Packed to the brim with many delightful sights, alluring charms and a deep-rooted historical connection to the city's colourful past, the riverside is one of Bangkok's most prestigious areas. Little wonder that it is home also to some of the world's finest hotel brands like Hilton, Marriott, Peninsula, Sheraton and Shangri-La. From these great hotels and the colonial chic of a famous landmark like The Oriental Hotel, to less-known and independent hotels found along the river banks, the riverside caters for everyone - single travellers, couples or families, business or leisure. Most of these places offer awe-inspiring views of the river and city. Let's take you on a journey along the picturesque Chao Phraya to select a hotel perfectly suited to your needs and budget...
Lower Chao Phraya River
Using the Skytrain (BTS) terminus station of Saphan Taksin as a marker, more or less central along the river and to where most riverside hotels offer a complimentary shuttle boat service, we start in a southwestern point with the Montien Riverside Hotel (25 minutes by shuttle boat from the BTS station), the Bangkok Marriott Resort & Spa (20 minutes) and Menam Hotel (15 minutes). The immediate vicinities of these hotels don't offer much in terms of attractions or shopping experiences, but to explore the many riverside charms is a breeze...
Montien Riverside Hotel 4-star | Family Hotel | Affordable | River and City Views | Shuttle Service | Internet in rooms Known as a resort hotel, this 462-room luxury hide-away on the Bangkok side of the river is a tranquil oasis of pure Thai hospitality. It offers five great restaurants, a dinner cruise on board a converted rice barge, a bar with live entertainment, a karaoke lounge, business centre, in-house massage, and all the recreational facilities your heart desires. Located away from the city buzz, yet conveniently close to an Expressway. It takes 20 - 25 minutes to reach central city areas or Saphan Taksin Skytrain (BTS) station, respectively, with a free shuttle service. Very popular with couples and families. (Montien Riverside Hotel has rooms available at special price on Latestays, starting at 3,030 THB)
Bangkok Marriott Resort & Spa 5-star | Luxury Family Hotel | Spa Resort | River Views | Shuttle Boat to BTS | Mini Mall | Executive Suites | Internet in rooms Set in lush, landscaped gardens on the Thonburi (opposite) banks of the river, it is known as Bangkok's finest city spa resort, and packs in everything you could wish for: Six great restaurants, dinner and sunset cruises, a wonderful pool area, children's activity programme, and 413 elegant, beautifully decorated Thai-inspired rooms and suites with open balconies. The low-rise colonial-style buildings give it a true resort ambiance. An outlet of the famous Mandara Spa brand, a small shopping arcade behind the hotel, and renowned service complete this first-class experience. Saphan Taksin Skytrain (BTS) station is a charming 20-minute shuttle boat ride away. (Bangkok Marriott Resort And Spa has rooms available at special price on Latestays, starting at 5,360 THB)(Also read our review.)
Menam Riverside Hotel 3-star | Family Hotel | Affordable | River and City Views | Shuttle Boat & Bus | Internet in rooms Its 640 rooms and suites are tastefully decorated in a modern Thai style, offering pleasing views of the river and the Bangkok metropolitan area. Ideal for leisure travellers with its over-sized pool and other fine recreational facilities. Easy access to prime city areas, complete with a shuttle bus service to Silom and the massive CentralWorld shopping mall, while a shuttle boat service is available to Saphan Taksin Skytrain (BTS) station about 15 minutes away. It also offers a choice of three fine restaurants, a coffee shop, poolside bar, pool snack area, Internet caf-, and cocktail cruise to enjoy romantic sunsets. (Menam Riverside Bangkok has rooms available at special price on Latestays, starting at 2,920 THB)
Sathorn Bridge & Saphan Taksin Skytrain Station
Our journey now takes us back to Saphan Taksin Skytrain (BTS) station, tucked in next to Sathorn Bridge that crosses the Chao Phraya. Right next to the BTS station is the Shangri-La Hotel (on the river banks), with The Oriental Hotel just further along, the Bossotel Inn behind the Shangri-La, and on the opposite side of the river stands the majestic Peninsula Bangkok. Technically not at the riverside, but certainly with views commanding enough to claim some ownership, Lebua at State Tower - Bangkok's second-tallest building at the end of Silom Road - is just a ten-minute stroll from the water's edge. The biggest advantage of staying at this part of the river is the easy Skytrain access it offers, and Sathorn Pier is also a main gateway from where to catch river taxis and tours. Popular areas like Sathorn, Silom and Siam are quick to reach too.
