Unbelievable MiLa Thapae: Chiang Mai's Hidden Gem (Old City Oasis!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to drop some serious truth bombs about Unbelievable MiLa Thapae, the supposed "Hidden Gem" in Chiang Mai's Old City. And yeah, I'm gonna be honest, I'm still processing the whirlwind of emotions this place unleashed. Prepare for a review that's less polished, more… me.
First Impressions (and a near-disaster with the luggage?): The "Unbelievable" part? Well, it’s a bit of a stretch. Let’s just say my expectations were sky-high, fueled by those perfectly curated Instagram shots. Getting there was a breeze – thanks to their airport transfer (a solid, if not particularly thrilling, service). Now, the accessibility situation… I'm not in a wheelchair but I know people who are and this place just seems (more later) to be mostly accessible. Elevator, ramps, the usual suspects. This is just based on observation, mind you, and I did see a note on the website, but I don't want to make any definitive statements about accessibility because I'm not an expert in that area. Important: Check their website or call them directly for the nitty-gritty on wheelchair accessibility if that's a key concern.
Check-in? Smooth… mostly. Contactless is the name of the game, which I appreciated. Faster is better, especially after a long flight. But the luggage? Well, let's just say there was a moment where I thought my carefully curated suitcase, the one containing my essential vacation kit (read: all my favorite clothes), was going to end up somewhere completely different. Thankfully, all’s well that ends well.
The Oasis (and the Wi-Fi…oh, the Wi-Fi!): Okay, so the "Old City Oasis" part? That's more accurate. Step inside, and the hustle and bustle of Chiang Mai does melt away. Think lush greenery, a serene vibe…you feel the relaxation creeping in. They boast free Wi-Fi in all rooms (YES!), in public areas (duh!), and a LAN connection if you're feeling old-school. Now, the Wi-Fi - it's important. I am extremely reliant on the internet. I mean, I work online, so a bad connection is a nightmare. Thankfully, the Wi-Fi held up pretty well. I worked remotely, did Zoom calls, without any major issues. (praise be!)
Room Review. Listen, my room was decent, very very clean, I also liked the daily housekeeping. The "Unbelievable" part? Perhaps, the view wasn’t quite postcard-worthy (I got a side view of…a wall. Ah well). Features in rooms, like a mini bar, hair dryer, refrigerator, desk, oh you know the usual. No complaints. The air conditioning blasted, thank god. The blackout curtains were a godsend, and the bed was fairly comfortable. Okay, okay, maybe not unbelievable, but definitely comfortable enough to lull me into a deep, well-deserved sleep every night. I particularly liked the additional things like free bottled water, and complimentary tea and coffee.
Food Glorious Food (and the lingering taste of adventure!) This is where MiLa really shines, in my opinion. The breakfast buffet? Yes, please! (and a buffet in the restaurant). A good mix of Western and Asian options and a coffee shop. The Asian options were spectacular – the Khao Soi was the best I had in Chiang Mai. The staff was very good about allergies, and I heard a few people ask about alternative meal arrangements. Seriously, this place is a foodie's (and a picky eater's) paradise. Shout-out to the Poolside Bar for keeping my cocktail game strong all day (and through happy hour). I even ordered room service a couple of times, because hey - I'm on vacation and I can.
Pool and Wellness: Getting My Zen On (or attempting to!)
- Swimming Pool: Yup. Beautiful outdoor pool (with a view!) and a total sanctuary. Spent a lot of time there, reading and soaking up the sun. Honestly, it was heavenly – a good way to relax.
- Spa: Now, THIS is where the relaxation kicked into high gear. I indulged in a massage (bliss), a body wrap (felt like a new person), and a sauna. The spa staff are incredibly skilled. The sauna was an awesome experience. Highly recommend!
- Fitness Center: Didn't use it, but it was there, and looked well-equipped. So, if you're into working out on vacation, go for it.
Cleanliness and Safety: The New Normal (Thank Heavens!) Big kudos to MiLa for taking COVID seriously. They’ve got all the hygiene certifications, professional-grade sanitizing services, staff trained in safety protocol, and a whole arsenal of anti-viral cleaning products. I noticed physical distancing of at least 1 meter, hand sanitizer everywhere, rooms sanitized between stays. Honestly, it made me feel safe and secure, which is a massive relief when you're traveling.
Things to Do (and Avoiding Tourist Traps): MiLa is perfectly situated in the heart of the Old City. Easy access to temples, markets, and everything. But, here's the thing: don't just stick to the tourist trail! The concierge was helpful in directing me to some local gems, some hidden away restaurants and bars. There's a lot more to Chiang Mai than meets the eye, and MiLa’s location makes it easy to explore.
