When you think of canal boating, you’ll likely think of Venetian gondolas with your lover and a striped shirt gondolier sailing you along. But at Si Yaek Huatakhe Cafe & Guesthouse in Bangkok, your sailor will be a cat leading you to cafes and markets along the canal.
This quaint wooden inn on the capital city’s outskirts has cat boat rides, affordable Thai food, and best of all, a serene atmosphere for you to escape from the hustle and bustle of the regular things to do in Bangkok.
Si Yaek Huatakhe Cafe & Guesthouse is stilted on Khong Prawet Buri Rom, a canal in the east of Bangkok. Unlike the malls and hotels you’re used to seeing in the city, the area has more of a kampung vibe.
Lovingly called Bangkok Cat Boat Coffee, the main allure of this establishment is boat rides on the canal accompanied by feline friends. The cat boat rides happen twice a day in the evenings and cost ฿100/person (~S$3.67). Each boat holds up to 2 passengers and a sailor.
The canal sailing started as a project to give incentives for cleaning up the canal. This has led to an astounding success as with the cafe’s popularity over the years, the canal has been clean of most trash and scum.
Now, both tourists and locals can just watch the sunset and relax while you’re on the boat and pet the furry cats.
Though you don’t have to stay at the guesthouse to sail with the cats, being a guest does have its perks. It’s just 30 minutes away from Suvarnabhumi Airport and rates start at just ฿500 (~S$18.42) for 2 pax, which makes it a great idea for a long weekend.
Since the building is over 100 years old, the rooms aren’t at 5-star levels. However, you still have all you need such as an ensuite bathroom, a microwave and a mini-fridge, for a comfortable stay. The wooden flooring and walls add a cosy ambience as well as the simplistic furniture.
You don’t have to go far for sustenance, the cafe has some cheap eats too. Their menu is quite extensive for a place of its size. You can get fried rice for ฿80 (~S$2.92), with options of chicken, pork, or seafood. For dessert, ice cream sundaes are on the menu for ฿50(~S$1.84).
The canal-side dining experience could also add this to the list of the best romantic restaurants in Bangkok. Sparks are bound to fly when you’re surrounded by the hanging potted plants and boats going by.
The guesthouse is on the outskirts of Bangkok. It’s a 30-minute drive from Suvarnabhumi Airport and just under an hour’s drive from the city centre. We recommend taking a Grab or tuk-tuk.
If you’re planning to take public transport, the journey will take over 90 minutes. Take the Phaya Thai – Suvarnabhumi line to Lat Krabang Station. From there, switch to the 1-73 EV : Circle : Namkrai Industrial Estate – Romklao bus and ride 10 stops to Hua Takhe Market Stop, which is a 4-minute walk from the guesthouse.
You can check out Hua Takhe Market when you visit, as its murals and mom-and-pop shops are hidden gems and can lead you to some interesting souvenir finds.
Whether you’re a Bangkok veteran who wants to try something away from the usual tourist attractions, or you’re just a crazy cat person, staying a night here could be a fulfilling experience. Considering how doing all the activities and dining will only come to about S$40-S$50 a night, this would also be a great budget thing to do in the area.
For more wholesome and adorable activities in the city, check out our list of cute pet cafes in Bangkok or family-friendly things to do in Bangkok. Once you’re full of all the munchies, you can try checking out some new things to do in Bangkok, like shopping at Emsphere Mall.
Cover image adapted from: Si Yaek Huatakhe Cafe & Guesthouse via Facebook
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