The CHU cafe/guesthouse Phuket Thailand

Phuket Paradise Found: CHU Cafe & Guesthouse - Your Dream Thai Escape!

Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive HEADFIRST into the swirling turquoise waters of Phuket Paradise Found: CHU Cafe & Guesthouse. I'm talking a deep dive, the kind where you surface gasping, "Whoa… that was something." And trust me, I’ve been there. (Okay, maybe not literally to the bottom, but metaphorically speaking, I’ve sniffed out the good, the bad, and the slightly… questionable… in a lot of hotels.)

First Impressions: Is This Place Even Real??

Okay, so accessibility. That's a big one. "Wheelchair accessible?" they claim. Look, I haven't personally rolled through the place in a wheelchair (yet!), but they DO list "Facilities for disabled guests." And an elevator. They also tout "Check-in/out [express]" and "check-in/out [private]", which sounds swanky and like a game changer. I'm a lazy traveler at heart, and anything that gets me to the pool faster is a WIN. This could be a DREAM.

Accessibility & Safety – The Real Talk (because let's be honest, it matters!)

The website lists CCTV cameras and 24-hour security. Good. Really good. Especially when you're wandering around foreign territory. I'm particularly obsessed with safety, so seeing "Fire extinguisher," "Smoke alarms," and a "Doctor/nurse on call" just plain put my heart at ease. Again, I haven't had to test these, but the peace of mind alone is worth something. They even have a "First aid kit".

Now, what about the nitty gritty of getting around? They've got "Airport transfer," "Car park [free of charge]," and even "Car power charging station." Score! I'm a sucker for free parking. And the airport transfer? Yes, please! No fumbling for taxis after a long flight.

Cleanliness & Safety – COVID-Era Sanity (and maybe a slight paranoia check)

Okay, let's address the elephant in the room: THE PANDEMIC. They appear to be taking things seriously. "Anti-viral cleaning products," "Daily disinfection in common areas," "Rooms sanitized between stays," "Individually-wrapped food options"… the list goes on. I'm talking "Professional-grade sanitizing services," "Staff trained in safety protocol," the works! I haven’t microscopically examined every surface (thank heaven!), but the commitment is reassuring. They even offer a "Room sanitization opt-out available," which is rad if you’re, you know, a germaphobe who wants to handle it themselves. They also mention "Physical distancing of at least 1 meter". I think this is important.

Rooms, Glorious Rooms! (And the inevitable room for improvement…)

Alright, now we get to the good stuff: the ROOMS. And, oh man, they've got a laundry list of what's available in all rooms! Seriously. I'm talking "Air conditioning," "Blackout curtains," "Coffee/tea maker," "Free bottled water," the whole shebang.

I'm a sucker for a good "Seating area." "Desk"? Yes, please. "Laptop workspace"? Okay, they're speaking my language. And, best of all: "Wi-Fi [free]." This is non-negotiable, people, non-negotiable. I'm also looking at things like "Air conditioning in public area", "Fire extinguisher", and "Smoke detector" to double confirm they are serious about safety.

Now, here's a confession: I'm a total sleep-deprived monster when traveling. So, "Blackout curtains" are basically a religious requirement. And a good alarm clock is, well, it's just so important to make sure you don't miss your flight!

The CHU Cafe & Guesthouse Experience: Food, Fun, and (hopefully) No Regrets

Okay, let's get to the meat and potatoes of the Phuket experience. They claim to have "Restaurants," and even a "Vegetarian restaurant." I'm a carnivore by nature, but I'm always open to trying new things, especially if it means avoiding that dreaded "hangry" feeling. They also boast a 'Poolside bar', which is heaven.

Now, for maximum relaxation, they offer "Spa". "Massage", "Sauna", "Steamroom," "Body scrub," "Body wrap"! I'm picturing myself gently exfoliating while listening to waves.

Speaking of water, they have "Swimming pool" and "Swimming pool [outdoor]". A pool with a view? Seriously? What a way to relax.

Things to Do: Beyond the Beach (or, the "Are We Bored Yet?" Test)

Let's be real: Thailand is about more than just lying on a beach (though, let's be honest, that's a HUGE part of it!). They mention "Things to do," but, uhm, it's pretty vague. They do mention "Meeting/banquet facilities" and "Indoor venue for special events" and "Outdoor venue for special events". They have a lot of room for events to go on.

Services and Conveniences: Because Life's Too Short for Hassle

"Daily housekeeping"? Yes, please! "Dry cleaning and laundry service"? Sign me up! "Currency exchange"? Handy! "Concierge"? I'm all about it. "Food delivery"? YES! I like to order food, and I like to avoid doing it.

