The Thai House is a traditional Thai house constructed from teakwood 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 Thai House is a homestay concept, developed by a Thai family that has been entertaining overseas guests for nearly 20 years, and now offers an attractive alternative to standard hotel accommodation. Situated in a 12 rai (4.8 acre) garden and rich in fruit trees, the custom-designed house was built in 1990 by 25 craftmen who worked on the premises for a year. The walls, stairs and rooftops feature traditional carvings which reflect the age-old artistic skills for which Thai artisans are known. Traditional Thai craftsmanship is preserved and skillfully incorporated with practical space utilization well-suited to modern living. At any one time, The Thai House accommodates up to 16 overnight guests.

Visitors to The Thai House are welcomed into a Thai home as a guest, rather than as a tourist, and are provided with an opportunity to experience life among the locals in a setting that makes you feel very much at home.

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 ceilings also promote 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.

The Lady of the House, Khun Pip, is renowned fro her fine Thai cooking and offers cookery courses to those who wish to learn on site (prebooked only).

General Information

• Name : The Thai House
• Destination : Thailand
• Location : Nonthaburi, a relatively undeveloped suburb of Bangkok across the river from the centre of town. 45 minutes by longtail boat along the Bangkok Noi klong (canal)
• Seasons : year round
• Capacity (max no. guests) : 16 maximum

Accommodation

• Room Types : 6 twin rooms set around a veranda terrace, each with mattresses on the wooden floor, traditional style, and fan. One double/triple room downstairs with private bathroom.
• Showers & toilets : shared bathroom for the upstairs rooms.
• A/C : no
• Hot Water : electric heaters

Further Information

• Electricity : 220V, 2 pin (flat)
• Fire warning system : N/A
• Fire extinguishers : yes
• Fire escapes : N/A
• Entertainment :