Upon arrival, we were left breathless by the grandeur of Golden Pine. Just a half-hour cab ride from the wall-to-wall tourists of Chiang Rai, it is a world removed.
Located in the middle of rice paddies, without a single hot-spot for dining, drinking or shopping to be seen. But that was the problem โ if you donโt have a car, you are totally isolated. It seems almost all who stay here are part of the big-bus tour circuit. They are there for breakfast, then on the bus for the day. Often not even back for dinner, so the huge dining room is often nearly empty. We were the only people we ever saw in the gigantic swimming pool.
The only place of interest within walking distance was the โLong-neckโ village of displaced mountain tribespeople. But it was well worth the 3-kilometre or so trek.
If you happen to be looking for the perfect place to sit by the pool and read, and indulge in 2 all-you-can-eat buffets a day, this is the perfect place for you. Watching the graceful white egrets feed, and sun set behind the rice paddies is a soothing sight.
