GREENPLACE Sikhiu: Your Unforgettable Nakhonratchasima Escape!
GREENPLACE Sikhiu: My Nakhonratchasima Dream (And Maybe a Few Hiccups!)
Alright, buckle up, because I'm about to take you on a wild ride through the lush, verdant (fittingly!) world of GREENPLACE Sikhiu. This isn't your average stiff hotel review. This is a raw, unfiltered, utterly human account of my recent escape to Nakhonratchasima. Expect tangents, emotional outbursts, and possibly a few typos. You've been warned!
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, But Mostly Good
I hate to start with a downer, but I have to be honest: while GREENPLACE tries to be accessible, it's not perfect. The website says "Facilities for disabled guests," which is promising. Elevators are thankfully available. But specifics about ramp access to every area (especially around the pool or the sprawling grounds) were a bit vague. This could be a serious issue for some, and it's something they really need to clarify. I’m also not sure how good the wheelchair access is to the spa.
On-site Accessible Restaurants/Lounges: I didn't see any marked specifically. Would've appreciated some clear signage.
(Accessibility score: 7/10. Room for improvement!)
Roomy & Ready to Relax: The Bed, the Bath, and the Bottled Water
Let's get to the good stuff: the rooms! My room was HUGE. I mean, seriously spacious. It had everything – let me list it because, honestly, it’s a bit of a blur of luxury: Air conditioning that actually worked (praise be!), a huge bed, the comfiest pillows I've ever encountered, Bathrobes (yes!), slippers (YES!), a super comfy seating area… you name it. The desk was perfect for catching up on emails (thanks to the free Wi-Fi & Internet access - LAN), although I'll admit, I spent more time gazing out the window that opens at the ridiculously beautiful scenery. The blackout curtains were a godsend for blocking out the early morning sun so I could have a lie in. There's a lot of complimentary tea and coffee/tea maker. They even have a refrigerator and the obligatory free bottled water! I felt like absolute royalty. This area was great.
Having a private bathroom was also a huge plus, and the separate shower/bathtub was perfect. The toiletries they provided were fantastic, and everything was squeaky clean. The daily housekeeping was flawless, and every evening, the room transformed from a nice space to an absolute haven. They had a scale too, which I swiftly managed to avoid using!
Rooms: 9.5/10 (Seriously, those pillows…)
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Protected, Actually
Okay, I'm a bit of a germaphobe (don't judge!). But GREENPLACE genuinely seemed invested in keeping everything spotless. With the pandemic still lingering, I really appreciated the measures they’d taken. Hand sanitizer was everywhere, and the staff were super diligent about physical distancing (at least when I was there). They were clearly using anti-viral cleaning products, because the rooms smelled fresh and clean. The fact that they had room sanitization opt-out available was a great choice. The staff trained in safety protocol was great too. The daily disinfection in common areas was reassuring. I also appreciated the individual-wrapped food options and safe dining setup. And the presence of features like CCTV in common areas, Fire extinguishers, Smoke alarms, Safety/security features made the place feel truly safe.
I got a genuine sense of feeling safe, like a burden lifted from my shoulders – to be honest, it’s still weighing on me a bit!
Cleanliness & Safety Score: 9/10 (A+ for effort!)
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: An Adventure for the Taste Buds (Sometimes)
Alright, food time! Let's be honest, I was expecting amazing things, and GREENPLACE largely delivered… but not always.
Let's start with the positives. The breakfast buffet was… epic. I’m talking Asian breakfast (lots of noodles and rice congee, which I love), Western breakfast (think eggs, bacon, and… well, everything!), plus a variety of other options. I'm a sucker for a buffet in the restaurant! The coffee shop was good. The poolside bar was a treat in the afternoon. They have a vegetarian restaurant too. Delicious!
The Asian cuisine in the restaurant was also great – I went there twice. They catered to dietary needs too, offering alternative meal arrangements. They do a room service (24-hour) too.
However, there were a few hiccups. The salad in restaurant was a little sad (a bit wilted, you get me?), and the service in the main restaurant could be a bit slow at times. I had to flag down a server once or twice. The coffee/tea in restaurant was sometimes lukewarm. There was a snack bar too, but I didn't try it. And, while the bottle of water was nice, I wish they'd provided more.
(Dining Score: 7.5/10. Room for improvement, but mostly delicious!)
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: Spa Bliss and Poolside Dreams
This is where GREENPLACE truly shines. Seriously, the swimming pool is a work of art. It has a pool with view! I could've spent all day lounging by it. I did a quick dip in the swimming pool (outdoor). The fitness center was well-equipped, but I mostly opted for the sauna and steamroom.
