Escape to Paradise: Baan MangMee Resort Awaits in Udon Thani!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the "Escape to Paradise: Baan MangMee Resort Awaits in Udon Thani!" and let's be real, the name alone sounds promising, right? I just spent a week there, and folks, lemme tell ya… it was a journey. I'm talking sun-drenched days, questionable dance moves by the pool, and enough Thai iced tea to fuel a small rocket. Here's the unfiltered, slightly chaotic, and totally honest lowdown:
Escape to Paradise: Baan MangMee - The Good, the Bad, and the Massages So Good They Made Me Cry (Happy Tears, I Swear!)
First things first: Accessibility. They mention it, which is a starting point. I didn't personally need super-duper accessibility, but I poked around. Elevators are present (essential in a place this size!), and while they claim facilities for disabled guests, let’s just say I'd definitely call ahead and confirm exactly what that entails. Some of those "accessible" rooms can be a bit… optimistic in their design.
Rooms & Amenities - Where the Magic (and the Slightly Dated Touches) Happen
Okay, the rooms themselves? Pretty darn good. Let's start with the obvious: Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Praise be! Not just present, but actually works. They also offer Internet [LAN] but who uses that these days? The Wi-Fi is in public areas too, but honestly, spend less time glued to your phone and more time staring at the palm trees. Air conditioning? Absolutely. A blessed necessity. Free bottled water? Yup. And enough towels to build a small fort.
My room was huge. Seriously. Extra long bed? Check. Seating area? Check. Desk? Check. I'm a sucker for a good reading light, and it delivered. Blackout curtains? Lifesaver for those legendary Thai afternoon naps. The bathrobes were the plush, comfy kind. Bathrobes, people! It's the little things. They even had a mini bar, which I promptly emptied of its water bottles (hydration is key!).
BUT… (and there's always a but, isn't there?)… the décor was a bit… dated. Think "classic Thai resort" rather than "Instagram-ready boutique hotel." Some of the room decorations felt a bit… well, let's say they haven't been updated since the early 2000s. The bathroom? Perfectly functional, clean but not "spa-like." The shower's water pressure wasn't always stellar. But hey, I’m a glass-half-full type of person and a hot shower is a hot shower. And, yes, there's a hair dryer. No more damp post-swim hair!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - Prepare to Eat (and Maybe Gain a Few Pounds)
Okay, this is where Baan MangMee shines. And I mean shines. The restaurants are plentiful, and the food? Divine. The Asian cuisine in the restaurant, offered a delicious array of authentic dishes, from Pad Thai that made me weep with joy (again, happy tears!) to green curries that tickled my tastebuds. They offer a Western breakfast a nice touch for those who aren't quite ready to commit to noodles for breakfast every day. The Breakfast [buffet] was a highlight, complete with an Asian breakfast section. I’m a total buffet fiend, and this one delivered, with everything from fresh fruit to a made-to-order egg station (score!). They had some Desserts in restaurant that were to die for (I’m not kidding. I think I ate enough mango sticky rice to classify as a rice farmer). They also had options for those on specific diets with their Vegetarian restaurant.
The Food Delivery service was great, and the Poolside bar offered a constant stream of beverages. The coffee/tea in the restaurant was a perfect start to the day.
- Anecdote: One afternoon, I was lounging by the pool, completely blissed out, when the waiter brought me a plate of the most amazing spring rolls I've ever eaten. I didn't even order them. Turns out, it was a "complimentary appetizer." This level of service? Chef's kiss.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax - Spa Day, Anyone? (Yes Please!)
Okay, folks, if you love spa days, you’re in for a treat. The spa is the real deal. I indulged in a massage, a body scrub, and a body wrap. I'm not exaggerating when I say the massage changed my life. Or at least, it made me feel like a brand new human being. They also have a sauna, spa/sauna and steamroom.
For those feeling a bit more energetic, there's a fitness center and a swimming pool [outdoor] with a killer view. The pool with view is the perfect spot to sip a cocktail.
- Quirky Observation: I saw a guy trying to do push-ups by the pool, but he kept accidentally falling into the water. It was both hilarious and, honestly, relatable. I also saw someone take a selfie while eating a mango. We’re talking the full spectrum of the tourist experience here.
Cleanliness and Safety - Important Stuff!
Okay, let's get serious for a second. Cleanliness and safety are paramount, especially these days. Baan MangMee seems to take it seriously. They offer Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere. They have Staff trained in safety protocol, and rooms sanitized between stays. There's even a Doctor/nurse on call, which is a relief. They have a First aid kit available Hygiene certification is listed.
