Fern Resort (SHA Extra Plus)

We were only here one night on the way from Mae Cheam to Mae Hong Son, before continuing to Ban Rak Thai on our five-day private tour. I wish we’d had longer. The room was spacious and comfortable, and check-in was quick because we arrived early. The staff were friendly, and there’s a lot to explore: a sunset bar, yoga area, vegetable farm, rice terrace (I got the timing wrong), and geese at the far end. There are also three resident dogs. One of the smaller ones greeted me as I went into my room and let me pet it. They run a free night-market shuttle from 6pm, with pickup at 8pm, and you can pick bananas from the two big bunches by reception. For a four-hour hike to a waterfall and through nature with rattan trees, ask the receptionist. I’d happily stay longer next time.

The grounds are lovely, with green space, rice fields and a nice pool, and the staff were very kind. We appreciated the free shuttle into Mae Hong Son at 6.30 and back at 8.30. The huts, though, looked worn out, felt rather dirty and had lots of bugs. The setting may make some bugs hard to avoid, but the accommodation clearly seems old and overdue for renovation. The pool could also use more seats. We were told on arrival that power would be off from 8am to 5pm the next day. I understand this may be outside the resort’s control, but guests should be told ahead of time. We’d planned to exercise later and enjoy the grounds, but had to cut that short. We stayed one night while doing the Mae Hong Son loop.

The grounds look stunning, and the staff are friendly. Breakfast was good as well. We stayed in room #15, and it needs attention. The bedside lamp flickered and wouldn’t work. When I tried it in another socket, I noticed its cord had been spliced to another cord. The toilet seat was broken, and some kind of small table or shelf would be useful in the bathroom. Rustic is fine, but the rooms would benefit a lot from an update.

A lovely, memorable setting, with two pools and a stream running through the forest. The restaurant and bungalows fit beautifully into the surroundings. Walking up to the bungalow, you see enormous trees draped in lots of thin hanging strands. A unique hotel in a beautiful forest.