Our recent sojourn at Dusit Princess Phatthalung, a refined hideaway located just five minutes from Phatthalung city and a half-hour drive from the serene Thale Noi, was a captivating blend of tranquility and sophistication. This hotel, set against the picturesque backdrop of Southern Thailand, offers an ideal escape for those seeking a balance of luxury, culture, and nature.
We were greeted with a welcome drink upon arrival
The lobby, with its airy design and subtle Thai-inspired décor, immediately exuded a sense of calm. The staff, always attentive and warm, ensured that my check-in was smooth, greeting me with a delightful lemongrass welcome drink that perfectly captured the essence of Thai hospitality.
View this post on Instagram
We stayed in the Superior Pool Access Room, which proved to be a haven of comfort and style. The room was spacious, with a tasteful blend of modern furnishings and traditional Thai touches that created an inviting and relaxing environment.
Relaxing by the private poolside balcony
The room which we stayed in offered us a good rest for the night to recharge for an early morning the next day to explore the iconic Thale Noi before sunrise.
The highlight, without a doubt, was the private balcony offering direct access to the pool. This unique feature allowed us to step straight into the water for a refreshing morning swim or a leisurely evening dip, adding a distinctive touch of luxury to my stay.
The room’s amenities were great as well, from the plush bed that promised a restful night’s sleep to the sleek, modern bathroom equipped with a rejuvenating rain shower. Other features include the standard high-speed free Wi-Fi and a well-stocked minibar.
Dining at the hotel’s signature Thai-Chinese restaurant, Chi Chiao, elevated our stay experience. The restaurant’s ambiance was a harmonious blend of contemporary elegance and traditional charm, perfectly setting the stage for a memorable meal. The Thai-Chinese dishes on the menu are all palatable to Singaporean and Malaysian taste buds.
Signature chicken rice at Chi Chiao restaurant – ‘same same but different’ from Singapore’s Hainanese Chicken Rice
We indulged in their signature Chicken Rice, a dish that seamlessly combined tender, flavourful chicken with aromatic jasmine rice, much like the Hainanese Chicken Rice we are used to in Singapore, but with a wider variety of condiments. The menu also featured a range of other exquisite dishes, such as a spicy prawn curry dish and other traditional Southern Thai dishes, each prepared with a finesse that highlighted the chef’s mastery of both Thai and Chinese culinary traditions.
Beyond the luxurious confines of the hotel, Dusit Princess Phatthalung serves as an excellent base for exploring the rich cultural and natural landscapes of the region.
The hotel provided a great base for us to explore Phatthalung.
Early in the morning before the sun rose at 5.30am, we ventured out to the internationally renowned Thale Noi, a protected wetland that is a must-visit site in Phatthalung. Covering over 400 square kilometres, the area is home to thousands of bird species. We embarked a morning boat ride through Pak Pra River to enjoy the sunrise view, observe nature and the local fishermen at work.
Some of the birds and animals we saw:
The beautiful scenery at Thale Noi during our boatride:
Before leaving the area, you can visit the nearby souvenir shops and foodstores to get some local product like dried salted fish home or try the local street snack like the yummy deep fried fish eggs.
This was followed by breakfast back at Dusit Princess Phatthalung, before we checked out and head off to a village enterprise, Srinaka Model, where villagers hand-make naturally dyed fashion fabric using primarily yellow ginger extracts and all organic instruments made from the likes of tree barks and mangosteen leaves.
View this post on Instagram
For those preferring to stay within the hotel, there are numerous activities to enjoy, including a well-equipped fitness center and a variety of cultural experiences like Thai cooking classes and traditional dance performances.
Overall, the attentive service, elegant accommodations, and exceptional dining all contributed to a truly memorable experience at Dusit Princess Phatthalung.
For reservations, you may contact the hotel at 155 Moo 4, Manora Road, Tha Miram, Muang, Phatthalung 93000 Thailand, via email at [email protected], or by phone at +66 (0) 74880 777.
