The hype
Travelers love the 'oasis' vibe and location, but consistently complain about the noise from the hallway and the small size of the standard rooms.
Casa Vimaya Riverside
$60-120/ night
Book this if You want the Khao San Road chaos within arm's reach but refuse to actually sleep inside it.
Why People Love It
- Legitimately quiet riverside location despite being 5 minutes from the party zone
- Colonial-inspired decor that feels more expensive than it is
- Rooftop pool with a view of the Golden Mount (Wat Saket)
Quick Take: A charming 'colonial-lite' boutique hotel that serves as a perfect decompression chamber for Bangkok first-timers, provided you book a river-facing room.
Reviewed by @simply_linda_xo: I stayed at this hidden gem in Bangkok's historic district and fell in love with the vintage vibes. My room was a total sanctuary with a river view that made me forget the city noise. If you love old-school charm and quiet corners, this is the spot for you.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The rooftop pool is smaller than it looks in photos and the water is often surprisingly cold (it's saltwater).
- You want to walk to the Grand Palace and Khao San Road
- You appreciate vintage aesthetics over generic modern glass boxes
- You need a safe, clean base for exploring Old Town
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.8
- Housekeeping: Daily and efficient. They do a good job with the basics.
- Bathroom hygiene: Grout is generally clean, though some 'musty' drain smells are reported in lower-floor rooms.
- Maintenance: Good condition for a boutique hotel, though some wear and tear on furniture is visible.
- Linens & towels: Crisp and white. No major complaints about stains or wear.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells fresh (lemongrass), but hallways can occasionally smell damp due to the canal proximity.
Sleepability™
6.5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Heavy doors slamming in tiled hallways
- Tuk-tuks revving on Phra Sumen Road (front rooms)
- Long-tail boats on the canal (daytime only)
Before you book
Good to know
- The 1,000 THB deposit is strictly enforced—have cash ready to speed up check-in.
- The hotel is not on the BTS/MRT line; you will rely on Grab, taxis, or the Chao Phraya Express Boat (Phra Arthit pier is a 10-min walk).
- Breakfast is decent but repetitive—skip the add-on if you're staying more than 2 nights and eat local instead.
What to pack
- High-quality earplugs (essential for hallway noise)
- Mosquito repellent (canal-side balconies = mosquitoes)
- Slip-on shoes (you'll be taking them off constantly at nearby temples)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Riverside Deluxe (Top Floor): Essential for the balcony and actual canal view.
- Rear-facing Superior Rooms: If you can't afford the Deluxe, these are quieter than the street-facing ones.
Rooms to avoid
- Superior Rooms facing Phra Sumen Road: You will hear traffic.
- Rooms near the elevator: High foot traffic noise.
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am a light sleeper and would appreciate a quiet room on a high floor, facing the canal (Riverside side) and away from the elevator. Please avoid street-facing rooms.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is it actually quiet?
Compared to Khao San Road? Yes. Compared to a library? No. The street side has traffic noise, and the interior has echoey hallways.
Is the pool worth it?
It's a nice plunge pool for cooling off after a hot day, but it's small and the water is unheated (refreshing in April, chilly in December).
Can I walk to the Grand Palace?
Yes, it's about a 15-20 minute walk. It's hot, but doable.
Is there an elevator?
Yes, the hotel has an elevator, so you won't have to haul bags up stairs.
Is it girl-friendly / guest-friendly?
It's a respectable hotel that requires ID for all guests. They may charge a joiner fee or simply refuse unregistered guests depending on the night staff.
How is the WiFi?
Generally reliable and fast enough for streaming, though it can slow down in the evenings when everyone is back in their rooms.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Walk 10 minutes to Phra Arthit Road for a much better vibe than Khao San—live jazz, cool cafes, and less aggressive touts.
- ✨
Use the 'Phra Arthit' pier for the Chao Phraya Express Boat to get to icons like Wat Arun or ICONSIAM cheaply and scenically.
- ✨
There is a 7-Eleven just a few minutes walk to the left as you exit the hotel—stock up on water and snacks there.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'River View' is actually a 'Khlong (Canal) View'—it's charming but the water is brown and murky.
💡The bathroom doors in some rooms are frosted glass sliders that don't fully seal—privacy could be an issue for new couples.
💡The air conditioning units can be aggressive—blowing directly onto the bed in some room layouts.
💡You might spot monitor lizards swimming in the canal from your balcony (cool for some, terrifying for others).
💡The hotel has a strict 'no durian' policy with a fine if you bring the smelly fruit inside.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Casa Vimaya Riverside is located and what's nearby.