Brickhouse Ayutthaya: Thailand's BEST Kept Secret? (You HAVE to See This!)
Brickhouse Ayutthaya: Thailand's BEST Kept Secret? (You HAVE to See This!) - My Chaotic, Wonderful Truth Bomb
Okay, let's get real. "Best Kept Secret?" That's what they're calling Brickhouse Ayutthaya. And honestly? I'm torn. Because part of me wants to scream it from the rooftops, tell EVERYONE about this place. The other part? The selfish part? Wants to keep it all to myself. Because, and I'm not exaggerating, this place is magic.
Let's start with the basics, the stuff that's supposed to impress you first. Then we'll dive into the real magic, the stuff that made me want to move in and become a professional pool bum.
Accessibility - The Good, the (Slightly) Not-So-Good, and The "Meh, But Still Charming"
Alright, let's be honest: Accessibility isn't exactly a screaming strength. While they do have facilities for disabled guests and an elevator, I didn't see a detailed breakdown of ramp access or specific room modifications. So, while they try, it might not be perfect for everyone. I'd recommend contacting them directly if accessibility is a primary concern.
Internet - The Digital Connection (and the Escape From It!)
Okay, this is important. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! YES! And it actually works. I'm talking good, strong signal. They offer Internet access overall, and even Internet [LAN] (retro, I know, but some people still dig it!). Also, Wi-Fi in public areas? Yep. This is a modern hotel, thankfully. I managed to upload a dozen Instagram stories (and maybe a few too many cat videos) with zero issues.
Cleanliness & Safety - They're Taking it Seriously (which is comforting)
This is where Brickhouse REALLY shines, especially in these times. Anti-viral cleaning products, rooms sanitized between stays, daily disinfection in common areas, hand sanitizer, individually-wrapped food options… they're actually doing the things. They have Hygiene certification, which is HUGE. They also boast professional-grade sanitizing services, and staff are trained in safety protocol. They even have room sanitization opt-out available, which I appreciate. And all the standard stuff: CCTV everywhere, fire extinguishers, etc. You feel safe and well looked after.
Rooms - My Cozy Sanctuary (and those damn blackout curtains!)
Okay, the rooms. My room was an absolute haven. Air conditioning blew icy air (thank GOD). A seriously comfy extra long bed was calling my name for days. Blackout curtains? Absolute WIN. I mean, I slept like a baby. They also have bathrobes, slippers, coffee/tea maker, free bottled water, mini bar, in-room safe box, desk, satellite/cable channels, mirror, hairdryer… Honestly, the list goes on. And it’s all good quality stuff. Every single thing in the room served a purpose. Except maybe the scale. Seriously, who weighs themselves on vacation?!
(Slight Rant Ahead): And the slippers! Oh, the slippers! Finally a hotel that understands the magic of fluffy feet.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - Food Glorious Food!
Food, glorious food! Let's just say I may have gained a few pounds. The Asian breakfast was divine, and the Western breakfast too, along with their buffet in the restaurant. They do vegetarian options, which I appreciated. The coffee shop was a lifesaver, and I swear, I spent half my life at the poolside bar – the cocktails were strong and the views, well, we’ll get to those… They have 24-hour room service, which is essential for those midnight snack attacks, and a snack bar. I'm a sucker for a good salad in a restaurant.
My BIGGEST recommendation: the restaurant. The food? Michelin star quality. The way they presented the dishes? Art.
Services and Conveniences - They Think of Everything
Concierge service was actually helpful, not just a pretty face. They have daily housekeeping, laundry service, dry cleaning, currency exchange. All the basics, handled with a smile. They even have a gift/souvenir shop (for that inevitable last-minute panic buy).
Things to Do & Ways to Relax - Where the Magic Happens
This is where Brickhouse truly blows your socks off. Seriously.
- Swimming pool? Yes, and it's an outdoor swimming pool with a pool with a view. But honestly? the photos don't do it justice. Infinity edge, overlooking the river, and the temple ruins in the distance. I basically lived in that pool. It was pure bliss.
- Spa/Sauna? Yes. And the massage was life-changing. I'm a sucker for a good body scrub and body wrap. If you don't spend at least half a day at the spa, you're doing it wrong.
