Bangkok is a city certainly well known for its high quality budget hotels with excellent affordable rates. But after the recent government protests which as ceased for now – hotels in Bangkok whether budget or luxury have begun to drastically reduce room rates even more. As a result now is the best time to find hotel deals especially for hotels in the budget range.There is definitely no shortage of hotels in Bangkok. Whether you are on a budget or can afford to splurge, consider staying at one of Bangkok’s many new boutique hotels opening up everywhere overnight.

Just what is a boutique hotel in Bangkok exactly?

A hotel in the boutique class are small though the rooms are quite spacious. Most of these hotels have fewer than 20 rooms, though there are a few with at least 50. But the distinguishing factor between a boutique hotel and a mainstream hotel is the emphasis on hospitality. Since boutique hotels are smaller in stature guests can expect to feel more personal service. Though don’t expect to be pampered as if you are in a 5 star luxury hotel.

Many of these hotels are operated and run solely by Thais. So the room rates are very affordable and are considered in the budget range. And since most of the boutique hotels in Bangkok have just opened recently the property itself is in excellent conditions.

You can find many boutique hotels in central Bangkok such as:

* Bedrooms Boutique Hotel
* Sacha’s Hotel Uno
* Paradiso Boutique Suites

All of the hotels mentioned above are near a BTS Sky Train station so that most of the major shopping destinations and attractions can be reached easily and quickly.

And if central Bangkok is too hectic and noisy for you then head up just a little bit towards the northeast to Khao San Road.

This quiet little neck of the woods is not far from central Bangkok. Though Khao San road is a popular backpacker’s den in the recent years many hotels have sprouted up:

* Navalai River Resort
* Boonsiri Inn
* Buddy Lodge

Finally, which ever hotel you are planning to stay in here is one really good money-saving tip. It is best to reserve your room through a licensed hotel booking agency that is based in Bangkok. Such agencies are in a better position of acquiring better discounted room rates since they are contracted as wholesalers with hotels throughout Bangkok, so you can expect to receive 20% to 40% off.

Praya Palazzo is a stylish 17-room mansion with a rich historical background that offers a unique experience for the discerning travelers. Dating back to the ancient kingdom of Siam, the mansion is situated in the heart of Bangkok on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, one of the most significant rivers in Thailand. Ideal for travelers who want to relax while enjoying city life in the oldest part of Bangkok, Praya Palazzo is in walking distance to many historical sites and attractions such as The Grand Palace, The Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Wat Arun (The Temple of Dawn), Chinatown, The National Museum, and Kao San Road just to name a few. Praya Palazzo brings back the sense and lifestyle of the King Rama V period, conveying authentic Thai culture through vision, taste, scent, rhyme and touch.

Thailand’s geography is so diverse that you feel like you are traveling to another dimension with every part you visit. The land is so connected to the culture of the people that any tourist will never get bored exploring the many facets of this beautiful country.

The main line of the Mae Khong river originates from Tibet, flows down to China and forms a natural border between Laos and Thailand. Thailand’s rivers flow into the South China Sea from the Mae Khong River delta. Chao Phraya intersects the central region of Thailand, and it flows from the central plains to Bangkok, and then ultimately exits through the gulf.

There are two major attractions in Thailand that one can say are largely due to the natural beauty and geographic relevance of the rivers: the floating markets and the Loy Kratong festival that occurs near these beautiful bodies of water. I’m talking about the floating markets in areas surrounding Bangkok and the Loy Kratong festival at the end of the year.

The best way to really appreciate the excitement that surrounds a floating market is to hire a long-tailed boat for the day. You start off by floating by the Thai homes and gardens that line the rivers then proceed to buy vegetables and fish from the many vendors on small boats along the river. You can cap your morning with a riverside lunch. You can behold the enchantment of watching the sun’s dancing reflection on the river surface and enjoy authentic Thai dishes at the same time.

Loy Kratong is a river festival on the full moon in October. The holiday is related to rituals of old that honor the goddess of the river, or the spirits that protect the river. Thais and the thousands of tourists that come to the event gather along the river or canal and float their “kratongs.”

A kratong is simply a cut banana stem decorated with flowers, folded pieces of small banana leaves and candles. Traditionally, Thais add in a strand of hair, lighted incense and a coin to serve as offerings to the spirits. People light the candles and incenses at the shore and float the kratongs individually.

Every person that floats a kratong does so with the wish for more blessings and a prayer of gratitude for the bounty that the river has given his or her family. New couples usually float one kratong together, invariably announcing to the community that they’re in a relationship.

A favorite spot to photograph is that point where the river leaves the city and goes into the jungle. Watching the solemn parade of kratongs wind through the dark, moon-lit jungle is a sight that burns into a person’s memory.

By the end of the night, the whole river has turned into a winding street of flickering candles and fragrant incense, but the fun is just starting. Part of the whole festival is dedicated to setting off the fireworks and going to the beauty pageants. Massive floats are created to parade the ladies along the length of the river.

A trip along the rivers of Thailand is one of the most enriching and culturally spectacular journeys anyone could make in Southeast Asia. The areas around the Thai rivers are rich in history, culture, and beauty.