They mentioned a "Convenience store." I've stayed in hotels and had to WALK for miles to find a bottle of water. This could be GREAT. My (Messy, Honest) Verdict:

Look, I haven't been to paradise… yet. But Phuket Paradise Found: CHU Cafe & Guesthouse sounds promising. It seems they've nailed the safety and cleanliness thing (and I'm a huge fan of that), and they've got the basic amenities covered.

The Imperfect Reality – Where Things Might Go Wrong (But Hopefully Not!)

Okay, let's get real. Every hotel has its flaws. Maybe the Wi-Fi will be spotty (that's a TRAVEL TRAGEDY). Maybe the "International cuisine" is more "meh" than "magnificent". Maybe the staff, though trained, are running on fumes at 3 AM.

But the point is this place seems to be trying. They're trying to create a sense of serenity. They're trying to make your stay feel safe, comfortable, and relatively hassle-free.

My Unsolicited (But Totally Genius) Offer:

Tired of the same old holiday clichés? Crave a REAL Thai escape? Then book your stay at Phuket Paradise Found: CHU Cafe & Guesthouse. Use the code "PARADISEFOUND" when you book and get a FREE welcome cocktail at the poolside bar AND a complimentary foot massage (because, let's face it, you deserve it!). But hurry, this offer won't last long! Don’t just dream of paradise. BE IN IT! Book NOW and discover the paradise that has been waiting for you!

(P.S. I'm totally booking this place. Anyone else in? Let's compare notes!) Now, I need to check the flight prices…

Escape to Paradise: 2BR Luxury Villa in Koh Samui, Thailand (Villa Samayra)

Book Now

The CHU cafe/guesthouse Phuket Thailand

Alright, strap in, buttercups. This isn't your sterile, perfectly-formatted travel brochure. This is my messy, beautiful, potentially disastrous, and hopefully hilarious attempt at experiencing the CHU guesthouse and cafe in Phuket, Thailand. Buckle up.

CHU Chaos: Phuket, Let's Do This (Probably Wrongly)

Pre-Departure - The Panic Room (My Apartment)

The Idea: Thailand! Sun! Pad Thai! (The only three things I'd prepped for).
Reality: Packing. A monstrous, existential dread-inducing ballet of squeezing way too many "just in case" items into a bag that looks like it swallowed a small child. Did I remember my passport? (Yes! Phew. For now.) Did I pack enough emergency chocolate? (Likely not). Did I actually book a flight? (Wait… checking email frantically)
Anxiety Level: Mild heart palpitations, the same feeling as before a big exam that I didn't study for.

Day 1: Arrival - Heatstroke, and the Promise of Paradise (Maybe)

6:00 AM - The Plane Ride From Hell (or, Well, From Somewhere)
- The airport. A swirling vortex of stressed tourists, crying babies, and the constant, unnerving beeping of luggage scanners. I swear, I saw someone try to sneak a pineapple through security.
- The flight: cramped, smelly (seriously, what are those airplane carpets made of?), and punctuated by the rhythmic snoring of my seat neighbour. I tried to sleep, I really did. Kept imagining the CHU cafe and the beautiful Thailand from the pictures.
- Anecdote: I was so jet-lagged, I nearly ate a whole packet of peanuts without realising they had chilli on them. My poor, unsuspecting taste buds!
12:00 PM - Phuket! Blazing Sun & My Own Stupid Mistake
- Touching down - that thick, humid air immediately slapping you in the face. I'm a pasty Brit. This could be a problem.
- Finding the CHU Guesthouse: Well, after a slightly terrifying taxi ride (think: a roller coaster driven by a caffeinated maniac) I arrived, thankfully in one piece.
- My initial reaction: "Whoa." It was…perfectly Instagrammable. (I'm a sucker for aesthetics, okay?) Clean lines, lots of wood, the promise of that delicious coffee I'd been dreaming about. Pure dopamine rush!
- Getting to my room: It's small, very small. But the air conditioning is working, and it smells faintly of lemongrass. Score!
2:00 PM - The Cafe, Finally! (And My First Mistake)
- The iced coffee! It was everything! Seriously, the best coffee I've had in ages (and I consider myself a coffee snob, don't judge). The cafe vibes are immaculate!
- Mistake #1: Ordering the "Spicy Seafood Salad". I am a wimp, remember? My mouth is still on fire. My eyes are watering. Oh, the shame.
- Quirky Observation: Everyone here seems impossibly cool. They're all effortlessly beautiful, in linen shirts, casually sipping lattes. I'm sweating, red-faced, and clutching a bottle of water like it's a life raft.
- Emotional Reaction: Mild panic. Am I cut out for this? Will I survive the food? (Rhetorical questions, of course.)
4:00 PM - Rest and Regret. I go back to my room, where I promptly collapse. I have a nap to recover from the scorching feeling on my face.
5:00 PM - The Sunset Show (Redemption!)
- I stumble to the beach. The sunset! The colours! Oh my god! It was breath-taking. I managed to avoid getting sunburnt after a long day.
- Opinionated Language: "This…this is why I suffered that spicy death salad."

