Youthapong Charoenpan

While Bangkok's Khao Sarn Road area has long been a magnet for foreign backpackers, the recent opening of Navalai River Resort means there's now another more luxurious and modern accommodation option in the neighborhood.

Located on Phra Athit Road in the historic district of Phranakorn, which is the Thai word for city, the resort offers excellent access to the Grand Palace, as well as being just a 10-15-minute walk away from Khao Sarn Road itself.

Rooms at the front of the resort offer a breathtaking view of the Chao Phraya River, while guests may also wish to make the most of the handy boat transportation the resort's location provides.

The white-painted exterior features teakwood frames and an unusual splash of yellow trim along the third floor. Teak and other natural materials, such as rattan, also dominate the interior decoration. There are plenty of places around the property where guests can relax, including a large open-air terrace area along the front of the hotel. The roof terrace is another popular spot where guests can enjoy a beautiful view of the Chao Phraya.

Stylish rooms

The resort features a unique fusion of contemporary and traditional Thai styles, as well as providing a wide range of impressive facilities.

Navali River Resort's rooms are decorated in an 'East meets West' style, featuring dark wood and strong oriental shades, including fuschia, gold, and orange. All rooms come with 'mod cons', whereas some even feature a view from the bathroom, allowing you to savor a spectacular vista while enjoying a soak in the tub. Likewise, the rooftop pool, adjoining jacuzzi, and bar provide another stunning location from which to enjoy the view.

Aquatini Riverside Restaurant and Bar provides a soothing selection of music to accompany a romantic al fresco meal under the stars. The restaurant serves up both Thai and European cuisine, along with a wide range of alcoholic and soft drinks.

Historic surroundings

Navali River Resort is handily located within walking distance of numerous stores, as well as temples and other interesting sights, providing a fascinating insight into Thai culture.

Another pleasant way to get a taste of how locals live is to take a jog alongside the river either early in the morning or around sunset when the weather is likely to be a little cooler.

For further details or to make a reservation, visit the resort's official website at http://www.navalairiverresort.com.

Transport connections:

Bus/taxi: Although the area isn't near any train stations on the city's mass transit rail systems (BTS [elevated railway] and MRT [subway]), plenty of buses serve the area, or you can just hop in a taxi if you're in a hurry or would prefer a more comfortable ride.

Boat: One of the best ways of reaching the hotel or exploring areas alongside the river is to use a Chao Phraya Express boat, which operate to and from Phra Athit pier near the offices of Unicef.