A Room With A View.

Bangkok is, well, just plain insane. It's like New York City, meets a colorful kind of South Eastern Asian madness, complete with intoxicating aromas and sights that are quite indescribable. Which is not to say I didn't love it, but it's the sort of place you need a little nap from now and then. There's the humidity and that heat, the immense population, and just the navigation your brain needs to take on if you've never been there before, that can be quite daunting. And that's why you need a place like the very genteel Ibrik Resort, on the banks of Bangkok's Chao Phraya River. All I can say is, whew.

Apologies for not making the bed...but I was on vacation...
(and the ones below are made, but a tad blurry!)

I found this tiny, just three room hotel in Eyewitness Guide's Top Ten Bangkok and it was probably the best thing I've found in any guide book, ever. The lovely folks who run the Ibrik are incredibly over the top gracious, in a unforgiving, crazy climate, and the atmosphere zen-like. Touches of mid-century modern, dabble with Thai teak furniture and it's all so tastefully done, and well, just cool. It's tucked away in a tiny alley that's difficult to find, and surrounded by artists' galleries, small cafes and a dinner theatre. We chose the River Room, which is quite literally, on the River. Had I had the french doors open and rolled out of bed, I'd be doing the breast stroke right now, trying to get back on deck. It's that close. Not to mention the amazing and constant glittering and colorful parade of longtail boats, ferries and evening water taxis. Stunning!

One of the many in a parade of passing boats.

The Ibrik is tucked into a tiny alley way...and this wall mural from
the Patravadi Theatre next door was our landmark for finding our way home!

Our breakfast was served to us on the tiny Ibrik deck, and all quite delicious and served in the most eloquent of manners. Just look at my coffee cup, for pete's sake! I asked for my poached eggs medium and, for the first time in my room service history, low and behold, they were perfect! More juice, more coffee, madame? I kid you note, they call you madame! I felt quite at home here, well, if not at home, at the very least Queen Victoria for a few days (oh, and did I mention all for less than $100US per night?)! For more about the lovely and exquisitely peaceful Ibrik Resort, take a look at their site. Khob kun ka, Ibrik.

The beautiful teak bathtub.