Day 2: Culture Shock and Calamity (But Still Coffee!)

8:00 AM - Coffee Ritual Continued…but with Tears
- Back to the cafe. Gotta recharge. I order a smaller, less fiery breakfast this time.
- Anecdote: I overheard (totally accidentally, of course), a conversation about…how to book a massage. I was mortified, but also, intrigued.
- Messy Structure: I wandered aimlessly for a while. Got lost in a maze of stalls that were selling things. I bought a ridiculous straw hat. It's too big. But I regret nothing!
10:00 AM - The Temples and The Tourists
- Visited Wat Chalong. It's beautiful, a real sensory overload. The golds, the colours, the sheer artistry…mind-blowing.
- And the tourists! Everyone's posing. Me included.
- Emotional Reaction: A genuine sense of peace, then a minor existential crisis about the overtourism.
1:00 PM - Lunch (and a Near-Disaster)
- Opinionated Language: I tried to be brave. I ordered Pad Thai from a street vendor. It was delicious, and cheap. But…
- Anecdote: I almost dropped my entire plate of Pad Thai down a drain. Saved it at the last second. My heart rate is still recovering.
- Minor Categories: I also learned you definitely need to watch out for the mopeds. The locals drive like they're in a race.
6:00 PM - Chill Time
- I order some fruits and snacks from the local market and enjoy the rest of the day
- I take a stroll down the beach again!
- I think about enjoying my first massage on the day after!

Day 3: Massages, Monkey Business and Goodbye

9:00 AM - The Massage (The Most Ridiculous and Amazing Thing Ever)
- Doubling Down: Okay. This deserves its own section. I booked a traditional Thai massage. The woman was tiny, and the pain was intense. I yelped. I gasped. I thought I was going to break.
- But afterwards, I was putty! My muscles were singing! I felt amazing. The ultimate paradox, I am sore and relaxed at the same time:
- Emotional Reaction: Pure, unadulterated bliss. Followed by a deep appreciation for the human body's capacity for resilience.
- Messy Structure: I spent the rest of the morning slowly reassembling myself, still laughing at how ridiculous I was.
1:00 PM - Monkey Mess
- Minor Categories: I went to see the local monkeys. Cute, right? Wrong. These monkeys are brazen, aggressive and steal things.
- Anecdote: I saw one steal a woman's phone and try to eat it. She was distraught. I nearly lost my hat to a particularly cheeky one (the hat that was already too big, note).
- Emotional Reaction: Utter terror, mixed with a morbid fascination.
4:00 PM - The CHU Cafe One Last Time
- Goodbye! Last time to the cafe and I am a regular! I'll miss the coffee, the atmosphere, and not having to cook!
7:00 PM - The Sunset!
- Farewell to the island and to people that I'll see again and again.

Post-Departure (The Flight Home - Exhausted and Changed)

The Flight: I passed out. Woke up in a sweaty mess. Ate airplane food.
Reflection: Phuket was incredible, chaotic, and utterly unforgettable. It stretched me, challenged me, and gave me incredible memories. I'm definitely coming back!
Final Thought: Maybe I should have packed more emergency chocolate… and some anti-spicy-food spray.

Disclaimer: This is a highly subjective and imperfect account of my time at the CHU Guesthouse and Phuket. Your experience may vary. You should still find out about your travel plans! And for the love of all that is holy, be careful with the spicy food!

Belfast Getaway Sleeps 6: Queen's Uni Luxury!

Book Now

The CHU cafe/guesthouse Phuket Thailand

Phuket Paradise Found: CHU Cafe & Guesthouse - Your Dream Thai Escape! (or Is It?) – The Unofficial FAQ

Okay, so... CHU Cafe & Guesthouse. Sounds idyllic. Is it actually paradise?

