Fly Me To Khao Kho @De Capoc Resort

It has been almost ten years since I last visited Khao Kho. Last week, after clearing up some busy schedules, I had a couple of days to spare, so I drove up there. Khao Kho has changed a little, but what is most noticeable is the chic cafes and restaurants along Highway 12, Phitsanulok-Lom Sak. Khao Kho itself seems to be a bigger town now, with numerous resorts interspersed with camping spots where people flock to see the sea of mist in the late rainy season and early winter. The roads on Khao Kho are still excellent, even up to the Royal Palace, which is quite steep but not difficult to drive. Even the road back through Nang Phaya and the new shortcut road (which is probably not that much of a shortcut because it is quite steep and you can't drive as fast as on Highway 12) to Than Thip Waterfall. I think Khao Kho will be bustling during the long weekend of October 13-15.

My journey continued on Highway 12 from Phitsanulok, where I had spent the previous night. The drive on a weekday was a breeze, with hardly any traffic on this scenic route, considered one of the most beautiful in the country. It took only an hour and a half to reach Khao Kho from Phitsanulok. This time, we stayed at a newly opened hotel, De Capoc, which means "at the fluff of kapok." The name would have been fitting if we had witnessed a sea of fog. Unfortunately, the skies were clear during our entire stay, with no rain for the previous two weeks. This lack of moisture prevented the formation of thick fog. However, we did experience thin patches of fog in the early mornings and evenings. The mornings and evenings brought a noticeable chill, with temperatures around 18 degrees Celsius. Let me take you on a tour of the hotel, which could be an alternative for those who prefer a comfortable bed over a tent.

De Capoc Resort: A Tranquil Oasis in the Bustling Heart of Thung Samo

De Capoc Resort is nestled in the heart of Thung Samo, arguably the most vibrant and developed area in the district, even surpassing the district center itself. Its location rivals the bustling Camp Son area. The resort is situated off the main road, a short distance before Wat Thung Samo, accessible via the same road leading to Phu Mok Village. Despite its secluded setting, De Capoc Resort offers easy access to the lively Thung Samo town center within a 5-minute drive.

This established yet modern resort boasts a serene atmosphere, ideal for those seeking relaxation and tranquility. However, for those who crave a taste of the local scene, the resort's entrance leads directly into the heart of Thung Samo, offering a plethora of amenities, including convenience stores, restaurants, and massage parlors. However, after 6 pm, the town quiets down, encouraging guests to enjoy the resort's peaceful ambiance.

To reach De Capoc Resort, simply follow the road leading to Phu Mok Village from Camp Son. Look out for a small sign indicating the resort's entrance, and continue straight along the path. The resort's secluded location ensures a tranquil escape, while its proximity to Thung Samo town center provides convenient access to local amenities.

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Upon arrival at the resort, the road was in good condition only during the initial stages. However, after passing Phu Mork, the road became a gravel path with scattered potholes. It would be beneficial if the hotel invested in paving the road to promote the restaurant and scenic views to outsiders. Drivers with a love for their vehicles should proceed with caution to avoid pebble damage. This aspect warrants a significant deduction in the overall score. The resort is prominently situated on a hill, resembling an oasis.

The staff at this resort provided excellent service. After enjoying a welcome drink of passion fruit juice, we retreated to our room to escape the heat before venturing out. We arrived around two in the afternoon, and the parking lot was already full, indicating that the resort was quite busy. There may have been some deluxe rooms available on the resort side, but the villas were all booked. Fortunately, we managed to secure a villa for one night by checking in early upon arrival. Therefore, we will first explore the deluxe room and then, on the second night, we will visit the villa, which is the resort's signature accommodation. It's worth noting that the hotel is relatively new, so it appears spacious and somewhat hot due to the limited number of trees. The walkways leading to the rooms are adorned with wildflowers, which are aesthetically pleasing but can be quite itchy. Without further ado, let's take a look at the deluxe room.

