somewherelands

Waking Up In: Davis Thai House, Bangkok

*This is not sponsored content and all views are my own.

Davis Thai House is a sophisticated, well-designed retreat offering respite in the middle of Bangkok’s bustling Sukhumvit district. It’s the perfect pick for travellers who want accomodation at the heart of the city, without being subjected to the madness of it all.

At first glance, you might not even spot it. After all, these wooden baans (or Thai houses) are well hidden behind the main hotel wing that fronts the Davis brand name along the main junction; but a closer look will uncover the earthy tones and understated luxury of this 10-villa compounds. The aesthetic is highly consistent and every villa is built in likeness to a real baan, complete with dark-wood fittings and furniture, Asian-theme decorative elements, and an architectural atmosphere where even fragments of nature (fallen leaves, broken branches, twigs) become part of the experience.

And the result? A space of captivating calmness, cloaked in quiet contentment – an oasis of tranquillity amongst the chaos of Bangkok.

At Thai Davis House, space is generous and evokes an image of traditional opulence. We were housed in a three-bedroom villa that sprawls across two storeys, comprising of two bedrooms (each with its own attached bath) on the upper floor; and a kitchenette, laundry room, a washroom, and a huge living room on the lower floor. There is also a veranda on the ground floor – although, given the tenacity of the mosquitoes here, you probably won’t spend much time outdoors.

HOW DO YOU GET HERE?

The closest BTS station is Phrom Phong. From here, it’s a good 20-25 minute walk in so if you’re fresh off your flight and laden with bags and luggages, it’s probably wise to just hail a cab or tuktuk in from the train station.

Alternatively, a direct cab ride from the airport (Suvarnabhumi) should not cost you more than USD20.

WHAT ARE THE AMENITIES?

Davis might sit in the heart of Bangkok’s Sukhumvit’s district, but the compounds are small enough to retain a boutique sensibility.

You won’t find much here besides a swimming pool with a pool bar (which, unfortunately, was closed when we were there) and an emptied-out jacuzzi (also another by-product of the pandemic), but step outside and you will be fronted with an overwhelming selection of convenience shops and frills-free eating spots.

As mentioned, Phrom Phong BTS is a hearty walk away; once you make it out to the main road, you will be spoilt for choice (although, in normal times, I can’t imagine how you might even be tempted to leave your room.)

WHERE’S THE CROWD?

In Bangkok, it is always a sublime experience just deciding where to begin, but as far as crowds go, Sukhumvit is a pretty safe bet. It’s a super extensive district and almost a microcity in itself – one filled with expats and all that an expat area typically entails: good food, good nightlife, good partying, the likes.

You’ll also be mere stations away from some of the city’s biggest, swankiest malls (including the Siam district); with all your key shopping sites within arm’s reach from where you are.

WITHIN A SHORT WALK, I CAN FIND….

A Starbucks, but you probably already know that by the Instagrammable spot located just outside the hotel grounds, fronted by none other than Starbucks themselves. Continue walking and you will find a handful of convenience stores including 7-11 and Lawson; a short 5-minute walk in the other direction will find you a Lotus’s Supermarket (at a petrol kiosk) and even a MacDonald’s.

On a side note, if you’re unfussy and game to explore Bangkok street food at its most authentic, spot one of these mobile kitchen carts and give it a go. The food is made with love and pride, and can be quite the hungry traveller’s paradise. Just… don’t be fussy about it.

I SHOULD PROBABLY MENTION THIS…

The mosquitoes here are savage. These are the special forces of mosquitos so be prepared for a time of unconventional warfare. Arm yourself with repellent, eat raw garlic, chain-smoke cigarettes, stage a seance… do whatever keeps them at bay.

Also, if you’re planning to stay here before operations are back at normal capacity, then carry a little kindness and let live a little. There are not more than three staff at any given point and they wear a hundred different hats amongst themselves. Landscaping is not manicured to perfection, the pool water is questionable, and minor aesthetic imperfections have accrued over the past two years. Nevertheless, these guys have quite the cheerful spirit and they are super friendly and always ready to go out of the way for you; and as the world works it way through this time of recovery, that should be more than sufficient for us.

SHOULD YOU STAY AT DAVIS THAI HOUSE?

I’d say give it a wait until the main wing opens. With the staffhold back to normalcy, I believe this can turn out to be one of the most memorable stays you will experience in Bangkok.

Comments

  • Megan

    While Starbucks is convenient and comfortable, I would love to try an authentic meal from the food carts! This looks like such a beautiful place.

  • Venaugh

    Davis Thai House looks beautiful! I always love when there a so many great options close by so you can easily walk and not need to worry about transport. Also, thanks for the mosquito tip, I generally am sensitive to this and the spots stay for a realllly long time so definitely wouldnt risk it without some repellant.

    • shafinah.j

      oh yes, Thailand is tropical through and through and you know what that means with the mozzies 😅 Come to this region fully armed!

  • simplyjolayne

    It looks like a delightful place to stay. And I agree, kindness goes a long way when you travel.

  • Kelly

    What a pretty place to stay!

  • Linda (LD Holland)

    We stayed in a pretty standard hotel when we visited Bangkok. But the David Thai House looks like a lovely alternative for a return visit. I could sure have used an oasis of tranquility after many very busy touring days. I will surely look at this then travel is more back to normal and staffing levels have returned.

    • shafinah.j

      It’s always such a kick to find an uncity-like accomodation right smack in the middle of the city! 🤭

  • Travel A-Broads

    I’d love to visit Thailand again and explore Bangkok – I’ve only flown through the airport there! This looks like such a lovely place to stay. Thanks for the recommendation! Xx Sara

    • shafinah.j

      Oh you have to, Bangkok’s one of my absolute most favourite cities in the world!!

  • Josy A

    Looks like a beeeautiful boutique place to stay! It looks so relaxing (but I guess that is partly because there are so few people around.) I hope it bounces back once more people travel now post-pandemic.

    • shafinah.j

      Oh you’re so right – it’s such a Catch-22! Maintenance is skeletal because no one else is around; but if there were more people around, I probaby wouldn’t have enjoyed it that much 😅😅

  • Leah

    Looks like a beautiful place to stay! There are so many options in Bangkok it can be very overwhelming so thank you for the recommendation. I definitely agree – the mosquitos are savage in Thailand!

    • shafinah.j

      They’re the worst in tropical climates! Definitely made of something else! 😂🤣

  • Lasma

    Once again, your photos are truly fantastic! I love to see them all the times! I also enjoy reading your articles! Thanks for sharing this!

    • shafinah.j

      Aww thank you so much Lasma, your words mean the world to me! ❤️

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