Located in a superb setting between the famous Thai resorts of Hua Hin and the fabulous Takiab Beach. A natural landscape provide the perfect setting for a motivational and challenging Weight Loss/Holistic Fitness Retreat for you to relish and test every mental and physical goal. The camp has a range of single and twin tropical bungalows set amongst coconut palms. A central social area has been designed with relaxation in mind after you day training.
155/27 Soi moo Bann Nong Kae, Khao Takiab Hua Don, Nong Kae, Hua Hin 77110 Thailand
Name/address in local language
Palapon
201 reviews
Getting there
Good for walkers
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travelers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
I recently had the opportunity to spend a month at Palapon and it completely changed my life. I have never been happier than when I was there. The individual attention I received is no comparison to any other fitness camp. Every morning I thoroughly enjoyed my run/walks with Tao who is also one of the Muay Thai instructors. Klaus pushes you to your limits during his training workouts.....believe me you’re pushed! No crying allowed or quitting! The word “can’t” isn’t in his vocabulary. But he will go beyond limits to help you reach your goals. The entire staff will for that matter. The food is out of this world-Klaus’ wife Valerie makes everything from scratch at the highest level. In between workouts Klaus has finely tuned the schedule for sufficient rests and stretching to avoid injuries. I highly recommend spending your time and money at Palapon. Most people never want to leave and extend their initial visit. I certainly didn’t want to leave and eagerly await my return!!!!
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Date of stay: November 2019Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Arjarn, Owner at Palapon
Responded Jan 10, 2020
Wow Michelle, thank you so much for your praising words. It was a pleasure for us to see your transformation, not only physically but also psychologically and we are delighted that we could help you to make this change to you happens and you left Palapon as "Happy Camper". We looking very much forward to have you back and bring you to the next level. Sincerely Klaus & Valerie and Team See you soon ;-)
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Wow. I don't even know where to begin. I chose Camp Palapon based on reviews and conversations through email with the owner. I'm sure he got tired of my stupid questions but always politely answered.
I spent the month of December 2019 at Palapon. I came as an out of shape whiny 49 year old who was an extremely picky eater. I left as a 50 year old with a broader variety of foods that I eat and a stronger body. I still have a lot of work to do but after my month there I know that I can do it. Klaus instilled me the need to push myself.
I opted to stay in the bungalow and I am glad that I did. It was quite convenient between classes to relax. The bungalows are basic and you will have to walk 30 seconds to the community bathroom and shower room (if you choose not use the Thai shower in the bungalow) I did occasionally miss having an air conditioner. Yes there is a little bit of noise from the surrounding area but honestly I was so tired at the end of the day that it was never a problem.
Valerie is a wonderful cook and the meals were fabulous. And it was nice and interesting getting to know people and their stories from all over the world.
The workouts were great and they are scaled to your ability. I definitely wasn't doing the same thing as the super fit guy there. But Klaus doesn't make it easy for you. You will be pushed.
My main take away from my time at Camp Palapon: Don't compare yourself to others. Each person is on their own journey.
Already saving for my next trip.
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Date of stay: December 2019
Value
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Arjarn, Owner at Palapon
Responded Jan 30, 2020
Dear Melissa, thank you so much for your support and great review here on Tripadvisor. It was a pleasure to have you here and to see how you have changed from a person who doubts about yourself to a person who now believes in herself and knows that she can do it if she wants to. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK AND NEVER GIVE UP. Sincerely Klaus & Valerie and Team
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The area is well maintened and nice. I train at Palapon twice a week and get 10 dishes of food delivered every week at my office. Both is as my title states - Excellent. The owner is very nice and a good trainer aswell.
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Date of stay: August 2021
Value
Cleanliness
Service
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Response from Klaus Lippert, Owner at Palapon
Responded Dec 18, 2021
Thank you very much for your words of praise Mathias. We hope to see you again soon.
