Anurak Community Lodge

We’ve spent several months traveling around Thailand, and this was easily the worst accommodation we’ve encountered. The management were rude and unprofessional from the start. Nobody showed us to our villa, and we had to find it ourselves. Inside, there was a foul musty smell and a swarm of mosquitoes. The air conditioner had no Freon and didn’t work, so the room was unbearable. The bathroom was filthy, with fixtures falling apart, virtually no water pressure, and barely any hot water. The towels were ancient and ragged. They call this an “eco-friendly” resort, but fertilizer is processed right beside the houses, leaving you to breathe animal waste smells all day. When we complained, staff ignored us or talked back disrespectfully. The only plus was watching squirrels outside from the room. This place isn’t worth a single baht. Stay somewhere else.

The receptionist made a very good impression, she was extremely kind, helpful, and professional. I also liked the bungalows, with their private terraces and lovely views. It was mostly quiet and peaceful, and there’s a small jungle-like trail beside the lodge for a short walk. You’ll need transport or a tour to see other attractions, though the lodge can arrange tours. The restaurant view was amazing at any time of day, but I was disappointed by the food. Breakfast has just one main choice, and the portions are small, definitely not enough for a grown man. Of the three pancakes we ordered, two were fine, but one was hard and dry. Most lunch and dinner dishes were very spicy, and after trying several, I wasn’t happy with the taste or quality. Overall, I had a pleasant stay apart from the food.

My wife and I spent part of our Thailand honeymoon here. There aren’t many big-city amenities, but it didn’t matter much with all the outdoor activities involving the local and nearby communities. We especially enjoyed the river raft tour, ethical elephant activities, a half-day hike, and cooking at a local farm. The staff were really friendly and helpful. I’d recommend it for a couples trip, and wouldn’t let the negative comments put you off.

Everyone at Anurak Community Lodge was welcoming and incredibly kind, and the location was mesmerizing. There were lots of activities to choose from, so we never ran out of things to do. We only wished the menu had more options, or at least some seafood. That’s all!