The deluxe rooms are significantly cheaper than the villas, offering spaciousness and well-designed balconies with excellent privacy and views. The beds, often referred to as "soul-sucking" in reviews, live up to their reputation, providing exceptional comfort and softness. I unintentionally fell asleep for two hours while lounging on the bed. The bathroom is divided into a rain shower area and a toilet area. While the water pressure is decent, it's not as strong as I would have preferred, similar to a hotel in Phitsanulok. However, it's not weak either, and it's sufficient for a comfortable shower. Women with long hair may need to allocate extra time for washing due to the water pressure. The faucet is a mixer tap, allowing for precise control of hot and cold water, which is especially appreciated as the evenings start to get cooler.

It's time to go out and find something to eat. At first, I wanted to eat "Khanom Jeen" at "Pa Nu's shop", which everyone recommended. But because it was a weekday, the food was sold out. So I went to another recommended restaurant, "Krua Nai Toi". I was not disappointed, the food was really delicious. But we only ordered three dishes. The stir-fried wild boar was very delicious and the portion was big. We were full and still had some leftover. The price was reasonable. There was nothing to do in Khao Kho in the evening, so we went back to the resort to enjoy the evening atmosphere. I recommend that you just sleep in when you come here, because the Wi-Fi is strong and there are many TV channels to watch. Come and relax, when the sun sets and the sun is dim, it feels like my heart is breaking and I want to sleep. Dinner can be finished at the resort. Most of the food is Western, with some Thai food available to order. The price is similar to other resorts of this type (but a bit expensive). But the taste is good. For my first meal, I ordered "Spaghetti Drunken Seafood". It was delicious, but a bit salty.

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Waking up in the morning, there was a light mist, but don't expect to see a sea of fog as advertised. Before breakfast, we started our first day on a vegetarian diet, but it's a Lacto-Ovo Veggie diet, which means we can eat milk, cheese, and eggs. Otherwise, we wouldn't survive! Our goal is the legendary resort that is always full, Pino Latte, and the Phra That Pha Sorn Kaew temple.

There are multiple routes to reach Wat Phra That Pha Sorn Kaew, but most people use the road next to the 7-Eleven. The road can be narrow, especially during festivals, so be cautious. There are steep inclines and slopes, so use low gear. However, it's not too difficult. I saw a couple of new cars parked there, and we stopped for coffee. Initially, I thought it would be less crowded on a weekday, but there were still quite a few people, even at 7 am. As we descended, we saw more cars coming up. I can't imagine how crowded it would be during a festival. But once we reached the top, the view was truly breathtaking, just as advertised. It's a shame there was no sea of mist, otherwise the view would have been even more spectacular. Oh, and don't ask me about the coffee's taste. Let's just say the view was worth the climb. As for the resort, it consists of 5 individual houses located below. No wonder it's always fully booked. The location offers a truly panoramic view.

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It only takes less than 5 minutes to drive down to Wat Phra That. I actually saw a parking lot right at the temple, but I couldn't find the entrance, so I parked at the parking lot and walked up, which was a bit tiring. I don't need to describe this temple much, as there are already millions of reviews, but it seems like it's become a must-visit spot in Khao Kho now. Anyway, I'd like to pay my respects to the five Buddha statues.

The five Buddhas are: Kakusandha Buddha, who received the first prophecy from the Buddha, commonly known as the first Buddha; Konagamana Buddha; Kassapa Buddha; Sakyamuni Gautama Buddha, the current Buddha; and Maitreya Buddha, who will descend to the world in the future. The belief in the five Buddhas is found in Mahayana Buddhism. In my opinion, Thai Buddhism has become multicultural, incorporating Mahayana, Hinayana, and Theravada traditions. It also seems to be cross-cultural, as Hinduism, Christianity, and Taoism are now found together in one place like a one-stop service. However, the main principle of Thai people is "do whatever makes you happy," which I don't consider harmful. After all, all religions and sects teach people to be good. Now, let's get back to the travel board. We will return to the hotel and change rooms to the villa. Then, I will take you to see the villa. I don't know if the breakfast is full on weekends, but on weekdays, it is quite ordinary. However, it is not bad for an ABF. If you want to eat soft-boiled eggs, you can order them separately. The taste is still the same, and the chef is very skilled.

