We visited Bangkok for the third time and finally found the gem that we were looking for: Phra Nakorn Norn Len guesthouse.
Bangkok is today the most visited city in the world, attracting almost 16 million visitors per year. I am sure you know the feeling when you start searching for a place to stay: how to pick a hotel or guesthouse from the longlist of possibilities on sites like Tripadvisor (offering 729 hotels in Bangkok today)?
Well, you don’t have to look any further. I am going to introduce you to the coolest guesthouse in Bangkok. A guesthouse that embodies the concept of ‘Slow Life’. We spent 5 days here and I can truly say this is a place you want to return to.
Rooms
The interior designer has done a great job! All rooms are very different in style and art. If you have the possibility you might want to check out some rooms to decide which one suits you (and your family) the best.
Every room has a private, hand-made bathroom with lots of attention for details. Of course you have free WIFI in the room and each room also has its own CD player (offering relaxing Phranakorn lounge music). Beds are firm but very comfortable. We stayed in a Family Room that was actually quite big (which might be different from the regular rooms).
On ground level you will find the restaurant next to a large garden area (great place to relax and enjoy the slow life after a full day in Bangkok!).
Quite remarkable are the small shops that have been created, but just for decoration. There is a barber shop, a candy shop and everywhere you will find memories to the 60s and the 70s. It’s vintage all over the place!
On each floor the walls are beautifully painted with bright colors. Look at it, wouldn’t you love this place instantly?
The recently opened (renovated) rooftop terrace offers a beautiful view on Wat Indraviharn. This temple is home to one of the tallest Buddha images in the country: 32 meters.
Surrounding area
The surrounding area is actually quite nice, with an interesting fish market (on one side of the Khlong Phadung Krung Kasem canal) and great Thai eating possibilities. We discovered the best Chicken Cashew nut dish in a small restaurant on the intersection of Krung Kasem and Sam Sen: Thewet Boiled Rice Restaurant. Don’t miss it!
The Thewet pier is only a 5 minute walk from the guesthouse. You can hop on the Chao Praya Express boat (around 15Bath/person, depending on your destination) that will bring you to downtown Bangkok within 10-15 minutes.
From Phra Nakorn Norn Len guesthouse you can walk to Khao San road in about twenty minutes.
Food
The guesthouse offers freshly baked cakes and delicious smoothies, next to a dinner menu. They serve typical Thai breakfast with rice, mushrooms and vegetables. If this type of breakfast is not your cup of tea you will be happy to know they also serve pancakes and eggs as an alternative. And if a bit of rice and some vegetables are not enough for you, there is always the toast…
Services & activities
If the city of Bangkok does not offer you enough things to do, the guesthouse organises all kinds of workshops like Thai cooking, soap making and book binding! According to their website these workshops are free for PN (PhraNakorn NornLen) residents.
ALSO READ: 8 BEST BANGKOK TEMPLES
Where to find Phra Nakorn Norn Len?
The guesthouse is tucked away in a small alley and you will certainly not pass it by accident. The hotel offers a route description in Thai language for your taxi or Tuk Tuk driver, but it still is difficult to find. Some say the hotel needs better signing, but I kind of like it the way it is.
Phranakorn-Nornlen Boutique Hotel
46 Thewet soi 1, Phranakorn, Bangkhunprom,
Krungkasem, Bangkok, Thailand
Visit website
16 comments
😀 our favourite place in Bangkok too – it’s an endless source of fascination in itself for our kids!!
That’s great to hear Kirsty! I haven’t met many people who also stayed at this guesthouse. But then again, there is so much to choose from in Bangkok….
Lovely guesthouse!! I’m telling you, your blog will be a gold mine of information for me when I plan my backpacking trip through SE Asia 😉
Thank you so much Michelle! Stay tuned as I will post lots of stories and travel tips about Cambodia in the upcoming weeks… How long do you plan to go backpacking?
Wow, this place is really well done! I’ll keep it in mind for next time I’m in Bangkok. Thanks!
Let me know once you have made it to Phra Nakorn, Ellen!
I’ve read about them few years ago, but still haven’t had the chance to stay at their place. Definitely will be my place to stay when I visit Bangkok soon!
Hope you will make it next time when you’re in Bangkok!
Wow Emiel – this place looks fabulous! Any idea of the cost for your family room per night?
Hi Tracey! Roomrates can be found on their website. It is not the cheapest place, but so much worth it.
Very cool spot! Love the colors.
Thanks Monique!
Beautiful! I’ve been to Bangkok over a dozen times & didn’t know about this guesthouse, thank you!
Roxanne, you really have to stay there during one of your upcoming visits!
Looks like a great place to stay in Bangkok! : )
It surely is, Foong Pc!