A slower pace of stay

Cosy Room in the wooden house greet guests at Phranakhon Nornlen

Bangkok's old Phra Nakhon district is a great choice for visitors in search of laidback lodgings. One of the hippest guesthouses in this characterful neighbourhood is the tranquil Phranakorn Nornlen on Krungkasem Road, which this year won TripAdvisor's Best Hidden Gem and Travellers Choice awards.

Its cosy rooms in a wooden house have been designed with what the owners call a "slow your life" theme. Double, twin and single rooms are available, all modest in size but decorated in homely earth tones, with traditional wooden furniture and flower and tree motifs.

Each room has an airconditioner, CD player, telephone and ceiling fan, while bathrooms feature a wooden sink and furniture along with a showerhead adapted from the brass pan used for making traditional Thai desserts.

The hotel also offers a courtyardcumliving room where you can listen to music, watch TV or read a book. This zone is stuffed with travel books and information about getting around Thailand. If you fancy something to sip or nibble, there's a choice of fruit juices, iced coffee/chocolate, freshly brewed tea and coffee, and pastries. Or you can opt for some horizontal relaxation - an hour of Thai massage costs Bt300, a foot massage Bt350. 

Room rates range from Bt1,800 to Bt2,400 per night, inclusive of organic vegetarian breakfast, welcome drinks, complementary wireless Internet and tax.

XTRA

Some directions

>>Phranakorn Nornlen is at 46 Thewet Soi 1, Phra Nakhon, Krungkasen Road.

>>Call (02) 628 818890

>>Website: www.Phranakornnornlen.com.

Pattarawadee Saengmanee

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