Amarin Lagoon Hotel

This was an overnight stop from Chiang Mai to Bangkok. On the way to the hotel, we visited a Wat, which had a very good market outside, with the cheapest prices we saw on our trip.
As much as the hotel room was very large, and it had just about everything you’d need for one night, I certainly wouldn’t like to stay here much longer – the welcome was certainly the least friendly of our stay, with far fewer smiles and “wais” (Thai greetings) than we’d had elsewhere.
The water from the tap in the room was brown, so we didn’t need reminding not to drink it! Two bottles of water were provided, but given that the hotel is so far away from anything, it’s probably a good idea to bring some more. The hotel badly needs updating, and there’s a building site just outside the front, making the drive to the hotel rather less than spectacular!
To the back, there’s an outdoor swimming pool, which made the view from the restaurant very nice. We had dinner and breakfast which were good quality, and there was something specifically for vegetarians.
The outdoor café at the front was much nicer (and a lot cheaper) than the hotel, but if you’re sat outside, do watch for the mosquitoes!
Our trip included a trishaw ride to get to Phitsanulok’s flying vegetable show, which was very entertaining (and rather tasty if you like a spinachy sort of vegetable cooked in soy sauce and garlic!)
Phitsanulok didn’t look particularly picturesque, but as an overnight stop, it was interesting enough. Apparently Sukothai, which is very close, is a much better option, but on a guided tour, you don’t have much choice in the matter!