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We went to Palapon for a 24 hr charity run event last month, and I can't speak highly enough about the owners, staff and facilities. It's an idyllic little oasis in central Hua Hin. Everything about the place is perfect, from the lovely chalet bungalows, great food, pool and facilities, but what really makes you feel at home is the enthusiasm and personalities of Klaus and valerie, they are such awesome people who really go the extra mile to ensure you get the best out of your visit there. They are also extremely knowledgeable about their jobs too, be it fitness or nutrition. Definitely highly recommended.... Give it a try! 5* 👍🙏
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Date of stay: April 2021Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Klaus Lippert, Owner at Palapon
Responded Dec 18, 2021
Thank you so much for your awesome review. It was and will be always a pleasure to having around. We hope to see you someday again for some more fun. Warm Regards, Klaus and Team
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I really enjoyed my 10 day combo experience at Palapon - for me it was just what I need to kick start my health and fitness after a busy period of working and getting into bad habits! The camp is in a very beautiful tranquil setting, whilst only being a stone's throw away from Hua Hin beach and all of its amenities. I never once felt bored or at a loss for something to do in my spare time. It is a hard programme, but manageable, especially as you are able to take rests throughout the day. Of course, you can utilise that time to go for a walk or swim, or just relax at your accommodation or in the chill out area, but the owners Klaus and Valerie leave you to make that decision for yourself. You can do as much or as little as you would like in your free time and there is no pressure to do anything extra. It was great to have the structure of the classes, whilst also having the flexibility to do what you would like in your free time. I tried my best to go for walks throughout the day as I wanted to explore the area, and also to get the best results! The food was amazing! Some portions were bigger than others, but I was happy knowing it was all being calculated for the exercise I had done that day - and I never felt hungry! I had a great nutritional workshop with Valerie. Just ask and she will book you in for a slot. They also provide an aftercare package and have emailed me over some of the recipes and instructions for mobility exercises. At home the idea of getting up at 05:30am scares me, but I really looked forward to getting out of bed each morning. The morning temple walk was beautiful and being with other people kept us all motivated to get up the steps and hills. Also, the thought of coming back to a nice bowl of overnight oats for breakfast was motivation to get it done quicker!!! I would recommend Palapon highly. I dropped 4.5% body fat and gained 2kg of muscle in my 10 days, and came out with an extremely positive mindset towards exercise and nutrition. I also went in with lower back problems, but this had completely cleared by the end from doing the daily yoga and the mobility sessions with Klaus. I would advise people to go in with a 'can do' attitude (you can take it as easy or hard as you chose), but try to push yourself and you will get great results!
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Date of stay: March 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Klaus Lippert, Owner at Palapon
Responded May 5, 2023
Dear Charlotte, thank you for sharing your experience of your stay with us. It's wonderful to hear that you had a positive and transformative time during your stay. The serene location of the camp, combined with its proximity to Hua Hin beach, provided the perfect backdrop for your health and fitness journey. Your feedback about the program's balance between structure and flexibility is appreciated. We understand the importance of offering a comprehensive schedule while also allowing guests the freedom to personalize their experience. It's fantastic that you took advantage of the opportunity to explore the area and engage in various activities during your free time. We're delighted to hear that the food exceeded your expectations and that you found the portion sizes appropriate for your exercise routine. The nutritional workshop must have been informative and valuable in supporting your overall wellness goals. The aftercare package and the provision of recipes and mobility exercises showcase our commitment to your long-term success even after your departure. We're thrilled to learn about the positive impact on both your physical and mental well-being. The noticeable improvements in body composition, along with the resolution of your lower back issues, demonstrate the effectiveness of the program. Your enthusiasm and willingness to challenge yourself undoubtedly contributed to your exceptional results. thank you for choosing Palapon for your fitness journey, and we hope to welcome you back someday. Your experience and feedback inspire us to continue providing exceptional programs and a supportive environment for all our guests.
