The Old Charm Guesthouse - HIP with Nature in the Heart of Bangkok

Goodbye to The Old Charm

2011-01-04T05:21:00.000-08:00

Dear all,

The Old Charm Bangkok has now official closed due to some difficulties with The Noisy restaurant. We have tried our best to communicate and compromise with the Owner of The Noisy restaurant, the result was..not so pretty!
Do not worry about Minnie and her brother, Kavin. We love this Hostel/Guesthouse business..to be more specific..we love The Old Charm. We are finding the right spot for us and every guests to come.

No more accommodation until the time is right.

See you in the future!
Minnie

Buddha suite

2010-12-03T05:00:00.000-08:00

Created with flickr slideshow.
For the Buddha-suites room, the room has two twin beds or a double bed (queen size), air-condition, internet wifi, and an in-room shower room with hot water. The room also has its own outside terrace and a swing facing a beautiful victoria lotus pond. The cost per night for this room is 1550 Bahts (maximum 2 people).

By-the-Pond

2010-12-03T04:58:00.000-08:00

Created with flickr slideshow.
The By-the-Pond rooms are located on the most private part of the hostel. The room has two twin beds or a double bed (queen size), air-conditioned, but required a 5-second walk to the shared bathroom without hot water. The cost per night is for the By-the-Pond room is 1200 Bahts/night.

Review from an expert eyes, Shelley Seale (Travel journalist)

2010-10-20T03:26:00.000-07:00

Dear new guests and our familiar faces,

The Old Charm is once again published for public eyes! Feel free to visit the article on
* http://tripatlas.com/guides/Thailand/1650/The_Old_Charm_Guest_House:_Affordability_&_Great_Location_in
* http://www.travelroads.com/article/id_2169
* http://www.thetraveleditor.com/article/6334/Hotel_Reviews_Hotel_Standard_The_Old_Charm_Guest_House_Affordability_Great_Location_in_Bangkok.html

Be the one who decided to come and share great experience in Bangkok with us.

เพื่อนๆคะ The Old Charm ของเราได้รับการตีพิมพ์จากนักเขียนชาวอเมริกา (อีกครั้ง) ค่ะ :) นอกจาก Bangkok 101, May2010 และ Weekend magazine, June2010 และ review ต่างๆจาก www.tripadvisor.com คราวนี้เราได้เข้าไปอยู่ใน www.tripatlas.com ด้วยค่ะ

This world is just AWESOME!
Minnie :)

New friends at The Old Charm, we have never got bored!

2010-08-30T09:25:00.000-07:00

Created with flickr slideshow.

There are tons of friends whom I hadn't took picture, how ashamed of me! If anyone wants us to put your beautiful face on our blog, don't hesitate to email me, minnie@theoldcharm.com

Happy Birth"month" to The Old Charm! free stay until 31st October:)

2010-08-30T07:07:00.000-07:00

Dear Guests,

We are working and working without knowing that our beloved "The Old Charm" will be reached its 1 year anniversary on this September!!! Thank you, for you all, that shared yours smiles with us for the last 365 days.

The promotion are BACK! Stay 2 nights and get another night as a free gift from us!

If you want to use this promotion, you have to go with the rate of 1550฿ /night for Buddha suite and 1200฿/night for By-the-Pond.

Shhhhh! please don't say it out loud, Guest who just want to experience only 1 or 2 night(s) with us, we also have special offer for you. Recieve 11% off for every rooms rate, so your Buddha suite will be 1380฿/night and By-the-Pond will be 1070฿/night.

**condition:
*Guest who uses the aniversary promotion has to stay during 1st-31th October, 2010 only.
*The promotion will end on 31th October, 2010.
*This anniversary promotion has to be booked via internet only. Walk-in guest can't use the promotion and will not get our special Thai present!

Happy Birthday to us,
Minnie:)

High Season is coming!

2010-06-28T04:38:00.001-07:00

Dear everyone around the globe!

According to my post earlier, there is 15%off for our shock season; from May, June, July and August. Those are all the past! Now we should be prepared for the super fun season in Bangkok that is about to come in 2-3 months!!

High season booking is available now. Book now and received 5%off from our rates:
Buhhda suite - 1470b (from 1550b)
Buddha suite, special Friday - 1280b (from 1350b)
By-The-Pond - 1140b (from 1200b)

--SEPTEMBER- -OCTOBER- -NOVEMBER- -DECEMBER--

This promotion start now until 30th September, 2010. Booked now or regret later!

**under condition:.
-Guest has to deposit 10% of the roomrate via paypal, NOW!
-There will be no refund for the deposit
-This promotion will be ended on 30th September, 2010

See you all!
Minnie

Thank you Weekend magazine!

2010-06-20T22:19:00.000-07:00

My friend had called me yesterday and told me the special news. She went to have lunch at Esplanard Bangkok, took a cute-cover magazine to read and then she found us!