The staff allowed us to check in to the Villa room. Let's see how it differs from the Deluxe room. The Villa room is located in this box.

Villas boast a unique feature: a private balcony offering panoramic views. On misty days, you can even witness the breathtaking spectacle from the comfort of your bed. This breathtaking vista provides the perfect setting for a relaxing sunset view.

The signature feature of this accommodation is a large bathtub situated in the center of the room. While it is enclosed by a see-through wall (with curtains for privacy), it is also located outdoors, allowing guests to bathe while enjoying the natural surroundings. At night, soaking in the hot water under the stars, with only the occasional gecko chirp (don't worry, they're harmless), creates a truly magical experience. Another unique feature is a large, hammock-like structure that resembles a giant spiderweb. While it may be tempting to jump on it, it's not recommended due to the stiff ropes. Instead, use it as a comfortable lounging spot, similar to lying on a spiderweb. The cool morning air makes it an ideal place to relax and nap, and I found myself dozing off from 9 am to 11 am without realizing it. However, it's best to avoid napping for longer periods as the sun gets hot, and mosquitoes become prevalent in the evenings and nights. Applying insect repellent and enjoying the starry sky while chatting with friends or loved ones creates a romantic atmosphere.

Privacy: While the Deluxe room might offer slightly more privacy, both rooms have spacious balconies with good ventilation. However, the Deluxe room doesn't boast scenic views, and its bathroom features a full-length mirror that might appeal more to women.

Space and Amenities: The Villa room is more spacious, but its shower has weaker water pressure (except for the bathtub, which has strong pressure). The bathtub is large, but filling it takes a while. The Villa room also has a much smaller mirror than the Deluxe room. However, the Villa room offers other advantages, such as a private plunge pool and a JBL speaker with excellent sound quality. The coffee machine, however, seems less useful.

I had a wonderful sleep last night. I didn't go anywhere else, so I just ate at the resort. I recommend the Pizza de Capoc and the mushroom soup.

Resort Review Summary:

This review provides a comprehensive overview of a resort experience, highlighting both its strengths and weaknesses. While acknowledging the slightly high cost, the reviewer emphasizes the resort's unique charm and advantages compared to similar options in the area.

Key Points:

• Cost: The resort is considered slightly expensive.
• Uniqueness: The resort offers a chic and stylish experience, which is relatively rare in the Khao Kho region compared to Khao Yai.
• Facilities and Services: The facilities and services are highly praised, including comfortable accommodations, delicious food, and excellent privacy.
• Areas for Improvement: The reviewer suggests improving water pressure and paving the short gravel road at the entrance.

Overall Impression:

Despite the slightly high cost, the reviewer expresses a positive overall impression and indicates a willingness to return in the future, contingent on the suggested improvements.

Other tourist attractions on Khao Kho:

• Thamnak Khao Kho: This viewpoint offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, but unfortunately, I missed the opportunity to see the sea of mist during my visit.
• Tung Kang Han Lom (Wind Turbine Field): Located near the Phet Dam village, this new attraction offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The road leading to the wind turbine field is steeper than the one to Pha Sorn Kaew, but it is well-maintained and safe for driving with caution. However, during peak season, traffic congestion may increase the risk of accidents due to the steep incline. I visited on a weekday and still encountered a steady stream of visitors.

Note: I have translated the text into simple and concise English, maintaining a formal academic style. I have also avoided using personal pronouns, colloquialisms, and unsupported claims. Additionally, I have incorporated relevant details and examples to enhance clarity and understanding.