AMPHAWA HOTEL REVIEW
"Chuchai Buri Sri Amphawa"
I chose to stay at Chuchai Buri Sri Amphawa because I love the traditional Thai decor, the vintage vibe, and it’s a hotel with an excellent location.
It’s close to both Amphawa Floating Market and Wat Chulamanee, which are significant tourist attractions in Amphawa District. You can easily walk along the canal behind the hotel in just 10-15 minutes (approximately 500 meters).
But what impressed me the most about staying here is the museum. Honestly, I had no idea beforehand that the hotel had its own museum. Although it’s a small museum, it’s packed with rare and nostalgic collectibles from about 50 years ago.
I happened to come across it by “coincidence” while riding a golf cart to have breakfast. The golf cart driver recommended and showed me the 200-year-old traditional Thai house of the hotel.
After finishing my breakfast, I decided to take a stroll back to the old house area, which was beautifully maintained, had a serene atmosphere, and held sacred artifacts to be respected.
As I walked around and paid my respects to the revered objects, I was about to leave when I wondered what was underneath the building (the house was on the second floor). So, I took a quick peek, and right from the first glimpse, I was astonished. It was evident that there were valuable items here.
For foreign visitors who may not be aware of how we lived in the past, this museum showcases various aspects of Thai lifestyle, including popular songs, books, cameras, and everyday items.
It provides a comprehensive collection that gives a glimpse into the trends and interests of bygone eras. I was so fascinated that I walked through the museum twice to capture all the intricate details.
My Room Booking Information
- Room Type: Standard Pool View
- Size: 22 m² (237 ft²)
- Booked Capacity: 2 Adults
- Price: 1500 THB/night (~$44/€40)
- Breakfast: Included
- Check-in: June 2023
My Rating
- Location: One of the best locations in Amphawa. It is located next to both Amphawa Floating Market and Wat Chulamanee.
- Atmosphere: Traditional Thai décor in vintage style. What exceeds expectations is the presence of a museum and a 200-year-old traditional Thai house within the hotel’s premises.
- Room: Clean room, comfortable bed, affordable price, and the added bonus of having a bathtub. It’s not often you come across such a great price for this amenity.
- Service: The staff provides exceptional service, and I’m grateful for the recommendation about the Thai house. If it weren’t for this particular staff member informing me, I would have definitely missed out on it.
Are there any downsides?
A minor drawback.
The hotel accommodations are split into two sections: the front and the back, which are about 300 meters apart. My room is located in the front section.
If I want to have breakfast, I either need to call for a golf cart pickup or walk there myself. However, walking might be a bit hot as it involves walking along an alley without much shade from trees.
However, on the positive side, when I call for the golf cart, it arrives quickly, and during check-out, I can easily check out at the front building without any hassle.
In Conclusion
Chuchai Buri Sri Amphawa is indeed the right choice if you appreciate the vintage Thai-style decorations with old-fashioned wooden furnishings.
But what surpasses expectations and makes this hotel truly exceptional compared to others is its rare collection of antiques and the 200-year-old Thai house. These are not easily found attractions.
Moreover, the hotel has done an excellent job in showcasing them, leaving no room for criticism.
What I saw left me deeply impressed and touched. The extensive collection of precious items, combined with the atmospheric decorations, allows us to connect with the emotions of the past.
Clearly, the hotel owner values and appreciates the significance of these antique collections, enabling them to create such a well-crafted museum.
I would RECOMMEND BOTH THAI and FOREIGN VISITORS to come and stay, explore, and learn about the stories of people living in Thailand from around 50 years ago.