OMG! Khonkaen's Hidden Hotel Paradise: You HAVE to See This!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from OMG! Khonkaen's Hidden Hotel Paradise, and let me tell you, it's… well, it's an experience. Forget everything you think you know about Khonkaen hotels. This place is a rollercoaster of relaxation, slight WTF-ery, and moments of absolute, unadulterated bliss. And honestly? If you're looking for a truly unforgettable stay, a place that will stick with you long after you've left, you absolutely have to see this.
Let's get messy, shall we?
First Impressions & Accessibility (or lack thereof, sometimes)
Okay, so finding the place was an adventure in itself. GPS kinda went haywire, and I'm pretty sure I ended up driving down a street that was maybe a footpath. But hey, that’s part of the charm, right? (Or maybe it’s just me and my terrible sense of direction…) Once I found it, it felt like I was stepping into a secret garden. Lush greenery everywhere, hidden pathways… it’s stunning.
Accessibility: Now, this is where we hit a few bumps in the road. The website claims "Facilities for disabled guests," but let's be real, it's not the most accessible place. While there's an elevator, getting around the property with limited mobility might be a struggle. Some areas have steps, and the pathways aren't always paved perfectly. So, if you're heavily reliant on a wheelchair, this might not be your best bet. But, honestly? They're trying. And the staff? Super helpful and accommodating. They'll do their best to help, which is always a win.
The Room (Where the Magic Happens - and Maybe Some Annoyances)
Alright, I booked a "non-smoking" room (because, hello, lungs!). And it was…beautiful. Seriously. I mean, the photos online don't do it justice. Think plush carpets, massive windows (with proper blackout curtains, thank the heavens!), and a bed that practically swallowed me whole. It was one of those beds you just melt into. Heaven.
Available in all rooms:
- Additional toilet Check!
- Air conditioning Blast the AC was icy cold. Perfect Khonkaen weather. Check!
- Alarm clock Snooze button ready. Check!
- Bathrobes Yes! Soft, fluffy, and ready for post-spa lounging. Check!
- Bathroom phone For those urgent spa appointments. Check!
- Bathtub HUGE bathtub. Hello, bubble bath bliss! Check!
- Blackout curtains Lifesavers for a good sleep! Check!
- Carpeting Super plush. Check!
- Closet Plenty of space for all my (excessive) belongings. Check!
- Coffee/tea maker Essential. Check!
- Complimentary tea Nice touch! Check!
- Daily housekeeping My room sparkling every day - felt luxury. Check!
- Desk Perfect for laptop work. Check!
- Extra long bed No more dangling feet! Check!
- Free bottled water Hydration is key. Check!
- Hair dryer Powerful and did the job. Check!
- High floor Stunning views. Check!
- In-room safe box Peace of mind. Check!
- Interconnecting room(s) available Not applicable to me, but useful for families. Check!
- Internet access – LAN (did not use). Check!
- Internet access – wireless (Wi-Fi [free] in all rooms!) Worked great! Check!
- Ironing facilities For those of us who can't live without crease free. Check!
- Laptop workspace Yup – perfect for work or leisure. Check!
- Linens High quality. Check!
- Mini bar Tempting. Check!
- Mirror A million of them. Perfect for selfies. Check!
- Non-smoking Absolutely. Check!
- On-demand movies Great for late nights. Check!
- Private bathroom Always a must. Check!
- Reading light Perfect for nighttime reading. Check!
- Refrigerator Kept my drinks perfectly chilled. Check!
- Safety/security feature (Smoke detectors). Check!
- Satellite/cable channels Endless entertainment. Check!
- Scale …I'm choosing to ignore the scale. Maybe not. Check!
- Seating area Perfect for chilling. Check!
- Separate shower/bathtub The shower was AMAZING. Check!
- Shower Awesome water pressure. Check!
- Slippers Comfy. Check!
- Smoke detector Safety first! Check!
- Socket near the bed Phone and electronics are happy Check!
- Sofa Perfect for lounging. Check!
- Soundproofing Quiet and serene. Check!
- Telephone For room service and spa appointments. Check!
- Toiletries Good quality. Check!
- Towels Plenty and fluffy. Check!
- Umbrella Khonkaen rains, people! Check!
- Visual alarm (I didn't need it). Check!
- Wake-up service Because sometimes you need a gentle nudge. Check!
- Window that opens Fresh air when needed. Check!
Now, the "slightly less perfect" bits: First, the internet (Wi-Fi [free]) in my room was patchy at times. Not a deal-breaker unless you're glued to your email. And, there might have been a tiny, tiny issue with the air conditioning making a noise that was slightly like a dying robot. But honestly? I just threw a pillow over it. Problem solved.