Thank you Weekend magazine for interested in us, and thank you again that chose us to feature in your magazine.

Sincerely,
Minnie A.

*ps: this is the actual photo that my friend took with her mobile phone and sent to me..a little blurly but couldnt stop us see the charming-ness of the place:)

Thank you Bangkok 101 magazine!

2010-06-19T02:32:00.000-07:00

*We were working our heads off to make our hostel looked FABULOUS, because a magazine called Bangkok101 had decided to put our hostel in the May, 2010 issue!
I couldn't do anything without all the supports from my dearest friends who stayed up so late(4am) with me and made sure that everything was 150%

*Thank you, Bangkok101 team, for intrested in The Old Charm. We will remember you always that you are the first magazine that interview us!! Anyone who wants to know what they said about us, please purchase Bangkok101 on May2010 issue.

Breakfast

2010-06-15T06:46:00.000-07:00

Howdy doo from the Rainny Bkk!

Dear all,

From our previous service, we said that there is no breakfast included with the room; however, we can provide light breakfast such as tea(10Baht), coffee(20Baht) and a custard cake(10Baht)at the front office area.

There was one day that guest had requested for his special breakfast. We arranged a light breakfast for him, sandwiches with a cup of tea or coffee. We think that to have breakfast is not a bad idea, so we had come up with more "extra service"!

**breakfast is charged 100b(about 3USD) per person.

with lots of love and rain,
Minnie:)

SHOCK rates! for the Low season period

2010-05-21T22:30:00.000-07:00

Good day everybody!,

We have a BIG news for you all. From our last staff meeting, we had decided to adjust our room rates during May to August year 2010. Guest who books the room within those months will recieve Low season special rate, but of course with the same treatment as in other full-paid-months:)

*Buddha suite - 1350b (from 1550b)
*Buddha suite, Friday special - 1150b (from 1350b)
*By-the-pond - 990b (from 1200b)

One more thing that we want to inform our guests, we are really appreciated every guests who had come back to stay with us again and AGAIN:) But as we keep inproving our hostel, the cost per month for us is increased too, such as utilities cost or staffs salary. From now on, we have to stick with our new rates, so please keep update the rate and also new promotions with our blog.

months of Low season special rate:
May, June, July, August

Bangkok Transportation

2010-04-24T04:14:00.000-07:00

Dear tourists,
I had run acrossed a website, www.iguidebangkok.com. In the web, they got a interesting information about our beloved city. I copied some of the useful detials for the guest who wants to explore Bkk more!

BTS Skytrain
Providing a rapid option for traveling within the city, BTS skytrain is ideal for anyone seeking to wade through the congested traffic of Bangkok streets. BTS skytrain stations can mostly be found along Sukhumvit, Silom and Phaholyothin roads. The routes connect Bangkok’s business and noted shopping areas such as Siam Square, Ratchaprasong, Ekamai and Chatuchak Weekend Market. The skytrain has minimum and maximum fares from 15 to 40 Baht in relation to the distance. Tourists may buy 30 day tourist tickets to save money, only 250 Baht/10 trips or day tickets only 100 Baht. For more information, contact the Bangkok Mass Transit System at
Tel. 0-2617-7300,0-2617-7340 or visit
www.bts.co.th

Subway (Metro)
The MRT is another fast and comfortable transportation alternative. It links many of the famous tourist attractions with the accommodation areas, markets and business districts. The beginning of “Chalerm Ratchamongkhon” Line is Hua Lum Phong station which is also the main train station in Bangkok. There are a total of 18 stations with major stations at: The Queen Sirikit International Convention and Exhibition Center, Silom, Suan Lumpini, Asoke, Ratchada, Ladprao and Phaholyothin roads. The fares range from 15 to 35 Baht. The Silom and Asoke stations are connected to the BTS. The trains run daily from 05.00 a.m. to midnight. For more information,
Tel. 0-2264-5200 or visit
www.bangkokmetro.co.th

Bus
Bangkok is laced with plenty of buses going to all directions. The bus network within the metropolis is very efficient and economical. It is also a magnificent way to visit most destinations within metropolitan Bangkok reasonably. The fares start at 10 Baht for ordinary buses. Air-con blue buses have minimum and maximum fares from 8 to 16 Baht. Euro II or orange air-con buses charge 12 to 24 Baht. Air-con microbuses charge a flat fare of 25 Baht all routes. A bus route map is available at many leading bookshops. A free city map can also be obtained at the Bangkok Tourist Division Office, Bangkok Tourist Information Booths throughout Bangkok and the TAT Office. 184, 02246-0973

