Thailand (Lonely Planet, 13th Edition) - China Williams [115]
Bangkok International Youth Hostel (Map; 0 2282 0950; www.hihostels.com; 25/2 Th Phitsanulok, Dusit; dm 170B, r 600-2400B; bus 16, 509, river ferry Tha Thewet; ) One of the only options if you want to stay in the quiet Dusit area, this recently refurbished hostel has cheaper rooms in the original building and new but cramped rooms in a tall structure facing Th Phitsanulok. There’s a pleasant rooftop balcony and a travel library.
Shanti Lodge (Map; 0 2281 2497; 37 Soi Thewet, Th Si Ayuthaya, Thewet; dm 200B, r 400-2950B; bus 30, 503, river ferry Tha Thewet; ) This family-run place exudes a peaceful, dharmic aura. It’s also a true guesthouse, so there are misplaced baskets of the owners’ laundry, an abandoned exercise bike and other ‘homey’ touches. Walls are bamboo-thin in the cheaper rooms, but there’s a huge variety of accommodation; check out a few before making a decision.
Taewez Guest House (Map; 0 2280 8856; 23/12 Th Si Ayuthaya, Thewet; s/d 250/530B; bus 30, 503, river ferry Tha Thewet; ) Popular with French travellers, the cheapest rooms here are plain and share bathrooms, but are good value.
Sri Ayuttaya Guest House (Map; 0 2282 5942; 23/11 Th Si Ayuthaya, Thewet; s 400B, d 600-850B; bus 30, 503, river ferry Tha Thewet; ) The wood and brick theme here is a nice break from the usual, less permanent-feeling guesthouse design. The rooms, half of which share bathrooms, also feel sturdy and inviting.
Phra-Nakorn Norn-Len (Map; 0 2628 8600; www.phranakorn-nornlen.com; 46 Soi 1, Th Thewet, Thewet; s incl breakfast 1800B, d incl breakfast 2200-2400B; bus 30, 503, river ferry Tha Thewet; ) Set in an expansive garden compound decorated like the Bangkok of yesteryear, this bright and cheery hotel is an atmospheric if not necessarily great value place to stay. Rooms are simply furnished, but generously decorated with antiques and wall paintings, and there’s internet, massage and endless opportunities for peaceful relaxing. Breakfast originates from the hotel’s organic rooftop garden.
All Seasons Bangkok Siam (Map; 0 2209 3888; www.accorhotels.com/asia; 97 Th Ratchaprarop; r incl breakfast 2000B; Skytrain Victory Monument, bus 513; ) Part of a new line-up of business-friendly hotels for modest budgets. Shop the website for plumper discounts.
Greater Bangkok
If you need to stay near one of Bangkok’s two airports, check the accommodation options in our boxed text on Click here.
Refill Now! (Map; 0 2713 2044; www.refillnow.co.th; 191 Soi Pridi Banhom Yong 42/71, Th Sukhumvit, Phra Khanong; dm/s/d 560/1085/1470B; Skytrain Phra Khanong; ) Sporting a look that blends the Habitat catalogue and a Kubrick movie, this is the kind of place that might make you think twice about sleeping in a dorm. The spotless white private rooms and dorms have flirtatious pull screens between each double-bunk; women-only dorms are also available. There’s an achingly hip chill-out area, and a massage centre upstairs. If you decide you need to leave, there’s a túk-túk (30B per passenger) to Thong Lo and Phra Khanong Skytrain stations.
Thai House (Map; 0 2903 9611; www.thaihouse.co.th; 32/4 Mu 8, Bang Yai, Nonthaburi; s/d 1500/1700B) North of central Bangkok in Nonthaburi is this traditional Thai home surrounded by fruit trees, which has been converted into a guesthouse. Contact the proprietors for transport details. The guesthouse also conducts cooking courses open to nonguests (Click here).
Mystic Place (Map; 0 2270 3344; www.reflections-thai.com; 224/5-9 224/11-18 Th Pradiphat, Th Phahonyothin, Saphan Kwai; r 2250-3250B; Skytrain Saphan Kwai; ) Now at a new location on noisy Th Pradiphat, this hotel unites 34 rooms, each of which is individually and playfully designed.