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I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Palapon Fitness. I felt fully supported throughout my stay and challenged to the right degree; it was tough, but I never felt like quitting. My favourite class was the 08:30am bodyweight workout which really helped improve both my form and confidence. The yoga and Muay Thai instructors are superb; friendly, supportive people with lots of experience and skill. The food is fresh, healthy and delicious and I felt stronger and fitter after just two weeks there, ready to take on anything. Most importantly, it was a lot of fun!
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Date of stay: December 2021Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I was booked at Palapon for 6 weeks initially, but ended up extending the stay to 8 weeks in total. I came in with a reasonable level of fitness but with weight to lose and found this a really motivating environment to achieve my goals of upping my fitness and losing weight.
The team at Palapon really make the place and the results that everyone staying achieved are a credit to their hard work. I found that the training was a good balance of pushing you hard, but not causing burnout. I really valued Klaus’ knowledge and training style during the bodyweight class and each person had an individual workout plan each day tailored to their goals and fitness level. Valerie was so supportive throughout the whole process and always seems to know exactly when you need a bit of a morale boost, a hug, or just a bit of a laugh :)
Birdy and Daeng are absolutely great and bring a really positive vibe to the place - always starting the day off with a big smile ready for the morning run to the temples through until Muay Thai at the end of the day. I don’t think I’ve ever laughed so hard while working so hard in a training session before!
I chose the camp bungalow accommodation and was happy with this choice. Coming from the UK the first few days were difficult adjusting to the heat without A/C, however this was fine after the first few days and it was a trade off that I was happy to take to be in the more sociable camp environment. The bungalows and general areas were basic, but the camp and gardens are kept really clean and tidy - it really is a little oasis.
I don’t think there was a single meal at Unique cafe that I didn’t enjoy. In particular I enjoyed the variety of having both Thai food and mediterranean style dishes from Valerie.
My stay at Palapon is a trip that I look back on very fondly and I can’t wait to visit again! Jess xxx
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Date of stay: May 2023Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I have just returned from a 4 week program at Palapon. The experience was amazing. Probably one of the most challenging endeavours I have undertaken but I left feeling stronger, fitter and with a healthier outlook. As a small business owner in her 50’s the pandemic drained me both physically and emotionally. The Palapon program was just what I needed for a positive reset. I would have stayed longer if possible. I plan to return. The fitness program, accommodation, food and everyone at the camp is structured to make sure you succeed in attaining your fitness goals. You do get out of it what you put into it!
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Date of stay: June 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled solo
Room Tip:The heat was intense so I was happy to have opted for the air conditioned residence.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Klaus Lippert, Owner at Palapon
Responded Jun 19, 2023
Dear Philippa, Thank you for taking the time to share your review. We are delighted to hear about your experience with us at Palapon. It was truly a pleasure to witness your dedication and effort throughout the program. We're glad to know that you found our program enjoyable and beneficial. Your commitment to the activities and your perseverance in pushing yourself further are commendable. At Palapon, we strive to create an environment that supports personal growth and well-being. We're thrilled that you felt motivated and inspired during your time with us. Thank you for choosing Palapon and for being a part of our family. We appreciate your feedback and look forward to welcoming you back in the future. If there's anything else we can assist you with, please don't hesitate to reach out. Warm regards, Klaus, Family and Team
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I wasn’t sure about booking a fitness retreat, was assured that it would not be a boot camp style but it was anything but encouraging. Manager was impatient with me when doing exercises, despite me informing them of my age, goals and inexperience. Not the type of encouraging environment that is advertised. Luckily I didn’t stay at the camp, it’s very basic. Did an early morning walk each day and while the ThaibTrainers were lovely it was repetitive doing the same route each day, through hua him and up and down the steps to the Buddha. The young guys who came in the walks each morning were so nice but were not approved by the manager to take alternative routes. The boxing classes tended to be busy as the gym is small and others join the classes who were not staying at the camp. I enjoyed these classes most as it was more enjoyable when the manager wasn’t around in the afternoons. Maybe it’s cultural but he didn’t think gym time should be enjoyed or fun, so it always felt strained when he was around. Would have been nice to have some Thai dishes served but none during my visit. Liked the early morning walks seeing Thailand people start their day and the monks coming in to get their provisions, even got a blessing from one. Overall while I love Thailand the camp wasn’t a warm inviting experience, maybe if the manager relaxed a little there might be more fun, after all it is a holiday?!
