If you are going to stay at Baan Udom in Bangkok, be prepared for an experience. The hotel is situated on the outskirts of Bangkok's China Town with easy access to ferries, the subway and Hua Lamphong train station if you don't mind a bit of a walk.
The hotel, Baan Udom, is beautiful. The rooms are spotlessly clean, beautifully decorated. As is the hotel foyer, stairwell and the building itself. We chose a twin bedded room only because it was a few dollars cheaper per night than that of a double bedded room. That was the only difference though. Each room was supplied with a kettle, tea, coffee and powered milk, which was refilled every day. A mini fridge was included filled with complimentary water and a very cheap mini bar comprising of beer, coke and chocolates.
Cable TV on an awesome flat screen television was placed on the bench which gave us many English channels including the obligatory travel and cooking channels. We did a lot of dreaming of other destinations and eating everything that was put in front of us in this hotel.
The wifi (internet access) at Baan Udom worked perfectly for Andrew. Tanya not so much. We are unsure why there was a problem with Tanya's laptop, but at least we were able to work and surf on Andrew's laptop and two iPhones. So yes, the wifi was without fault.
Shower gel, shampoo and conditioner was supplied in the bathroom. And what a bathroom it was. We have spent a lot of time in wet bathrooms. Our bathroom at Baan Udom included a shower screen which made a difference in the middle of the night. No more slipping over on the way to or from the toilet!
On the top floor of Baan Udom is a little viewing platform or sitting area that overlooks Chao Phraya River. It is a beautiful view too! Take note that this area is also shared by the penthouse room on the same floor. So you do have to stay a little quiet when looking at Bangkok go by.
The only thing that Baan Udom didn't have that we wish they had was breakfast. We love accommodation that supplies breakfast. It makes the day easier. Instead, we had to supply our own: two cheap bowls, muesli and yoghurt every morning. If we were lucky, a banana to top it. Making our own breakfast, or going out to buy it is fine, but it would better if they supplied breakfast, even just toast and jam.
And now, lets discuss why staying at Baan Udom is an experience. And what an experience! Baan Udom is situated on the outskirts of Bangkok's China Town in an area which is primarily a mechanics and metal fabricators paradise. Don't get us wrong, it an interesting place to be based in. We got to see people working for their money, every day, from 7am to 7pm, and sometimes beyond.
Baan Udom is a pure white building, so make sure you take your shoes off when you arrive back after walking the streets. The streets are covered in oil and metal dust. It is even worse when it has been raining. Your shoes will be black and the soles will have an oiled finish.
Tanya didn't really like the location to be honest. The constant smell of oil and motors, the banging and clattering of grinding down auto parts, the smoking and the drinking of people after work, and the general staring from the locals got a bit much. However, Andrew really enjoyed staying in this area. He enjoyed watching people work hands on. He enjoyed the art work of auto parts piled up in the street, and watching the motorbikes carrying heavy machinery parts from one shop to another.
The physical location of Baan Udom was ok. Not fantastic, but ok. It is a short walk 5 – 10 minute walk to the nearest ferry port, and about 15 minutes to the nearest MRT station or Hua Lamphong Train Station. It made an interesting walk to either transport hubs, sometimes enjoyable, sometimes not. Not, mainly when it was raining!
We would recommend people stay at Baan Udom if they are looking for somewhere different to stay in Bangkok. We would certainly not recommend people stay there for their first visit to Bangkok, or for women who are travelling alone.
Click here to read other reviews of Baan Udom on Agoda.
Click the map below to find out how to get to Baan Udom from Hua Lamphong Train Station in Bangkok.
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