The Siam Hotel in Bangkok
Cover The Siam is situated along the Chao Phraya River

The Chao Phraya River is not only a significant geographic and historic feature of Bangkok, but also a delightful spot to unwind and soak up the city’s vibes

Bangkok is a thriving, fast-changing and ever-evolving capital. And while modern life and urbanisation are invading at a rapid rate, quickly changing much of the cityscape, life along the Chao Phraya River remains relatively unchanged. Despite some recent major developments, the river is still a nostalgic spot where locals reminisce about the old days, and a vibrant waterway where visitors can experience the uniquely juxtaposing characters of the 241-year-old capital.

Bangkok is known and loved for its contrasting landscape—old versus new, flowing waters versus sprawling metropolis—and this dichotomy is even more prominent at the riverside. Along the Chao Phraya’s banks, tall and sleek condominiums, high-rise glass buildings and a massive shopping mall blend in smoothly with shimmering temples, searing ancient stupas and centuries-old colonial structures. It’s a visual summary that sums up what Bangkok is about: a cosmopolitan that captures the past, present and future in its own unique way. 

It’s easy to while away an entire day just watching river life. The morning rush sees locals packed into ferries that jet up and down the river, alongside the sputtering long tail fishermen boats. The afternoon is when the massive cargo barges idly cruise by. And as the evening sets in, dining cruises start to come out and the nightlife kicks off, occasionally with fireworks, which are always spectacular. 

Needless to say, some of the city’s top hotels are situated on the riverbanks. Here are Tatler’s five top picks. 

Bangkok
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Photo 1 of 6 The Peninsula Bangkok
Photo 2 of 6 The Peninsula Bangkok
Photo 3 of 6 The Peninsula Bangkok
Photo 4 of 6 The Peninsula Bangkok
Photo 5 of 6 Full moon meditation session at The Peninsula Bangkok
Photo 6 of 6 The Peninsula Bangkok

Think old European romance with understated Thai flair. The Peninsula Bangkok, which recently turned 25, treats travellers to spacious, well-appointed suites and rooms with unobstructed view of the river out of floor-to-ceiling windows, as well as a variety of dining options that include refined Thai cuisine by the river at Thiptara Restaurant, authentic Chinese at Mei Jiang and a selection of afternoon tea sets, including a plant-based one. 

The hotel is also renowned for the wellness offering and programmes, especially the annual wellness festival, which is a three-day event with guest speakers, workshops and holistic-related activities. On a regular basis, The Spa, housed in a three-storey colonial Thai house, offers a vast array of pampering treatments and wellness sessions that blend several different healing arts. 

Culture buffs can also choose to go on cultural tour of Thonburi neighbourhood, the up-and-coming hip area of Bangkok, or join other activities such as Muay Thai class and a Thai history day-tour. 


The Peninsula Bangkok

Address: 333 Charoen Nakhon Rd, Khlong Ton Sai, Khlong San, Bangkok


Dusit
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Photo 1 of 5 The Siam's Courtyard area
Photo 2 of 5 The Siam main residence
Photo 3 of 5 The Opium Spa by The Siam
Photo 4 of 5 The Siam Hotel's Siam Suite living area
Photo 5 of 5 The Siam Hotel's Vinyl room

Escape the city buzz and take refuge in this urban sanctuary. This highly Instagrammable property is probably one of the earliest establishments in Thailand’s hospitality scene to invoke the art deco spirit. With a black-and-white palette accented with scattered bursts of bold colours, The Siam is a destination in its own right, and offers suites and pool villas with views of the well-manicured tropical garden designed by famed landscape artist Bill Bensley, and/or views of the majestic Chao Phraya River.

Dining options include Chon Thai Restaurant, that serves flavourful Thai dishes; The Story House with refined comfort dishes; and the not-to-be-missed The Pier, a lounge-bar by the river that provides the perfect spot for a sundowner. It’s not all about indulgence, though; the hotel’s award-winning Opium Spa offers pampering treatments for adults, children and teens, as well as yoga and Muay Thai classes.


