Reyt or Shyte? That’s the question. We’re a Yorkshire couple who travel on a shoestring, see summat grand, and tell it straight — no fluff, no faff. Just our honest take on whether a place, food, or experience is proper reyt… or a bit of shyte.
Tucked away among the rice fields in Doi Saket, about half an hour outside Chiang Mai, sits Srida Resort Lanna & Café — a peaceful little hideaway that feels miles away from all the honking scooters and tourist bustle.
We chose to stay here during the Yi Peng Festival, fancying a quieter base close to the free lantern release at the lake. We got breakfast included and paid around £75 for four nights — not bad.
The place itself is split between two sides — one that looks out over the rice fields (lovely), and another more motel-style block across the road (less lovely). If you’re booking, make sure you ask for a rice-field view or the “resort zone” rooms — that’s where the magic is.
Our room was clean, simple, and had everything we needed: air con, a fridge, a kettle, and a little outdoor seating area. The only real downside was the mattress — solid as owt. Honestly, it had no give whatsoever. Felt a bit like sleeping on a worktop. Fine for a night or two, but not the best if you like a soft landing.
The café on site looks the part and is a nice spot to sit for a bit, but food-wise, it’s nothing to write home about. We tried a smoothie and a croffle (that’s a croissant-waffle hybrid for anyone wondering) — both were alright, but not really worth the money. You’re paying more for the view if we’re honest.
With not many options of restaurants nearby, one night we settled for a 20 minute walk up to The Palms. Surrounded by rice fields, but a western menu on the expensive side.
We also went to Sorn’s Cafe and Restaurant which, if we had of been there sooner, we would have eaten at each of the nights. The food was absolutely amazing and the owners to nice. Just don’t forget your insect repellent.
It’s worth noting the resort’s quite remote. If you’ve not got your own transport, getting around can be a faff — it’s not really walkable to much else, and Grab drivers aren’t always nearby. But if you’re after quiet countryside rather than city chaos, that’s part of the charm.
We got the small bus along the highway that runs to from Chiang Mai to Doi Saket. Then it is still a 40 minute walk up to the hotel – not the best when you’re double backpacking. We were lucky and hitched a lift up which then led to us having some proper experiences up here with the locals.
All in all, Srida Resort Lanna is a decent little spot for tight travellers who fancy some downtime among the rice fields without spending daft money — just bring your own snacks, a cushion for that mattress, and take it easy.
Tight Travellers Verdict
Cost: £75 for 4 nights (with breakfast)
Best for: A peaceful base outside Chiang Mai
Pros: Beautiful rice-field setting, quiet atmosphere, tidy rooms, cracking value
Cons: Mattress hard as nails, food overpriced for what it is, need transport
Breakfast: Included — simple but does the job
⭐ Overall: 7/10 — Peaceful, pretty, and pretty cheap — just bring a back brace for that bed.
Tight Travellers 