The Smoke House

The Smoke House (SH)..... sounds like Snoop Dogg's dream hacienda.

The wine shop and dining area.

But if you're looking for THC-flavoured thrills, you're in the wrong place. Sausages and assorted meats - not ganja or skunk - are the only things smoked here.

Mind you, whoever proposed a Bavarian Castle inspired restaurant/deli/wine shop/bar/concert venue in the middle of the Khao Yai countryside was probably under the influence of a herbalicious substance or two.

Despite being at odds with the lush green surroundings, SH is magnificent and impressive and sure to attract thousands of visitors in the months ahead.

Porker's delight.

For the food? For the wine? For the sausages and smoked meats? Possibly. The wine and beer list is decent as is the food, especially the spicy pork neck salad and the famous SH sausages.

In my opinion however, the major plus points are the SH buildings (including a tower that houses a wine and beer bar) and its surrounding landscape. Both offer many super, picturesque backdrop options for photo-snapping family groups, university students and love birds.

Khun Somchai and Khun Fon no longer need to fly to Europe for their gothic castle snaps - they can now make an easy 220 kilometre drive from Bangkok!

SH is another new attraction in the Khao Yai district, which has changed dramatically since we visited two years ago. Here's hoping that development doesn't go into overdrive - Thailand's version of Napa Valley deserves better.

More information:

The Smoke House web site
Check out this amazing hotel in the area
Granmonte Vineyard