The hype
Guests love the grandeur and the rabbits in the garden, but consistently note the furniture and bathrooms feel tired.
Dheva Mantra Resort - Sha
$70-150 / nacht
Boek dit als You want a grand, colonial-style riverside escape with massive grounds and don't mind a property that's a bit past its prime.
Waarom mensen ervan houden
- Stunning colonial architecture and expansive manicured gardens
- Huge free-form swimming pool (one of the largest in the area)
- Peaceful location right on the River Kwai, away from the city noise
Snel Overzicht: A fading aristocrat of a hotel—grand and spacious, but haunted by aging maintenance and a slightly spooky emptiness at night.
Beoordeeld door @Universal_Traveller: I honestly didn't expect this level of luxury in Kanchanaburi. The Presidential Suite at Dheva Mantra is massive—literally beyond big. Sipping tea on the balcony with those River Khwae views was a highlight of my Thailand trip. You have to try the floating restaurant!
Gast die hier verbleef zei
Reality check
The '5-star' rating is a legacy label; expect a solid 4-star experience with some wear and tear.
- You appreciate vintage colonial aesthetics over modern sleekness
- You are traveling with kids who need space to run and rabbits to feed
- You want a quiet, romantic river view and plan to stay on-resort
Schoonmaak & Onderhoud
8.5
- Housekeeping: Generally good daily service, but missed spots like dust under beds are common.
- Bathroom hygiene: The weak point. Expect some grout discoloration, water stains, or 'tired' fixtures.
- Maintenance: Aging. Peeling paint on the exterior and chipped pool tiles are frequently noted.
- Linens & towels: Usually fresh and clean, though some reports of older, thinner towels exist.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells fresh (lemongrass), but some rooms have a lingering musty/old wood smell.
Sleepability™
7.5STIL
0-4LUID
4-7.5GEMATIGD
7.5-10STIL
- Voices from connected rooms (avoid if possible)
- Lawnmowers and maintenance machinery in the mornings
Voordat je boekt
Goed om te weten
- Breakfast is hit-or-miss; some love the spread, others find it cold and limited.
- There is no Netflix on the TVs, so bring your own entertainment.
- A 300 THB fine applies for lost keycards.
Wat je mee moet nemen
- Mosquito repellent – essential for the riverside gardens
- A small flashlight – the grounds are very dimly lit at night
- Your own toothbrush – some guests report them missing from amenity kits
Kamer Genie
Beste keuzes
- Deluxe River View (Upper Floor) – for the best vistas and privacy
- Grand Suite – massive space if you can snag a deal
Kamers om te vermijden
- Ground floor rooms – can feel damp and less private
- Connecting rooms – notorious for noise bleed between units
Kamer Aanvraag Genie – kopiëren en plakken
“I am requesting a Deluxe River View room on a high floor, specifically NOT a connecting room. Please ensure the room is away from the early morning gardening maintenance routes.”
Veelgestelde vragen & Verborgen tips
Alles wat je eigenlijk wilt weten voordat je boekt.
Is the pool clean?
It's huge and impressive, but reviews frequently mention cloudy water, slime on tiles, and chipped flooring. It's swimmable but not sparkling.
Is it haunted?
While no specific ghost story is confirmed, multiple reviews use the word 'spooky' to describe the dark, empty grounds and long corridors at night.
How far is the Bridge over the River Kwai?
It's about a 10-minute drive (5-6 km). You cannot walk there comfortably.
Is breakfast included?
Usually yes, but check your specific booking. If paying separately, it's around 500 THB, which many find steep for the quality.
Are there elevators?
No, this is a low-rise resort. Request a ground floor room if stairs are an issue, but be aware of the privacy trade-off.
Can I feed the rabbits?
Yes! There is a rabbit enclosure and guests (especially kids) can feed them. Ask reception for carrots.
Tips van Insiders
- ✨
Walk to the 'floating restaurant' (Rice Barge) for sunset; even if you don't eat there, the view is the best on the property.
- ✨
The 'Butter & Scotch' cafe offers a decent European lunch if you're tired of Thai curries.
- ✨
Grab/Bolt works here but can have long wait times; book your ride 20 minutes before you actually need to leave.
5 dingen die je moet weten voordat je gaat
💡The 'slippery floor' phenomenon – the wood floors are polished to a lethal shine, watch your step in socks.
💡The lighting in the rooms is intentionally dim/moody, which makes reading or applying makeup difficult.
💡The mini-golf course is cute but often covered in leaves and debris.
💡You might hear the 'phantom knocker' – likely just wind in the large corridors, but it adds to the spooky vibe.
💡The bathroom doors sometimes have vents or gaps that let smells drift into the bedroom.
Lokaal Playbook
Kaart
Bekijk waar Dheva Mantra Resort - Sha zich bevindt en wat er in de buurt is.