Baan Kong Hostel

The owners were so kind and friendly that they made our visit worthwhile. Their nearly 100-year-old house has Sino-Portuguese styling and sits in the heart of the old town, where you can soak up centuries of culture and traditions. It feels off the beaten track, and every step seems to have a story. A very nice place to stay.

The owner was lovely to talk with and was fixing part of the garden because it was rainy season. I’d asked about renting a bicycle, which would have been free for guests, though I was staying in another town and it didn’t work out. He also tried calling a motorbike taxi for me, but they didn’t answer. In the end, he rode me to my accommodation himself, about 20 minutes away. It had started raining, and he still wouldn’t accept money or food.

Baan Kong means Grandpa’s House, and this charming historic place really does feel like a family home. It has polished wooden floors, antique furniture and memorabilia, plus private rooms for couples and families. We stayed one night on Good Friday, 18 April 2025, in the sleepy little town of Takua Pa. The air conditioning worked beautifully, the bed was firm but very comfortable, and we had one of our best sleeps. It felt homey, and we could use the fridge and the rest of the shared kitchen. Our host was a friendly, chatty young man. He even rode around on his bicycle to make sure we’d found the dinner café he’d recommended. He’s continuing to improve the place he inherited. The locals were welcoming and friendly too.

We really enjoyed staying in this clean, close-knit town surrounded by nature. It’s lovely and quiet, and there are a couple of good bikes guests can borrow for free. Ang was kind and very helpful.