Uncover Preme Village's Hidden Gems: Ubon Ratchathani's Best-Kept Secret!
Uncover Preme Village's Hidden Gems: Ubon Ratchathani's Best-Kept Secret? - A Messy, Honest Review!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from a trip to Ubon Ratchathani and, let me tell you, Preme Village? Well, it’s… an experience. Trying to write a "perfect" review feels ridiculous, so let's just spill the tea, shall we? It’s gonna be a bit messy, a bit opinionated, and definitely not your run-of-the-mill travel brochure fluff.
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- Title: Preme Village Ubon Ratchathani Review: Hidden Gem or Overrated Oasis? (A Messy Guide)
- Keywords: Preme Village, Ubon Ratchathani, Hotel Review, Thailand, Spa, Swimming Pool, Restaurant, Accessibility, Family Friendly, Cleanliness, Service, Value, Ubon Hotels, Best Hotels Ubon, Ubon Travel
- Meta Description: Honest & messy review of Preme Village in Ubon Ratchathani. Find out if it's truly a hidden gem, covering everything from accessibility to the spa. Read on!
Getting There & Around (Accessibility, Ugh):
So, first impressions? Preme Village is not right in the thick of Ubon action. Which, honestly, is a plus if you crave some peace. But! Accessibility… it’s… there. They have elevators (yay!) and some facilities are designated as accessible ("facilities for disabled guests"), but I'd still recommend reaching out beforehand to confirm the specifics. They have car park (on-site) and airport transfer available (with a fee, of course). The taxi service seemed reliable enough, and a car park [free of charge] is a win for my wallet.
Rooms & Comfort (The Good, The Not-So-Good):
My room? A bit… mixed, really. I had “Available in all rooms” like Air conditioning, alarm clock, bathrobes, bathtub, blackout curtains, coffee/tea maker, complimentary tea, desk, extra long bed, free bottled water, hair dryer, in-room safe box, internet access – wireless, ironing facilities, laptop workspace, linens, mini bar, mirror, non-smoking, on-demand movies, private bathroom, reading light, refrigerator, satellite/cable channels, seating area, separate shower/bathtub, shower, slippers, smoke detector, socket near the bed, sofa, soundproofing, telephone, toiletries, towels, umbrella, wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], window that opens. Honestly? The blackout curtains were a lifesaver because, hello jet lag! I was also thankful for the free Wi-Fi, because, well… addiction. Extra long bed? Definitely appreciated it! The downside? I was hoping for a better view, but hey I didn't pay for a "High Floor" so I couldn't be picky. The carpet… well you could tell it had seen some things.
On the plus side, the pillows were divine. Seriously, I could have stayed in bed all day, just breathing in their fluffiness. The complimentary tea was a nice touch for those moments of quiet contemplation. They also offer room-sanitization opt-out (which is cool).
Dining, Drinking & Snacking (Food, Glorious Food!):
Alright, the food situation. This is where things get… interesting. They have "Asian cuisine in restaurant", "Western cuisine in restaurant", "buffet in restaurant", "coffee/tea in restaurant", "desserts in restaurant", "international cuisine in restaurant", "poolside bar", "restaurants", "soup in restaurant", "vegetarian restaurant", and a "snack bar". My stomach does a happy dance just thinking about it! What really got me was the breakfast buffet. I mean, yes, the usual suspects were there – the eggs, the bacon, the sad little sausages – but then there it was: a proper Asian breakfast station. Noodles, curries, the works! I went back… many times.
The Poolside bar? Perfect for a sunset cocktail. They didn't have the exact cocktail I wanted, but the bartender (who was super friendly, by the way) whipped something up that was even BETTER.
Spa & Relaxation (Zen Moments & A Little Drama):
This is where I really splurged. Preme Village boasts a spa (Spa/sauna), offering Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Massage, Sauna, Steamroom. Honestly, after a few days of trekking around, my muscles were screaming for mercy.
I opted for the full spa experience. First, a massage, which was amazing! Seriously, the masseuse was like a ninja with hands of pure butter. I could feel all my stress melting away. Then the sauna. Oh, the sauna! I'm not a huge sauna person, but this one was actually quite relaxing.
Now, here's the messy part. The body scrub… It was good, but it was a bit rough, like a mildly abrasive cat. But, I was left absolutely glowing, despite it.