This is where things get good. Deep breaths…
Spa and Relaxation (Oh. My. Goodness.)
Okay, so the spa. The spa. I've had massages around the world, but this? This was something else. I opted for the full Body scrub, followed by a Body wrap, and then a massage. It's all there in the spa/sauna menu. The therapist, a tiny woman with hands of steel (Seriously, how do they do that?!), worked out knots I didn't even know I had. I floated out of there. I mean, seriously floated.
Things to do, ways to relax:
- Body scrub Heavenly! One of the best I’ve had. Loved!
- Body wrap Pampering and detoxifying. 10/10.
- Fitness center Gym/fitness: Didn't use it.
- Foot bath Sounds heavenly. Check!
- Gym/fitness (see above)
- Massage The highlight. The best. Cannot stress enough.
- Pool with view The pool here deserves its own entire paragraph.
- Sauna Yes!
- Spa The mecca.
- Spa/sauna (see above)
- Steamroom Nice and hot.
- Swimming pool (see above)
- Swimming pool [outdoor] (see below)
The Pool (My Personal Paradise)
The outdoor swimming pool. Oh, the pool! First, Pool with view. It's stunning. Infinity edge overlooking the jungle (or at least, the jungle-adjacent area). Pictures don't do it justice. I spent an entire afternoon there, just floating, sipping a cocktail (from the Poolside bar – more on that later), and completely, utterly zoning out. There's a sense of peace that envelopes you. The sun, the water, the quiet… it’s pure escapism. This is where OMG! Khonkaen truly shines.
Now the Messy Bits (Because… Life)
The journey from the spa to the pool wasn't the most graceful. While they do a pretty good job with the pathways, a couple of steps were a bit tricky in those fluffy slippers. Also, finding my way back to my room after my fourth cocktail? Let's just say it involved a few wrong turns and a lot of giggling. But hey, again, part of the charm, right?
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (Fueling the Fun)
The food! OMG, the food. The Asian cuisine in restaurant and International cuisine in restaurant are incredible. Breakfast [buffet] selection was vast. Lots of fresh fruit, pastries, and the best Asian breakfast I’ve had in ages. I also tried the A la carte in restaurant and some of the dishes from the Western menu – all top-notch. The service was, again, impeccable. The staff are genuinely friendly and helpful.
- A la carte in restaurant Excellent quality and service.
- Alternative meal arrangement (Vegetarian restaurant, and etc.)
- Asian breakfast Delicious.
- Asian cuisine in restaurant (see above)
- Bar Great cocktails. Perfect for sunset.
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's travel itinerary. This is me, attempting to wrangle a schedule for a few glorious days at the OMG Hotel in Khon Kaen, Thailand. Expect chaos, delight, and probably a serious sunburn.
OMG Hotel Khon Kaen: A Messy, Glorious Adventure
Day 1: Arrival, Awkward Introductions, and Pad Thai Dreams
- Morning (aka, the "Get My Shit Together" phase):
- Wake up at the ungodly hour of… well, whatever time the jetlag decides. (Pray for a 9 AM wake-up, cross fingers.) Pack the last-minute essentials (sunscreen, a passport, maybe a small emergency chocolate bar because you never know!).
- Anxiety levels are at a solid 6/10. Did I pack enough underwear? Did I accidentally pack my work laptop? Did I forget to feed the cat?
- Finally, finally, FINALLY make it to the airport. Pray the flight isn't delayed. I'm not good with waiting, or small talk with strangers forced to sit next to you.
- Afternoon (aka, The Long Haul):
- The flight. Ugh. Try to sleep, fail miserably. Watch terrible inflight movies, eat questionable airplane food (which, let's be honest, is still better than my cooking). Contemplate the meaning of life and why I always choose the aisle seat.
- An epic battle with my own bladder. Trying to avoid the airplane bathroom. But then losing. Oh well, at least that turbulence was a little exciting.
- Evening (aka, Thailand, Here I Come!):
- Touch down in Khon Kaen! (Probably looking like a sweaty mess.) Navigate customs (hope my passport photo doesn't look too terrifying), and find that glorious pre-booked taxi.
- OMG Hotel Arrival: The First Impression :The OMG Hotel better be as cool as the pictures make it out to be. Hopefully, the staff is friendly. I'm already picturing the pool. I'm there. I am at the pool!
- First Night: Settle in. Unpack (or attempt to). Freshen up. Shower away the travel grime.
- Dinner Pilgrimage: HUNT DOWN amazing Pad Thai. I mean, I have dreamed of it. Find the best street food stall. Order in my (terrible) Thai. Be brave. Devour a mountain of noodles. Maybe get a Chang beer, or two, or three.
- Emotional Reaction: Bliss. Utter and complete bliss. The best Pad Thai of my life? Maybe. Anything to forget that flight.