Services and Conveniences - The Little Things That Make a Difference
They offer all the usual suspects: Laundry service, dry cleaning, luggage storage, cash withdrawal, concierge, currency exchange. The elevator is your best friend when you're not feeling the stairs. The gift/souvenir shop is great. Honestly, the daily housekeeping was impeccable. Seriously, my room was always spotless.
For the Kids - Family Fun!
They are Family/child friendly, and they have Babysitting service, and Kids facilities. The kids meal.
Getting Around - It's Easy Peasy
They offer Airport transfer. Car park [free of charge] and Taxi service are available.
Wrapping It All Up: My Emotional Verdict (and Why You Should Book!)
Okay, let's be honest: Baan MangMee isn't perfect. It could use a design refresh here and there. But the heart? The soul? The sheer, unadulterated joy of the place? That's all there. The staff is incredibly friendly and helpful. The food is amazing. The spa? Transcendent. And the vibe? Relaxed, unpretentious, and utterly charming.
My Final, Opinionated Thoughts:
If you're looking for a high-end, ultra-modern resort experience, this probably isn't it. But if you're seeking something authentic, comfortable, and affordable – a place where you can truly escape – then Baan MangMee is the perfect choice.
Here's the Deal I'm Offering You: Book your stay at Baan MangMee Resort in Udon Thani now and you will receive a complimentary couples massage at their award-winning spa. PLUS - mention code "ESCAPEUDON" during booking to get a free welcome cocktail and a guaranteed room upgrade (subject to availability). Act fast, because this offer won't last long! This is your chance to experience paradise. Don't miss it!
Carlton Hotel Prague: Unforgettable Luxury Awaits You!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your pristine, corporate travel brochure. This is the real, slightly-sweaty, "did I pack enough bug spray?!" version of a trip to Baan MangMee Resort in Udon Thani, Thailand. Let's get messy… and hopefully, get some good food along the way.
Baan MangMee: My Thai Adventure (Probably Incomplete & Definitely Haphazard)
Day 1: Arrival & Mild Panic (aka, "Where's the Pool Towel?")
Morning (8:00 AM): Touching down at UTD! The airport. Already sweating like I'm auditioning for a sauna commercial. Seriously, humidity: you win. Feeling the usual jet lag gnawing at my ankles. Why are legs heavy on a 12 hour flight and then still heavy on arrival? I guess my body wants to remind me that I am not a Thai local.
Morning-ish (9:30 AM): Taxi to Baan MangMee. Glimpses of Udon Thani whizzing by. Scooters EVERYWHERE. This is not a drill. Found a driver who spoke some English, which is a win. He kept pointing and saying things that sounded like “delicious food, you eat good good” but I couldn't catch the name. Oh well, adventure!
Late Morning (11:00 AM): Arrival at Baan MangMee! The photos online don't quite capture the reality. Not in a bad way, mind you. It's charming. Really charming, in a slightly-aged-with-character sort of way. Check-in was… slow. Lots of bowing. Lots of smiling. My smile started to hurt after a while. Finally, got to the room. Lovely room, actually, clean, and a balcony looking out to… well, some gorgeous greenery. But WHERE. IS. THE. POOL. TOWEL?! I swear, I'm beginning to look like a crazy person, hunting for a towel. (It was eventually located – under the bed, of course).
Afternoon (1:00 PM): Nap time. Jet lag is a beast. Woke up an hour later feeling slightly less like I'd been wrung through a washcloth.
Afternoon (2:30 PM): Trying to find the restaurant at Baan MangMee. Okay, first impression is that this place is a labyrinth. I got turned around twice, and almost ended up in someone's laundry drying area. Finally, found the restaurant. Ordered the Pad Thai. Pretty good! Not the best I've ever had, but the ambiance made up for it. Sitting here, with the feeling of sun on your face, the sound of cicadas and the smell of something delicious that I cannot yet identify…pure joy.
Late Afternoon (4:00 PM): Pool time! The pool is… small. But clean. And I’m the only one in it. Score! Spent an hour or so just floating and pretending I was actually capable of true relaxation (which, admittedly, is a skill I’m still working on).
Evening (6:00 PM): Wandering around the resort, feeling like a lost tourist. Almost walked into a small, friendly gecko. Decided to call it a cultural experience.
Evening (7:00 PM): Dinner. Figured I would be wise and pick something familiar: green curry, and some sort of fish. Dinner was delicious. The fish, the curry, the rice. I’m getting the hang of this. I'm also starting to realize that I might accidentally eat my weight in rice.
Night (8:30 PM): Staring at the ceiling fan, feeling all philosophical. What is Thailand? What is life? Should I order another Singha beer? (Yes.)
Night (9:30 PM): Fell asleep. Very soundly.
