We are excited to share the news that our casual luxury hotel, Marasca Khao Yai, has been selected to join the prestigious Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) collection. As one of only a few hotels in Thailand to be recognized by this invitation-only group, Marasca Khao Yai now stands among the world’s most exceptional, small independent hotels.

Mindfully Curated: 8 Great Produce Farms and Vineyards around Khao Yai and Nakhon Ratchasima

Meet our friends—farmers, growers, vintners. These hard-working locals produce some of Thailand’s best fruits,vegetables, wine, and food products in Khao Yai and Nakhon Ratchasima. Here’s how their products elevate our food to the next level. 

Sweet & Green Farm

We are absolutely convinced that eating local, organic and ethical is the best way to enjoy food. Sweet & Green Farm produces a variety of fruits, herbs, and vegetables such as kale, pumpkin, and tomato that go into our salads and other healthy dishes. Sweet & Green grows and markets their products responsibly through the use of an eco-friendly waste management system and green packaging. 

108 Thanaratch Rd.

Open daily 8am-5.30pm 

Tel: 088-626-4135

Klong Phai Farm

There are many reasons why this farm has become popular in Thailand’s restaurant industry, not the least of which is its pasture-raised poultry that are grown without hormones and antibiotics. Experience the full flavors of Klong Phai Farm’s produce in our roasted chicken and our egg dishes.

ww.klongphaifarm.com/

Dairy Home

You may have heard of Dairy Home, whose selection of yogurts, cheeses, and ice cream are available in our menu. But are you familiar with their ethos? Dairy Home advocates respecting both people and nature. The dairy farm uses no antibiotics, chemical insecticide, chemical fertilizer, or any kind of growth hormones. They also engage in practices that are beneficial to the environment such as implementing a zero discharge system and generating energy from waste, just to name a few. We bet you love them more now, just like we do. 

100 Mittraphap Rd. 

Tel: 081-991-0271

Open Mon-Thu 9am-7.30pm, Fri-Sun 9am-8pm

Suwan Farm Sweet Corn

Support Suwan and you’re basically supporting the farmers in the community as well. The farm, also known as National Corn and Sorghum Research Center, offers corn seeds that they developed together with Kasetsart University’s Faculty of Agriculture, to local farmers to grow. Suwan Farm then purchases the corn at a fair and guaranteed price. Snack on these juicy roasted sweet corn in our resort. 

298 Mittraphap Rd. 

Tel: 061-558-5280

Open daily 8.30am-5.30pm 

GranMonte

The cold climate and abundant soil of Khao Yai play huge roles in the region’s wine industry. This “smart” technology-driven vineyard led by Nikki Lohitnavy, Thailand’s first female winemaker, and the wines it produces have been recognized with many awards. Pair GranMonte’s sophisticated, locally produced wines with our recommended dishes to know why its reds and whites deserve accolades.  

52 Moo 9, Pansuk-Kudkla Rd.

Tel: 044-009-543, 044-009-544

www.granmonte.com/

PB Valley

One of the largest vineyards in the country, PB Valley grows a variety of grapes for wines like Tempranillo, Shiraz, Chenin Blanc, and Cabernet Sauvignon, all of which are produced using innovative winemaking technology. Ask for a wine pairing recommendation at our restaurant or try our Marasca ice cream sandwich, which comes with PB Valley Wine Sabayon cherry ice cream. 

102 Moo 5, Phaya Yen

Tel: 085-481-1741

www.pbvalley.com

Evergreen

For years, this family-run farm has been producing amazing fruits like mulberry, which we add into our acai bowl. It’s not just their produce that makes Evergreen such an inspiring partner, we are also impressed by how its owner is committed to helping and educating other farming communities. 

Mu Si, Pak Chong

Tel: 081-790-1924

Open daily 10am-5pm

16 Brix Melon Farm

So maybe it’s not a secret that 16 Brix Melon Farm cultivates succulent and fragrant fruits, whether it’s rock melons or Japanese melons. You’ll find their produce, which are grown organically and hydroponically, in our breakfast bowls. Pair them with local ham and selected wines while drinking in views of the starry sky and enjoying the evening breeze. 

55 Sarika Rd., Mueng Nakhon Nayok 

Tel: 086-520-2212

Open Sat-Sun 8am-5pm

Adapt to The Dark/The Stars Can’t Shine without The Darkness

Be one with the wilderness and let your other senses take over within the 30 minutes needed for your eyes to adjust to the darkness. And if you’re really serious about stargazing, come to Stardeck where we have installed cherry red lights with a little help from our friends from Dark Sky. These non-glare lights will help enhance your vision in the dark. Don’t forget to give your eyes a break every 20 minutes or so when you stargaze. 

Stargazing Tools/Get Your Telescope Ready

Each room is equipped with a private telescope, but if you were hoping to take a photo of the stars, head over to Stardeck. Our special telescope allows you to capture the glistening beauty of the stars and transmit these images to your phone. Plus, you can unwind with an amazing cocktail as you try to spot the constellations in the sky.

Am I in The Right Place?/Location, Location, Location

The dark is essential for the stars to sparkle in the sky. Though Marasca is only a few hour’s drive from Bangkok, our nature setting is worlds apart from the city and its artificial lights, and is perfect for seeking out the stars in the sky (our resort has been credited as an official stargazing location by the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Dark Sky project). To begin stargazing, know your directions and look north so you can see the stars’ rotation clearly. 

And in The Right Time?/Open Season

In Thailand, the best season to stargaze is during the colder months (from November to January) when the sky is clear. The air can get hazy from late January to mid-April, making it difficult to see the sky, but the rains that usually come after Songkran can wash away the haze and pollution. But it will be difficult to map out the constellations if there are nimbus clouds.

