With long-tail boats floating down the Royal River, and streets lined with food carts selling everything from spicy to sweet bites, old Bangkok is full of pretty sights and sounds.
Here are some of our favourite stays:
PHARANAKORN NORNLEN HOTEL
Learn about the local culture, eat organic food and surround yourself with the sounds of frogs and birds. Located in old Bangkok, close to the Reclining Buddha Temple and the Grand Palace, this is a charming stay decorated with rustic furnishings and wall paintings. Sign up for one of its weekly workshops like natural soap-making or Thai cooking or take the Khlong Tour in a long-tail boat.
PRAYA PALAZZO
Set along the banks of the Chao Phraya River, Praya Palazzo is an Italian-style mansion turned into a boutique hotel. Have a relaxed day by the pool that overlooks the river or take the hotel’s private barge to Phra Athit where you can shop for handmade souvenirs or hang out at local cafes. Feast on authentic Thai and Mediterranean cuisine at the hotel, or delve into Thai history and culture in the library. Accessible only by boat, the hotel provides free transfers from Rajathiwas Temple Pier and Phra Athit Pier.
THE YARD HOSTEL
Sited far from touristy Bangkok in a hipster area filled with eateries and boutiques, The Yard Hostel makes you feel right at home. Lounge in the backyard, kick back with a beer, meet people from around the world, or rent a bicycle and explore the hip Ari neighbourhood.
ARIYASOMVILLAÂ WORDS SARIKA NERURKAR
A peaceful garden oasis in bustling Bangkok, this hotel, with its 1940s Thai decor, outdoor pool and spa, makes for a rejuvenating retreat.
The stylish rooms are spacious and done up in warm colours and floral artworks. The Som Sen spa offers relaxing massages while the in-house Na Aroon restaurant serves a healthy, organic variety of vegetarian and seafood meals (the pomelo salad is fantastic!), and mixes fine cocktails.
THE BHUTHORN
Travel back in time to experience Bangkok as it used to be in a bygone era. With its antique furniture and wooden floor, this comfortable B&B was once a century-old shophouse, but, today offers three guestrooms, each with a distinct character.
