As we headed to Thailand for the fourth time, the question was where to stay in Bangkok? You want to start your vacation off on the right foot, right? Since Dave and Anne had never been to SE Asia before, we wanted it to be decent, clean, and mostly centrally located to the things we wanted to see in the city.
I researched a few different options online, a bit overwhelmed by SO many choices.
I read reviews on Travelfish.org, one of my go-to’s for all things Asia.
At the end of the day, we ended up where we’ve stayed before; New Siam II. If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it! And Travelfish’s recent report on the property sealed the deal. It didn’t hurt that the price was $27/night, only $3/ more per night than we last stayed in 2008!
We had often arrived in this massive city at nearly midnight, jet lagged, and ready for bed. On our second trip with Jim’s parents, our taxi driver got lost attempting to find the New Siam II and we spent part of the night circling Khao San Road.
This time around our Air Canada flight arrived at 6:30 am and we hit the ground running. I’d arranged a private transfer, and other than getting stuck in endless commuter traffic, everything went seamlessly. Except, of course, that our room wasn’t ready.
Never fear, the New Siam II is located one block from the mighty Chao Phraya river and near Khao San Road so we dropped our bags with the front desk and enjoyed a wander to view the river and begin to adjust to the sweltering Bangkok temperatures.
After a bit we found a seat at a small hole-in-the-wall restaurant a few blocks from the hotel where I had the best thing I ate during the entire trip; a noodle bowl with extra firm tofu, bok choy, pork meatballs and a transformative broth ~ the sort of dish that changes your whole day. I will be spending months attempting to re-create that broth.
Back at the hotel we checked into our rooms and found them as we expected. The rooms were clean with A/C and a private bathroom, Dave’s two prerequisites. The decor was basic & the bed was typically Asian firm.
In the lobby, the small pool proved to be a very welcome addition in the afternoon after hours out touring a city of such immense proportions.
The staff were friendly and accommodating and although we only took breakfast at the hotel twice, it was a nice selection and somewhat reasonably priced at 199 TBT.
But, the best thing about the New Siam II is the location.
During our four days in the city, the location made it extremely easy to take a Klong boat tour on the side waterways, get near daily massages on Khao San Road, walk to the Grand Palace, or hop a tuk-tuk to Chinatown and beyond.
Speaking of Chinatown~ this is the up and coming “it” spot of Bangkok. We did consider booking a hotel there but I was hesitant. Having not explored the area before, I was unsure of what areas were good or not, and after spending several hours wandering Chinatown on our A Chef’s Tour, (more to come on that amazing experience!) I’m glad we opted for what proved to be a quieter area of the city. Believe me when I say Khao San Road is NOT the wild child it once was.
The choice of where to stay in Bangkok is confusing as this vast city offers up endless options from hostels to world-class luxury hotels. Find what suits you, but know that as in all real estate, location, location, location.