A hotel that says howdy

Rustic yet arty is Pannaburee. DIALY XPRESS/EKKARAT SUKPETCH

Khao Yai National Park isn't all about horse riding, cattle and rice farms. At the Pannaburee Resort awaits a new dimension in vacation experiences.

You might think at first that you've overshot your destination and ended up in Pai, up in Mae Hong Son, all mountains and laidback atmosphere.

The Pannaburee has a slogan: "No airconditioning, no TV, no fridge - just you, your friends and nature."

The small wooden huts offer nothing but simplicity and closeness to nature. Located in green surroundings, among clear streams and the lovely local fauna, the resort is nevertheless just a few minutes' drive from town.

Each hut has a bed, a mosquito net, simple toiletries and towels - and no electrical appliances other than the light bulbs and a fan.

The smaller huts with ensuite toilets are Bt900 per night, the bamboo huts with no toilet are Bt500. Public showers and toilets are not far away.

Groups of friends might want to cosy up in a family hut for Bt1,200 - they've each got four beds and a big bathroom. An extra bed costs Bt200, and if you want to be even closer to nature, there are tents for hire.

The Pannaburee has a lovely cafe serving tasty Thai and Western food as well as coffee and refreshing drinks. There's also a bar with comfortable seating and relaxing music for a laidback evening.

The resort has bikes and kayaks for hire. Parking is plentiful.

XTRA

R is for rustic

The Pannaburee Resort is at 95 Moo 5, Kanong Phraklang, Pak Chong, Nakhon Ratchasima. Call (081) 779 5876 or visit www.Pannaburee.com.