Vimannam Resort Petchaburi

[PeteC]

Located on the river in Petchaburi. Horse riding for kids, par 3 small course, kayaks etc. Anyone familiar with it and been there and can give some reviews? Scheduled to go down there with some Thai and Thai/expat families at the end of the month. Pete

Forgot he link: http://www.vimannam.com/ No English even though it has a tab.

[MwD]

Haven't been but if you use google Chrome to view the site, Chrome will translate into English for you.

If you do go down prcscct, can you post a review, as it looks an interesting place to take my kids? Thanks.

[Gail]

Yes please let us know what it's like. Looks like the sort of place my grandchildren would love to go

[PeteC]

OK, will do. Stay tuned. We may stop in HH for a couple of days afterwards as well if we can swing the time. Pete

[PeteC]

OK, now back. First of all the place is totally Thai. You won't see any foreigners there unless they are with Thai partner/friends. No English spoken at all by any staff. Menu is all Thai food, small set breakfast included in the rate consists of rice porridge with pork, small hot dogs, toast, fried egg and coffee. Payment is all by cash and deposits by cash into their bank account. No credit/debit cards at all.

Best way to get there is to follow the map on their web site. It is deceiving a bit as the distances are long. From the left turn after Macro in Petchaburi, it's between 40-50KM back into the hinterland. All of that area in there is called the 'Kaeng Krachan circuit' and consists of miles of roads around the dam and national park. There are other small resorts dotted all throughout the area as well and it appeared that the entire area is a favourite for Thai people. Much nature and wildlife to see and appreciate. The reservoir associated with the dam is massive, but very low. I don't know which communities it serves but the high water mark on the shores and the islands was about 40-45' below top level. There's also a Kaeng Krachan County Club, 36 hole, rate after 1400 hours was 600 for golf and caddy, 500 for cart. Can't report anything more as we were flooded out by a big storm after 8 holes and had to quit. I'm sure regular golfers in HH are familiar with the course.

So, the bottom line of this particular resort and all the others in the area is that they are used as a nighttime base for those exploring the national park, golfing etc. It's also a very good romantic getaway for those so inclined.

This first shot is of the river facing bungalows, with the office/restaurant on the right. These go for 1,900 Baht and there are five of them. There are other bungalows behind in decreasing price range, down to about 1,200. It's a brand new resort and perhaps a bit over priced by about 400 Baht, but it's new, all the equipment is new, and everything works well. Daikin aircon, Hitachi Hot water, Samsung TV's (only Thai channels). Forgot to mention earlier that there is free wireless, but for two days their system couldn't obtain an IP address. If you bring your laptop, bring your cell phone and USB to connect that way.

The par 3 golf course doesn't exist. There is one par 3 hole as seen in the photo. That's the green in the foreground, not really a green but they seem to be trying, but can't keep the sheep off of it. The tee is way in the background and can't really be seen in this shot, in the back corner of the sheep paddock within the white fence.

This is the river and a canal they've dug along side for the kids to swim in. No strong current, no nasties and clean water. The current on the river itself can get quite strong and the level rose about 3' after a thunderstorm while we were there. You can see the safety rope strung across in case an adult is swimming or in a kayak and gets caught in the flow. As far as boating, Kayaks are for adults only and not really for kids unless very skilled. They are kayaks and turn over easily. There are other type rowboats for a peaceful float, but again, recommended kids with adults only.

Here is the gardening staff. The sheep are everywhere during the day. The horses shown and mentioned on their web site are not for riding, just posing for a photo with a child on their back. They say "they're getting too old..."

All in all it's an enjoyable short stay place. The air is pristine and fragrant without a hint of any pollution. Birds and I think monkeys howling at dawn and dusk from the surrounding jungle. We didn't get bitten by any mosquito. No idea how that happened.

It's an adventure land for kids with acres to run in, a stream to play in and near, explore, sheep to chase and feed etc. They all loved it. Best for the child to come with other kids and not just with Mom and Dad IMO, then they're really in their element concerning play. Pete

[PeteC]

.....further, here is some info and maps concerning the Kaeng Krachan National Park area. Pete

http://www.westernforest.org/en/areas/kaeng_krachan.htm

http://www.trekthailand.net/central3/map.html

http://www.trekthailand.net/central3/index.html

http://www.thaiforestbooking.com/np_hom ... 2&npid=113

[migrant]

Thanks Pete!!!