For a real down to earth dining experience, try JJ's Bar & Food! A local Thai restaurant that is family run, JJs serves excellent food in very modest surroundings. The owner, Khun Jit, and his family are friendly and helpful people serving good food and with good humour.

Located adjacent to the JW Marriott Resort & Spa in Mai Khao, this unassuming place to eat has a thatched roof over the terrace, plastic chairs and tables and is surrounded by lush forest. Not exactly a 5-star setting, but it's definitely 5-star food.

Favourites from the menu are: Spring rolls, Chicken stir fried in red curry paste with Thai basil leaves and green beans, Chicken with cashew nuts, Beef massaman curry, red chicken curry with rice, prawn curry, Squid with garlic and pepper, pad Thai, and fried vegetables with oyster sauce.