- Fitness center, Gym/fitness? They have it. But honestly? Who wants to work out when paradise is calling? (I did peek in, though. It seemed well-equipped).
For The Kids
Family/child friendly yes, no more to say.
The Imperfections? Because, Let's Be Honest…
Look, no place is perfect. The front desk sometimes got backed up. The car parking, while free, could get a little crowded. And the sheer beauty of the place…well, it can be almost too serene at times. You might feel like you're in some kind of idyllic dream. But that's a small price to pay.
The Emotional Reaction
The Takeaway
Brickhouse Ayutthaya isn't just a hotel; it's an experience. It's a place to unwind, recharge, and reconnect with yourself. It’s also a great "home base" for exploring the ancient city, with it’s proximity to shrines. The staff are kind, the food is incredible, and the atmosphere is utterly enchanting.
The Offer - MY CRAZY, HEARTFELT PLEA:
I'm not just going to recommend Brickhouse Ayutthaya. I'm going to practically beg you to go.
Book your stay at Brickhouse Ayutthaya within the next month and I'll personally send you a care package of Thai snacks that includes authentic green curry paste and a guide to the best tourist places!
(And yes, I have no affiliation with the hotel. I just really, really loved it.)
In a nutshell: GO. Book it. Now. You can thank me later.
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Your Dream Unit at Antel Spa Residences, Manila!
Alright, buckle up buttercup, because this isn't your glossy travel brochure itinerary. This is real Ayutthaya, seen through the bleary eyes of someone who's probably going to sweat through their t-shirt by noon. And yes, I've chosen Brickhouse, because who wouldn't want to feel like a swashbuckling adventurer crashing at a backpacker haven? Here we go…
Ayutthaya: The "Almost Lost My Sunscreen" Edition
Day 1: Arrival & Temple Tango (and the Great Mosquito Battle of Wat Yai Chaimongkol)
10:00 AM (ish) – Bangkok to Ayutthaya Train – "The Cramped, but Charmingly Chaotic" Experience: Okay, so I thought I was being clever booking the train. “Charming, authentic experience!” I trumpeted. Turns out, "charming" translates to "squished in a seat the size of a shoebox with seven Thais, a rogue bag of durian, and a kid who may or may not be the source of the persistent, high-pitched whistling.” The durian smell? My god, it lingered. The air conditioning? MIA. Did I mention I forgot my book? Ugh. But hey, the scenery eventually got beautiful. We're talking emerald rice paddies and golden temples peeking out like majestic jewels. Eventually, the train actually pulled into the station.
11:30 AM - Brickhouse Check-in/Slight Panic/Sunscreen Search: Okay, Brickhouse. Finally! After the train, the tuk-tuk ride felt like an exhilarating, dust-filled rollercoaster. The hostel itself? Exactly what I hoped for: a glorious, slightly scruffy haven with a resident cat who looks like he's seen some things (probably has). First priorities: check in (success!). Next, the sunscreen. Where is the sunscreen?! My bag is a mess. I swear I packed it. This is not a good start. (Later, it turned up. In a sock. Don't ask.)
1:00 PM - First Temple: Wat Yai Chaimongkol – "The Golden Giant and the Mosquito Mafia": Time to hit the temples! Wat Yai Chaimongkol is massive. Big Buddha statues, a towering chedi (the giant bell-shaped structure), and a serenity that's momentarily shattered by the mosquito apocalypse. Seriously, the mozzies are thick! I swear, they were circling like tiny, bloodthirsty drones. I attempted a dignified prayer, swatting furiously, managing to get bitten at least 10 times. I am defeated and I am itchy. I probably should have put on my sunscreen here.
3:00 PM - Walk Around the Temple Ruins: I made a rookie mistake. I thought the whole temple experience would be smooth, easy and gentle. Turns out the other temples were hard to find and the information around each temple was just a few words, in Thai. The sun was beaming and I was still incredibly lost and hot. This is a lesson. Do your research, use the map, and prepare to be confused.