Long-tail Boat
River taxis or long-tail boats are similarly convenient. They ply and run along the mighty Chao Phraya River and inner canals within the city. There are assorted types of boats identified in color flags. Boat service on the Chao Phraya River connects Bangkok with the northern adjoining province of Nonthaburi, starting from Tha Nam Non pier and terminating at Saphan Taksin pier (Sathorn). Charge fares depend upon the distance. There are boat piers that stop near major commercial districts including Sukhumvit and all the way to the World Trade Center. It has minimum and maximum fares from 25 to 35 Baht. Long-tail boats could too be hired for special river

Taxi
Taxis in metropolitan Bangkok are metered. They may be superb for trips around the city. Taxis charge a minimum of 35 Baht for the first 3 kilometers and around 5 Baht per kilometer thereafter. When in traffic the meter is timed and calculated in the fare. Make sure you have enough change as taxi drivers often do not. Passengers must pay tolls in case of using an expressway. Some drivers would want to bargain a price for a trip rather than using the meter. Inform the tourist police if you are treated unfairly by taxi drivers.

Tuk-tuk
These small, three-wheeled and open-air motorized taxis are so conductive for short trips in Bangkok. To enjoy this ride, you must negotiate the fares in advance because there are no standard fares. For trips of up to 3 kilometers, minimum fares are roughly 30 Baht as well as not over 100 Baht for a longer trip. This vehicle is unique to Bangkok. A tuk-tuk can be hired anywhere, but not outside the city. The tuk-tuk could take you to almost anywhere in the city and afford you a memorable riding experience in Bangkok.

Motorcycle Taxi
Probably one of the best modes to escape the traffic jams and rush hours in Bangkok is taking motorcycle taxis. You can find them anywhere in Bangkok especially on main roads as well as in front of sois. Fares are very similar to those charged by tuk-tuk and minimum fares are 5 Baht. It is always a must for you to negotiate the fares before taking the ride. Though a bit riskier, this type of transport gives a faster answer for traveling if you are late or want to be on time. Motorcycle taxis can go anywhere in Bangkok

Hired Car
If you aspire to go your own way then rely on the services of international car hire firms in metropolitan Bangkok such as Budget, Hertz and Avis. To rent a car, contact these reliable car hire firms. The road system is good and well signposted. An international driving license is needed.

Minnie

Iceland Volcano Eruption

2010-04-19T09:30:00.000-07:00

Dear all,
Follow the latest developments as the ash cloud from an Icelandic volcano continues to affect travel across Europe and the world. We are so sorry to hear about this terrible incident. The Old Charm are willing to provide 20%off for the room rate to anyone who can't find any flight to fly home, in any parts in Europe.

with loves,
Minnie

complimentary from our guest

2010-04-19T08:59:00.000-07:00

Mehmet is one of our guest who rode "the" bike from Turkey to Thailand, and more countries to go! He was walked to us and asked to stay for 1 or 2 nights. It turned out to be more than 20 nights in a row.

Created with flickr slideshow.

We loves him, one of a kind!

Happy Thai's new year to you!

2010-04-13T01:28:00.000-07:00

Sawaddee Songkran to ALL!! This time of the year in Thailand is the HOSTTEST time to all people in Bkk, so I think our ancestor might have created the amazing ceremony,,,just to cool us down, lol!
For guest who will check in around this week, we have prepared some Thai-traditional-meet-Thai-hip-style complimentary souvenir to you all.

It is a combination of Traditional Thai bowl, which our ancestor had used to sprinkle a little water to each other(very classy, huh?) and a tiny hip-style water gun:)

I know, in Thailand and especially in Bkk, we got a Big ISSUE about the redshirt protest right now. I have to say amazingly that the guests are still coming to stay with us from all around the world, such as Germany, Wales, Hongkong, USA, India, Italy, Turkey and France. I have asked them myself about how they felt about the situation, since they are actually in the middle of Bkk right now??! They all say that they are fine! and also admitted that in the news,,,,sometime it is over exaggerated.

As i always tell our lovely guests:
1. just keep the red outfits in your luggage
2. don't try to run in the middle of the protest area/people
3. keep your hands and feet in your vehicle, incase that the redshirts are running around on the street
4. take a lot of photos and enjoy the weird but great experience in Bkk:)

with loves and fun,
Minnie

Thai Splash Festival: Songkran!!

2010-04-01T08:10:00.000-07:00

In Thailand we do have 3 seasons which are hot, hotter and HOTTEST! Now we are really closed to the HOTTEST season. The Old Charm team is waiting to accommodate any guest to this beautiful and fun splash festival that is called Songkran.

The traditions of Songkran have a long history and are still observed in the Thai homeland of Sipsong Panna in southwestern China, in Laos and in northern Burma. Songkran or the Thai New Year, is actually the occasion of the passing of the sun from Taurus into Aries. It is a solar event and it marks the beginning of a new astrological year, and this is very important in Thailand. Songkran day is always on April 13.

