All of the walls of this eclectic, boutique hotel, Phranakorn Nornlen, are painted to resemble the sois, or alleys, of Bangkok

Bangkok and Siem Reap Hotel Discoveries

These were definitive finds and great additions to Carla’s Secrets. Both hotels arranged a free shuttle pickup from the airports for us, offering an iced bottle of water and huge smiles as they brought us to their lodging.

Thumbing through an Afar magazine at Barnes and Noble, Rick stopped on a page about Bangkok. What about this hotel, he mused to me. Sure enough, we emailed them and they were available for our first Southeast Asia trip as a family of four.

Phranakorn Nornlen Hotel, 46 Soi Thewet 1, Krung Kasem Rd, Bangkok,Thailand sits on a narrow street just two kilometers from the bustling Khaosan Road and four kilometers from the Grand Palace. The river shuttle stop at Thewet Pier is just down the street. Featuring eclectic wall art, the airy, colorful rooms offer free wifi and a free vegetarian breakfast buffet that is served in their rooftop garden. We enjoyed afternoon americanos at their sunflower painted tables in the courtyard and enjoyed resting in the hammocks under the awning covered in leafy vegetation. Walking the neighborhood from this location was safe and exotic all at once. Women were sewing on the sidewalk, sewing machine and fabric sitting on the concrete. Smells of the delicious concoctions in restaurants permeated our noses. Discovering walkable streets like Soi Ram Butri and the Banglamphu Market, we drank delicious coffee at Baan Phra Athit on the Chao Phraya River and spotted a komodo dragon floating in the canal as we crossed over the Samsen Road bridge.

phranakorn-nornlen.com, rooms@phranakorn-nornlen.com

There is a street in Siem Reap, Cambodia known as Hotel Row. We definitely refused to stay anywhere close to that. What a surprise!

We had a cooking class included at the Golden Temple Hotel in Siem Reap, Cambodia

So I found another great choice called the Golden Temple Hotel. Located just across the river from the Old Market and Pub Street, this boutique lodging blends the prismatic Far East charm with the hometown ambiance of Khmer hospitality. Room balconies overlook the inviting swimming pool, complete with palm trees and Buddha statues. Stepping into this oasis, we were greeted like old friends, with a tray of sweets and tea while we were checking in. A cooking class and Asian massage were special extras that we thoroughly loved during our three night stay. When we left, we were each presented with a Golden Temple t-shirt. We still have them 5 years later!

goldentemplehotel.com, info@goldentemplehotel.com