Services and Conveniences (and the little things that make a difference): Laundry service, luggage storage, a gift shop, even currency exchange - they've got it all. They also provided an invoice, which was also good. I didn't use the babysitting service, but it's a great option for families. And the staff, they were friendly, helpful, and always went the extra mile.
My Biggest Takeaway (and the slight tinge of melancholy): Unbelievable MiLa Thapae isn't perfect. It's not some flawless utopia. But it is a genuinely lovely place to stay. It's comfortable, impeccably clean, and the staff are fantastic. While the "Unbelievable" part might be a tad overblown, it’s a great place to base yourself.
My Quirky Observations (because why not?)
- Observed: A few couples, a few families, various travelers.
- The pillows were great.
- The hot water was reliably hot.
- I saw a shrine on the property – a nice touch.
The Imperfections:
- The view from one specific room. Let’s be honest.
- I did see that there was a smoking area, I don't smoke, so that didn't affect.
- Nothing major, just minor niggles.
My Emotional Verdict: I left MiLa feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and slightly heartbroken to leave. It quickly became a sanctuary for me, a place to escape the craziness of the world.
The Unbelievable Offer (for MY readers):
Ditch the Ordinary, Embrace the Oasis!
Are you craving an escape from the everyday? Do you dream of exploring the vibrant heart of Chiang Mai while indulging in luxurious comfort? Then Unbelievable MiLa Thapae is calling your name.
Here’s the deal: Book your stay with us through this link and receive a complimentary welcome drink at our poolside bar. Plus, a generous discount on a spa treatment of your choosing and free breakfast during your stay! And to make your stay extra special, we also offer a late check-out (subject to availability).
Why Choose Unbelievable MiLa Thapae?
- Prime Location: Explore the Old City's wonders right from your doorstep.
- Serene Oasis: Escape the chaos and immerse yourself in tranquility.
- Delicious Delights: Savor delectable cuisine at our restaurants and poolside bar.
- Unparalleled Comfort: Relax in clean rooms with amazing amenities and amenities and all the necessary tools to work.
- Safety First: We prioritize your well-being with meticulous hygiene measures.
Book your escape today! Visit [Insert Link Here] and use the promo code "YOURNAME" (for the complimentary drink! (and my discount ;) )”
Don’t wait another moment… your Chiang Mai adventure awaits!
Lombok's Hidden Gem: 93524 Bagas Homestay Paradise Near DWH!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your sanitized, perfectly-curated Instagram itinerary. We're diving headfirst into the delicious, sticky, sometimes-smelly reality of MiLa Thapae and the Chiang Mai Old City. Get ready for a bumpy ride (just like the tuk-tuks!).
Chiang Mai Mess-Up: A Whirlwind Tour (and Maybe a Nap or Two)
Day 1: Arrival, Confusion, and the Quest for Pad Thai Nirvana
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX). Okay, first impressions? Hot. Like, "wishing-I-hadn't-packed-all-this-wool" hot. Finding the taxi stand was a chaotic ballet of pointing and broken English. Managed to locate a driver willing to take me to MiLa Thapae. Praying the air conditioning works.
- 2:00 PM: Check-in at MiLa Thapae. The place is charming… in a slightly-faded-glory kind of way. The lobby smells vaguely of jasmine and old books. My room? Let's just say it's "cozy." And by cozy, I mean, "I-hope-I-don't-trip-over-my-suitcase-again-in-the-middle-of-the-night."
- 2:30 PM - 3:30PM: The best part: After getting checked-in, I put on my bathing suit and went to the pool for a swim. The pool was the perfect temperature, and it was just what I needed.
- 3:30 PM: The "OMG-I'm-in-Thailand" moment. Wandered through the Old City getting hopelessly turned around. Seriously, those narrow lanes! Google Maps is useless, I swear. Found a temple (Wat Phra Singh) by accident, because I was so lost. Gilded stupas and chanting monks…it was actually pretty beautiful, despite my initial grumpiness.
- 5:00 PM: The Pad Thai Mission. Heard about the legendary street food scene, so I decided to find the perfect Pad Thai. This became my obsession. Tried three different stalls, each one a gamble. The first one was okay, the second one was…a bit too sweet. The third? FINALLY! Sticky noodles, a hint of chili, that perfect balance of sweet, sour, and savory. Bliss. Almost wept with joy. Note: I might have ordered seconds. And perhaps a third. Don't judge me. Also, the lady running the third stall winked at me like she knew my joy.
