Charming and Peaceful Stay at the House of Passion (เรือนเสน่หา)
I had an excellent stay at the House of Passion (เรือนเสน่หา), a unique and peaceful boutique hotel with a lot of character.
Located in Amphawa, about 2 hours drive west of Bangkok, nearby the Mae Klong River and close to the famous Amphawa Floating Market.
Booking.com
The Location
The location was perfect for us, very quiet, and the hotel itself is filled with vintage decor, giving it a museum-like charm.
The small garden is beautiful and extremely peaceful. All floors and decks are covered with wood, so you can walk barefoot like you’re at home. Lots of plants, beautiful flowers… this place has earned its name, it’s truly a House of Passion.
In the evening, it looks even more cozy. Soft, warm lighting illuminates the wooden walkways and highlights the lush greenery, creating a magical ambiance. Gentle music plays in the background, blending perfectly with the sounds of nature. The air is filled with the voices of birds, adding a natural soundtrack to the already serene setting. The entire place feels like a private retreat, ideal for a quiet drink, reading a book, or simply unwinding under the stars. It’s a place that invites you to slow down and savor every moment.
How To Get There?
Getting there without a car is quite straightforward:
- Take a bus or train to Mae Klong Railway Station in Samut Songkhram, home to the famous market where a train passes directly through the stalls. You’ve probably seen it featured in magazines or documentaries, it’s one of Thailand’s most iconic sights. In fact, most documentaries about Thailand include this unique railway market along with the nearby floating market, both offering an unforgettable glimpse into local life.
- From the station, walk to the Songthaew Station in front of 7-Eleven (518, 13 Kasemsukum Road) where are parked Songthaew taxis. If you don’t find, just ask to some locals they will guide you. Once you get there, show the hotel name and address to the driver, the ride costs only 20 baht per person and will take about 15 minutes.
- The driver will drop you at an intersection in front of the temple(Blue mark on the top map); walk about 100 meters and you’ll reach the hotel.
If you drive, the hotel offers free parking.
To return, just go back to the temple and wait for a Songthaew taxi (Green Mark on the top map) to take you back to Amphawa. Then go to the Mae Klong Transport Station on Rattanavethee Road, there are buses and minibuses to Bangkok and other cities.
The Room
I booked a Duplex Suite which was spread over two levels. On the ground floor, there was a TV, small fridge, coffee machine, kettle, daily complimentary coffee capsules and water bottles, a sofa, individual air conditioning and the bathroom which was clean and nicely designed.
Upstairs, the bedroom featured a king-size canopy bed, a second TV but a bit smaller, and another individual air conditioning.
Just a note: the metal staircase is quite steep, so it’s not ideal for young kids or elderly guests, especially at night, but it looked lovely.
The Swimming pool
The small swimming pool at the center of the hotel is a hidden gem, a perfect spot to unwind. While it’s not large, it’s just the right size for a refreshing dip or a lazy float under the open sky. The area is thoughtfully arranged with a few chairs and tables, and there’s a cozy corner deck lined with oversized bean bags that invite you to lounge for hours. Open until 9 p.m., the pool area becomes especially inviting in the early evening, when the lights reflect gently off the water. You can even order drinks and snacks from the restaurant, making it easy to spend a slow, indulgent afternoon or a peaceful evening poolside.
The Breakfast Buffet
Breakfast is served starting at 7:30 a.m. at the hotel’s restaurant, located at the back of the property near a small, serene river. It’s a peaceful and quiet area, perfect for easing into the day. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a shy and harmless water monitor gliding by or squirrels darting through the trees.
The breakfast buffet was simple but tasty, featuring a selection of Thai dishes that were freshly prepared and satisfying. The only downside was that the menu didn’t change during our three-night stay, which made it feel a bit repetitive. We didn’t try the restaurant for lunch, dinner, or snacks, but the setting alone makes it an inviting spot to linger.
Still not convinced? Check out the video at the end of this review! 🎥
What’s Around?
There isn’t much immediately around the hotel (not even a 7-Eleven), but you’re very close to the famous Amphawa Floating Market. From the hotel, walk through the temple, cross the small bridge, and turn right, you’ll find plenty of small, affordable restaurants and street food vendors. There are Taotan Amphawa Chaipattananurak and King Rama II Memorial Parks and temples which can be visited, you can also book boat tours on the Mae Klong River, or enjoy a peaceful evening firefly cruise.
I also highly recommend visiting the nearby ChuchaiBuri Sri Amphawa Café and Museum/Park. From the bridge, just turn left instead of right. The cafe is very cozy, beautiful decoration and they have great cocktails. The owner of the Café and Hotel has done a small park and museum just nearby. The entrance is free and it’s interesting to have a look.
I don’t recommend the hotel, pictures on their website look very nice but the reality is the opposite. Just look at the different internet reviews and you will understand.
Final Verdict
House of Passion is perfect if you just want a small, nice and quiet hotel with a restaurant and a pool without the need of moving. It’s also a nice place to stay for people who like to visit and walk around. There are lots of interesting places to visit, temples, museums, parks, street and floating markets,… you wont’t get bored.
The hotel has also free bicycles if you want to explore the small roads around.
Overall, this was a truly memorable stay. I would definitely come back!