Cleanliness & Safety (COVID Considerations):
Okay, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: COVID. I was genuinely concerned. Preme Village has Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment. It’s clear they’re taking it seriously. They offered "Anti-viral cleaning products" and have "shared stationery removed". And, let me tell you, I saw staff cleaning CONSTANTLY. Made me feel a bit safer, despite my inherent paranoia.
Service & Conveniences (The Perks & The Pitfalls):
The staff were generally friendly and helpful. I specifically remember a concierge that was helpful. The "Concierge" was great for getting me taxis and answering basic questions. The front desk [24-hour] was a big plus. They also offer Daily housekeeping and laundry service. They also offer "Cash withdrawal", "Cashless payment service", "Convenience store", and "Currency exchange." However, sometimes communication was a bit… tricky. It was definitely helpful that there was a "Doorman" and "luggage storage" available.
For the Kids (Family-Friendly Factor):
I didn't travel with kids, but Preme Village does seem pretty family-friendly. They have "Babysitting service", "Family/child friendly", and "Kids meal". They also have "Kids facilities" (I didn't investigate further, so I can't comment on specifics).
The Verdict (Is it a Hidden Gem?):
So, is Preme Village a hidden gem? Honestly? It depends. It's not perfect, but it's got a lot going for it. The spa is a definite highlight, as is the breakfast buffet (seriously, still dreaming about those noodles!). The staff, for the most part, are lovely. The location, while not smack-dab in the center of everything, is peaceful.
If you’re looking for pure luxury and perfection, this isn't it. But, for a relaxed, pleasant stay in Ubon Ratchathani with a few quirks and some fantastic spa treatments? Yeah, I'd say it's worth a visit. Just be prepared for a little bit of the "real" - sometimes messy, sometimes fantastic - experience that travel is truly about. And hey, isn't that what makes a trip memorable?
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your sanitized, Instagram-filtered itinerary. This is the Ubon Ratchathani, Preme Village edition – warts and all. Prepare for a rollercoaster, because honestly, that's how this whole travel thing usually feels, right?
Ubon Ratchathani: Preme Village - AKA Where My Sanity Might Melt
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Mango Sticky Rice Debacle (and Initial Panic)
- Morning (AKA "The Travel Gods Decide to Test Me"): Landed bleary-eyed at Ubon Ratchathani Airport. Pretty standard, except someone (me) forgot to pack my adaptor. First sign of impending doom, I tell ya. Found a guy hawking SIM cards looking like he'd just survived a desert trek, bought a local SIM (because roaming charges? No thank you!), and promptly got hopelessly lost trying to find a Grab to the village. "Preme Village" sounded idyllic in the brochure, but the actual drive? Let's just say my internal GPS was screaming in Thai.
- Afternoon (AKA "Mango Sticky Rice or Bust"): Finally, finally, arrived at our little bungalow in Preme. So cute, with a balcony overlooking… a particularly enthusiastic rooster. I swear that bird was personally mocking my jet lag. Settled in, breathed a shaky sigh of relief. Then… the mission. Mango sticky rice. It had become an obsession, a craving, a purpose for this trip. Searched the entire village (okay, maybe a slight exaggeration, but it felt like it!) only to discover the one place that claimed to have it was "out of mangoes." OUT OF MANGOES! The audacity! The injustice! I may have shed a single, dramatic tear. Ended up with green curry. Which was actually pretty damn good. But still… the mango sticky rice wound felt deep.
- Evening (AKA "The Mosquito Massacre and Early Bedtime"): Attempted a sunset stroll through the village. Lovely, except the mosquito population took it as a personal invitation. I swear, they were HUGE. Returned to the bungalow, covered in bites, and basically locked myself inside. This whole "outdoor living" thing was proving to be a challenge. Early bedtime. Needed to recharge for the mango sticky rice hunt tomorrow.
Day 2: Temples and the Perils of Trying to Be Cultured (and Another Mango Sticky Rice Fail)
- Morning (AKA "Temples and Trepidation"): Decided to be a "cultured traveler" and visit Wat Thung Sri Muang. Gorgeous temple, truly. But the heat? Oh, the heat. I swear, sweat was pouring down my back. Trying to figure out the appropriate level of respect while simultaneously fanning myself like a Victorian lady who'd just seen a mouse. Felt like I was constantly on the verge of fainting. Made some offerings, mumbled a prayer (mostly for air conditioning, and for – you guessed it – mango sticky rice) and made a hasty retreat.
