Travel

Hokkaido Flower Park A flower park set against the mountains, with expansive grounds divided into distinct garden sections that reward a slow, considered walk. The centrepiece is a sweeping field of bright pink blooms, anchored by a small house modelled on Japan's Shirakawa-go village. Japanese signage and carefully placed photo spots are dotted along the paths, giving the whole place a gentle sense of being somewhere else entirely. Beautiful in the way that stops you mid-step and makes you look again. Approximately 15 minutes by car from the hotel. We recommend a morning visit when the light is soft and the grounds are at their most peaceful. Tip from the hosts: Move through the smaller garden sections before arriving at the main bloom fields. Saving the best for last makes the moment of arrival considerably more satisfying. .

Mu Si, Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima 30130

0980962938

Nam Phut Natural Spring Ban Tha Chang A natural spring fed by underground water sources that keep it clear and cool throughout the year. The water is calm and inviting, well-suited to a swim or simply sitting with your feet in while the shade does its work. Lush greenery lines the banks, and the atmosphere draws both locals and visitors back with quiet regularity. One of those places that asks very little of you, and gives back considerably more. Approximately 5 minutes by car from the hotel. A good stop for a mid-morning or early afternoon visit, when the light filters through the trees at its best. Tip from the hosts: Bring a picnic. The shaded spots along the banks are made for it, and the setting makes everything taste better. Moo Si Subdistrict, Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province

Moo Si Subdistrict, Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province

Khao Yai National Park A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most significant natural parks in Southeast Asia, sitting just outside the hotel's doorstep. Over 2,000 square kilometres of rainforest, grassland and waterfall country, home to elephants, tigers and an extraordinary range of birdlife including the great hornbill. The trails are well maintained and reward those who move through them with patience. Haew Narok waterfall is among the most visited points in the park, and earns every bit of that reputation. This close to something this vast, it would be a shame not to go. Approximately 5.5 kilometres from the hotel, around 8 minutes by car. We recommend an early start and a full day to do the park proper justice. Tip from the hosts: Head to the grassland areas at dawn or dusk for the best chance of encountering elephants in the open. Bring binoculars if you have them.

PO.9 PakChong, Musi, Pakchong, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand 30130

086-092-6529

Within Khaoyai boasts a unique foreign vibe, with a captivating design concept inspired by Stonehenge, the ancient monument in England.

This stunning café features large stone pillars artistically arranged in circles, with some standing upright, others laid horizontally, and some stacked together, creating an enchanting atmosphere. Located just an 8-minute drive or 5.9 kilometers from Lacol Khaoyai, this one-of-a-kind café is a must-visit stop for travelers looking to experience the charm and creativity of Khaoyai café scene.

488 Moo 12 Ban Tha Chang Tambon Mu Si, Amphoe Pak Chong, Nakhon Ratchasima 30130

099 128 1561

Khao Yai Speedkart A well-maintained go-kart track with enough twists and turns to keep both first-timers and experienced drivers genuinely honest. Safety gear and karts are provided, and the facility takes its standards seriously without taking itself too seriously. Good for families, good for groups, and particularly good for anyone who needs a reminder that friendly competition is still the best kind. One lap is rarely enough. Approximately 6.1 kilometres from the hotel, around 7 minutes by car. Tip from the hosts: Go as a group. The track has a way of bringing out competitive instincts that are best shared with people you know well.

Thanarat Road, Pak Chong, Thailand, Nakhon Ratchasima

08-6660-8060

Khao Yai Art Museum A museum that brings together contemporary and traditional Thai art across a thoughtfully curated programme of exhibitions. Works by both established and emerging artists sit alongside one another with enough range to surprise even those who arrive with expectations. There is genuine curatorial care here, and it shows in how the pieces are presented and how naturally they speak to one another. Take your time moving through it. The works tend to stay with you longer than the visit itself. Approximately 6.2 kilometres from the hotel, around 10 minutes by car. Tip from the hosts: Allow at least two hours. The exhibitions reward a slow look, and there is usually more to discover than first appears.

