Chakrabongse Villas

Chakrabongse Villas sits in the heart of old Bangkok, on the banks of the Chao Phraya. From the riverside terraces, you look straight across to Wat Arun. Wat Pho and Museum Siam are a short stroll away, the Grand Palace is close by, and Sanam Chai MRT is a few minutes' walk. Tha Tien pier is right on the doorstep for river boat trips.

Prince Chakrabongse built the house in 1908. He changed there before ceremonies at the Grand Palace and enjoyed the river. Today his granddaughter, Narisa, runs it as a boutique hotel that reflects her family's history and her love of Thai art, food and culture.

With just four villas and three rooms, Chakrabongse feels more like a private home than a hotel. The villas range from a garden suite to a riverside teak apartment and a traditional Thai house on stilts, and some include kitchens and private verandas. The Moroccan-themed rooms are compact and charming, with desks overlooking the garden.

Dinner is served in a riverside pavilion, with Wat Arun as the backdrop. Narisa chooses the set menu herself, mixing traditional Thai and fusion dishes from the Rattanakosin era, with home-grown vegetables. Book ahead, as reservations are essential.

The pool sits among tropical gardens full of orchids and birdsong, and the riverside terraces are made for lazy afternoons.