- Afternoon (AKA "The Mango Sticky Rice Breakdown"): The quest continued. Searched every nook and cranny. Asked every vendor. Nothing. Not a single, solitary mango. I started to suspect a conspiracy. Were the mangoes being diverted to some secret mango sticky rice society? Did I not have the right handshake? I almost went full detective, asking locals where I can find the best mango sticky rice.
- Late Afternoon (AKA "The Fish That Nearly Ate My Foot and a Moment of Sheer Beauty"): Hired a longtail boat for a cruise down the Mun River. The river was stunning, and the scenery was to die for. Got a little bit too close to the edge of the boat, and suddenly I became the focus of the river. A giant fish leaped out and nipped at my foot! Okay, maybe it didn't nip. But it was big. And sudden. And now fish are the enemy. But the overall beauty of the day still gave me a moment of peace.
- Evening (AKA "Food Stalls and Staring at the Stars"): Wandered through the local night market. Tried some street food – delicious, and thankfully, no more fish attacks. Sat on a bench, ate Pad Thai, and stared at the stars. Realized that even with the mosquito bites, the failed mango sticky rice expeditions, and the whole language barrier thing, it was pretty darn magical.
Day 3: The Buddha, the Village and a (Finally!) Triumph (and the realization that this is all part of the journey).
- Morning (AKA "The Buddha's Wisdom (and Still No Mango Sticky Rice)"): Visited Wat Nong Pa Pong, a forest monastery. The silence. The peace. The sheer calm. I kind of… needed that. Maybe the Buddha could magically conjure a mango. Nope. Still no mango sticky rice.
- Afternoon (AKA "The Village Hunt"): Explored more of Preme. Walked past houses. Saw the faces of the villagers. They were so friendly and welcoming. The language barrier got in the way, but there was a sense that I was included.
- Late Afternoon (AKA "MANGO STICKY RICE GLORY!" - Seriously, you guys, it's happening!): Finally, a tiny, unassuming stall hidden down a side street. The vendor, who looked like my grandma, smiled and brought me my first taste. Tears. Actual tears. Sweet, creamy, mango-y tears. It was everything I had dreamed of—and worth the journey.
- Evening (AKA "Goodbye, and Maybe Not Goodbye"): Started to pack. Realized that all the minor inconveniences and failures (a missing adapter, the rooster, the fish, the lack of mangoes) actually made this trip more alive. I don't really like the phrase "finding yourself," but I know I'm more relaxed and happier than I was when I arrived. Even as I left, the whole Preme Village was a place that has stayed with me.
Quirky Observations & Rambles:
- The Roosters of Doom: Seriously, that one rooster. He's probably still crowing. Haunting my dreams.
- The Heat: It's real. Pack light clothes. And maybe portable AC unit.
- The Food: Eat everything. Seriously, everything. Even the stuff you can't identify. Especially the stuff you can't identify.
- The Language Barrier: Learn a few basic Thai phrases. It goes a long way. (Even if your pronunciation is atrocious, like mine.)
- The Mango Sticky Rice Obsession: You'll understand. You'll feel it. Just keep searching!
- The Embrace of Imperfection: Things won't go as planned. You'll get lost. You'll forget things. You'll make mistakes. It's all good. It's all part of the adventure.
Emotional Reactions:
- Frustration: At the mango sticky rice drought. At the mosquitoes. At my own clumsiness.
- Joy: When I finally, finally, tasted mango sticky rice. At the kindness of the locals. At the beauty around me.
- Exhaustion: So much walking. So much heat. So much… everything.
- Wonder: At the temples. At the river. At the stars.
- Connection: To the culture, to the people, to the experience itself.
Final Thoughts:
Ubon Ratchathani, Preme Village, is not some perfected postcard destination. It's real. It's messy. It's beautiful. It's challenging. And it's utterly, utterly worth it. Go. Get lost. Embrace the chaos. And for the love of all that is holy, find the mango sticky rice. You'll thank me later. Now, where's that rooster? I have some unfinished business…
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Uncover Preme Village's Hidden Gems: Ubon Ratchathani's Best-Kept Secret! (Or...Is It?)
Okay, okay... Preme Village. What's the actual deal? Is it really *hidden*? Because I'm seeing a lot of influencer pics...
Look, "hidden gem" is a marketing buzzword, I get it. But Preme Village in Ubon Ratchathani? It *kinda* fits. Before Instagram exploded, yeah, it was more low-key. Now? You see the reels. Still, it's not exactly overrun with tour buses. It's a place that feels... genuine. Like, actually *lived in* , unlike some overly-curated tourist traps I could name. (Cough, cough...some parts of Chiang Mai...)