Ban Tha Chang Soi 6, Moo 16, Mu Si, Pak Chong, Nakorn Rajsima, Thailand, Amphoe Pak Chong, Thailand, Nakhon Ratchasima

081 440 0202

Primo Piazza A Tuscan-inspired village built around cobblestone paths, artisan cafés and boutique shops that sit comfortably against the mountain backdrop of Khao Yai. The mini petting zoo, home to alpacas and sheep, gives families with younger children a natural reason to linger, while the rest of the village rewards a slow wander at any age. There is a lightness to this place that is easy to underestimate on arrival, and equally easy to appreciate once you are in it. A half-day that has a habit of stretching itself into a full one. Approximately 15 minutes by car from the hotel. Tip from the hosts: Stop for coffee before the petting zoo, not after. The alpacas have a way of making everything that follows feel like an afterthought.

200, Primo Piazza Khaoyai, 2, Mu Si, Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima 30130

081 922 9000

Bucolic Khao Yai A family-friendly café set among rolling hills and open greenery, with farm animals roaming freely on site for younger guests to meet at their own pace. The setting is relaxed by nature, and the atmosphere follows suit without any effort. A gentle stop that has a way of becoming a firm favourite with children, and a welcome one for parents who are happy to linger alongside them. Approximately 9.1 kilometres from the hotel, around 7 minutes by car. Tip from the hosts: Let the children lead. The farm animals tend to appear when you least expect them, and that is precisely what makes it memorable.

11 Moo 8 Mu Si, Pak Chong , Nakhon Ratchasima 30450

065 669 5497

Bonanza Exotic Zoo A family-friendly zoo where lions, giraffes and rare bird species can be encountered at genuinely close quarters. Feeding sessions, guided tours and educational shows are woven thoughtfully into the visit, giving younger guests something to engage with at every turn. There is real care here for the animals and for the people who come to meet them. An afternoon that tends to leave children with more questions than they arrived with, and that is no bad thing. Approximately 15 minutes by car from the hotel. Tip from the hosts: Arrive early to catch the animals at their most active, and allow a full half-day to do the zoo proper justice.

236 Moo 11, Thanarat Rd., Tumbon Kanongpra, Pak Chong, Nakhonratchasima, 30130

Midwinter Khao Yai The largest restaurant in the region, housed within a Northern European-style white castle that commits fully to its own ambition. The interior draws inspiration from Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, with décor that creates a world apart from the one outside. The kitchen matches the setting with a menu of serious intent and considered execution. An evening here asks you to dress for the occasion, and rewards you for doing so. Approximately 20 minutes by car from the hotel. We recommend booking well in advance, particularly for weekend evenings when the castle fills quickly. Tip from the hosts: Arrive before dinner to take in the exterior and the grounds while the light is still good. The castle at dusk is a sight worth arriving early for.

88 Moo 10 Thanaratch Rd, Nong Nam Daeng, Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima 30130

082 452 8888

GranMonte Vineyard and Winery Twenty minutes from the hotel, GranMonte has been making wine in the Asoke Valley since 1999, long enough to understand what this particular stretch of land is capable of. The estate is best known for its Viognier and Syrah, both of which have earned recognition well beyond Thailand's borders. Guided tours move through the vineyard with genuine depth, and tastings led by knowledgeable sommeliers give real insight into the craft behind each bottle. The on-site restaurant pairs the wines with cooking that does them justice. A place that takes its work seriously, and makes it very easy to do the same. Approximately 20 minutes by car from the hotel. We recommend arriving in the late morning to allow time for both a tour and a leisurely lunch on the terrace. Tip from the hosts: Ask about the Viognier. It is the wine that best captures what Khao Yai's climate is capable of, and the story behind it is worth hearing.