5:00 PM - Food, glorious food! Night Market Reconnaissance: After the mosquito siege, it's time to refuel. Head into the night market. I was utterly overwhelmed by the choices. Pad Thai? Green Curry? Mango Sticky Rice? Yes, yes, and YES. My stomach may have exploded, but it's a culinary explosion worth every second.
Day 2: Relics and Reflections (and the Unexpected Tears at Wat Phra Sri Sanphet)
9:00 AM - Wat Phra Sri Sanphet – "The Shattered Majesty and Unexpected Emotion": This temple is the ruins of a former royal palace. Pure, unadulterated history. The remnants of the chedis are hauntingly beautiful, and the sheer scale of the place is breathtaking. The problem? I was alone. And for some reason, the quiet, the beauty and the history just hit me hard. I found myself unexpectedly choked up, imagining the lives and the grandeur of what was here. I actually cried for a second there. Travel can do that to you, huh? It gets you right in the feels.
11:00 AM - Wat Lokayasutharam - The Reclining Buddha: This Buddha, huge and covered in orange cloth, just lying there. The sun beat down, and it felt very good. Some local kids played around with each other. I felt a real sense of peace.
1:00 PM - The "Stuck in a Rickshaw" Incident: Decided to be adventurous and hire a rickshaw to explore. Got horribly lost. Stuck in traffic. Argued (politely, of course) with the driver about the price. Learned the word for "lost" in Thai. Definitely a learning experience.
2:00 PM - Ayutthaya Historical Park – "The Lost City and the Sweltering Sun": More temples! More history! More…sun. The Historical Park is vast. Ancient ruins sprawling across the landscape. The kind of place where you feel like an explorer, but quickly realize you’re mostly just wandering around in a sweat-soaked daze. The ancient architecture looks, truly, beautiful and very old.
5:00 PM - Brickhouse Chill, Book (Finally Found It!), and Beer – "The Return to Sanity": Back to Brickhouse! Cold shower (bliss!), a good book, and a cold Chang beer while watching the sun set. Perfect. This is what travel is all about.
Day 3: Departure & Last Mango Sticky Rice Rush (and the Realization That I'm Already Sad to Leave)
- 9:00 AM - The "Perfect and Perfect" Breakfast: Brickhouse's breakfast is a simple, yet perfect. Eggs, toast, and strong coffee. Needed it.
- 10:00 AM - Last-Minute Temple Dash & Mango Sticky Rice: One last sweep of the temples? NO. I was spent. Instead, I went on a mango sticky rice mission. Found a place, inhaled a plate of the glorious stuff, and felt my soul briefly soar.
- 11:00 AM – Farewell Ayutthaya: Time to catch the train back to Bangkok with a heavy heart. This place got to me. All those temples, the history, the messiness, the food… I'm already plotting my return.
This is just my version of Ayutthaya. Your experience will probably be different, but you might find a few mosquito bites and some unexpected tears (or maybe that was special?). Just remember to embrace the chaos, get lost, eat everything, and for the love of all that is holy, wear your sunscreen!
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Brickhouse Ayutthaya: The Hype, The Heartbreak, & The Absolutely-Gasp-Worthy Glory
Okay, is Brickhouse actually a "best kept secret" or just another Instagram trap? Be honest, I'm getting travel-anxiety already.
Alright, buckle up Buttercup, because the answer is... kinda both! Look, the Insta-crowd is starting to sniff around, that’s true. You'll see them, posing, preening... you know the drill. But here's the REAL secret of Brickhouse: it genuinely IS special. There's a… *soul* there that gets lost in the filtered photos.
I went expecting a perfectly curated experience. I actually got totally lost on the way from my hotel. And then... BAM! I saw it, and my jaw dropped. Seriously. And you know what? Even the selfie-stick toting brigade couldn’t ruin that moment. It's breathtaking. It's not just pretty. There's a raw, almost… haunted beauty.
What *is* Brickhouse Ayutthaya, exactly? Tell me more than "It's a beautiful place"!
Okay, okay, I get it. You need the details. Brickhouse is a complex of brick ruins, dating back to the Ayutthaya Kingdom (if memory serves, I might be wrong, and I *will* get it corrected by someone!). They're absolutely stunning. Imagine crumbling brickwork, overgrown with vines in places, framing the most glorious sunsets you've ever seen. It’s a visual feast.
