Colorful room in Phra-Nakorn Norn-Len — Photo courtesy of Dave Stamboulis

Phra-Nakorn Norn-Len is an incredibly cute and inviting hideaway that many visitors to Bangkok don't even know about. This friendly, small-scale hotel features unique decor, green living and plenty of charming spaces to find quiet retreat in.

Located in the historical Dusit area, Phra-Nakorn Norn-Len is nearby to many of Bangkok's feature attractions like the Grand Palace and Wat Pho, and also close to vibrant and colorful Khao San Road.

Phra-Nakorn Norn-Len is run by an artist, whose mark is featured throughout the hotel. Hallways here are multicolored affairs, with walls covered in murals and paintings. The small rooms are also gaily painted, each having a separate motif such as elephants, fish or Buddhas, with plenty of flowers and other bright features painted in to brighten things up.

The hotel's painted hallways — Photo courtesy of Dave Stamboulis

To complement the visual art, the hotel also runs great activities downstairs, such as etching or sewing classes, and the gift shop even features items all homemade by the gracious staff. Food is also homemade here, as well. A small bakery churns out fresh bread, everything served is vegetarian and organic and produce all comes from the rooftop, where a large planter garden is filled with vegetables and spices that the staff grow.

You can also stay up on the rooftop and admire the great views, looking down on the giant Buddha at Wat In nearby, and enjoy drinks and food from the Rooftop Bar and Cafe.

The downstairs of Phra-Nakorn Norn-Len is just as attractive, set in a courtyard surrounded by facades that resemble traditional Bangkok shophouses. There is an old camera shop, candy store, traditional cafe and plenty more, all colorfully painted and filled with antiques.

There are tables here in an open space, as well as a long wooden sala with mattresses and comfy pillows to lounge on, along with a kids' corner that families will love. 

Inner courtyard at Phra-Nakorn Norn-Len — Photo courtesy of Dave Stamboulis

The hotel staff are overly welcoming and truly proud of the unique creative space they have created. They're happy to point out all the special hotel features and even pass out bottles of homemade organic insect repellant for sitting in the courtyard or on the rooftop come dusk when the mosquitoes come out.

There is homemade laundry soap available, and it seems that no stone is left unturned here in terms of detail and attention.

Families, couples and anyone who enjoys something different will be charmed by Phra-Nakorn Norn-Len, tucked away on a quiet side street. It makes a great oasis escape from Bangkok's noise, traffic and hustle.