Bantak House (Tak Province)

Located in Tak Province situated on the Ping river basin, Tak covers an area of 16,406 mainly mountainous sq.kms. which divide into a further 8 sub-districts (MuangTak, Bantak, SamNgao, MaeSot, MaeRamat, ThaSong Yang, Umphang, PhopPhra and WangChao). To the west, the border with Myanmar (Burma) is defined by mountain ranges and the Moei River.

The Bantak House is one of those hard to find, yet oh-so special places. Good food and friendly service in a relaxed atmosphere and homely teak wood accommodation set on the river bank in one of Thailand's most beautiful, yet to be discovered places. The owner-operators have opened their doors to welcome travellers interested in a tranquil retreat away from the modern world with the opportunity to take a step back in time to the days of Mahouts and elephants as the only means of travel through the swollen rivers and rugged terrain.

Accommodation:
The Bantak House has been rebuilt using as much of the original teak wood as possible and modernized as a labour of love by its owners.

Layout:
Bantak House is built on two floors and provides 4 bedrooms which can accommodate up to 10 people. The lower level consisting of a living room area, a dining room, and the kitchen, plus the three guest rooms, two bathrooms, and a covered lower patio where you walk out to the back yard and the river. The upper level consists of the master bedroom with en-suite bathroom, a TV room with international programming, and a huge deck which is partly covered. It is from this vantage point that the day's activities dissolve into quiet, tranquil evenings over an outdoor dining table, great food, and good company.

Activities:
If you want to do more, than just to sit and enjoy the views and get into a good book, there are many leisure activity options available with several sets of golf clubs, two kayaks and mountain bikes on site for free use by guests.

The Bantak House is particularly suited for Family Holidays, the children can swim in the river, kayak, sleep in a tent on the lawn and enjoy the great outdoors, while the parents relax with a good book or learn how to cook great Thai food.

Amenities:

• 2 Kayaks, Mountain bikes, Childrens bikes.
• Satellite TV, Stereo, A small library. Tent for children, Sets of golf clubs.
• Babysitting can be arranged as an extra service to be paid locally.

Local personalized tours can be arranged using a 4-wheel drive vehicle and English speaking escort.

Bhummiphol Dam:
The largest dam in Thailand is well worth a visit, the short drive taking in some beautiful countryside. At the lake a relaxing boat ride can be taken to a small island which is home to a Thai temple and monk.

Bhumibol Dam Golf Club:
This gem of an 18 hole golf course located on the lower slope below the dam is set in magnificent tropical scenery. Adding to the enjoyment are drives played from elevated tees to valley shaped fairways. There are six par-three holes, seven par fours and five par fives.

Mae Sot and the Burmese Border:
A full day trip to Mae Sot, a colourful and very interesting border town to Myanmar (Burma). In the local markets, there are antiques, furniture, gem stones and wooden souvenirs to explore.

Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary and the Thung Yai-Huay Kha Keang World Heritage Site:
This district of Tak is 164 Km south of Mae Sot on Highway No. 1090 which runs to a dead end at Umphang. In 1989 the U.N. designated Umphang a World Heritage Site. Still largely unmapped, it is now protected from all forms of commercial exploitation and is one of Asia's most beautiful nature spectacles.

Sukhothai Ancient Capital City World Heritage Site:
The first capital of the kingdom of Siam dating back to 1238 AD is in remarkable preservation and is famous for its classical Buddha poses. A walk round the mystical ruins leaves an indelible impression of the periods art and architecture which draws inspiration from the Sri Lanka style.

Weather:
Dry Season - Nov to April Rainy Season - May to Oct

Getting There:
The Bantak House is about 5 hours (450 km.) drive north of Bangkok andabout 3 hours (250 km.) drive south of Chiang Mai. The Burma border is 85 km. to the west. There are also regular flights to local airports at Phitsanuloke and Sukhothai.

(For culture explorers there are also short onward flights to visit the ancient haunting ruins of Angkor Wat Khmer temple in Cambodia).

See the location map of Bantak House

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