52 Moo 9 Phayayen, Pak Chong, Thailand, Nakhon Ratchasima

092 806 7755

Toscana Valley A Tuscan-inspired estate set against the green hills of Khao Yai, with mountain views that frame the whole property generously. Among the Khao Yai golf courses worth knowing about, the 18-hole championship course here is one of the most scenic in the region. The spa, fine dining restaurants and boutique shops give non-golfers equal reason to make the trip. The architecture borrows warmly from the Mediterranean and wears it with enough conviction to make you briefly forget where you are. That, in itself, is part of the appeal. Approximately 20 minutes by car from the hotel. A full day here is well spent, with enough to occupy both morning and afternoon without any effort. Tip from the hosts: Book the golf course in advance, particularly on weekends. The tee times fill quickly, and the course is best enjoyed at a relaxed pace.

2 Moo 11, Ban Nenthong Pong Ta Long, Pakchong, Nakhonratchasima 30450

Khao Yai Art Forest An outdoor art space where sculpture gardens and contemporary installations are set within the natural landscape rather than placed against it. Works by Thai and international artists rotate throughout the year, and workshops and cafés give the visit a natural rhythm. There is something quietly affecting about encountering art in open air, with nothing between you and the work but the sound of the forest. Go without a plan. The place will provide one. Approximately 28 minutes by car from the hotel. We recommend a morning visit, arriving early enough to have the installations largely to yourself before the crowds find their way in. Tip from the hosts: Seek out the quieter corners beyond the main sculpture garden. Some of the most considered works are found by those willing to wander a little further.

Open daily 09:00 AM – 17:00 PM

Pong Ta Long, Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima 30130

Sai Sorn Reservoir A quiet reservoir in the Nakhon Ratchasima countryside, where open water, mountain views and lush landscapes stretch out in every direction. Shaded spots along the banks are well-suited to a picnic, or simply sitting with nothing particular to do while the water does its work. The stillness here is genuine rather than curated, and that makes all the difference. A place that returns you to the hotel feeling more restored than when you left. Approximately 35 minutes by car from the hotel. Best visited in the late morning or early afternoon, when the light across the water is at its clearest. Tip from the hosts: Bring more food than you think you need. The setting has a way of extending the appetite, and there is nothing nearby once you arrive.

Khao Yai National Park, Hin Tung, Mueang Nakhon Nayok District, Nakhon Nayok 26000

PB Valley Winery One of Thailand's oldest wineries, established in 1991 across an 800-acre estate in the heart of Khao Yai. The cool climate and fertile soils have proven well-suited to Shiraz, Chenin Blanc and Colombard, all of which the estate has spent three decades refining with patience and purpose. Guided tours move through the vineyard with genuine depth, and the on-site restaurant gives the wines a proper setting to be appreciated in. A place that has had the confidence to let time do the talking, and has earned every year of it. Approximately 25 minutes by car from the hotel. We recommend arriving in the late morning to allow time for a full tour before settling in for lunch. Tip from the hosts: Stay for the tasting session after the tour. The wines make considerably more sense with the story behind them fresh in your mind.102 Moo 5, Phaya Yen, Pak Chong Nakorn Ratchasima 30320

085 4811 741

Farm Chokchai One of the largest dairy farms in Asia, set in the countryside of Pak Chong. Guided tours move through the working operations with genuine depth, giving the visit an educational grounding that never feels like a lesson. A petting zoo offers younger guests time with the animals, while an adventure zone with ATV rides and horseback riding keeps older ones well occupied. The dairy products, made on site and best tried fresh, are a quiet highlight that many visitors do not expect. Leave time for a second scoop on the way out. Approximately 20 minutes by car from the hotel. A half-day is comfortable; a full day is better. Tip from the hosts: The dairy counter near the exit is worth every stop. Try the fresh milk ice cream before you leave.

