the Kids: "Family/child friendly" they say. I didn't travel with ankle-biters, so I can only say that they have "kids facilities" and "babysitting service". I'd double check the details if you're bringing the mini-me's.
The Food, Glorious Food (And My Stomach's Adventure):
- Dining, Drinking & Snacking: Okay, this is where my memory gets a little… fuzzy. The homestay has: restaurants, a bar, a poolside bar. They have Asian cuisine and International cuisine, and they do a buffet and A la carte in the restaurant. They have got everything! I had a killer dessert at the coffee shop. I saw vegetarian restaurant sign but did not try it.
- Breakfast: Yes, Western breakfast, Asian breakfast! They offer both, just tell them what you want.
The Extras & Conveniences (The “Little Things That Make a Difference”):
- Services and Conveniences: They have the usual suspects: Air conditioning in public area, daily housekeeping, concierge. They got a convenience store on site. It has the usual suspects: Air conditioning in public area, daily housekeeping, concierge, laundry service.
- Getting Around: They have car parking [free of charge] and Airport transfer.
- CCTV in common areas: Yep.
My Room: The Fortress of Solitude (with a Few Quirks):
- Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, alarm clock, bathrobes, bathroom phone, bathtub, blackout curtains, carpeting, closet, coffee/tea maker, complimentary tea, daily housekeeping, desk, extra long bed, free bottled water, hair dryer, high floor, in-room safe box, interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, ironing facilities, laptop workspace, linens, mini bar, mirror, non-smoking, on-demand movies, private bathroom, reading light, refrigerator, safety/security feature, satellite/cable channels, scale, seating area, separate shower/bathtub, shower, slippers, smoke detector, socket near the bed, sofa, soundproofing, telephone, toiletries, towels, umbrella, visual alarm, wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], window that opens.
- The Good: My room was pristine. The bed? Heaven. The blackout curtains were essential for my afternoon naps. The coffee/tea maker was God-sent. The complimentary tea was a nice touch.
- The Quirks: The mini-bar was stocked. And very tempting. I may have spent a good portion of my budget on snacks I didn't need. There was a minor soundproofing issue It was minor, it was only the chickens.
The Verdict (Finally!):
Ban Ratsameethong Homestay? It ain't perfect. Nothing is. But it's got soul. It's got charm. It's the kind of place you go to escape, to recharge, to maybe even find yourself (or at least, find a really good massage).
My Biggest Recommendation (and Plea!):
Book it! Seriously, book it now!
This is not just a hotel. It's a place to be. It gives a chance to recharge, to forget about the world.
(And here's the deal, because you know I'm always trying to weasel a good discount):
Special Offer Exclusive to You, My Beloved Reader!
Book your stay at Ban Ratsameethong Homestay today and get:
- A complimentary cocktail at the poolside bar (my treat, virtually!)
- A late checkout (because you'll never want to leave!)
- A free upgrade (maybe, if you're lucky and charm the front desk like I did!)
Why did I write this? Because I like your company. Because Rayong is stunning. Because Ban Ratsameethong Homestay, despite its occasional quirks, is a genuine slice of paradise. And because I’m a sucker for a good deal!
Click this link (or find one on the interwebs) and book your escape today. You won't regret it!
Escape to Paradise: Lafeya Oasis Awaits in Abuja
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's perfectly-manicured travel itinerary. This is me, finally escaping to Ban Ratsameethong Homestay in Rayong, Thailand, and you’re coming along for the messy, glorious ride. Prepare for sand in your sandals, sunburns, and a whole lot of questionable decisions.
Ban Ratsameethong Homestay: Operation "Chill the Heck Out" (and maybe eat some really good food).
Day 1: Arrival - The Great Mango Sticky Rice Omen
- Morning (Okay, more like late morning): Flight delayed. Surprise, surprise. Let's blame the coffee I chugged before, and the plane was late. Finally touch down in U-Tapao Rayong-Pattaya International Airport (which sounds way fancier than it is, but hey, it's close enough!). My bag, of course, takes a scenic route around the baggage carousel before finally appearing. (Side note: why are suitcases always the last to arrive? They're supposed to be carrying the important stuff, like emergency snacks and extra socks in case of… what, a sock emergency?)
- Afternoon: Taxi ride to Ban Ratsameethong. The driver is a lovely old man who clearly hasn’t updated his playlist since the 90s. We blast to some Thai pop. The lush greenery blurs past, and I officially feel a huge shift away from the day to day stress of work.
- Check-in & Immediate Freak-Out (of the good kind): The homestay is even more charming than the pictures. Seriously, Instagram lied. In a good way. Lush gardens, little wooden bungalows, the scent of frangipani hanging thick in the air. I'm already picturing myself lounging in a hammock for the next week.
