Accommodation

Siam Journey – Phaya Thai, Bangkok – volunteer or 300 baht | Favourite guest house throughout all travels (2014).

-Watch : Siam Journey – A Bangkok Alley →

 

Siam Journey started as a 12 bed guesthouse with a choice of two rooms: an 8 bed and a less spacious 4 bed. Now doubled in size it still holds all its charm whilst accommodating two extra bathrooms and a dining space in addition to a new 10 bed dorm.

Siam Journey is more than a charming sleeping space, it is an experience.

After (_?) months in Bangkok exploring the city in multiple districts, I found no competitor to Siam Journey.

There are cheaper options, sure, but no location or personality has offered any greater time than that spent on the border of Ratchathewi and Phaya Thai.

Where two aspects to the success of this tucked away gem combine to create such a positive feeling are the location and most importantly, the owner and co-workers.

There is so much heart installed into this venture. Nate (founder/owner) shares his social life with his guest (soon to become friends if they stay more than a single night). Every night will be different. Pursuing events and activities to neighbourhoods that Nate wants to get more familiar with and making friends with Bangkok students and couchsurfers. Nate effortlessly invests an awful lot into his connection with his guests.

 

What I found most unique about Siam Journey was the transparent business behind the guesthouse. Openly sharing future plans and collaborating ideas with guests. I have not experienced anywhere else like this. Siam Journey can make you feel as though you help run the project and do so with upmost enjoyment and purpose. Such an inclusive relationship with the place turns a simple spot to sleep into a creative building where each day is spent with open minded collectives.

 

The icing on the cake is the neighbourhood. The residents and family restaurants that serve world class food for 30 baht. You will have to restrain your desire to eat, then eat, then eat each day as returning to your favourite table and chair X amount of times in one day becomes relatively embarrassing.

My words may fail me but I can`t speak any more highly about Nate, Siam Journey and Phaya Thai.

 

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Accommodation Continued

Orchid Hostel – Si Phraya, Bangkok – 230 baht

 

My Home – Kanchanaburi – accommodation/food available, 125 baht (250/2persons, 3 nights for 300 each)

 

Jolly Frog – Kanchanaburi – accommodation/restaurant, floating bungalows on the river Khwae Yai

 

Chitanun Guesthouse – Kanchanaburi

 

December House – Ayutthaya – accommodation/restaurant/bicycle hire, 130 baht (260/2persons) | Top recommendation

 

Good Luck House – Ayutthaya – accommodation/restaurant/bicycle hire, 150 baht (300/2persons)

 

BJ’s – Ayutthaya – 80 baht (160/2persons)

 

VIP House – Chiang Mai – 75 baht (300/4persons)

 

Akha River House – Chiang Rai – 125 baht (250/2persons)

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Baan Rimtaling – Chiang Khong – accommodation/restaurant, local minority produced rice 100 baht

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Sri Esarn 2 – Ubon Ratchathani – 100 baht (200/2persons)

 

Siri Surin – Surin – 75 baht (150/2persons)

 

Phubade – Pak Chong – 150 baht (300/2persons)

 

Porn Thep – Mae Sot – 75 baht (150/2persons)

 

Khum Chao Lai – Prachuap Khiri Khan – 140 baht (280/2persons)

 

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Restaurants

Tailek’s House – Thanon Pracha Suk, Bangkok – food/accommodation, family home, help out with the cooking/eat with a large group on the floor, contribution, currently closed

 

Im Chan – Pretchaburi 5, Phaya Thai, Bangkok – family run, become a regular, 40 baht pad thai | Top recommendation

 

Boom Boom – Phaya Thai, Bangkok – family run, late night hours

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Idea Tea – Pretchaburi 5, Phaya Thai, Bangkok – bubble tea, 20 baht | Top recommendation

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Smile Smoothie – Chatuchuck, Bangkok – 30 baht

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On’s Thai Isaan – Kanchanaburi – vegan Isaan meals and cooking courses | Top recommendation

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Planet Earth – Ayutthaya – bar | Top recommendation

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Hiso Tea – Ayutthaya – bubble tea

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Aroy Dee – Chiang Mai

 

Tip’s – Chiang Mai – fruit stall, huge fruit bowls with superfoods

 

Yuta Vegetarian Restaurant – Prachuap Khiri Khan – vegan food, 35-40 baht per meal | Top recommendation