- Quirky Observation: Note the vibrant chaos of the street scene. The motorbikes zipping past, the smell of spices in the air, the sheer energy of it all… it's intoxicating. The first sip of my Chang beer felt more like a religious experience!
- Crashed back at the hotel. Fall asleep, dreaming of even more Pad Thai.
Day 2: Temple Hopping, Elephant Encounters (maybe), and Market Madness
- Morning (aka, "Culture Time", I guess):
- Wake up (hopefully not too hungover from last night's Chang binge). Drag myself out of bed.
- Plan A: Wat Nong Wang (Temple). Check out the stunning temple with the nine-story pagoda. Take photos. Try not to be that tourist. Pretend to appreciate the history.
- Anecdote: I'll try to be respectful of the culture… I have a history of accidentally offending people. I can't help it!
- Plan B: Elephant Sanctuary (if possible): Research and book a reputable elephant sanctuary. Cruelty-free, of course. I have an irrational fear of elephants, but I also love them. This could be interesting.
- Imperfect Structure: Okay, honestly, the elephant thing is a maybe. It depends on the cost, the logistics, and my general level of bravery.
- Afternoon (aka, Market Mayhem):
- Head to a local market. Get lost in the maze of stalls. Haggle. Try weird fruits. Buy some souvenirs for people back home (which will probably end up in a drawer somewhere).
- Doubling Down: The Market Sensory Overload: Okay, the market is an assault on the senses – in the best way possible. The smells, the colours, the noise! I will spend hours here, probably getting lost, probably buying things I don't need, but absolutely loving every second of it. I will try everything. Even the things that look questionable.
- Emotional Reaction: Pure, unadulterated joy. Okay, maybe I'll buy a ridiculous hat. Or a fake designer handbag. Don't judge me.
- Quirky Observation: The sheer confidence of the street food vendors! They're practically artists, whipping up culinary masterpieces in seconds. And the constant chatter, a symphony of Thai and the occasional tourist-y outburst.
- Evening (aka, Relax, Recharge, and Repeat):
- Back to the hotel for a swim in the pool (assuming the chlorine hasn't bleached my hair green).
- Dinner: Find a restaurant. Try some grilled fish.
- Stronger Emotional Reaction: I am going to fall in love with Thailand, I can feel it. This is so much more exciting than my boring life back home.
- Messier Structure: Okay, maybe I'll also get a massage. Or two. Or three. Hey, I'm on vacation!
- Early night, maybe. Or maybe not. Depends on how much Chang remains from last night.
Day 3: The Grand Finale (or a glorious, unstructured haze)
- Morning (aka, Wake Up and Decide):
- The plan? None. The point of a good trip is knowing you don't need a plan.
- Option A: A day trip: Maybe head out to a nearby national park or a historical site.
- Option B: Just Chill. Spend the day by the pool. Read a book. Eat more fruit. Do absolutely nothing. The ultimate vacation goal.
- Anecdote: I'm terrible at doing nothing. I'll probably end up doing a lot of doing. Doing things. This is a problem.
- Afternoon (aka, The Farewell Feast):
- Last Pad Thai (cry). More street food.
- Buy more souvenirs (because I forgot someone important or want to make some people jealous).
- Stronger Emotional Reaction: A wave of sadness at the thought of leaving this amazing place. This is really sad, but I'm going to enjoy every minute of it!
- Opinionated Language: I will find the best Pad Thai one last time. It is my duty.
- Evening:
- Pack (maybe).
- Last Night: Final Chang beer (or wine).
- Dinner somewhere nice (or back to the street food - who am I kidding?).
- Look up at the stars, promise to come back.
- Messier Structure: Okay, the packing might actually happen in the taxi to the airport, don't judge me.
- Quirky Observation: The sheer generosity of the Thai people. Their kindness and willingness to help you.
Day 4: Departure (aka, Goodbye, Thailand!)
- Morning (aka, the inevitable):
- Wake up early and head to the airport.
- Emotional Reaction: Sadness, mixed with excitement for my own bed. The hardest part of a good vacation is leaving.
- Messier Structure: My plane is probably going to be late, because this is my life.
- Cry a little bit (okay, maybe a lot).
- Goodbye OMG Hotel:
- One last look at the hotel. One last image of the pool and the friendly people.
- Promise myself to come back to the land of the smiling people.
- Board the plane.
- Pray the flight isn't delayed. Pray I can sleep the entire way home.
- Pray I don't end up missing the flight.
- The End… for now.
- Quirky Observation: I swear, I am going to learn some basic Thai before I come back.
And that's that. A semi-coherent, completely honest, and hopefully entertaining attempt at a travel schedule. Wish me luck. I'm going to need it. Let the adventure begin!
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