- Evening (a.k.a. the Mango Sticky Rice Revelation): Found a tiny little restaurant down the road. The menu is all handwritten, which is always a good sign. Then, the mango sticky rice appeared. Oh. My. Sweet. Lord. This isn't just dessert; it's a religious experience. The creamy coconut milk, the perfectly ripe mango, the sticky rice… I practically inhaled it. I vow to eat this every single day. (And maybe learn how to make it myself… though I doubt I'll ever replicate this perfection.) My initial reaction to that dish was so strong I decided to order another one right after.
Day 2: Beach Bumming and the Perils of Sunscreen Application (or, Me vs. The Sun)
- Morning: Okay, so maybe I slept in. And maybe I skipped breakfast. But hey, I’m on vacation! Wander down to the beach. The sand is white, the water is turquoise. The sun is… intense.
- Mid-Morning: Sunscreen. I thought I applied enough. I was wrong. Very, very, very, wrong. (Note to self: buy shares in aloe vera. This is going to be a LONG day.) This is where I would give a tip on sunscreen. But it's probably too late for myself.
- Lunch: Found a little beach shack with tables on the sand. Ordered some fresh seafood (because, duh). The grilled fish was amazing, but I forgot to ask if they would take the fish bones. I had to pick them manually.
- Afternoon: More beach. More burn. More regret. Tried to read a book, but I spent most of the time staring wistfully at the ocean and fantasizing about the shady haven of my bungalow.
- Evening: Dinner at the homestay restaurant. Talk about convenience. The food is genuinely delicious. Had the papaya salad. The fish. The pad thai. The food is just fantastic.
Day 3: Exploring the Island (and Maybe Getting a Little Lost)
- Morning: Renting a scooter. This will get me out into the island. I thought. I looked at the map and thought I knew what to do. Should have known better.
- Mid-Morning: Getting lost. Spectacularly, gloriously lost. The roads are winding, the signs are in Thai (shocker). Ended up on a dirt track that looked like it hadn’t seen a vehicle in a century. Took some photos. Then I made my way back.
- Lunch: Found a small restaurant somewhere on the island. The food was good. Enjoyed the views of the island.
- Afternoon: Still wandering around. This time I managed to get to a beach and a temple. Took some pictures.
- Evening: Back to the homestay. I really wanted to meet up with the owner but I couldn't talk with him after being lost.
Day 4: The Art of Doing Absolutely Nothing
- Morning: Hammmock. Book. Sunscreen. The holy trinity of relaxation. Finally manage to get through more than three chapters of my book.
- Afternoon: More hammock time, some swimming in the delightfully warm sea. The water just looks pristine. I feel like I am at peace.
- Evening: Another amazing dinner at the homestay. This time I am going to try to cook something myself with the assistance of the owner (if I can get a hold of him).
Day 5: The Cooking Class Catastrophe (and the Unexpected Joys of Failure)
- Morning: Finally, the cooking class! I, the culinary genius (in my own mind, at least), am going to learn how to make authentic Thai food. I'm pumped.
- Mid-Morning: We start with the basics. The owner, bless his soul, tries to explain things in English. But my knife skills are… let’s just say they need work. My tom yum soup tastes more like dishwater with a hint of spice.
- Afternoon: We move on to the pad thai. I, however, am a failure. My noodles are a clump, my sauce is too sweet, my chicken is… well, I'm not even sure what it is, but it definitely doesn't resemble chicken.
- Evening: Dinner. We failed the cooking class. But hey, the memories are good.
Day 6: The Return of the Mango Sticky Rice and Last-Minute Souvenir Scramble
- Morning: My very last mango sticky rice. I savor every single bite, committing the exact flavor to memory.
- Afternoon: Souvenir shopping. Because I don’t want to buy anything beforehand.
- Evening: Last dinner. A moment of sadness. I don't want to leave.
Day 7: Farewell (For Now!)
- Morning: Sigh. Pack up my belongings. Say goodbye to this paradise.
- Afternoon: The journey back to the airport. A moment of sadness.
- Evening: Boarding the plane. I might be sunburned and my cooking skills are appalling, but I'll carry this place in my heart until next time.
This, my friends, is just a taste of my Ban Ratsameethong adventure. It's a little messy, a little chaotic, and filled with moments of pure, unadulterated joy. And that, my friends, is what a truly unforgettable trip is all about. Now, who wants a mango sticky rice recipe? (Just kidding. I clearly need more practice.)
My Little Pig Home: Your Dream Da Nang Villa Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Ban Ratsameethong – Your Rayong Homestay Shenanigans!
Okay, so "Paradise"... is that a bit much? Is Ban Ratsameethong *actually* paradise?
Alright, let's be honest. "Paradise" is a BIG word. It's like promising you a unicorn, a pot of gold, and a lifetime supply of ice cream all rolled into one. Ban Ratsameethong... it's *close*, though. Think, like, "Paradise's chill cousin who's really good at cooking spicy noodles and knows all the best nap spots."
