Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok

Fine Hotels + ResortsHotelsAsiaThailandBangkok

1 Jan

Bangkok, THAILAND

A legendary riverside retreat where heritage, culture and modern luxury meet – and stories come to life

For nearly 150 years, Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok, has been a sanctuary for the curious, the cultured and the well-travelled. Perched on the banks of the Chao Phraya – also known as the River of Kings – it was the first luxury hotel to open in Thailand and remains a living legend.

The property is a place where stories are written – quite literally. From Somerset Maugham to Joseph Conrad, Barbara Cartland and, most recently, Mike White, creator of the award-winning series The White Lotus, literary greats and creative minds have long sought inspiration within its storied walls. Today, 331 rooms and suites capture this legacy with river-facing elegance, combining Thai charm with contemporary comfort in every detail.

Culinary adventures await around every corner at the hotel’s 12 acclaimed restaurants and bars. From Michelin-starred French finesse to authentic Thai overlooking the water and the refined nostalgia of afternoon tea at The Authors’ Lounge, each bite has a tale to tell. Evenings unfold to the rhythm of live jazz at The Bamboo Bar, one of Asia’s finest.

Across the river, teakwood boats glide guests to The Oriental Spa – the city’s first luxury spa – where holistic rituals blend ancient Thai techniques with contemporary wellness.

However, the most memorable moments are often found beyond the walls: offering alms at dawn, biking through Bangkok’s hidden alleyways or down the first paved road in Thailand, tasting street food from a tuk-tuk, or drifting down the Chao Phraya at golden hour.

This isn’t just a stay. It’s a chapter in your own story – written at Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok.

Stand-out Experience:

Essence of Thailand

A journey across the four regions of Thai healing - Step into a sanctuary where ancient wisdom and of-the-minute wellness converge. The Essence of Thailand spa series is a tribute to the diverse healing heritage of the kingdom – an immersive experience that brings together rituals, remedies and rhythms from the north to the south. Each treatment draws from centuries-old practices, using locally sourced ingredients and traditional techniques to restore balance and vitality. Whether inspired by the spiritual serenity of the mountains or the warmth of riverside living, these bespoke journeys celebrate the soul of Thailand through touch, scent and stillness.