Name: Rai Phuchat Homestay
Address: 152 Moo 3, Chiang Khong, Chiang Rai, Chiang Khong, Chiang Khong, Chiang Khong, 57140, Thailand
Rating: 9.6

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Rai Phuchat Homestay

On the banks of the Mekong river, 'First' Phuchat transformed a corn field into a green paradise. Full of beautiful flowers that attract all kinds of butterflies. First grows his own vegetables and herbs and serves bananas from his trees. If that doesn't make you happy, his little playful dog certainly will. 

The food at Rai Phuchat Homestay is delicious. First is a great cook and host. He showed us Doi Tung and the Hall of Opium, both highly recommended. And we took a cooking class here on the property. 

We very much enjoyed our stay and I'm sure you will, too!

I had a fabulous and very relaxing stay at Phuchat's homestay. The location is fantastic, right on the banks of the mighty Mekong river, looking  across at Laos and near Chiang Khong. It's a perfect place to spend a few very relaxing days en route to or from Laos. Phuchat is a wonderful  host, he can arrange transfers, massages, or day trips. We went to a tea plantation  and to a lovely cafe with great views of the Mekong. The food was terrific, real Thai food, as the locals eat it. And he gave us lots of cooking  tips. Lovely bungalows and grounds. Great value for what you get. I highly recommend it. I will definitely  go back when I'm next in Thailand.

We, couple of 40 something, were looking for accommodation in Chiang Khong. We wanted to go for the no 1 according to Tripadvisor but they didn't have availability. Boy were we glad that we changed to this second choice. Puchat, nickname "First" is the best host you can imagine. He cooks the best Thai food, gives cooking classes (highly recommended) and is a great tour guide. With him we visited the Golden Triangle and the Hall of Opium. The latter being a must visit if you are in this area. The prices of refreshments and food at Rai Puchat are very reasonable. That is also needed as there is not much in the direct vicinity of the homestay. That is also my only negative point of this accommodation. You either need to hire a car, hire somebody to ride you around, or bring your own method of transportation. 

In the end we booked an extra night as we didn't want to leave here yet for the hectic of Bangkok.

I'm not surprised to hear that they're already getting return visitors despite only being open a short time.

I've travelled 3 months around SE Aisa and can't think of anywhere I'd recommend more. I was only supposed to stay 3 nights but extended to 4 as this was the most I could do before having to move to my next meeting point.

Each room is its own little house with en suite, air-con or fan, and balcony. Mine was on the banks of the Mighty Mekong, some mornings clear, others misty. Clean, modern, a good size.

The food and service is what makes this place stand out. I paid extra for meals and drinks and was catered for exceptionally well. Each breakfast and dinner there were a range of dishes to be shared - not ordering off a menu can be a real luxury. Tastes were taken into account and food was freshly prepared for each meal, much of it grown on the property or locally sourced.

It's 30 mins from Chang Khong (border crossing town across from Huay Xai in Laos) or 1hr 15 from Chiang Rai. There's lots to do with the Golden Triangle, Hall of Opium, Maesai nearby but the best is relaxing by the pool / river while enjoying good food and drink.

As someone who has high expectations, I can't speak highly enough of the service and care taken of guests and was sorry to leave today.

When is a homestay not a homestay? I have stayed in some homestays which were shacks. Rai Puchat is very different. It has the air of an exotic, somewhat eccentric resort  that is far closer to an exclusive club than it is to a homestay. It is run by two very gentle men, First and Mac. They are devoted to you fulfilling your pleasures. But unlike any gentleman’s club, everything is very informal. 
Residents mostly stay in wooden chalets of which there are about nine, all dotted along the banks of the Mekong, some closer to the river than others. The chalets themselves are wonderful bright with windows on all sides and each has a veranda with table and chairs. The en-suite bathroom is quite basic.
What makes Rai Puchat unique, and more like a homestay, is that there are no airs and graces. It is as if you are club members. It is bit disconcerting as there is never any mention of money or prices and that it might be seen as rude to ask. We ate fantastically (First is a top-class chef), we drank well (I could quibble about the quality of wine on offer), we learned to cook (First gives wonderful lessons), we were taken to markets, we had massages, and, in general, we were looked after as if we were staying in a good club. At the end of our eight nights, we were presented with a bill which we paid without quibble. It was far more than what we  two would have paid in a homestay and in some respects was closer to what you would pay in a two or three star hotel but then again, this is a quite unique and very special place that requires a pilgrimage to understand what it is all about. And, as we know, latter-day hedonists are willing to make pilgrimages to enjoy themselves.


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Paradise at the riverbank

Exotic

The highlight of my 3 week trip in Thailand  and  Laos

Hospitality squared, great views over the Mekong and chef quality food

Already planning my next trip back...

Breakfast included

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Ski slope nearby

Beach nearby

Air-conditioning

Pets allowed

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Smoking allowed

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