But the real star was the spa! I had a divine massage. Seriously, the best I've ever had. It left me feeling like a limp noodle (in a good way!). I should have tried a body scrub and body wrap, but got too relaxed for that! If you love spas, you have to try it.
Ways to Relax Score: 9/10 (The spa alone earns it!)
Services and Conveniences: Practical Perks and Little Luxuries
So many options! The concierge was helpful. They have a convenience store which is handy. There's a daily housekeeping. There's luggage storage available too, and dry cleaning. Cash withdrawal is available too, but there's no ATM, so you have to get it at the front desk.
I found the internet access – wireless, internet – LAN, and Wi-Fi [free] to be pretty reliable (which is essential for me, since I run a lot of my business through my laptop). They have business facilities too, if you're on working holidays. They do laundry service and ironing service.
Services & Convenience Score: 8/10 (Solid and useful!)
For the Kids
I didn't travel with kids, so I can't speak to this in detail. They have a babysitting service. And there are family/child friendly facilities. I didn't see any specific kids facilities, but it seemed that the hotel was welcoming to younger guests. Unfortunately, I didn't have a clue.
Getting Around: Easy Peasy
Car park [free of charge]? Fantastic! They also had car park [on-site] available too. Taxi service was readily available. However, they had none of the car power charging station, which might be a consideration. There's airport transfer: I didn’t take advantage of it, but it's there.
The Quirks, the Glitches, the Little Things
- The "Happy Hour" was a tiny bit disappointing (the drinks were a bit weak).
- The staff were overall lovely, but occasionally a little flustered during peak times.
- Room service took a while one night.
- The TV had a few fuzzy channels.
- The soundproofing could be better, I could hear other guests chatting in the corridor sometimes.
Final Verdict: Would I Go Back? YES!
Despite a few minor hiccups, GREENPLACE Sikhiu was a fantastic escape. The beautiful rooms, the incredible spa, and the overall atmosphere of relaxation made it a truly memorable experience. I'd absolutely return.
Overall Score: 8.5/10 (Highly recommended!)
Metadata:
- Title: GREENPLACE Sikhiu: My Unforgettable Nakhonratchasima Escape! (A Honest Review)
- Keywords: GREENPLACE Sikhiu, Nakhonratchasima, Thailand, hotel review, spa, swimming pool, accessible hotel, family friendly, luxury hotel, best hotel, resort, massage, Thai food, travel review
- Description: A brutally honest, and ultimately positive, review of GREENPLACE Sik
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned travel itinerary. We're going to Greenplace, Sikhiu, Nakhonratchasima, Thailand. And trust me, it's gonna be a rollercoaster. My brain is already a chaotic tapestry of excitement and slight existential dread, so let's see if we can make some sense of this…
Greenplace Grind: A Thai Adventure (Probably a Little Messy)
Arrival Day (or "How I Almost Missed the Plane – Twice")
5:00 AM (ish) - The Wake Up Call (or Lack Thereof): My alarm blares. Actually, it begins to blare. Then, I slap at the snooze button like it personally offended me. Seriously, who designs these things to sound like a dying robot peacock?
5:30 AM - Actual Wake Up: Okay, now I wake up, heart rate spikes slightly. Panic is a pretty effective alarm clock. Where's my passport? Where's my…everything?
6:00 AM - The Dash: I, the paragon of prepared travelers, am running around the house like a maniac. Searching for anything and everything. Let's be honest; I probably forgot something essential. My socks are a mismatched crime against humanity.
8:00 AM - (Hopefully) On the Plane: Breath. Finally. I am on the plane. Note to self… book longer layovers next time.
Thoughts in the Air: I stare out the window. The clouds look like giant cotton candy. I swear, those are the best kind of clouds.
1:00 PM (Local Time) - Arrival in Nakhon Ratchasima and the Great Tuk-Tuk Tango
- Ah, Thailand. The air hits you like a warm, humid hug. Or a humid slap in the face, depending on your mood. Immigration went smoothly, but that luggage carousel… pure chaos. I'm pretty sure I saw someone's suitcase get eaten by the conveyor belt.
- Finding a taxi was easy. Bargaining for a ride to the bus station? Not so much. It was a negotiation worthy of a UN summit. Eventually, we agreed on a price that probably still robbed me blind, but fine. I'm a tourist, and frankly, I'm exhausted.
- The Bus Ride of Doom (and Delight): The bus. Oh, the bus. Air conditioning blasting like an ice age on overdrive. And the driving? Let's just say my internal organs are still readjusting. The scenery, though, was incredible. Lush green fields, bustling markets, temples gleaming in the sunlight. Also, a dog on a motorbike almost ran us off the road. Classic.