It's a collection of traditional Isan houses, beautifully preserved, some converted into guesthouses, cafes, and craft shops. It’s like stepping back in time… well… not *totally* back in time, they’ve got Wi-Fi. But you get the vibe. Picture this: you're drinking strong coffee in a courtyard, the sun dappling through the leaves, and the only sounds are the clatter of a tuk-tuk in the distance and the gentle strumming of a *phin* (the local lute). Okay, maybe I AM romanticizing it a little, but it feels good.
So, what's there to *do*? Is it just pretty houses and… what?
Alright, so it’s not exactly a theme park. The main draw is wandering around, honestly. Just strolling. Take your time. Pop into artisan shops, maybe snag a hand-woven scarf (I bought one, and it's gorgeous! But a tad itchy, if I'm being honest). There are also cooking classes, which I’ve heard are AMAZING. A friend did one and raved about it. She learned to make *som tam* (papaya salad). I, on the other hand, spent the morning failing to haggle for a pair of wooden clogs... My haggling skills need SERIOUS work.
Food-wise? Expect deliciousness. The cafes serve excellent coffee and authentic Isan cuisine. And the evenings? Magical. The lighting is perfect, the atmosphere is chill, and you’ll probably want to sit and drink a beer until the sun goes down.
Give me the lowdown on the food. What should I *actually* eat?
Oh. My. God. The food. Okay, listen closely. This is crucial.
First, *som tam*. You HAVE to try it. Find a place that makes it fresh, and don't be shy about telling them you like it *pet mak mak* (very spicy). You have been warned. The papaya salad at one of the cafes in Preme Village was life-changing levels of good. The balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy… it’s a symphony in your mouth.
Second? *Gai yang* (grilled chicken). Crispy skin, juicy meat. You can probably find it everywhere but Preme Village, but I'll just say the one I got with sticky rice at the street stall was sublime. And the grilled fish. A must. It's fresh, smoky, and usually served with a fiery dipping sauce. Pro Tip: Learn a few basic Thai phrases like "Mai phet" (not spicy) and "Aroy mak" (very delicious). Your stomach will thank you.
And of course, don't leave without trying fresh fruit. Ubon's mangos are ridiculously good. And they are everywhere!
Okay, I'm sold. Where do I sleep? Any recommendations on where to stay.
Lodging is generally the old style. Many of the traditional houses have been converted into cozy guesthouses and boutique hotels. The atmosphere is chill, the rooms are charming, and the prices are surprisingly reasonable. I stayed in a place that felt a little too *rustic*. (Read: the aircon was wonky, but the mosquito net was intact). But honestly? I loved it. It was part of the experience!
Do some research! Check Booking.com or Agoda, but be prepared for some options to be less “refined.”
How do I get there? And, more importantly, is it a hassle?
Ubon Ratchathani is relatively easy to get to. You can fly from Bangkok (it’s a short flight, around an hour), or take a train or bus.
From the city center, it's a quick taxi or tuk-tuk ride. It’s not a huge place, so getting around is pretty manageable. I recommend hiring a driver for the day, or just using Grab (the Southeast Asian version of Uber) is totally doable. Walking is nice to a point, but the sun can be brutal.
Honestly the biggest hassle? Mosquitoes. Pack bug spray. Seriously.
What if I get bored? Is that possible?
Okay, this depends on your tolerance for "chill." If you need constant stimulation, and you get antsy after like, 30 minutes of "relaxation," then maybe Preme Village isn't for you. You will get people who are, well, 'bored' .
But if you appreciate a slower pace, enjoy people-watching, like trying new food, and can find joy in the simple things (like a good cup of coffee and sunshine), then you'll be fine. Seriously. There will be moments of pure bliss. But, you know, bring a book, some music, and be prepared to do a lot of… nothing. Which, in today's world, can be the best thing of all.
Overall, is it worth the trip? Would you go back?
*Absolutely*. Yes. A million times, yes. I'd go back in a heartbeat. It's not perfect. It's a little rough around the edges. It's not some pristine, manufactured paradise. But that's what makes it special. It feels real, and it will make you feel at peace. It’s the kind of place that stays with you long after you leave, and frankly, it made me want to move there! The food alone is worth the trip, and the people are genuinely friendly.
Just remember... pack the bug spray!
