Doris Lim heads to A’ La Campagne Pattaya to escape city life and retreat to a beautiful European village garden, perfect for afternoon tea and vintage weddings.
A Warm Welcome
The van pulled off the busy Sukhumvit Road and rolled to a stop.
I stepped off into a European ‘a la Campagne’ or country way of life.
I was welcomed with a refreshing Blue Pea Flower drink with a lemongrass stirrer and wondered if today’s lunch was French or Italian.
Tranquil Surroundings
The environment is beautiful, quiet, and peaceful.
The compound has several large buildings, and I was so pleased that we would be spending an entire afternoon there.
Image: A’ La Campagne peaceful, serene, and beautiful
Discovering Somtan Villa
I walked towards the first building, the Somtan Villa.
The A’ La Campagne gardens have cobblestones with loose pebbles that act as soak-away drainage.
The buildings are painted a light grey, and some walls are left unplastered with the red bricks exposed.
Gothic arches rise between the brick pillars as I climbed up to the first floor.
The sunlight pours in beautifully.
The ornamental window anchors the room beautifully. Image: Doris Lim
A Charming Atmosphere
I half expected to be seated on transitional Gothic arch-style black wooden furniture.
Instead, the restaurant features a plain, long wooden table and benches.
The single round ornamental window beautifully anchors the room at the south end of the open-sided structure, allowing light to pour in.
We stood and watched in silence, imagining this could be a small chapel environment.
Later, I discovered that Thai couples use this beautiful venue for photoshoots and romantic weddings.
Culinary Delights at A’ La Campagne
The food at A’ La Campagne is inspired by Italian, French, and Thai cuisines.
The restaurant’s menu features northeastern-style Thai dishes that balance the five flavors: sour, sweet, salty, spicy, and bitter.
Banana leaves enhance the eclectic style of the dining room as table runners.
We found a sweet little note at every table laden with food “Organic Veggies from Our Farm.”
The restaurant serves European and Thai dishes paired with renowned Italian wines.
My insatiable appetite for good Thai food led us to order more seafood dishes.
Wholesome and Comforting Meals
The service was speedy, with separate dishes for meats like liver, pork, fish, chicken, and some very delicious crab cakes.
I enjoyed everything, relieved that none of the dishes were too spicy.
The massive disk of golden deep-fried omelet was crispy on the outside and moist, soft, and eggy inside.
I appreciate comfort food that feels wholesome.
The use of fresh organic eggs, vegetables, and herbs significantly enhances the taste and mouthfeel of each dish.
Ultimately, the delicious Som Tam (Green Papaya Salad) stole the show.
The food is authentic Thai—very delicious and satisfying.
I feel incredibly light after enjoying an organic meal.
Delicious organic lunch with farm-fresh herbs. Image: Doris Lim
Exploring the Rustic Charm
The owners have carefully designed A’ La Campagne, and its rustic charm is engaging.
The second building is a wine cellar; I walked past that into a small courtyard.
A fountain in the center adds to the pleasing sights of the relaxing garden setting.
I could fall in love here, I thought to myself.
The Organic Farm Experience
A’ La Campagne has an onsite organic farm.
The owner takes the fresh green ingredients for her restaurant seriously, growing most of the greens needed for daily operations with support from local organic farms.
I walked further into a barn where I was shown a handful of fat, wriggling earthworms.
These worms feed on a mixture of plant debris, grass, leaves, dead roots, soil, and chicken manure.
They create black soil that enriches essential nutrients as an organic fertilizer.
Happy earthworms at A’ La Campagne farm.
Farm to Table: Fresh Ingredients
There is an organic kitchen garden behind the restaurant.
I was awed when the owner plucked a string bean and said it was safe to eat off the vine.
I tried one, and it tasted green and surprisingly sweet.
We plucked a few and took the veggie treats to feed the animals on the farm.
Friendly Farm Animals
The poultry farm features free-range chickens squawking about, a small Billy goat, and some fat, lazy pigs in a pen.
The horses were beautiful and friendly, coming close for treats of long beans, apples, and carrots.
Friendly farm horses.
Afternoon Tea in a Glasshouse
After checking out the third building—a souvenir shop and gallery—we headed for afternoon tea in a glasshouse in the late afternoon.
The tea factory at A’ La Campagne is housed in a lovely glasshouse adorned with European-style decoration.
The owner tells us that some of the furniture and wooden seats are salvaged from old European buildings.
There are several lovely corners to take photos and enjoy the charming atmosphere and tasteful décor.
A’ La Campagne’ beautiful buildings. Image: Doris Lim
Indulgent Afternoon Hi-Tea
I loved the afternoon hi-tea presented in an elegant silver three-tiered stand with beautiful pink floral and rose-themed fine bone china.
We feasted on a delicious spread of afternoon tea favorites paired with various English and Chinese teas, including:
- Hot scones with butter and local jams
- Sandwiches
- Savory bruschetta
- Sweet cream cakes
- Chocolate mousse
Of course, I am partial to the decadent chocolate fudge cake, which I refused to share.
A’ La Campagne Tea Factory Afternoon Tea Set. Image: Doris Lim.
A’ La Campagne Glass Tea House. Image: Doris Lim
A Community-Focused Vision
I spoke with the kind owner of A’ La Campagne, who is organizing workshops and fairs to raise money to help the local community.
For ladies who love a romantic place filled with collectibles, this Italian village setting is tastefully done and very Instagrammable!
Beautiful gardens. Image: Doris Lim
A’ La Campagne fountain. Image: Doris Lim
A Perfect Venue for Vintage Weddings
The owner shared that A’ La Campagne offers a vintage wedding experience for a romantic and unique ceremony.
The lush greenery, outdoor fountains, and abundant natural light provide versatile backdrops for any theme befitting a European village garden.
Setting for a vintage wedding. Image: A’ La Campagne
One remarkable possibility was converting the Somtan Villa into a classic European chapel for a dream wedding.
I am tempted to return for a happily ever after.
I want to live a villager’s life at A’ La Campagne in Chonburi.
If only suitors were waiting in line. Sigh!
Visit A’ La Campagne!
A’ La Campagne
21/2 Moo 1, Najomtien, Sattahip District, Chon Buri 20250, Thailand
Business Hours: Opens Daily 10:00 am to 9:00 pm
Phone: +66 91 780 1254
