Old & New Meet at Kanvela House

This charming boutique hostel makes its home in a restored shophouse in Bangkok’s historic Nang Leong neighbourhood

In the historic Nang Leong area of Bangkok’s Pom Prap Sattru Phai district, Kanvela House stands out from its surroundings with charming simplicity. A striking red door marks the entrance to one of the city’s most unique boutique hostels.

Kanvela means ‘time’ in Thai, referring to the historical character of the building. The complex of six two-storey shophouses and a backhouse dates back to around 1910 and has been passed down from generation to generation over the past century. When the last shopkeepers had to move out, Peerasith ‘Mac’ Seemoolsathien came in to help the landlord — who happens to be his good friend — find a new purpose for the abandoned building, which at the time resembled a haunted house, with its low ceilings, lack of natural light and electricity, and general state of disrepair. And while renovations are often costlier than building anew, a structure with a historical spirit is priceless. Seemoolsathien recognised the old house’s potential and tackled the project, despite not having any formal training in architecture, interior design, F&B or hospitality. With the main goal of preserving the heritage, he was guided by the question: ‘What would I do if this was going to be my own house?’

Seemoolsathien’s rural roots have certainly influenced the design and Kanvela House displays a countryside flair that’s rarely found in Bangkok. Guests rooms are accessed through the restaurant, cafe and bar on the ground floor, where guests can enjoy breakfast at Buddha & Pals and spend evenings listening to live jazz and drinking cocktails at Boxing Cool bar. A skylight in the back corner of the restaurant lets light in from the upper floor, while a tree grows up through the small atrium behind. A spiral staircase leads to the top floor, from which you can see the original exterior of the backhouse, revealing the building’s true age, and the golden dome of a nearby Buddhist temple. Upstairs, the main building and backhouse are connected by a small bridge. All levels are subtly interrelated and arched passages, high ceilings and refurbished wooden floors give the building a sense of spaciousness. 

Kanvela House has a distinct industrial meets vintage style and the old is tastefully mixed with the new, reflecting Seemoolsathien’s passion for flea market finds. Throughout, he’s kept it simple and followed his intuition. ‘Everything should look like it belongs here, in a natural and authentic way,’ he says. As a result, Kanvela House doesn’t feel like a hostel, but more like staying at a good friend’s home.

Text / Lisa Follmar
Images / Artemi Studio