Moon Calendar/The Moon’s Endless Dance

Phases of the Moon, Lunar cycle

Stargazing is best when there is little moonlight. Avoid nights when the moon is full and hangs high in the sky from sunset till dawn as fewer constellations and nebulae can be seen. The moon is in your way? No problem. Get to some moon gazing and capture some amazing pictures on your phone.

Is That a Star?/Go Star-hopping

silhouette successful man on the top of the hill on a background with stars

It’s not easy to distinguish a star from another planet. Get some help from stargazing apps Sky Map (Android) or Star Walk (iOS). Just point your mobile device at the sky and the app will tell you if it is a star and its name. 

Ready, Set, Go! 

Khao Yai is magical—there’s no doubt about that. Venture into the heart of nature. Eat, play, drink, work–you decide how you want to rediscover yourself. 

Healing in The Forest 

A straight steep road to entrance to Khao Yai national Park to see the beauty of the tropical forest in Khao Yai National Park. UNESCO World Heritage Area, Unseen Thailand.

We chose Khao Yai as our home for a reason: its lush, green environment. Whether you’re planning to go hiking, trekking, or forest bathing, this natural wonderland is pretty perfect. Visit our team at the front desk to know your options and to learn more about the different routes you can take through the forest. 

Horse Riding 

Spending your holiday riding a horse through the countryside does sound dreamy. Khao Yai is home to a few stables and horse riding schools that can fulfill your fantasy of trotting along picturesque meadows and rolling hills atop a beautiful steed. Try Ride Journey (083-598-9997), OK Corral (089-717-4041), or Rancho Charnvee (044-756-210). 

Some Fun for The Family?

We take fun seriously and so does Thong Somboon Club. They have something for everyone in the family, from laser tag to go karting to ziplining at Rapsodia Park Khao Yai (062-595-3512).  

Get Inspired by Art

Earth without art is just eh. Khao Yai’s arts and culture scene is diverse and inviting. Drop by some of our favorite galleries and creative spaces including Secret Art Garden, Villa Musée, 129 Art Museum, and Khao Yai Art Museum. 

For The Love of Food

The extensive list of restaurants in Khao Yai will leave you spoiled for choice. Enjoy the local cuisine or try our top picks, who offer special discounts for Marascan members. 

But First, Coffee

Seek the vibe you want and sip that cup of joe, whether you’re out cafe-hopping or just checking your emails. Drop by top hits like The Birder’s Lodge, Khaam, Yellow Submarine, Klang Pa, Like a Mountain, or Banyakart Khaoyai. 

Wine Down  

Fine wines and long lunches overlooking the vineyard are quite rewarding. Just less than a 10-minute drive from our resort are some of the country’s most acclaimed wineries, including PB Valley and GranMonte. 

How about a Bike Ride? 

Silhouette of women with bicycle and beautiful sky

Cycling enthusiasts can grab the bike parked in their villa and explore the area. Ask us for recommended routes, breathe in the fresh air, and ride on.

Night Safari

Home to many nocturnal animals like viverridae, owls, and elephants; Khao Yai National Park offers a night in the jungle, with prices starting from B600 per vehicle (up to 10 people) for about an hour. Just make sure you book in advance through 086-092-6529.

Marvel at The Stars

Get a closer look at the stars using the telescope in your room or join us at Stardeck, where you can lounge and unwind with a glass of wine or an amazing cocktail. Swirl, sip, stargaze. (Did we mention that Marasca is an official stargazing location recommended by the Dark Sky project?

Essential oils. We see these two words pop up everywhere we go. What are these things? What are they good for? And finally, what’s so essential about these oils anyway? Well, you’re about to find out some of these things. Crash course coming your way.

Aptly named, these completely natural oils are extracted from various plants that make up the true essence and fragrance making each plant unique. Use of essential oils go back as far as 4500 BC in so many different ways. The Greeks and the Romans used to trade this valuable commodity primarily with the East back in the day, why wouldn’t they? They smell incredible and feel decadent on the skin. 

It’s not just their exquisite smells, modern research shows that essential oils help relieve stress and depression; leaving you relaxed, focused, rejuvenated, and more emotionally balanced. Not only that, they can improve your breathing, help with migraines, ease muscle pains, improve blood circulation, and help you drift off to a deep, calming sleep.

Here’s what we did with all that.  We created a customized scent with our signature blend of 100% natural rosemary mint, orange, lavender, and cedarwood essential oils and infused them in our line of shower gels, body lotions, shampoos, conditioners and bubble baths. That’s right, we want you to be transported to a place of relaxation, rejuvenation and good health. Really rediscover yourself in the most soothing way possible.

That’s not all. We also have two other stand alone essential oil infused bubble bath choices for you other than the super combo of rosemary mint, orange, lavender, and cedarwood. Yes, you read that right. Orange gives you that refreshing citrusy goodness that really helps you relax and transports you to a place of peace and calm. It also helps to encourage deep, restful sleep and relaxes your muscle joints. Rosemary Mint boosts your mentality, encourages clarity and focus; helping you shed all the tiredness, stress, and even lessening depression. This one is a great choice that’ll leave you energetic, refreshed, and with a little less anxiety in your life.

Whatever your choice is, you can’t escape the essential goodness not only leaving your skin moisturized and less oily, but in a really nice headspace. What are you waiting for then? Scan that QR and take some home with you.

Finding vegetarian options isn’t always easy while you travel, but it’s exciting to discover new places for your food adventure. Whichever spot you might be in Koh Samui, you will most likely find meat-free dishes alongside with the health communities and yoga lovers. What we’re saying is – there are many vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Koh Samui to try out. Here, we’d like to recommend some places you might like try sometime during your trip. Below, we’ve selected some of the best options for vegans and vegetarians for you!