Hotel
Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok
Bangkok's grand old riverside hotel, first opened in the 1870s, with a historic Authors' Wing, acclaimed restaurants, a renowned spa and the Bamboo Bar.
The Peninsula Bangkok
A 37-storey luxury hotel on the Thonburi bank of the Chao Phraya, where every room has river views and a private boat shuttles guests across.
At a glance
- Type
- Luxury riverside hotel
- Area
- Khlong San, Bangkok, Thailand
- Price
- $$$$ · Luxury
- Official site
- peninsula.com
Good to know
- Pool
- Spa
- River shuttle
Why we recommend it
The Peninsula Bangkok opened in November 1998 on the Thonburi side of the Chao Phraya, directly opposite the old riverside district of Bang Rak. The 37-storey tower has 367 rooms, including 67 suites, and its zig-zag plan means that every room looks out over the river, a feature that sets it apart from most hotels in the city. It is part of the Hong Kong-based Peninsula group, known for its polished service and attention to detail.
Rooms are spacious and calm, decorated with Thai silks and dark woods. Higher floors give sweeping views up and down the river to the Grand Palace, ICONSIAM and the towers of Silom and Sathorn. The hotel has five restaurants serving Thai, Chinese and international food, among them riverside buffets and dining in tropical gardens, and an afternoon tea that follows the Peninsula tradition. The large riverside swimming pool, set in landscaped gardens, is one of the hotel's best-loved features, and there is a spa and fitness centre.
Because the hotel is on the west bank, the hotel's own boats are the key to getting around: they shuttle guests across the river to the Sathorn Pier area, where the Chao Phraya Express Boat and Saphan Taksin BTS station connect with the rest of the city. Check the shuttle timings at reception, and allow extra time when going out for dinner reservations. Road access to Charoen Nakhon Road is also possible by taxi, though traffic on the bridges can be slow at rush hour.
The Peninsula suits couples, families and business travellers who want a resort-like feel with river views and a little distance from the bustle of the east bank. The gardens and pool make it a good base in the heat. Rates are in the luxury bracket, and breakfast beside the river as the boats start moving is one of the pleasures of a stay.
The hotel is at 333 Charoen Nakhon Road in Khlong San. ICONSIAM, the riverside shopping and dining complex, is a short distance upstream on the same bank, with the Gold Line light rail connecting to the BTS. Across the river, the Mandarin Oriental, Charoen Krung Road and the restaurants of Silom are a quick boat ride away.
The Peninsula Bangkok FAQs
When did the hotel open?
In November 1998.
How many rooms are there?
367 rooms, including 67 suites, in a 37-storey tower.
Do all rooms have river views?
Yes, the tower's design gives every room a view of the river.
How do I get across the river?
The hotel's shuttle boats cross to the Sathorn Pier area near Saphan Taksin BTS station.
Is there a pool?
Yes, a large riverside pool set in gardens.
Does the hotel serve afternoon tea?
Yes, in the Peninsula tradition.
Where is the hotel?
At 333 Charoen Nakhon Road in Khlong San, on the Thonburi bank.
What is nearby?
ICONSIAM is a short distance upstream, and the Mandarin Oriental is across the river.