Praya Palazzo at dusk — Photo courtesy of courtesy of Praya PalazzoBangkok tends to pride itself on new and modern, often sacrificing beauty and tradition, but the Praya Palazzo is a wonderful exception to this trend. This exquisite palace was built by a Royal Court in the 1920's, and was influenced by the Paladio Italian architecture made popular in Bangkok at the time by visiting craftsmen commissioned by King Rama V.

The gorgeous building, sitting majestically on the Chao Phraya River, has been restored to a palatial 17-room boutique luxury hotel, and is now one of Bangkok's premiere heritage properties, not to mention a fantastic and charming place to stay.

Chao Phraya Suite — Photo courtesy of courtesy of Praya Palazzo

Verandahs, archways, delicate fixtures and furnishings all make up the small details that enhance this magical property, and the infinity pool, made with lava tiles, has a gorgeous view of the Chao Phraya flowing past. Additionally, the Praya Palazzo restaurant offers traditional Thai recipes made with fresh ingredients from Thailand's organic Royal Project, and gets rave reviews from visitors.

It's not often that one gets to be transported back in time, but at Praya Palazzo you will be thoroughly seduced, with one foot in the present, and one foot in a glorious heritage-filled past; truly the best of both worlds.

Praya Palazzo deluxe — Photo courtesy of courtesy of Praya Palazzo