Hands down, the best food I had in northern Thailand. The chef is 72, the mother of Vassana, one of the owners, and her Thai food is brilliant. We were welcomed with a Thai yom, salad with toasted cashews. Can I please have the recipe? Although we were only at Viang Yonok for 24 hours, every meal, activity, sensation was extended with grace and professionalism. Why didn't we stay longer? We were between assigned places as it often goes while traveling. But I thank Opus at Baan Orapin who booked us into Viang Yonok when we asked for a hotel in the Chiang Saen area, and I thank Ian, and Vassana, and Dang, and "grandma" (she's the chef) for an outstanding experience. Ian arranged for us to go birding with Mick Davis---we had no gear, and Davis complained that the birds were hiding, but it was a fabulous morning. A singular day during our three days in SE Asia.

Viang Yonok absolutely deserves its No. 1 ranking & award. Ian & Vassana said they're not doing it for the money, and it shows, not just in the terrific value for this quality of accommodation, but their care for their guests, their staff and their pristine environment. Stayed 4 nights early Feb and were lucky to be the only guests at the end of the season.

We were in the "Egret" chalet which had all we needed & more -- bathrobes, toiletries, slippers, kettle, coffee/tea, plenty of towels, bright bedside reading lamps, aircon, fan, fridge, bottled water, safe, hair-dryer, fast Wifi..... Balcony looked out on the lovely lake. Garden had gorgeous orchids. 3 dalmatians and cat make the place feel more like a home. It's a short walk to a bamboo walkway on the lake from where the sunset's even more stunning. Ian advised on doable day-trips and arranged for Chai to drive us there & back at reasonable rates. Chai was a steady, obliging driver with nice sense of humour, and took us along interesting rural back roads rather than the highway.

But Vassana's mother's superb home-cooking was the highlight, full of fresh local produce and subtle flavours. Personalised service extended to custom-making our meals as one of us likes super-spicy and the other doesn't: Grandma made non-spicy versions of dishes and sauces for me. Daeng took orders for dinner in the am (or even the day before for long-prep dishes), ingredients were bought at the market in the pm -- can't get much fresher than that! A meal we had at the Anantara resort wasn't as good, so we ate at VY morning & evening. Breakfasts were delicious too--scrumptious fruit-filled crepes, yummy rice porridge, fesh juice, good coffee.

Thanks to Grandma, Vassana, Ian, Daeng & Chai for a delightful stay and true hospitality. We'll be back!

If you are looking for five star luxury, then pay megabucks and go elsewhere.  But if you want somewhere with personal with a P and service with an S, and outstanding value for money, then this little hotel is it. 

This place is nothing fancy, just seven little cottages with a small pool, a little gym and an open air restaurant area.  But sitting there on your veranda looking out over the lake is about as relaxing as it can get.  At night we just left the veranda doors open and listened to the frogs and night birds.  Despite there being a road immediately below our room, the traffic consisted of maybe two motorbikes a night.

But what really makes this place are the people, not the Infrastructure.  Ian, Vassana and Daeng  are just such welcoming and interested hosts.  Ian in particular has such love for Thailand that it quickly rubs off on you. His enthusiasm to show you his adopted country with some great backroad drives is fantastic.  Even better is that he knows all of the great little places to eat. However, if you want to visit a market then Ian is not your man.  Obviously due to some traumatic childhood experience, he is severely allergic to shopping!

A great little hotel and high speed free wifi to boot.

We stayed here for 5 nights before Christmas, and absolutely loved it. Beautiful location next to the lake (with glorious sunsets), very comfortable rooms and good facilities. In all a very pleasant, laid back place to be, so relaxing and comfortable.

All the people there were so welcoming and helpful, nothing was too much trouble. Ian and Vassana, the owners, were incredibly hospitable, and arranged some fantastic tours for us, including trips to see elephants and a great day out in the mountains with fantastic scenery. They have an excellent knowledge of the area, and this all adds to the trips out.

The food was totally delicious, fresh, home-cooked and authentic. The best Thai food anywhere. (I think Vassana's Mother, who does the cooking, should produce a recipe book!).

Chiang Saen is an interesting small town, with a good atmosphere, well worth a visit. Northern Thailand is a beautiful and fascinating area, and we would not hesitate to go back, and to stay at Viang Yonok.

Would recommend Viang Yonok highly.