- 4:00 PM - Arrival at Greenplace (or "Is This Paradise?"): The moment. Greenplace. It actually felt…peaceful. Like, genuine, take-a-deep-breath and sigh-of-contentment peace. I checked into my little cabin. The view from my balcony? Stunning. Mountains, rice paddies, a shimmering lake. I almost cried. (Happy tears, I swear).
Day 2: Deeper Dive and the Great Food Frenzy
- 7:00 AM - Wake Up, Sunrise, and the Zen of Breakfast: The sunrise painting the sky with fiery colors. Okay, maybe I did shed a few tears earlier.
- Breakfast was a feast! Sticky rice, mango, fresh fruit juice that tasted like pure sunshine, and some spicy noodles that almost blew my head off. (Worth it.)
- 9:00 AM - Hiking Adventure (or "How I Became Best Friends with a Leech"): Armed with a map and a misplaced sense of adventure, I went for a hike. The trails were beautiful, winding through the jungle.
- An Unexpected Friend: About halfway through, I found a new friend… a leech. On my ankle. Cue the screaming. Okay, not screaming, but a definite yelp. I managed to flick it off and apply some questionable Thai insect repellent that had been recommended to me as being "mild". I’m now itching everywhere.
- The View: The view from the top was breathtaking, though. The entire landscape stretched out before me. Made the leech bite seem almost worth it. Almost.
- 1:00 PM - Food, Glorious Food (Round 2): Time to EAT! Found a little local restaurant near the lake. Ordered a random dish - no idea what it was, but it was bursting with flavors. I was starting to pick up some basic Thai, like "Aroy!" (delicious). I'm pretty sure I just used the wrong tones to say "Thank you" though. I might have told the waitress I was very angry.
- 3:00 PM - The Lake and The Moment of Zen (Again):
- Took a boat ride on the lake. The water was so calm. I spent an hour just drifting, staring up at the sky, feeling utterly and completely at peace. This is the life.
- 7:00 PM - Dinner and the Fireflies: Stumbled on a tiny, family-run restaurant. Ate Pad Thai that was truly the best I've ever had…and I've had a LOT of Pad Thai. Afterward, I walked back to my cabin, and the air twinkled with fireflies. Magic. Absolute, unadulterated magic.
Day 3: Culture Shock (and a Little More Food)
- 9:00 AM - Temple Time: Visited a nearby temple. The architecture! Jaw-dropping. The vibrant colors, the intricate carvings. I felt profoundly humbled. I also may or may not have accidentally walked in front of a monk praying… whoops.
- 11:00 AM - Market Mayhem: Explored the local market. The sights, the smells, the energy! Bargained for a few souvenirs… and probably overpaid. But hey, souvenir shopping is part of the fun, right?
- 1:00 PM - Street Food Extravaganza! Tried EVERYTHING. Spicy papaya salad. Grilled skewers. Fried bananas. My tastebuds are on fire, yet entirely happy. The vendors are so friendly, even when I fumble my attempts to order. I now suspect I'll be bringing back a few extra pounds around my midriff.
- 3:00 PM - Relaxed and Reflecting: I'm starting to feel like I could actually live here. No, seriously. I'm already thinking about how I can extend my stay. Maybe I can fake a lost passport.
- 6:00 PM - The Sunset & The Night: The sunset over the lake was even more stunning than yesterday. I spent the evening reading on my balcony, listening to the jungle's symphony. It's a weird, wonderful, imperfect paradise.
Day 4: Departure (and the Promise to Return!):
- 7:00 AM - Breakfast and Bittersweet Goodbye: One last incredible breakfast. The staff at Greenplace are like family now. Saying goodbye… was tough.
- 9:00 AM - The Painstaking Journey Out: Similar to the journey in. This time, though, it's more bittersweet. I'm leaving a piece of my heart behind.
- Plane time: I'm on the plane and already mentally planning my return.
Reflections:
This trip to Greenplace wasn't perfect. There were mishaps, miscommunications, and the occasional leech incident. But it was real. It was raw. It was the best kind of messy. I discovered a little piece of paradise. And I know, deep in my weary, travel-worn soul, that I'll be back. Next time, I'll bring double the insect repellent, and maybe try harder on the Thai lessons.
Escape to Paradise: Sundown Resort & Austrian Pension, Boracay!
GREENPLACE Sikhiu: You're Going? Good Luck! (But Seriously, Read These FAQs)
What exactly *is* GREENPLACE Sikhiu? Is it a resort? A farm? A… fever dream?
Okay, so, picture this: sprawling farmland somewhere in Nakhonratchasima (Korat), Thailand. They call it a resort, and, technically, I guess it *is*. Sorta. There are bungalows, a restaurant (more on *that* later), and… well, a whole lotta nature. Think laid-back, definitely not five-star. It's more of an experience, really. A slightly dusty, gloriously imperfect, Thai countryside experience. I'd describe it as rustic charm with a side of "did anyone remember the mosquito repellent?"
