The small town of Ched Samian in Ratchaburi province hides its charms well from the average visitor. But those who stay at the Suan Silp Baan Din Art Centre get instant access to the traditional folk ways and natural beauty of the place.

The art centre was opened in 2007 by dramatist Manop "Nai" Meejamrat, and its threerai garden houses 27 rooms of three types - "bamboo village", baan rim rau and baan poon pan. Most have no electronic devices except air conditioners and ceiling fans.

"Our rooms have no televisions or radios because I'd like visitors to get in touch with their natural surroundings in the garden," explains Manop.

Each homey room is decorated in earth tones, with traditional wooden furniture and soft mattresses. The openair bathrooms feature a shower with water heater.

Visitors can join workshops for Thai dance and Thai musical instruments, priced at Bt250 per hour. Suan Silp Baan Din also houses a theatre, natural science exhibition, art gallery and riverside restaurant with reasonably priced local dishes.

Room rates range from Bt650 to Bt1,850, inclusive of Thai breakfast.

TAKE A BOUGH

>>SuanSilp Baan Din is located in Chet Samien district of Ratchaburi province. Call (032) 397 669, (02) 412 7287 or visit www.patravaditheatre.com

Manop hosts monthly performing art activities "All About Arts" every last Friday of the month. This month falls on May 23 to 25. Admission is free.

>>Manop hosts the performing artsactivities at "All About Arts" every last weekend of the month (May 23 to 25 this time around). Admission is free.