But it’s more than the bricks. It’s the silence. The overwhelming sense of history. It's the feeling of being utterly, completely removed from the modern world. I spent hours just wandering, letting the place wash over me. And I’m a nervous wreck usually, so, yeah, that says something.
Is it easy to get to? Because I'm prone to getting lost. And hangry.
Getting there… is a *journey*. The first time, I took the train from Bangkok, which was an adventure in itself. Okay, more like a comedy of errors. I missed my stop and ended up in the middle of nowhere, with a very grumpy tuk-tuk driver and only a half-eaten bag of crisps for company. Don't be me. Plan Ahead!
The upside? Ayutthaya actually has *amazing* street food. I’m talking the best Pad Thai of my life. This is important. Always pack snacks! Seriously. Even If you can't find transportation, food will make it better. And, the tuk-tuk driver, when he finally managed to read my map, was surprisingly helpful. So, let's call it an "experience." You can also hire a taxi, Grab (the local Uber) is usually available now, or even rent a bicycle!
What should I wear? Is there a dress code? I don't want to wear the wrong thing and be *that* tourist.
No real dress code, thankfully. (Phew!) Just be respectful. Think comfortable and cool, because the Thai heat can be brutal, especially in Ayutthaya. Think linen, breathable fabrics, you'll be doing a LOT of walking. And if you're visiting any active temples (and you probably will, around Brickhouse), cover your shoulders and knees.
Oh, and sunscreen. For the love of all that is holy, sunscreen. I’m currently nursing a rather impressive sunburn, and, let me tell you, it’s *not* a good look. And a hat! Protect that precious head of yours.
Can I take photos? (Duh, I know.) But are there any specific rules about photography?
Yep, you can absolutely take photos. Everyone does! Just be mindful of other people, and maybe… *maybe* put your phone down once in a while and just… breathe?
Try to avoid standing in the middle of the path or the structures for the sake of your perfect instagram shot. It's annoying (and often dangerous!), so let's be nice to others. Also, if you're traveling during peak season, the places can be extremely crowded and it hard to get the perfect shot anyway. But the important thing is just try to be aware of your surroundings and considerate. It's not a photo shoot; it's history.
Best time of day to go? I want the perfect light, obviously.
Okay, this is where the real magic happens. Sunrise and sunset are… transcendent. Absolutely breathtaking. The light hits the brickwork in a way that just…changes everything. Makes it look like gold.
I will warn you, though: everyone else has the same idea. So, expect crowds. But trust me, it's worth it. You can also go early in the morning (before the heat kicks in) or late afternoon (to catch that golden hour). Personally, I'd take the early morning, so you’re more likely to have it to yourself for a little while. That hour of peace? Priceless.
Where to eat? I hear the food is amazing in Ayutthaya. Any recommendations?
Oh, the food! You are in for a treat. Street food galore, and it's all ridiculously delicious. Near Brickhouse itself, you'll find some smaller, local restaurants. Do yourself a favor and *try everything*. The Pad Thai, of course. The green curry. The mango sticky rice (duh!).
Be adventurous! Don't be afraid to try things you don't recognize. And be prepared to be utterly addicted to Thai cuisine. Don't even get me started on the fresh fruit smoothies...I went back for like, five! Also, please tip generously! (Because you are a good person.)
Are there any actual downsides to visiting Brickhouse? Anything I should be aware of?
Honestly? The crowds. It's getting more and more popular, which is a shame, but understandable. As much as I want to be all, "It's *my* secret!", the reality is the cat's out of the bag, and tourism is increasing.
The heat is a real thing. And the mosquitos! Bring bug spray, seriously. And there's not a ton of shade, so be prepared to be exposed. Finally, and this is important: be respectful of the site. These ruins are ancient and fragile. Don't climb on anything, and don't leave any trash. Let's help preserve it for future generations, yeah?
Okay, let's say I'm COMPLETELY SOLD. What's the *one* thing I should do, see, or experience at BrickHotel Price Compare
