Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 0 2622 1900;
www.chakrabongsevillas.com
;
396/1 Th Maha Rat; incl breakfast r 5000B, ste 10,000-25,000B;
; Tha Tien)
This compound incorporates three sumptuous but cramped rooms and
four larger suites and villas, some with great river views, all surrounding a still-function-
ing royal palace dating back to 1908. There's a pool, jungle-like gardens and an elevated
deck for romantic riverside dining. No walk-ins.
Sala
HOTEL
$$$
( 0 2622 1388;
www.salaresorts.com
;
Soi Tha Tian; incl breakfast r 3500-5500B, ste 10,500B; ; Tha
Tien)
This new riverside place boasts a sleek, modernist feel - an intriguing contrast with
the former warehouse it's located in. The 17 rooms, decked out in black and white and
boasting open-plan bathrooms and big windows looking out on the river and Wat Arun,
aren't particularly huge, but will satisfy the fashion-conscious.
Aurum: The River Place
HOTEL
$$$
( 0 2622 2248;
www.aurum-bangkok.com
;
394/27-29 Soi Pansuk; r incl breakfast 3700-4600B; ;
Tha Tien)
The 12 modern rooms here don't necessarily reflect the grand European exterior
of this refurbished shophouse. Nonetheless, they're comfortable and well-appointed, and
most offer fleeting views of Mae Nam Chao Phraya.
Banglamphu & Around
Although Banglamphu is ground zero for budget accommodation in Bangkok, this doesn't
necessarily mean it's the only or even the best place in Bangkok for a cheap room. But
prices are generally low, and services such as internet cafes, travel agents and beer stalls
are available in abundance, making it a convenient base.
It would be impossible to list all of Banglamphu's accommodation options here. In-
stead, we've chosen a select few that stand out, generally those away from Th Khao San,
which can get pretty hectic. If you've got the time, explore a bit and check out a few
places before making a decision - there are increasingly attractive options spanning all
price levels on outlying streets such as riverside Th Phra Athit, leafy Soi Ram Buttri and
the residential side streets off Th Samsen. During the high season (December to Febru-
