Ibrik Resort by the River

Tucked away in Bangkok's most Bohemian quarter and as close to the Chao Phraya river as can be, a small gem of a guesthouse beckons

On the banks of the olde-worlde Thonburi side of Bangkok, Ibrik River (as opposed to Ibrik City) is not an easy hotel to find. It's tucked between the Patravadi Theatre's Studio 9 eatery, and a townhouse which I initially thought was the hotel. But, once you've found the small white gate, darted down the narrow path into a little garden and entered the demure café/lobby, you realise that you’ve stumbled upon a rather special, idiosyncratic hidey-home in Bangkok’s most Bohemian spot.

One of the first boutique properties to open in Bangkok in 2004, this petite gem - white, clean-lined and filled with dappled light and breeze - is a triumph of understatement: polished concrete floors, contemporary bathrooms and grandma’s attic furniture. Only 3 guestrooms means privacy and quiet, and the staff are incredibly polite and helpful. This little spot is like a home away from home in sprawling, bustling Bangkok, and a welcome respite at the end of a long day of sightseeing.

Highs

• Ibrik is hard to fault for its charm - it's a haven for the weary tourist, and the lazy river becomes a moat keeping the chaos of the metropolis at bay
• Walk a few steps and you enter a zero-tourist-in-sight market; this is the real Bangkok
• Taking river transport rather than taxis is a great way to get around the city (though water taxis stop around 9pm)
• The staff are friendly and helpful (though their English can be limited)
• The breakfast is excellent, with great Italian coffee from a serious espresso machine

Lows

• Apart from breakfast and coffee, there are no in-house dining options (however, there are good restaurants nearby)
• It’s pretty quiet around here at night, so if you’re a nightlife person you may have to take a car
• The noise coming off the river can be just as effective as an alarm clock
• In the rainy season (July-October) the boat trip across the river becomes less romantic
• The place is difficult for taxi drivers to find; be sure to print out Thai directions from the website beforehand