The Thai New Year celebration will be held on April 12,13 and 14 but to be honest an entire week will be filled with fun in Bangkok.

The most obvious celebration of Songkran is the throwing of water. People roam the streets with containers of water or water guns (sometimes mixed with mentholated talc), or post themselves at the side of roads with a garden hose and drench each other and passersby. This, however, was not always the main activity of this festival. Songkran was traditionally a time to visit and pay respects to elders, including family members, friends and neighbors.

Cheers!
Minnie

Rooms and Surrounding Area Photos

2010-01-19T23:45:00.000-08:00

New Friends at The Old Charm

2010-01-19T03:39:00.000-08:00

At The Old Charm Hostel, we are not only a wonderful place to rest and relax in Bangkok, but also a community where new friends around the world are made and meaningful conversations exchange.

The above pictures are our new friends at The Old Charm from around the world: USA, Germany, France, Canada, South Africa, Singapore, South Korea, Indonesia, and etc.

We hope we will see you and have a chance to become friend with you in the near future!

Cheers,
Mickey & Minnie
The Old Charm Hostel Team

Discounted for the Buddha-suites room on Friday Night!

2010-01-17T09:07:00.000-08:00

The Old Charm Hostel is located next to the Tree House restaurant. The Tree House restaurant is a night restaurant that opens at 6PM and closes at 2AM. We have been observing that on Friday night the restaurant is a quite a popular place for people to celebrate the starting of their weekend. As a result, the noise level at the hostel on Friday tends to be at a high level until 2AM. The room that has the most impact on the noise level is the Buddha-suites room. Thus, because of the noise level, we are giving a 200-Bahts discount for our guests who stay in the Buddha-suites room on Friday. To sum up, the cost to stay in the Buddha-suites room is 1350 Bahts/room/night (maximum 2 people). The discount policy will be applied to any reservation made after 12/03/2010.

Thank you very much and we hope this will prevent any unexpected surprised of our guests towards our room condition and environment from now on! :)

The first glimpse of our room!

2009-11-12T02:26:00.000-08:00

I am very excited to show you the following pictures. We just finish the final touch of some of our room decorations. I am telling you this...you can spend an entire day, relaxing and reading your favorite books at this fascinated and serene place. Take a look and get a feeling of how lovely our rooms are like.

A swing chair in front of the room, by the lovely pond with fascinated Victoria lotus

Another view of the room

Hope to see you soon :)

A glimpse of The Old Charm (outside area)

2009-10-23T01:45:00.000-07:00

Welcome to The Old Charm!

We hope you enjoy the views.

This is the entrance of The Old Charm

Relaxing Area Around The Old Charm [1]

Relaxing Area Around The Old Charm [2]

A Glimpse of the Victoria-lotus Pond

Such a beautiful view..but you will be amazed at this view in the night time :)!

True Serenity

Our three famous rooms by the pond

Anyone up for some reading?

Our Gorgeous and Charming Home

We hope you visit us soon.

The Old Charm Team

CRAZY August, 2010

2009-07-26T01:38:00.000-07:00

Hey hey heyy,
We are not sure that because of the rain?, people?, Thai politic?, or Global warming? that caused our place so lonely? We want to see you! We want to accommodate you all! We come up with CRAZY promotion.

You can choose one choice of accommodation menus from the list:
1. booked with our shock rates, 1350b for Buddha suite & 990b for By-the-Pond.

2. stay 1 night get another 1 night for FREE!,
1550b for 2 nights of Buddha suite & 1200b for 2 nights of By-the-Pond.

3. for single traveller,
990b for Buddha suite & 790b for By-the-Pond.

4. for 1 night of Buddha suite(1550b) get 2 coupons of Foot massage for free (1hr for each session) and for 1 night of By-the-Pond(1200b) get 1 coupon of Foot massage for free (1hr for each session)

5. allow maximun 4 guests in one room,
1550b for Buddha suite & 1200b for By-the-Pond. Asking for extra pillow/blanket/towel/mattress will be charged.

6. stay 5 nights at Buddha suite(1550b) get 1 night for free or stay 3 nights at By-the-Pond(1200b) get 1 night for free

7. free breakfast for 2 person in every morning,
1550b for Buddha suite and 1200b for By-the-Pond.

**condition:
*Guest who uses the crazy promotion has to stay during 1st-31th August, 2010 only.
*The promotion will end on 31th August, 2010.
*Guest can pick only one promotion for each stay and also can't change the promotion.
*This crazy promotion has to be booked via internet only. Walk-in guest can't use the promotion.

CHOOOoooooOOOOOooooSE NOW!
Minnie:)

Welcome to the Old Charm!

2009-07-19T09:04:00.000-07:00

We're glad you visited us here. We are in the process of decorating our beautiful rooms. Please come back shortly (within 2 weeks) and check out how lovely our rooms are!

The Old Charm Team