- 7:00 PM: Night Market. Strolled through the night bazaar. Holy. Cow. So many vendors! So many things I don't need but suddenly must have! Ended up with a ridiculous pair of elephant pants. No regrets. Except maybe the feeling of being a complete tourist.
- 9:00 PM: Back at MiLa Thapae. Collapsed on the bed, elephant pants on, still buzzing from the pad thai. Tried to read, but the jet lag won.
- 10:00 PM: Asleep, dreaming of Pad Thai and ancient temples.
Day 2: Temples, Tigers, and the Agony of the Tuk-Tuk
- 8:00 AM: Woke up feeling surprisingly good, especially considering the Pad Thai marathon. Breakfast in the hotel - a decent enough attempt at Western food. I should have had the Thai food.
- 9:00 AM: Explored more temples. Wat Chedi Luang was impressive, although the size of the ruins felt a little overwhelming. My feet are screaming.
- 10:30 AM: Found a little shop for the morning: A very cute little cafe for a coffee fix--The coffee wasn't the greatest but the place was very beautiful.
- 11:30 AM: Okay, here's the controversial part. Tiger Kingdom. I know, I know, "animal cruelty," "exploitative," etc. But the tiger cub was just so damn cute. And the handlers seemed genuinely to care for the tigers. Felt a little conflicted. Taking a photo with a tiger felt weird. Okay, extremely weird. But I did it. And now I have the pictures to remember it.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at a random restaurant recommended by a tuk-tuk driver. Big mistake. The food was bland, and the service was slow. Learned a valuable lesson: Never fully trust a driver who's trying to sell you something.
- 2:30 PM: The Great Tuk-Tuk Duel. Trying to get back to MiLa Thapae. The tuk-tuk drivers are sharks. Negotiating prices is a blood sport. Got taken for a ride (literally and figuratively) on a ridiculously overpriced trip. Vowed to learn some basic Thai phrases, and to never, ever haggle when I'm hangry.
- 4:00 PM: Tried to rest, but the city noise was too loud. Found a quiet cafe with air conditioning and drank iced coffee.
- 6:00 PM: Cooking class! This was amazing. Learned to make green curry, pad see ew, and sticky rice with mango. My green curry was a masterpiece (patting myself on the back). This one was so so good, i can't wait to recreate the dish.
- 8:00 PM: Enjoying a quiet dinner at a nice restaurant in the hotel.
Day 3: Art, Markets, and the Quest for the Perfect Smoothie
- 9:00 AM: Soaking up the morning sun in the MiLa Thapae garden.
- 10:00 AM: Visited a local art gallery. Found some paintings that felt like they were speaking to my soul. Even though I could not afford any of them.
- 11:30 AM: The Sunday Walking Street Market. A sensory explosion! Everything you could ever imagine (and things you can't imagine). Street art, incense, crafts, and food galore.
- 1:00 PM: The Smoothie Saga. The search for the perfect tropical smoothie began. Mango, pineapple, banana…each stall promised paradise. Tried three different ones. The first was too watery, the second was too icy, and the third! The holy grail! Thick, creamy, and bursting with flavor. I might have kissed the vendor.
- 2:00 PM: Browsing the shops for souvenirs.
- 3:00PM: A massage to give my body rest from all the walking.
- 5:00 PM: Climbed the road to the top of Doi Suthep (again). The view is breathtaking, but the journey is a killer.
- 7:00 PM: Exploring more shops.
- 8:00 PM: Enjoying a final dinner.
- 9:00 PM: Packing up to go home.
Day 4: Departure
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast.
- 9:00 AM: Taking a taxi trip back to the airport.
- 11:00 AM: Fly home.
- 12:00 PM: Back to my old boring life.
This is more of a sketch than a rigid plan. Embrace the chaos, get lost, eat everything, and don't be afraid to feel all the feels. Thailand will be a journey!
Escape to Tuscany: Stunning San Vincenzo Apartment with Terrace & Parking!
1. Okay, so... Unbelievable MiLa Thapae? Seriously? What IS it, exactly? And why the dramatic name?
Alright, settle down, drama queen! Okay, so it's *technically* a guesthouse/hostel situation smack-dab in Chiang Mai’s Old City. But honestly? It’s more like stumbling into a slightly chaotic, but totally loving, family. The rooms are… well, let's just say they have character. Think well-worn wooden floors, possibly a ceiling fan that occasionally squeaks like a dying elephant, and the faint scent of incense and… well, sometimes just life, you know? The "Unbelievable" part? That’s probably because after you've been there a day, you're seriously wondering how somewhere so utterly *unpretentious* can be so damn charming. It’s NOT a luxury resort, people. Expect real, expect friendly, and expect to feel like you've found your own little corner of magic. Trust me on this.
