Topland Hotel in Phitsanulok, Thailand
I usually don't like to stay in Sukhothai. The hotels seem to be either old or overpriced .. so I make the 50 km drive to Phitsanulok. One reason I do that is to stay at the Topland Hotel. It's sort of a reward for working hard at traveling the back roads of Thailand.
First, the bad news. The staff do not speak a lot of english. Neither do you want to be waiting for an elevator when a tour group is checking in. But that's pretty much it as far as I'm concerned
The good news. The Topland Hotel is a great value, has a shopping mall in the same complex, outstanding food and a terrific location. And that staff that speaks english not so well, they are good and they are helpful. Service there is excellent.
Location - Wat Yai is immediately across the boulevard from the hotel. Everyone should visit that temple. just seeing the beautiful Buddha image 'Lajinaradj' that many consider the most beautiful in Thailand is a treat unto itself. The wat has a market as well.
Wat Nangphaya, a much more serene temple, is across a side soi from Wat Yai.
A short walk from the hotel brings you to the Nan river where you can dine on 'houseboats' tied to the riverbank. The food can be outstanding and the experience is unique.
Geographic Location - That's pretty good as well. You can stay at Topland and make day trips to both Sukhothai and Khampaengphet. Actually, I like KPP better than Sukhothai, but that's another story.
How about those Topland rooms? Clean, excellent, spacious and comfy. I tried a suite once when I felt really flush. They are truly worth the price.
Hotels seldom have dinner buffets to match Topland. The main dining room is very comfortable and the food is varied. I especially liked being able to pick out a number of raw veggies for the chef to prepare and then deliver to the table.
The Topland shopping complex is not just for tourists. Stores are upscale with excellent stocks of merchandise. You will be able to find a number of western fast-food outlets as well.
Will I say at the Topland Hotel in Phitsanulok again? Does bamboo grow in the jungle?