Shangri-La Hotel Bangkok 5-star | Luxury Family Hotel | Spa | River and City Views | Executive Floors | Internet in rooms Indulge in luxury and service fit for royalty. The resort-like environment, wonderful culinary experiences at a choice of five restaurants, dinner cruise and a Tibetan spa all add up to make for a memorable experience. All facilities and amenities are top-notch. Very popular with couples, business executives and discerning travellers. The 25-storey Shangri-La Wing (670 rooms) and smaller, more exclusive Krungthep Wing (129 rooms) encircle the lush garden and pool area. For an extra degree of luxury, an upgrade to The Horizon Club floor is worth splashing out for. Saphan Taksin Skytrain (BTS) station is just a few minutes' walk away. (Also read our review.)
The Oriental Bangkok 5-star | River Views | Spa | Shuttle Boat to BTS | Luxury Themed Suites | Internet in rooms Bangkok's most famous hotel. As famous, in fact, as the long list of celebrities who have stayed here over the years. The hotel is a grand old dame with posh colonial touches throughout, and offers an unsurpassed, luxury experience. Popular with discerning travellers who enjoy the finest things life has to offer. Rooms and themed suites are exquisitely decorated, each with its own distinctive character. There are no less than ten restaurants, bars and lounges to sample fine cuisine, enjoy elegant high tea or puff on an imported Cuban cigar. The shuttle boat takes ten minutes to reach Saphan Taksin Skytrain (BTS) station, and it's close to most prime city areas.
Bossotel Inn 3-star | Great Value | Family Hotel | Spa | Limited Views | Internet in rooms A small, charming and relatively new contemporary hotel that oozes a warm and cosy atmosphere. Its 81 rooms and suites are spacious and tastefully decorated, and the hotel is just a short walk to the riverside and Saphan Taksin Skytrain (BTS) station. Although compact, services and amenities are impressive - from baby-sitting and meeting rooms, to wireless Internet, a good spa and two restaurants, combined with a convenient location. Great value for money, and ideal for travellers seeking a comfortable experience close to the riverside. (Bossotel Inn has rooms available at special price on Latestays, starting at 1,500 THB)
The Peninsula Bangkok 5-star | Spa | River and City Views | Executive Floors | Shuttle Boat to BTS | Free Internet in rooms One of the finest and most luxurious hotel properties in Bangkok, The Peninsula's location on the Thonburi side of the river translates to panoramic river and city views from every room. Everything about this hotel is first-class, from dining experiences at seven different venues and its beautiful terraced pool area, to the elegant opulence of interiors. The average room size of the 39-storey building counts among the most spacious in Bangkok. A luxurious stand-alone spa with 18 treatment rooms is the latest addition to this hotel that is very popular with discerning travellers. An experience you're not likely to forget! (Also read our review.)
Lebua at StateTower 5-star | Luxury Family Hotel | River and City Views | Shuttle Bus to BTS | Free Internet in rooms A luxury and trendy all-suite hotel very close to Silom, Lebua boasts breathtaking, never-ending city vistas and riverside views. State Tower, rising 64 floors into the sky, is after all Bangkok 's second-tallest building, and also home to some famous restaurants and bars like Sirocco, Breeze, Sky Bar and Distil. With a choice of very spacious one-, two- and three-bedroom suites (each comes complete with a separate lounge, dining room and fully equipped kitchen), it is ideal for families. A great location that makes it easy to reach prime city areas like the riverside, Silom, Siam, Sathorn and Sukhumvit Road. (Lebua at State Tower has rooms available at special price on Latestays, starting at 5,273 THB)(Also read our review.)