Look, it's not going to be a perfectly manicured resort with robot butlers. (Thank GOD, I hate robot butlers). It's more... *authentic*. It's that feeling when you finally peel off your too-tight jeans after a long day, sink into a comfy chair, and breathe a sigh of pure, unadulterated RELIEF. Its a haven, with a heart, and a whole lotta delicious food smells wafting from the kitchen.
My personal experience? Well, I arrived utterly *fried* from the city. Traffic, deadlines, the incessant hum of the modern world… Within, oh, I don't know, *minutes* of arriving, I was already shedding layers of anxiety. I'm not saying I sprouted wings and started speaking Thai to the chickens (though... tempting!), but I *felt* a massive weight lift. That's probably as close to "paradise" as I'm ever going to get, and it was exactly what I needed.
The food! I hear it's amazing. Spill the (green curry) beans!
Oh. My. GOD. The food. Buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to enter a food coma zone you won't want to escape from. Forget dieting. Forget anything remotely resembling "healthy eating." Just surrender to the glorious, fragrant, chili-infused onslaught of deliciousness prepared by the hosts. It’s a religious experience, truly.
The rumors are TRUE. The green curry is legendary. The seafood is fresh-from-the-sea kinda fresh. I'm talking... *ocean-kissed*, practically. And the fruit? Mangos so sweet they'll make you question every mango you've ever had before. It's like your tastebuds have finally found *home*.
I still dream about the morning I spent there, it was absolutely heavenly. I ordered a whole fish, pan-fried to crispy, juicy perfection, and ate it with sticky rice while overlooking the ocean. Okay, there was a minor incident involving a rogue coconut and an overzealous crab, but it only added to the charm! And the memories of that fish and the sunset? Seriously, culinary bliss, I swear.
What's the vibe? Is it for everyone?
Vibe check time! Imagine stepping into your cool aunt’s house… the cool aunt who *actually* knows how to throw an amazing party. That's kind of the energy at Ban Ratsameethong. It's laid-back, welcoming, and utterly unpretentious. It's the kind of place where you can roll out of bed, still half-asleep, and nobody judges you for it.
Now, is it for everyone? Probably not. If you're the type who needs 24/7 room service, a heated pool, and absolute silence, this might not be your jam. If you are the type of person that is looking for absolute silence, probably best if you stay in your hotel room. You're missing out on the charm of the experience. It is a homestay, after all, so expect a little bit of interaction.
The "homestay" part is key. You're not just a guest; you're *part* of the family (in a completely non-creepy way). You'll probably end up chatting the hosts, maybe even learning a few Thai phrases. And if you're lucky, you might even get invited to join a family meal. The key words are: "easy going", "open-minded", and "willing to embrace the imperfection."
Can I get away with speaking only English? I'm terrified of languages.
Okay, breathe. Deep breaths. English is spoken at Ban Ratsameethong, but don't expect fluency. You'll likely be able to communicate fine, but a little Thai will go a long way! A few basic phrases – "Hello", "Thank you", "Delicious!" – are always appreciated.
The hosts are used to dealing with visitors, so they are patient and willing to help you with whatever needs you have. They are also wonderful people and are quite understanding. They had a whole language barrier of their own to face, so a little effort on your part goes a long way, but by no means should you worry about a language barrier being a *huge* problem.
Listen, I'm hopeless with languages. But even *I* managed to fumble my way through a few conversations. And trust me, if I can do it, so can you. Just relax, smile, and be willing to laugh at yourself. And if all else fails, point, gesture, and hope for the best! It's all part of the adventure.
What's there to *do* besides eating? I'm a restless soul!
Oh, honey. You'll be plenty occupied. But let's be realistic. The main activity at Ban Ratsameethong is *chilling*. And that's okay! Embrace the relaxation.
Beyond that, there's swimming in the ocean (it’s right there!), sunbathing, and maybe some beachcombing. There are nearby beaches perfect for some relaxing, such as Laem Mae Phim Beach or Suan Son Beach.
You can also rent a motorbike and explore the surrounding area. Just remember to wear a helmet! Or you can go for a scenic boat tour, visit the local mangroves, wander around the vibrant local markets, and try all types of local foods there. Some of the best memories come from the unplanned activities, so my advice is to be open-minded.
I'm a bit of a germaphobe. What's the cleanliness situation like?
Right, let's get this out of the way: this isn't a sterile hospital environment. It's a homestay, which means it has a lived-in feel. It's clean, don't get me wrong. It's not grimy, but if you're expecting the hyper-sanitized experience of a five-star hotel, adjust your expectations… *immediately*.
The rooms are comfortable and well-maintained, with fans and/or air conditioning. The linens were clean, the bathrooms were functional, you likely won't be facing issues. No need to bring a hazmat suit, I promise! They do need a deep clean every year, so they are a little bit outdated, but nothing that will deter your stay.
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