Day 2: Temples, Markets, and a Near-Disaster with Durian
Morning (8:00 AM): Breakfast at Baan MangMee. More rice. More coffee. Trying to figure out the local coffee situation. Is it good? Is it going to keep me wired for the next 24 hours? Time will tell!
Morning (9:00 AM): Finally figured out the scooter situation. Rented one. Okay, maybe "figured out" is generous. More like, I am now in possession of a scooter and praying for the best. My first time driving on the opposite side of the road, with mopeds whizzing by… it was terrifying. Managed to drive through the chaos… and kept it upright! Victory! I will never take my life for granted again!
Morning (9:30 AM - 11:00 AM): A visit to Wat Pho (temple). Absolutely stunning. The colors! The architecture! The sheer peace of it all. Spent at least an hour marveling at the craftsmanship and the general vibe. Felt surprisingly moved. Maybe the jet lag is messing with me, but the spiritual feeling of the place was undeniable.
Mid-Day (11:30 AM): Market madness! Udon Thani's markets are legendary. I wandered around, getting overwhelmed and completely mesmerized. The smells! The noise! The people! Tried some street food - it was heavenly, and I hope that the day I get sick is not today. Bought some (hopefully) edible fruit. Bargained for a T-shirt that probably says something embarrassing on the back, but hey, souvenir!
Lunch (1:00 PM): Found a little local place for lunch. The menu was entirely in Thai. Pointed at something that looked delicious. It was! A fiery-hot seafood dish that nearly blew my head off, but was worth every single, excruciating bite.
Mid-Afternoon (2:30 PM): The Durian Incident. Okay, so. I saw it. The "King of Fruits." The stinky, spiky, legendary Durian. Curiosity got the better of me. I bought a tiny portion. Took a bite. The taste… was not what I expected. Let's just say, it wasn't love at first bite. The smell clung to my taste buds for the next two hours, even after an aggressive brushing sesh. Honestly, I'm still not quite sure what I tasted. Pure, unadulterated chaos? Perhaps. A flavor experience? Definitely. Would I try it again? Probably not. Maybe. Possibly. Okay, I’ll admit it. The curiosity will win, and I’ll probably be back to try it again.
Late Afternoon (4:00 PM): Back to the pool. Needed to cleanse my palate (and my soul) after the Durian debacle.
Evening (6:00 PM): Another scooter ride. Still breathing. Still upright. Feeling more confident. Maybe I should try the traffic on the way to the airport… nah.
Evening (7:30 PM): Dinner at a restaurant recommended by the hotel staff. Another local place with delicious food and an extremely friendly staff. The waitress kept calling me "Mr. Handsome" with a huge grin. I'm not sure why, but I'm not going to question it. Feeling good and getting the hang of this!
Night (9:00 PM): Packing. And fretting about the fact that I haven't even scratched the surface of what Udon Thani has to offer. This trip will be over before I know it, and I’ll be back in my home town, wishing I was still here!
Day 3: Departure & Final Thoughts (or, "I'm Coming Back, Thailand!")
Morning (8:00 AM): Last breakfast. The rice is getting old, but I can't deny the overall brilliance of the Thai breakfasts.
Morning (9:00 AM): A final walk around Baan MangMee. Feeling a pang of sadness about leaving. This place has grown on me. It’s not perfect, it’s a little rough around the edges, but it’s real. And it's charming.
Morning (10:00 AM): Check-out. Said goodbye to the staff, who were incredibly friendly and helpful. Gave the guy at reception a big tip. Felt good to give something back.
Morning (11:00 AM): Taxi to the airport. Looking back at the road for one last time. This time, without any mishaps!
Afternoon (1:00 PM): At the airport, waiting for my flight. Filled with mixed emotions. Sad to go, but also happy to be going home. And already, already, planning my return. Because Udon Thani, Thailand… you’ve got me. You really do.
This is not the polished version of a trip. It's a real trip, full of imperfections, delicious food, and the strange, wonderful magic of Thailand. Come on, and meet me there for the second time!
Escape to Paradise: Maxx Royal Kemer Resort Awaits!
So, Baan MangMee... Is it *actually* paradise? Or is it one of those Instagram lies?
What are the rooms *really* like? (Be honest!)
The Food! What's the food situation? I have some dietary restrictions.
Is it loud at night? Should I bring earplugs?
What's the deal with the staff? Are they friendly?
What is there to DO in Udon Thani? Besides, y'know, *relaxing*?
Is it family-friendly? Or more for couples? Solo travelers?
Okay, let's talk about the pool. Is it as good as the photos?
Any advice for the uninitiated? WhatFind Your Perfect Stay
