Thai House Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand

You will be treated as a friend of the family. THE THAI HOUSE is the inspiration of a Thai Family who want to introduce international travellers from western cultures to Thailand in an informal setting, away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Only 45 minutes (22kms) from the centre of Bangkok, THE THAI HOUSE is nestled among 350 tropical fruit trees and colourful gardens.

Begin your journey to an adventure along the waterways. Enjoy a relaxed meander down the charming klongs, the life artery for lives of over 3 million residents.

The Thai House is a traditional Thai house built with a golden teakwood structure in an architectural style that was popular around the Ayutthaya region in central Thailand some 150 years ago. The distinctive wing-shaped roof structure is inspired by the temples. It is thought that these wings are a means of the inhabitants to reach heaven.

The first floor lay-out consists of three separate houses symmetrically linked together consistent with the traditional practice of keeping extended families living and working together in the same compound to create the sense of belonging to the family. As one stands on the first floor terrace with a view overlooking the orchard garden, the adjacent structures are no higher than the coconut palms. The tranquility and the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape is both striking and mesmerising.

Each house has two rooms which can be partitioned into two adjoining bedrooms by an optional opening door or a family suite. Five windows which open out onto the vast lush gardens and verdant orchards provide ventilation. The height of the ceiling also promotes the constant circulation of air thus eliminating the need for air-conditioning. To combat humidity, electric fans create the gentle breezes needed to cool off the interior. Visitors consistently note the peaceful sleep they experience as they are awakened only by bird song the next morning.

Adjacent to the sleeping quarters is a separate room which serves as the Thai-style bath house. The bathroom is equipped with modern western-style facilities.

On the lower floor, there is ample indoor dining hall for banquet-style seating for 30 to 50 persons, and the Thai House does receive visitors for lunch.

Breakfast and lunch are usually served on the sheltered outer patio area. Taking in the fresh country air, most guests enjoy a healthy appetite.

The busiest quarters on the premises is the kitchen area. A highly social affair, the joy of cooking and the immense pleasure of eating in the midst of good company is very much central to the traditional Thai way of life. The stay at The Thai House features opportunities to sample home-style cuisine at various intervals throughout the day, so no one ever complains of being hungry.

If you enjoy eating Thai food and would like to spend up to three fun-filled days learning the secrets of Thai cooking, you can take advantage of a short, compact course offered at THE THAI HOUSE COOKING SCHOOL.

Discover how to blend fresh herbs and spices. You will learn new skills and authentic recipes whether you are a novice cook or an accomplished chef. Traditional utensils, such as mortar and pestle are used.

Lessons are conducted in English. Lessons include brief lectures, preparation of ingredients, hands-on demonstrations and time for discussion and eating. The maximum class size is 10 participants per session.