We leave Loy La Long today, after 10 days of absolute bliss.
We had no expectations of our stay here, but made a deliberate decision to steer clear of the big hotels we've stayed in before.
So, from the beginning:
As many others have said on T.A., it can be very difficult actually getting here.
We ended up with a very convoluted taxi/train/tuk tuk method, but Ian way that added to the fun of getting here.
However, I wouldn't always want that level of excitement so I suggest that you tell the taxi/tuk tuk driver that LLL is on the river, about halfway between Royal Orchid Sheraton/River City and Chinatown, and in the grounds of Wat Pathumkongka ! Good Luck !!
When you arrive at LLL you are greeted by a very friendly, young, spunky Boat; you shed your shoes in the peaceful foyer, your feet caress the beautiful old floor boards & you know you're in for a restful holiday.
We stayed in the Green Suite on the ground floor and just loved that we felt we were barely above water level; with every passing boat the wake would send the water sloshing & it became almost hypnotic.
We would sit at our open windows and throw bread for the catfish; not sure that this was politically correct but great fun.
The room itself is spacious and very functionally designed, with both a king sized bed and a large day bed for lolling around watching TV/DVDs from the vast selection on offer.
The spray toilet took a little bit of getting used to, but I'm now so addicted, I want one at home !
So, what were the absolute highlights ?
1). Staying in a beautiful old teak building that has been beautifully restored but still retains a strong sense of its history
2). Wonderfully friendly & helpful staff, led by Boat, who with reasonably limited English, can very successfully meet the needs & requests from guests from all over the world
3). The food: we had thought we would be eating in Chinatown at night, but instead became addicted to the Dim Sum, fried rice, Tom Yum and Pad Thai cooked up by Ju & Layla.
4). The lounging areas; there are sitting areas both up & down stairs, with a variety of Thai & Anglo seating arrangements, so plenty of options for total relaxation.
5). Proximity to Chinatown: great food, cheap shopping, interesting temples
6). Proximity to ferries & Sky-train. Once you've got your bearings it is just a short walk to the ferry stop, or catch a tuk tuk to the Sheraton.
Just past the Sheraton you'll find a lane leading down to the river; the ferry here can take you up or down the river for a very cheap day's entertainment, or go 2 stops downstream to Central, hop off & you're at Saphan Taksin station on Sky Rail.
7). Probably THE most captivating element of LLL is the birds eye view it gives you of life on the Chao Praya River.
Every type of watercraft you can imagine (& others you've never thought of) ply this river, both up/down & across.
Despite being busier than a city road at peak hour, there is never a sign of chaos and obviously a courtesy that rules the waters.

Will We be back ? ABSOLUTELY !!