Most hotels are easy to categorise but the Baan Bayan in Hua Hin virtually defies any form of categorisation. At first glimpse it looks old fashioned, but as one slowly learns to appreciate the immense thought and design that has been lovingly placed into the concept of this exquisite small hotel, one realises that this is a very special resort. I normally rely a great deal on my first impressions as I arrive and my first thoughts were not over positive however as I started to relax and enjoy the uniqueness of the Baan Bayan I started to experience the very specific charm, character and ‘quirkiness’ of this hotel.
The Baan Bayan is located on Petchkasem Road and directly on the beach. The property is set back from the road so absolute peace abounds, just the birds and the ocean. The long entrance way is a little austere but this leads to the open-air reception area where a warm welcome awaits. This is also your first introduction to the unique furnishing and design of the resort. I would date the style and furniture as late 50’s with more modern additions. The décor is predominantly curvilinear and again one can see that great trouble has been take to amass a vast collection that composes part of the unique style.
My room was a ‘Courtyard View room with balcony. It was a very large and well-appointed room with attention to the smallest of details. The room felt Colonial, thought it is not that age. The closet, luggage rack and mini bar are fitted in a room separator providing perfect synergy of shape and size. Dominated by a large king-sized bed with colourful decorations, there is also a desk and small seating area. The bathroom continues the 50’s style with black veined marble and period fittings. The balcony was large and comfortable to sit and enjoy the sunset and listen to the birds singing.
The history of the Baan Bayan resort is the original golden teak Thai style, beach bungalow located amongst the grounds directly on Hua Hin beach. This beach villa has been loving restored to reflect it’s colonial style glory with amazing attention to detail. This gorgeous building forms the focal point of this serene and comfortable resort. Here you will enjoy a sumptuous buffet breakfast each morning amongst the other discerning and friendly guests. It is open style with a lovely sea breeze. Also sculptured into this villa is a charming lounge and an exquisite small massage facility. Do explore this building as the nooks and crannies are a delight and maybe you will also find the inspiration to write!
The grounds continue towards the sea. You will find 2 swimming pools, the beach bar and terraces with sun loungers supplemented with loungers directly on the find white sands of Hua Hin beach. Attention to details continues throughout the property providing wonderful terraces for quiet and serene relaxation.
Wandering around the nooks and crannies of the original house one discovers hidden balconies, terraces, lounges and other tables and chairs tucked away under mature trees or umbrellas. In the peace and quiet that prevails in this resort one can almost imagine the likes of Somerset Maugham and Ernest Hemingway, dressed in white wearing their Panama hats and scribbling furiously away in their notebooks creating new novels, short-stories or plays in this inspirational and ethereal atmosphere.
Staff in the Baan Bayan are extremely attentive and friendly and almost unobtrusive. You will be left alone to enjoy your time but should you require their services they are always close by to satisfy your requests.
Located directly in Hua Hin’s premier beach the opportunities for walking on the soft sand are extensive. Turn right will take you a long way towards Wat Khao Takiap temple located on an outcrop of rock to the south. Turn left and you will walk toward the centre and Old Town. Then return for sun-downers at the Beach Bar.
WiFi coverage is more than adequate throughout the property, however their system does have the annoying habit of requiring the password every time one logs in despite clicking the ‘remember me’ box.
The Baan Bayan Resort is charming and suits a discerning guest looking for tranquillity and informal service. Quality is high, rooms large, comfortable and well air conditioned. Traditional Thai hospitality in harmony with it’s surroundings without the discordant style of modern hotels. Make a booking at the Baan Bayan Resort
Please note, that at the time of my visit to the Baan Bayan the swimming pools and surrounding decks were under renovation and therefore do not appear in my report or any photographs.
For general information on Hua Hin please refer to our article ‘Introducing Hua Hin – Beach, Golf, Great Atmosphere and much more’…..
Kim Waddoup
Founder
Kim Waddoup enjoyed a lifetime in the tourism business and is an active ‘Silver-Ager” living in Thailand. He writes for his age group with high varied articles covering subjects relevant to retirees living in, or visiting Thailand. Any questions or comments on this post? Please do feel free to contact me through our ‘Contact Form’ or directly kim@meanderingtales.com
