Unique Experience at Lhong Lhai Homestay / หลงใหลโฮมสเตย์ม่อนเงาะ – Amazing View, Average Comfort
Lhong Lhai Homestay is located in the Mon Ngo area of Mae Taeng District, in the mountains north of Chiang Mai in northern Thailand. It sits near the road to Pai, about 65–70 km from Chiang Mai city, which usually takes around 1.5 to 2 hours by car depending on traffic and driving conditions.
Location and Access:
Lhong Lhai Homestay sits on top of Mont Ngo mountain, completely isolated from civilization. Getting there requires about 45 minutes of driving on a narrow mountain road, sometimes in poor condition with large potholes, low-clearance cars should definitely be avoided. If you don’t have a car, the owner offers pickup and back service from the village for 1,000 THB.
First Impressions and Atmosphere:
The property has four bungalows: two standard units and two VIP options. I stayed in a VIP bungalow with glass bedroom walls, the only one available at the time. Upon arrival, the silence and the panoramic view immediately impressed me. The landscape feels absolutely yours, or nearly so, as there are other bungalows nearby.
This is a place designed for disconnection. Apart from hiking up Mount Ngo, there isn’t much else to do. The phone network is unreliable and Wi-Fi extremely slow, forcing you to truly unplug.
Warm Welcome:
The owners are very kind and welcoming. Despite their limited English, communication was possible. I was greeted with a freshly pressed orange juice, and they carried my bag to the bungalow, a nice touch after the long climb.
Accommodation and Comfort:
The view is truly spectacular, but the accommodation itself is quite basic and the décor feels rather dated. Cleanliness could be better, even the provided slippers weren’t properly cleaned. Meals can be ordered on-site, though the menu is limited, very simple but freshly made and very tasteful. Since there are no shops nearby, it’s a good idea to bring some snacks or buy whatever is available at the homestay.
There is nothing fancy about accessing the room: no key card, no smart lock, just a simple traditional lock on the door. For a place like this, focused on views and nature rather than luxury, you may find that you do not really need anything more.
At night, especially in November, the temperature drops noticeably and the thin walls offer little insulation. Soundproofing is minimal, so you’ll likely hear your neighbors talking or even snoring. The glass roof and windows look beautiful in photos, but in practice, reflections and condensation often block the starlit view.
The true highlight of this place, apart from its scenic surroundings, is its location far from light pollution. Once the sun sets, the sky fills with stars, and it’s a wonderful experience to stand on the small deck, admire the Milky Way, and, if you’re lucky, spot a few shooting stars.
(long exposure photography)
The Bungalow Experience:
I had the VIP bungalow, but in retrospect, the standard bamboo ones might be better, they’re cheaper and offer a clearer view, as some trees partially block the VIP units.
Inside, the bedroom had individual air conditioning (useful in the hot season, but a heater would be better during cold periods), 2 bathrobes, an hair dryer, a power cord extension and a small remote control to open or close the roof to get a full sky view. The bed was comfortable and clean. Between the bedroom and the bathroom, there was a small room with a table, chairs, a mini fridge, two free water bottles, and tea/coffee facilities.
The bathroom was compact but functional, with a hot shower and toilet. Outside, a small terrace featured a trampoline-style net bench, nice for pictures, but not ideal for relaxing. Some proper seating would really help enjoy the view.
Downstairs, a private bathtub is available with bath foam powder. There is a gas water heater, but unfortunately, the water flow is very slow, and by the time it fills halfway, it’s already gone cold. It looks great in photos, but in practice, the hot shower upstairs is a much better option.
Meals and Breakfast:
As mentioned earlier, there are no restaurants or stores nearby. If you don’t bring your own food or snacks, you can choose from a small selection of simple meals and treats that are delivered directly to your bungalow. Although basic, the dishes were freshly prepared and tasted very good.
Breakfast was also delivered to the bungalow at the agreed time, which was very convenient. It was simple but pleasant, the coffee beans came whole, so you had to grind them yourself, adding a small but enjoyable touch to the morning routine.
Value for Money:
The VIP bungalow costs 3,800 THB at this time, which feels a bit overpriced considering the comfort level. The view is truly breathtaking, but that’s essentially what you pay for. With outdated decor, limited facilities, and minimal privacy, this is more of a “see it once” experience.
Short Hike to Mon Ngo:
There is a short hike from the homestay up to Mon Ngo Viewpoint, which is well worth the effort. The trail is not very long but can be a bit steep in parts. Reaching the top rewards you with panoramic views over the mountains and valleys, especially beautiful at sunset, and it nicely complements the stargazing experience back at the bungalow.
Final Thoughts:
Lhong Lhai Homestay is unforgettable for its scenery, not its comfort. The misty morning view is magical, but noise, cold nights, and mediocre cleanliness pull the experience down.
If you’re looking for digital detox and quiet time off the grid, go once.
There are plenty of similar bungalows in this area, and many of them are, in my opinion, seriously overpriced. The photos on social media look stunning, especially since most places only have a Facebook page and no proper website and cannot be found on the booking plateforms. But once you arrive, you often find outdated rooms, very basic comfort, and thin-walled bungalows packed close together, you basically end up paying just for the view
Not recommended for families or kids, there’s little to do and limited safety, but it can be a memorable one-night getaway for couples or friends.
If you are interested in the experience, you can contact them directly or book through their Facebook page.
