Baan Suan Khun Yaiy — a garden resort with a pool near Khun Dan Dam that's easy on the wallet in Nakhon Nayok
If your Nakhon Nayok trip is all about visiting Khun Dan Dam, chasing waterfalls, then sleeping somewhere quiet with a pool to cool off in, all without breaking the bank, Baan Suan Khun Yaiy — which means "Grandma's Garden" — is a sensible pick. It's a small garden resort in the Wang Takrai–Sarika area, close to Khun Dan Prakan Chon Dam, Nang Rong Waterfall and Wang Takrai Park. The things guests mention most are the new, very clean rooms, the warm hands-on owner, and the outdoor pool and BBQ grills. There are big houses for families and groups too. It's about a two-hour drive from Bangkok. It scores 8.3 across Booking and Trip.com reviews, from approx. ฿1,200/night.
Baan Suan Khun Yaiy — its Thai name, Baan Suan Khun Yaiy, affectionately means "Grandma's Garden" — is a small garden resort in the Wang Takrai–Sarika area, on the foothill side of Nakhon Nayok. Its appeal isn't luxury; it's a quiet country-garden atmosphere with an outdoor pool ringed by trees, and a location from which you can drive to Khun Dan Dam, the waterfalls and other nature spots easily. There are around 11 air-conditioned rooms, and some reviews describe it as feeling more like staying at a well-off relative's country house than a typical hotel — peaceful, private and well kept.
Rooms come in several shapes, from a Cottage for couples, to a Deluxe Triple, a Sky Suite, up to big houses like the Sky Suite Family that sleeps 11 or more. Most reviews say the rooms are new, very clean and nicely furnished, and good value at this price. They come with air-con, a refrigerator, a kettle and an LCD TV — enough for a relaxed stay. If you're in a big group or a large family, a whole house is the sensible pick since you all stay together; for couples or smaller numbers, a cottage is plenty and lighter on the wallet.
"Very new and so clean, nice bathroom, comfortable beds, lovely swimming pool. The owner and staff were friendly and looked after us well. Quiet garden setting, and it's a short drive to Khun Dan Dam and the waterfalls — great value."
What guests praise most is the cleanliness and the welcome from the owner (Khun Tao) and staff — many reviews call it new, spotless and friendly, with a family feel that makes it warm and easy. Another highlight is the garden pool, which kids and families love, and the BBQ grills to rent for an evening cookout. Plenty of groups buy food from the market and have a Thai-style grilling party in the garden — guests say it's fun and atmospheric, with no need to drive out to find a restaurant.
Location is one of this place's real advantages. In the Wang Takrai–Sarika area, it's about 6 km (roughly 10 minutes' drive) from Khun Dan Prakan Chon Dam, around 4 km from Nang Rong Waterfall, with Wang Takrai Park a short drive further on. The Khao Yai (Prachin side) checkpoint is around 10–15 minutes away. It makes a good base for the dam, the waterfalls and white-water rafting in this area without long drives. The trade-off is that shops and the town centre are some distance away, and there's no ride-hailing out here, so this suits self-drivers more than anyone relying on public transport.
To be straight with you, there are things to keep in mind. The mattresses are on the firm side, in the Thai style, which won't suit guests who like a plush, soft bed. Breakfast is a simple continental spread — refuelling before you head out rather than a big buffet. The resort has a strict no-pet policy, and, as noted, getting around is hard without a car since it's out of town with no public transport. This is honest feedback from real reviews, and it reflects a budget garden resort that leans on cleanliness and atmosphere rather than big-resort breadth of service. Even so, the majority of voices are clearly positive — especially on cleanliness, the welcome, the pool, and the location.
Overall, Baan Suan Khun Yaiy suits anyone after a quiet, clean, budget-friendly garden stay with a pool that works as a base for Khun Dan Dam and the Wang Takrai–Sarika waterfalls. If you weigh cleanliness, a warm welcome, a pool for the kids, and big houses for groups more than a soft bed and a fancy breakfast, it does that job well at an easy price. It's an especially good fit for families and groups of friends who drive themselves.
A tip from reading through the reviews: if you're in a big group, book a whole house (Sky Suite Family) and rent a BBQ grill for an evening garden party — it's a great-value, fun highlight. If you like a soft bed, ask staff ahead for a topper or extra pillows. Come in late rainy season (Aug–Oct) when Khun Dan Dam and Nang Rong Waterfall run full and look their best — but always check the weather and safety before swimming. And don't skip the pool in the cool of the evening.
Summary from Booking & Agoda
- ✓ Very new and very clean, nice bathrooms, good furniture
- ✓ Friendly owner and staff with a family feel
- ✓ A garden pool that kids and families love
- ✓ Close to Khun Dan Dam, Nang Rong Waterfall and Wang Takrai
- ! Mattresses are on the firm side (Thai style)
- ! Simple continental breakfast, not a big buffet
- ! No public transport — you need to self-drive
- ✓ High marks for cleanliness — new, spotless rooms
- ✓ Quiet, private country-garden atmosphere
- ✓ Big houses that sleep many — great for groups/families
- ✓ BBQ grills to rent for a garden party
- ! Strict no-pet policy
- ! Far from shops and town — a car is essential
- ! Long-weekend prices climb — compare a few platforms
- 💡If you like a soft, plush bed — the mattresses here are on the firm side, in the Thai style → ask staff ahead for a topper or extra pillows and keep expectations realistic on softness.
- 💡If you don't have your own car — it's in the Wang Takrai area, away from town and shops, with no public transport → it suits self-drivers here for the dam and waterfalls more than anyone relying on public transport.
- 💡If you're travelling with a pet — there's a strict no-pet policy → you'll need a pet-friendly stay elsewhere or to arrange care beforehand.