The Siam Hotel

Address: 3/2 Thanon Khao, Vachirapayabal, Dusit, Bangkok


Sathon
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Photo 1 of 5 Presidential Suite at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River
Photo 2 of 5 River View Terrace Suite at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River
Photo 3 of 5 Palm Court at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River
Photo 4 of 5 Executive suite at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River
Photo 5 of 5 Urban Wellness Centre at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River

This newbie only opened in 2020, but it has all the top-notch luxury and exquisite service that you’d expect of the Four Seasons anywhere around the world. Stay in one of the contemporary rooms or suites with the river view, or splurge on the Riverfront Penthouse with a vista that takes in the river bend and the city beyond, and really soak it all in. 

The property is located on the lower stretch of the Chao Phraya River right in the middle of a residential area, so you can expect a different riverside vibe: more tranquil, more local and more secluded, with element of water incorporated subtly in its architectural design. 

Dining options here are extensive. Guests can dine at one Michelin-starred Cantonese restaurant Yu Ting Yuan, the riverfront French and Italian outlets, Brasserie Palmier and Riva del Fiume Ristorante, and sip decadent cocktails at the opulent BKK Social Club. They can also simply venture outside and browse through the street food galore in the vicinity. 


Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River

Address: 300/1 Charoen Krung Road, Sathorn, Bangkok


Sathon
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Photo 1 of 6 Premier guestroom at Capella Bangkok
Photo 2 of 6 Villa at Capella Bangkok
Photo 3 of 6 Capella Bangkok
Photo 4 of 6 Auriga Wellness at Capella Bangkok
Photo 5 of 6 River Suite at Capella Bangkok
Photo 6 of 6 Verandah at Capella Bangkok

If you are charmed by the allure of the river, but also favour a view of foliage to heal and uplift your spirit, Capella Bangkok is the ideal choice. Set on a particularly leafy stretch of the Chao Phraya, rooms and suites have panoramic views, while the property has echoed the naturally growing greenery beyond its borders throughout the hotel; you may even forget you’re in the city. For an even more indulgent, private experience, check in to one of the villas on the river’s edge that come either a private balcony or a veranda with a jacuzzi plunge pool.

Pamper your body and mind at The Spa, set among the verdant garden, which offers an array of treatments based around Thai ingredients and traditional therapies. When night falls, enjoy homemade Thai dishes at Phra Nakhon or Riviera-inspired dining experience at one Michelin-starred Côte by Mauro Colagreco, then treat yourself to a nightcap and some live jazz at Stella, a ritzy, sultry salon inspired by stories of iconic women in western history.


Capella Bangkok

Address: 300/2 Charoenkrung, Yannawa, Sathorn, Bangkok, Thailand, Bangkok


Thonburi
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Photo 1 of 6 Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort at dusk
Photo 2 of 6 Two Bedroom River View Chao Phraya Suite's twin room at Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort
Photo 3 of 6 Two Bedroom River View Chao Phraya Suite living room at Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort
Photo 4 of 6 Two Bedroom River View Chao Phraya Suite master bedroom at Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort
Photo 5 of 6 Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort
Photo 6 of 6 Junior River View Suite working space at Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort

This riverside gem has been around for almost 30 years and is still considered one of Bangkok’s most popular hotels by both locals and visitors alike. The massive property has three connecting colonial-style buildings in a lush tropical setting overlooking the curve of the Chao Phraya River; and should you tire of staring at the views, there are ample other distractions. 

Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort has more than a dozen dining venues to choose from, including a teppanyaki restaurant, an international buffet, authentic Thai cuisine and pan-Asian selections, as well as several bars and a nightclub where you can shake things up after the sun goes down. Not to be missed is the Manohra Dining Cruise that offers an unforgettable dining experience along the Chao Phraya on a beautifully refurbished traditional rice barge. The hotel also offers several private cruise packages, treatments at Anantara Spa and a menu of preventive care programmes at BDMS Wellness Clinic Retreat.


Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort

Address: 257/1-3 Charoennakorn Road, Thonburi, Bangkok


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