The Mango Grove Resort story by the co-owner and hostess, Phet Yoocharoen.

"Tourism is the goose that lays the golden egg but also fouls its own nest."

Sawat deeka. Please allow me a few minutes to relate my story and to explain the concept and reason behind the building of this unique eco resort.

I was born and raised in the village of Ban Moong in northern Thailand. When I met my husband, John Stafford, the co-owner of our resort, I finally had the time and opportunity to travel my own country. Ten years ago, we set out to discover the beautiful sights which Thailand has to offer.

During months of travel, to many of the popular destinations, we realized that even though these areas had many merits, they were overrun tourists.

In conversations with other travelers, there were always discussions about what Phuket, Koh Samui, Pattaya, Koh Samet, Chiang Mai, Pai and other crowded "in" places were like years ago, before tourism irreparably damaged them. They would always lament the fact that they had arrived twenty years too late.

We came to the conclusion, that without thousands of tourists, these destinations would have many of the same qualities of my scenic, tranquil village surrounded by limestone cliffs, mountains and jungle.

Upon returning, my husband formulated an idea to build a small, quaint resort, keeping the grounds and rooms in harmony with nature and emphasizing the ancient Lanna Thai architectural style.

This would give the visitors to our beautiful land an opportunity to see a natural, unspoiled and undeveloped area of northern Thailand. Guests would have the opportunity to meet, eat and drink with the hard working, fun loving families of my village. A real Thai experience.

The building and staffing of the resort would employ many people from the surrounding area, which would help supplement their income from farming.

The challenge was to offer people a chance to visit this pristine part of Thailand without destroying the tranquility and natural beauty of the area.

After ten years of planing and construction, we believe that we have achieved this goal. It is our sincere belief, that with only eight rooms accommodating up to sixteen guests, there will be no negative effects on the surroundings. On the contrary, the effects will only be positive for the villagers and guests.

Eat your meals with a Thai family or on your covered deck. Involve yourself in local and religious festivals. Drink in the spectacular scenery. Enjoy all that the area has to offer, especially, the genuine hospitality of the people.

Hopefully, someday, you will arrive at our resort in my very special village.

Khap Kun Ka.. Thank you.
Phet

"What ever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it."