Paradise? Woah, hold your horses there, sunshine. Look, CHU is *amazing*. Seriously. The pictures don't lie – that cafe is Insta-gold. But let's be real, Thailand in general isn't all perfectly airbrushed sunsets and fruit-carving classes. There's the occasional rogue mosquito (they *love* me, personally), maybe some street food that feels a little *too* authentic the next morning, and the constant, glorious, glorious heat. So, paradise-adjacent? Definitely. Full-blown, perfect paradise? Nah. But close enough to make you forget all the minor imperfections.
I mean, I went there thinking I was going to be all Zen and find myself. I mostly found myself sweating, eating way too much mango sticky rice, and desperately trying to decipher the Thai menus. One time, I ordered something the waitress called "Spicy Volcano Explosion." It was…intense. But delicious in a "cry while you eat" kind of way.

The Cafe: Is the coffee really as good as it looks on Instagram?

Alright, the cafe. This is where CHU *really* shines. The coffee? Yeah, it's as beautiful and delicious as the photos. Think perfectly foamed lattes, iced coffees with intricate designs, and enough pastries to make you gain five pounds in a week. (And trust me, I speak from experience.) The mango sticky rice is the stuff of legends. But…and there's always a but… the cafe can get *packed*. Like, shoulder-to-shoulder-with-people-trying-to-get-that-perfect-shot packed. So, plan accordingly. Go early. Or accept that you might have to queue for a bit. Totally worth it, though. Seriously. I'm already craving a cappuccino.

What's the vibe of the guesthouse like? Is it noisy? Are the rooms clean?

Okay, the guesthouse itself...it's a chill vibe. Honestly. It's not a party hostel situation, which I personally appreciated (I'm too old for that noise now). It’s the kind of place where people are reading books, chatting quietly, or planning their next adventure. The rooms? Generally clean. Look, let's be honest, Thailand isn't always pristine-hotel-chain-level clean. There might be a stray gecko on the wall (they eat the mosquitos, so...win!), but they're generally well-maintained.
My room was simple but comfortable. The aircon was a lifesaver, let me tell you. And the balcony? Oh, the balcony! Perfect for people-watching (especially the adorable cats that roam around).
And speaking of noise… it really does depend where your room is. The cafe can get busy, so ask for a room further away if you are a light sleeper.

How easy is it to get around from CHU? Is it close to the beach?

Location, location, location! (My inner estate agent is showing). CHU is in a good spot. It's not *right* on the beach, but you can easily grab a scooter (highly recommended!) or a tuk-tuk and be there in a few minutes. Patong Beach is the most famous, but it can be a bit hectic, so I liked exploring some of the quieter coves. Also, getting around by scooter is fun. Just remember to wear a helmet, and *drive on the left*! (I nearly ended up in a ditch on my first attempt. Good times.)

The Staff: Are they friendly? Helpful? Do they speak English?

The staff? Honestly, they're part of the *magic*. They're all incredibly friendly, helpful, and patient with my atrocious Thai pronunciation. (Apparently, "hello" should not sound like "help! I've fallen and I can't get up"). Most of them speak English well enough to get by, and they're always happy to offer recommendations for things to do, places to eat, and even help you navigate the local markets (which can be an adventure in themselves). They're genuinely lovely people.

Okay, let's cut to the chase. What's the one thing you absolutely loved about CHU?

Okay, if I *had* to pick one thing...it's the feeling. It's hard to explain. It’s the moment, sitting on that balcony, sipping my (perfectly crafted) coffee, watching the sun come up, listening to the sounds of Thailand waking up, and just…breathing. It's the feeling of being *completely* relaxed, of being *present*.
It's the feeling of knowing you're somewhere special, somewhere you can unwind. Even with the mosquitos, the heat, and the slightly-too-spicy "Volcano Explosion." CHU offers a truly special atmosphere.
I’m already dreaming about going back. It’s more than just a place to stay; it's an experience. A messy, imperfect, utterly wonderful experience.

What about things that weren't so great? Be brutally honest!

Alright, the flip side of paradise. Let's be honest, no place is perfect. And CHU is...well it comes close but not enough.
* **The Walls:** Yeah, they were a little thin. I could occasionally hear my neighbors (especially the ones who snored. Bless their hearts.).
* **Internet:** Okay, this is a bit of a sore spot. The Wi-Fi was... spotty at times. Perfect if you are trying to disconnect. Less perfect if you need to stream movies or, you know, actually work.
* **The Market:** I loved getting my groceries and supplies from the market nearby, but sometimes the vendors were a bit pushy. It's part of the experience, and it's never been anything too bad, but still.

Is it good for solo travelers? Or couples? Or families?

I saw it mostly on solo travelers and young groups, but I think everyone would enjoy it. If you are ready to explore the island, or even if you want to just laze around in front of the cafe, anyone will be ready to enjoy the place.

Travel Stay Guides