The clutch of narrow alleyways on the west bank of the Ping is a good hunting ground for us and an excellent riverside spot, close to both Galare and Ban Narai Guesthouses is the more upmarket option of River View Lodge.

We say more upmarket but with low season discounts it’s still only in the flashpacker range yet also manages to combine a downtown location with a delightful and peaceful riverside location and slightly plusher rooms than its neighbours. Off Charoen Prathet Road so a bit of a walk to the sites of the Old City but close to both Worarot Market and the Night Bazaar.

No frills rooms. Photo: Mark Ord

River View has been around for quite a few years and while rooms themselves appear well maintained frankly the exterior appears a bit tired on occasions. Ground floor houses the restaurant and reception with some rooms at the rear overlooking the garden and others located on the two upper floors. The restaurant area looks good with plenty of solid wooden furniture and serves lunch, dinner and drinks as well as the complimentary breakfast though on dry days you can decamp to a table in the pleasantly cluttered garden; a mixture of mature trees, pot plants and hanging ferns and orchids. Beyond the garden, directly facing the river is a good-sized swimming pool.

Rooms are far less spectacular than the garden and are decidedly on the simple side but at least clean and equipped with fridge, cable TV, air-con and en-suite hot showers. Some have balconies facing the garden—others don’t—and given the 300 baht difference in price it’s probably better going for the latter as you get not only said balcony but a generally brighter room as well.

Homely grounds. Photo: Mark Ord

River View Lodge isn’t going to win any prizes for room decor but you stay here for the location, garden setting and riverside pool anyway. Numerous in-town, similarly priced spots, have better value for money rooms but they lack the riverside trumps.