Riverside grande dame with storied history, luxe spa & dining














48 Oriental Ave, Khwaeng Bang Rak, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500, Thailand Get directions

"A legendary, Three-MICHELIN-Key riverside gem perched along the River of Lords, where glimpses of the old river life still unfold in timeless rhythm." - The MICHELIN Guide

"Perched on the riverside, this grande dame delivers old-world glamour without feeling fussy: exceptional service, a storied lobby of lattice woodwork and cascading florals, giant birdcage chandeliers and printed sofas, plus a fleet of BMW sedans. I loved the emerald-green swimming pool with river views (best enjoyed with a tiki cocktail), and the property’s clientele—dignitaries, celebrities, authors—underscore its storied reputation; it’s a place to broker deals, meet someone memorable, or simply shut out the world, so dress accordingly." - Jenny Adams


"Even if you’re not staying over, a visit is a rite of passage. This riverside landmark, beloved by Graham Greene and Elizabeth Taylor, has shaped Bangkok’s hospitality scene for nearly 150 years and still leads the pack, with rooms and suites refreshed in Jeffrey Wilkes’ floral-heavy, jewel-toned palettes. The legendary Bamboo Bar thrums with smooth jazz, the teak-trimmed Writer’s Lounge is a must for chi-chi afternoon teas, and across the water the Oriental Spa deals in herb-heavy massages that feel like a well-deserved reward after wandering the historic Bang Rak district that spills right out from the lobby doors. Expect a pool, spa, 12 bars and restaurants, breakfast, and a gym; on weekends, Lord Jim’s seafood buffet is one of the hottest brunch tickets in town." - Chris Schalkx
"A long-running, highly honored luxury hotel frequently recognized in travel awards; recommended as an upscale home base for extended stays or guided explorations of the city, with easy access to tours that focus on food, culture, photography and to the city's khlongs (canals) via longtail boat." - Stacey Leasca Stacey Leasca Stacey Leasca is an award-winning journalist and co-founder of Be a Travel Writer, an online course for the next generation of travel journalists. Her photos, videos, and words have appeared in print or online for Travel + Leisure, Time, Los Angeles Times, Glamour, and many more. You'll usually find her in an airport. If you do see her there, please say hello. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines

"A late 19th-century landmark where literary figures like Joseph Conrad, Somerset Maugham and Noël Coward once stayed, the Mandarin Oriental pairs illustrious colonial-era history with contemporary high-end amenities—star dining, an award-winning spa and extensive services—while Bangkok’s top hotels also commonly offer outdoor spaces and private gardens." - Mitchell Friedman