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Date of stay: August 2021Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Klaus Lippert, Owner at Palapon
Responded Dec 18, 2021
I'm sorry to see you booked the wrong place for your travel. I can highly recommend Club Med for your next vacation. Kind regards
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This was a out of comfort zone experience for me, which helped boost my confidence. I was welcomed to the camp with kindness by everyone and my experience opened my eyes in certain aspects.
Do not join the camp and complain, if you are thinking this is some sort of vacation/resort.
It’s a camp which helps not only to lose weight but also to strengthen you both physically and mentally as well as push you to do better. A lot of the times the training had been hard, and admittedly I have had moments when I thought I couldn’t go any further with certain exercises, but Klaus will push and encourage you because he genuinely believes in you. Aside from training, Klaus had been like a father figure who I could always turn to whenever I had problems. And I’ve learnt some life lessons from him when he shared some of his stories about his past.
The Muay Thai training I did was one of the best experiences I’ve had and I’ll be carrying on when I go back home. The trainer, Maa, likes to keep the training fun but will push you to do better when he wants you to get the techniques right. Maa also went above and beyond outside training to teach me some of the cultural ways of life in Thailand and also encouraged me multiple times to try new things.
One big lesson I learnt from both Klaus and Maa is to believe in myself a lot more, and keep pushing forward, even if the mind tells you to stop.
I recommend joining this camp if you want to get out of your comfort zone and take the first step towards working on yourself. I still have a lot of improvements to do but I’m proud of what I was able to accomplish so far. Oh and make sure you have mosquito repellents when you join the camp! 🤣
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Date of stay: September 2021Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Klaus Lippert, Owner at Palapon
Responded Dec 18, 2021
Thank you Gerry for your positive review her. It was a pleasure to work with you and we know how difficult it was for you to put in all the hard work and changing old habits. We hope you keep up with the good work you have started here. All the best to you.
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Chorley, United Kingdom30 contributions12 helpful votes
Hi Naughty Pixie,
Obviously your goals are going to be dependent on your commitment but to give you idea from my perspective; I stayed 4 weeks lost 9.6kg and saw a definite improvement in my fitness. that was in February this year and I'm actually back just now for another 3 weeks. Does it work? yes, like most things provided you listen and apply.
Happy to answer any other questions from a guest perspective.
Dear eh2008201 ;-)
if you have kids (you are not sure? ;-) ) It would
help to know how many and how old they are.
Here are option for day care or even school but it
is depend on their age.
Kind regards,
Klaus
Dear Pete,
the range about weight loss is big and what period we talk about? two weeks? you can loose 2 kg or 5 kg, 4 weeks?
5 kg maybe 10 or 12 kg. We had it all. One guy he stayed at Palapon who had 200 kg, he lost in 4 month 50 kg. Many factors are involved; why someone is overweight, was he/she always overweight? is it about bad eating habits? is it about alcohol? or both? been this person ever sportive active before?....... What I suggest to everyone who ask me the question; how much weight I can loose? Stop thinking and focus on your weight!! Focus to get FIT and change your lifestyle for better and healthy. For us is everything in life about moderation, you should like what you do and feel good otherwise it doesn't have any long term effect.
Sorry Pete that it might be you didn't got the answer you would like to see but this is how it is from our experience.
Best regards
Klaus
"Pick up from hotel or airport is great
If you stay on campus the room are confortable with the fan is ok, if you want a AC then the hotel at 5min is best option"
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