|
|
| The Inthanon Highland Resort and Restaurant |
| Written by Ben Nakamura | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Saturday, 04 July 2009 | |||||||||||||||||||||
|
Nestled in its own hidden valley in the Inthanon Mountain Range in Chiang Mai, the verdant 300-rai Inthanon Highland Resort and Restaurant has been operating as a secluded hideaway, a bird-watchers haven, a family restaurant and a convenient meeting place for small seminars for the last 12 years. Its 9 separate villas surround a small lake which faces the main clubhouse-restaurant. Large trees, growing vines and blooming seasonal plants almost hide the two-level restaurant from the driveway. The upper tier offer a wider scenic overview while on the lower section, the tables are right on the lake where customers can watch ducks and other birds frolicking in the water.
While we were waiting for our Muantae photographer to complete an assignment for the resort, our team decided to have lunch at its restaurant, and the meal we ordered turned to be a sumptuous lunch. The house specialties served included: ‘Paeh-sah, a spicy soup of a whole local fresh fish and vegetables, Deep fried Tilapia with three flavoured sauce, ‘Lab tod’ or deep fried minced pork cooked with local spicy herbs, and Northern style hors d’oeuvres. The taste of the food, its presentation, and the service was definitely above average. The cool mountain weather and the very picturesque surrounding certainly enhanced the overall atmosphere. After such a surprisingly delightful meal, I just had to have a closer look at the menu which is offered in Thai and English. The menu was interestingly varied and offers a wide choice of tastes and spiciness with the Thai and International clientele in mind. For the Thai customers, an extended list of local favourites includes: Soups and curries, such as local fresh water fish in spicy and sour soup, curry with chicken or pork with spicy herbs, shrimp spicy soup with chili and lemon juice. Fried specialties, such as crispy fried fresh water fish with spicy mango salad, crispy fried Tilapia with three flavoured sauce, deep fried catfish sautéed with chili and Thai basil, sautéed chicken or pork with Chinese vegetables in oyster sauce. Rice and noodles dishes, such as fried rice with shrimp, chicken or pork, curry with chicken or pork, fried noodles in black soy sauce with chicken, pork or assorted seafood. Local Northern Thai specialties, such as crispy pork skins (pork rinds), grilled young green chili dip served with steamed local vegetables, smoked spicy minced pork sausages, pickled pork sausages spicy salad. Assorted barbequed meats. Seasonal fresh fruits. For the less exotic palate, several other international dishes are offered, as well as vegetarian food. American breakfast, toasts and jams are also available. Prices range between Bt 60 and Bt 150. There are special menus catered to the seminars which are regularly held at the Inthanon Highland Resort. Groups vary in size between a few to 150 attendants. Following are some comments found in the guestbook: Having found paradise, we decided to stay longer... Words are not enough to describe this magnificent resort... Thanks for everything... convenience, beautiful, natural, great place... will definitely return... Exceeded our expectations... the staff, the food as well as your majestic surroundings... The food... yummy, yummy, yummy... our taste buds are out for more... A peaceful and restful place where time regains its value... The villas are available for rent year-round. Rates average between Bt 1,200 to Bt 1,500 per room/night depending on the season, plus American Breakfast. Each villa is comprised of many separate rooms. All rooms are equipped with amenities such as satellite TV etc. In addition to the comfortable accommodation and the superb natural environment, several healthy and enjoyable recreational activities include bird watching, trekking, bicycling, fire camping and bedding in tents. Twenty-four-hour guards are on hand to keep a close watch. Getting there:
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
| Last Updated ( Saturday, 04 July 2009 ) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