How do I even *get* to GREENPLACE? And is it worth the effort? (Asking for a friend… mostly me.)
Getting there is… an adventure. You're looking at a road trip; a comfortable tour bus or private car is recommended. Let me tell you, I took a minivan once... NEVER AGAIN! The road weaves and winds through some genuinely stunning scenery, but be prepared for potential *traffic* (because, Thailand). The final stretch will always make you question all your life choices, it’s just a dusty path that feels like it goes on forever.
Is it worth it? Honestly? That depends on your vibe. If you crave luxury and pristine perfection, probably not. If you’re up for a bit of a ramble, a change of pace, and some serious chill time, then YES. The air alone is worth the trip. Oh, and the sounds! The evening chorus of insects will either lull you to sleep or freak you out. I’m in the former camp, mostly.
What are the accommodations like? Luxurious? Basic? Or something in between? (And, uh, are there *actual* beds?)
The bungalows? They are charming, in a lived-in kind of way. Don't expect swanky hotels; expect comfortable, simple rooms. Beds? Absolutely! And they're relatively clean, but do bring your own bug spray, 'k? (Trust me. You’ll thank me later.) The bathrooms are Thai-style (meaning, things get wet), but functional. My first trip... I was so used. It had a certain charm, and I just grew to love it.
One time, the AC in my room went out in the middle of the night, and it was *BRUTAL*. I spent the rest of the night trying to fashion a fan out of a magazine. But hey! Every trip is a memory, am I right? The mosquito repellent thing... that's not a suggestion, by the way. That's a life-saver.
Okay, so what is there *to do* at GREENPLACE? Should I bring a book? Like, a LOT of books?
Bring books, sure. But bring yourself, too. The main attractions are the peace and quiet, the opportunity to reconnect with nature, some local vibes, and a whole lot of nothing. There are trails for walking (wear sturdy shoes!), a swimming pool (refreshing, but maybe not sparkling), and a genuine escape from the city's hustle.
They sometimes have activities, like farm tours, cooking classes (worth it!), or even karaoke (if you're brave). But mostly, it's about slowing down. I once spent an entire afternoon just sitting on my porch, watching the clouds drift by. It was magical. And, yeah, bring a book. Or three.
The food! Tell me about the food! Is it good? Is it safe? (I'm mostly worried about the 'safe' part…)
THE FOOD. Okay, this is where things get interesting. The restaurant is… well, it's a restaurant. It serves Thai dishes, and, in my experience, the quality varies. Some days, it's amazing. Like, "I could eat this Pad Thai every single day" amazing. Other days… Let’s just say bring your own emergency snacks. (Highly recommended.) The ingredients are fresh as can be, and the flavors are, of course, Thai.
Is it safe? I've never gotten sick there, personally, but it's wise to be a little cautious. Stick to freshly cooked dishes, and maybe skip the buffet if you can. Drink bottled water everywhere, ALWAYS. Take advantage of the fruits that are readily available, they will make you feel so much better. Oh, and, remember that earlier comment about bringing snacks? Yeah… don't forget that.
What's the best time of year to visit? Avoid the rainy season, right? (Because, well, rain…)
Yes, avoid the rainy season (duh!). The best time is during the dry season, which is typically from November to April. You'll get lovely weather, balmy temperatures and maybe even a bit of a breeze. The heat can be truly oppressive the hotter it gets. But, it's also probably the busiest time, so book ahead. Don’t go during the hottest months, either! You'll melt. The sun is STRONG in Korat.
What should I pack? Besides bug spray (you've made that abundantly clear).
Ah, the packing list! Okay, here's the non-bug-spray essentials:
- Comfortable, light clothing (think breathable fabrics).
- Sturdy shoes for walking.
- Sunscreen – seriously, the sun is intense.
- A hat and sunglasses.
- A good book (or several).
- A portable charger (outlets can be scarce).
- A small flashlight or headlamp (in case of power outages… which, might happen).
- Toiletries and any medications you need.
- And... your adventurous spirit!
Are there any shops nearby? Can I get anything I might have forgotten? (Like extra bug spray…)
There are not exactly shops nearby. You're *in* the countryside, remember? "Nearby" means a drive. So, plan ahead! Stock up on anything you might need before you get there. This includes snacks, drinks, any medications, toiletries, and extra bug spray, because you can *never* have too much.
There might be a small shop at the entrance, selling basic necessities, but don’t count on it. Be prepared! That way, you can truly relax and enjoy the (slightly rugged) charm of GREENPLACE.