River City Shopping Complex & Pier
From Saphan Taksin BTS station it takes 10 to 15 minutes upriver in the hotels' shuttle boats to reach The Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers on the Bangkok side, right next to the River City Shopping Complex and pier, or the newest riverside hotel, the imposing Millennium Hilton on the opposite Thonburi side. The River City Complex is well-known for beautiful art, antiques, quality tailors and other collectables. Next to it is a an important pier that is a stop on the river taxi route, and a collection point for guests joining tours and dinner cruises. It is also possible to cross the river here with a ferry for as little as 2.5 baht where an interesting local market (Khlong San Talad) is tucked into an alley right next to the Millennium Hilton.
Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers 5-star | Spa | River and City Views | Executive Floors | Shuttle Boat to BTS | Internet in rooms Unashamed pampering awaits at this award-winning, 28-storey luxury hotel. Each guest room and suite (740 in total) commands panoramic views, and is elegantly decorated and equipped to ensure utmost comfort and convenience. The attention to detail and technological advancements are impressive to say the least. Memorable dining experiences at five different restaurants, three more casual venues, a world-class spa and great pool area are thrown in for your enjoyment. It is situated next to the River City Complex, and a shuttle boat takes guests to Saphan Taksin Skytrain (BTS) station a mere 10 - 15 minutes away. (Royal Orchid Sheraton has rooms available at special price on Latestays, starting at 4,853 THB)(Also read our review.)
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Millennium Hilton Bangkok 5-star | Spa | River and City Views | Banqueting | Executive Floors | Shuttle Boat to BTS | Internet in rooms
A stunning new ultra-contemporary hotel with 543 guestrooms that blend welcoming warmth, trendy design features and views to die for from every window. Boasting three great restaurants, two bars (don’t miss the views from Three Sixty at the top!), a coffee shop, pool snack bar (with real sea sand at the pool area), and a stand-alone spa sanctuary. Although located opposite the city side of the river, it takes ten minutes with the free shuttle boat to reach Sathorn Pier where Saphan Taksin Skytrain (BTS) station is situated. Popular with travellers who appreciate all things hip and cool. (Also read our review.)
Krung Thon Bridge / Upper Chao Phraya River
Perhaps not as well-located as the hotels previously listed, but ideal for travellers looking for an affordable riverside option that is equally charming, it takes about 30 - 35 minutes to reach The River Side Bangkok Hotel and The Royal River Hotel upriver per shuttle boat departing from the River City Pier (next to the Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers). On the way you'll pass several of Bangkok's most famous historical attractions like Wat Arun (the Temple of Dawn) and the Grand Palace complex. Other nearby attractions are Sanam Luang, Chinatown and Khao San Road - all of which are easy to reach once you've crossed the river by either ferry or taxi.
River Side Bangkok Hotel Star-rating | Great Value | Family Hotel | Spa | Conference Facility | River Views A quiet retreat on the Thonburi side, this comfortable 262-room hotel prides itself in personal service and good amenities. There are several restaurants to choose from, a spa, a great pool area, a pools (billiards) room, while rooms are well-equipped. It is extremely affordable, popular with families, and a good base to explore Bangkok's historical 'Old City' sights like the Grand Palace and Sanam Luang. Chinatown and Khao San Road are easy to reach too once you've crossed the river by ferry - or under 15 minutes by taxi. (No shuttle boat service is available.)
The Royal River Hotel 3-star | Great Value | Family Hotel | River Views | Shuttle Boat Also located on the western banks (Thonburi side) of the river, this is a value-for-money hotel with many historical attractions of the Rattanakosin era nearby (Wat Arun, The Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha). All 436 guestrooms and suites are comfortable and well-appointed. In addition to basic recreational facilities, the hotel also features two restaurants, two bars, a popular dinner cruise, and is also known for its banqueting venues. Popular for weddings and a good choice for families. It takes about 30 - 35 minutes to reach the River City Complex Pier with the complimentary shuttle boat, from where another shuttle boat connects with Saphan Taksin Skytrain (BTS) station.