169 Mu 2, Mittraphap Road, Nong Nam Daeng, Pak Chong, Nakhon Ratchasima 30450 Pak Chong, Nakhon Ratchasima

02 532 2846

Thong Somboon Club An adventure park set within the natural landscape of Pak Chong, with a range of activities that gives a mixed group of ages and temperaments genuine reason to stay all day. Zip-lining, ATV rides and go-karting for those who want some pace, alongside horseback riding and scenic tram tours for a more measured afternoon. The natural setting gives every activity a backdrop that a purpose-built facility rarely manages to replicate. There is enough here to fill a full day comfortably, and still leave something for next time. Approximately 30 minutes by car from the hotel. Tip from the hosts: Start with the more physical activities in the morning while energy is high, and save the tram tour for the afternoon when the light across the landscape is at its warmest.

119, Moo 10, Pak Chong-Hua Lum Road, Pak Chong Sub-District, Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima 30130

04431 2316

Sweet & Green Farm An organic farm cultivating over 70 varieties of vegetables and fruit without chemicals since 2012, set in the natural surroundings of Khao Yai. Visitors are welcome into the fields to pick cherry tomatoes, baby carrots and leafy greens straight from the soil, which gives the whole experience a directness that is both grounding and quietly joyful. Beyond the fields, workshops in gardening, painting and crafts round out the visit with equal care. A farm that takes its responsibilities to the land seriously, and makes that commitment feel like an invitation rather than a lecture. Approximately 17.6 kilometres from the hotel, around 20 minutes by car. A half-day visit is comfortable; families with younger children often find a full day passes naturally. Tip from the hosts: Join one of the harvesting sessions early in the visit. Getting your hands in the soil sets the tone for everything that follows.

Opening Hours: Daily from 08:00 - 17:30

108 Moo 9, Phaya Yen, Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima 30320, Thailand

Namtok Chet Sao Noi National Park A national park in Saraburi province with a seven-tiered waterfall at its heart, descending through dense greenery into clear, cool pools well-suited to swimming. Beyond the waterfall, well-kept trails wind through diverse flora and fauna, with quiet spots along the way for those who simply want to sit by the water and let the sound of it do its work. There is a particular stillness to this park that is difficult to find elsewhere, and harder still to leave behind. Approximately 45 minutes by car from the hotel. We recommend setting aside a full day to explore both the waterfall and the surrounding trails at a comfortable pace. Tip from the hosts: Follow the trail past the main waterfall to reach the upper tiers. Fewer people make it that far, and the reward is considerable.

Moo 9, Ban Kaeng Lu, Muak Lek Sub-district, Muak Lek District, Saraburi Province, 18180

03 634 6586

Khao Yai Panorama Farm A mushroom farm where visitors are welcome to harvest Pink Oyster, Lingzhi and Jew's Ear varieties straight from the source. The farm kitchen turns the day's pick into frappes and fried mushrooms worth trying on the spot, giving the visit a satisfying beginning and end. Genuinely absorbing for curious minds of all ages, and more immersive than most expect going in. Approximately 10 minutes by car from the hotel. Tip from the hosts: Try the mushroom frappe before you leave. It sounds unlikely and tastes better than you would expect.

Moo 6 Khao Yai, Nong Nam Daeng Subdistrict, Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province 30130

Khao Yai Thiang Windmill A quieter corner of the region where windmills turn slowly against open highland views and the pace of things adjusts accordingly. Trails wind through the greenery for those who want to walk, and well-positioned viewpoints offer long, considered sightlines across the countryside. Good for birdwatching, good for photographs, and equally good for doing very little at all. The cool air and the stillness up here have a way of making the drive back feel premature. Approximately 45 minutes by car from the hotel. We recommend a morning visit to catch the mist across the hills before it clears. Tip from the hosts: Walk past the first viewpoint. The further you go, the quieter it becomes, and the views only improve.

Khlong Phai Sikhio Nakhon Ratchasima 30340