Praya Palazzo: A Riverside Palace is reborn

See the location on Bangkok Hotel Google Map

Picture Praya Palazzo

Let's warn you first: This palace in italian style with Chinese elements is only accessible by boat from Chao Phraya River. And it has been a neglected building for many years. But then came Wichai Pitakvorrarat, assistant professor at Rangsit University's architecture faculty and principal of Process Architect and Planner Co, and his wife Preeyadhorn, owner and executive director of the company. They fell in love with the more than eighty years old mansion on the Thonburi side of Chao Phraya, searched the owners, convinced them, leased the palace, started the restauration of the old lady to its former glory in april 2008 and turned it into a luxury hotel with 14 rooms: Praya Palazzo has been born. And Nina Suebsukcharoen told this story in details in the Bangkok Post. Originally this house with the name Ban Bangyeekhan was built in 1923. Later it served as a school.

The Praya Palazzo hotel (757/1 Somdej Phra Pinklao Soi 2) is accessible by its private boat, which departs from Wat Rajathiwas pier every 30 minutes and service Phra Arthit pier on request. The room rates start from 10000 Bath. Read the excellent review by Bangkok Post. jakoboertle has a pretty photogallery, and Chakchai's site has another gallery. See also the video of the transformation of the old palace on youtube and follow an interview with Vichai Pitakvorarat on youtube. Praya Palazzo is also on Facebook.




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Floods in Thailand: Phetchaburi will be hit by Dam Overspill

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7.8.2018

Authorities warn, that the water level of Srinagarind Dam and Vajiralongkorn Dam in Kanchanaburi and Pranburi Dam in Prachuap Khiri Khan have risen rapidly and all were close to full capacity, according to The Nation. Meteorological Department director-general Wanchai Sakudomchai warned that Thailand will receive more rain during the next few days as a result of the stronger southwestern monsoon, especially in western region, which is directly facing the monsoon.

People in Phetchaburi brace for devastating floods Tuesday night at around 10pm, reports Bangkok Post. This after a massive volume of water was released from a major dam to the Phetchaburi River.
Kaeng Krachan dam has begun to overflow. It was close to capacity on Monday evening, with much of the water having flowed in from Myanmar after heavy rain.

Since late last week, the provincial governor have urged residents in the province's central and neighbouring districts to prepare for water levels of up to 50 centimetres on the streets. Muang, Ban Laem, Tha Lat and Tha Yang districts which are located downstream of the dam are expected to be affected, writes The Nation.


Hua Na Dam in Sisaket is holding 7% more water than its intended capacity, according to local officials. They are releasing water now. The Meteorological Department is forecasting more rain in the northeast early this week, which will raise the level of the Moon river. The stepped-up discharge rate should enable the dam to take in more water, reports Bangkok Post.


31.7.18:

People in five districts have been warned of possible effects as Lam Pao Dam in Kalasin province is now releasing more water. Five districts of Kalasin province — Yang Talat, Kamalasai, Khong Chai, Muang and Rong Kham — are expected to be affected by the release of more water from the dam, according to Thai PBS.

#MyKrungthep: Discover Bangkok by Google Maps

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#MyKrungthep Good Morning old Bangkok:In the Neighborhood of Wat Pho

This little walk starts at 9 am from Soi Pansook. Your look goes to Thanon Maharat: Schoolgirls and a monk.



Bangkok starts to get busy.



This curtain above the shops tells you: Maharat road is not far from Chao Phraya River. You are in the old centre of commerce, where the goods were brought by ships.



Breakfast is ready - for 25 Baht.




And he is already ready for a joke - in front of a chinese temple in Soi Pratu Nokyung.



Still sleeping? No, at the corner from Maharat Road to Tha Thien Pier the windows stay closed to keep the heat outside.



Great door-design!



Everything for your health: old pharmacy.



Thai and Chinese.



The shophouses of Tha Tien are believed to be built from 1865 to 1910, they lie around a fresh market inside.



Inside the fresh market: Here you find everything what can be salted and dried. Let's get some fish!



Mmh! We get hungry!



Small soi inside the fresh market.



Now we move towards the wood building with Tha Thien Pier.



The first smile today - may be a good day!



Tha Tien Pier looks like this, if you arrive from the boat on the Chao Phraya River.



After the long walk it's time for a foot or body massage by Wat Pho standards.



9.50 pm: Rub Aroon Café is awakening too.



On the other side of Maharat Road: Wat Pho.



A closed door is always a promise: there has to be even more beauty inside!



This view discloses more of the treasures of Wat Pho.



Noodlesoup for breakfast? Try it, you will love it.



Back on Maharat Road.



The side street: Soi Pratoo Nok Yoong again.



Now we have a glimpse of Chakrabongse Villas จักรพงษ์ วิลล่า, built in 1908 by Prince Chakrabongse Bhuvanath as secondary residence on the Chao Phraya River. Later it was the residence of Prince Chula Chakrabongse. Today its maintained by his daughter Narisa. If you want to pay at least 8000 Baht a day, you can stay here. See a picture, how it looks from the river by Dr GiGi



From the street you cannot see that, but Aungaey published this picture in her blog. And 4travel.jp has some nice insights too.




Discover more in Bangkok:
Your Guide to Bangkok


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