2. Is it *really* in the Old City? Like, *inside* the walls?
Yup! You're *smack* in the middle of the Old City, baby! Seriously, you can wander out the door, take a few steps, and bam! You’re surrounded by ancient temples, bustling markets, and more street food than your stomach can handle. Think about it: you can walk around the moat in the morning, get lost wandering ancient temples, and eat the best Khao Soi you've ever tasted just… outside your door. It’s a dream!
3. Who runs the place? Are they... normal?
Oh, the hosts! They're the heart and soul of MiLa. There’s MiLa herself, and then often other family members and friends floating around. They’re anything BUT normal. They are kind, quirky, and utterly unforgettable. Be prepared for a hug when you arrive, and if you’re lucky, maybe a late-night chat about life, the universe, and everything. They're the kindest, most genuine people... though I still remember the time I tried to help MiLa cook dinner, and it basically ended in her gently shooing me out of the kitchen with a laugh. My cooking skills are clearly a work in progress, apparently. They embody the spirit of Thai hospitality. Seriously, you'll feel like you've known them for years.
4. Can you give me a REAL breakdown of the room situation? Are we talking luxury, or… bunkbeds and a fan?
Okay, be warned: this is NOT the Ritz-Carlton. Think more like… charmingly rustic. They have a range of rooms, from dorms with, yes, bunkbeds, to private rooms with attached bathrooms. Some have AC, some have fans. The beds are comfortable enough (I actually slept *really* well, which is saying something), and the bathrooms are clean. Honestly? The "charm" is what sells it. It's that lived-in feeling, that sense of history, that makes it special. Don't expect shiny and new. *Do* expect character and a place to crash after getting lost in a temple. If you are obsessed with perfect hotels? Then MiLa is not for you. Go somewhere else. But you will then be missing out.
5. Speaking of rooms, what if I HATE the room I get? Can I switch?
Ah, the age-old question! Okay, this is where "unbelievable" can sometimes lean towards "slightly… improvisational." I was once given a room that, shall we say, was a *little* smaller than advertised. I think it was supposed to be for *one* person and I was sharing it with my bags. I politely asked if there was another room available, and MiLa, with a huge smile, started making calls. It all worked out fine, but… let's just say flexibility is key. If you ask, the chances are MiLa will do her best. Just, you know, be nice. Treat people with kindness. It goes a long way.
6. What's the food situation? Is there a restaurant? Breakfast?
They don't have a proper restaurant, per se, but they usually make a simple and delicious breakfast(often included in the low price!), think fresh fruit, toast, maybe some eggs. Sometimes they'll whip up a batch of amazing fried rice. The magic, however, is that MiLa often has a communal feel. You might find yourself sharing a meal, swapping stories, with other travelers. And as I’ve mentioned, you’re basically surrounded by street food heaven. Don't be afraid to get adventurous and try everything! Just… maybe avoid the questionable-looking meat skewers after a few Chang beers. Trust me on this.
7. What's the vibe like? Is it a party hostel? Quiet and peaceful? Something in between?
Definitely not a party hostel. Think more… chilled and friendly. It's a great place to meet other travelers, but it's also a peaceful haven. You can relax in the common areas, read a book, or just chat with the other guests. It depends on the people there at the time, really. Sometimes, it's all quiet chats. Other times someone might have a guitar. But in general, it's a place to recharge. A place to escape. A place to just… *be*. It's absolutely perfect for solo travelers or those who are looking for a more authentic experience.
8. Is it easy to get around from MiLa? How close is it to the main attractions?
Oh, it’s *perfect*! As I said, you’re right in the heart of the Old City. Walking distance to *tons* of temples, markets (get your bargaining hat on!), cafes, and restaurants. You can rent a bicycle (cheap and easy) and explore further afield. Tuk-tuks and songthaews (red trucks) are readily available. You seriously won’t need to spend a fortune on transport. And honestly, *walking* around the Old City itself is an experience you shouldn't miss.
9. Okay, I'm intrigued... but what's the catch? Is it *really* as good as it sounds?
Look, everyone has their own journey. MiLa isn't for everyone. If you demand pristineFind Your Perfect Stay
