The Bangkok Hotel Edit | Travel by Lightfoot

Ten exceptional Bangkok stays, handpicked by Lightfoot Travel's founder, Simon Cameron

Bangkok rewards repeat visits. On my latest trip – a week of hosted stays and inspections – I was reminded how different your experience feels depending on where you sleep. With so many strong addresses, a clear brief helps. Here’s my “best for…” guide to the city’s top luxury stays right now.

01.

The Sukhothai

Best for Families

Low rise and leafy, The Sukhothai gives you breathing room in the middle of town. Suites are genuinely spacious, the 25-metre pool sits beside fragrant frangipani trees, and the service is kind and capable. It has a calm, residential atmosphere – ideal when travelling with children.

02.

Dusit Thani

Best for heritage lovers

A Bangkok name with a new chapter. The reimagined Dusit Thani blends the grace of the original into contemporary spaces, with warm, attentive service and a handy position by Lumpini Park. If you’re drawn to classic Thai hospitality with modern polish, this is it.

03.

The Oriental

Best for old school glamour

The grande dame on the river, the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok still sets the standard. Arrive by boat, settle into refreshed rooms, and lean into the rituals – afternoon tea, dinner by the water, faultless service. Old‑school glamour, perfectly maintained.

04.

Aman Nai Lert

Best for design lovers

Aman Nai Lert brings quiet modernism to a private park in the city centre. Think natural stone, dark teak and wide panes onto greenery – architecture that breathes. It’s discreet, beautifully made and best enjoyed at an unhurried pace.

05.

Rakxa Wellness

Best for holistic wellness

Across the river on Bang Krachao, RAKxa Integrative Wellness is the perfect haven for rest and reset. I was impressed by the calibre of practitioners and the breadth of integrated therapies. Nutrition is personalised to your programme, and the setting is tropical and remarkably quiet.

06.

COMO Bangkok

Best for understated Zen

Fresh from a refurbishment in autumn 2025, COMO Metropolitan Bangkok is crisp and confident. Clean lines, subtle Thai notes and a clear wellness focus set the tone, while Nahm remains a destination in its own right. A smart choice for design‑minded guests who value wellness, comfort and good value.

07.

Capella Bangkok

Best for riverside romance

Capella Bangkok is contemporary but warm in spirit. Every room faces the Chao Phraya, service is highly personal, and thoughtful details – from riverside spa rituals to curated dining – set it apart. A strong choice for couples who want time together by the river.

08.

Rosewood Bangkok

Best for modern Thai style

In a tower inspired by the wai, Rosewood balances city buzz with a residential feel. Light‑filled rooms, subtle Thai detailing and considered art create an easy calm. Lennon’s on the 30th floor adds late‑evening polish with its vinyl library and cocktails.

The Siam

Best for boutique charm

Opened in 2012, The Siam still feels exciting. Bill Bensley’s Art Deco lines meet Thai antiquities along a quiet stretch of river. With just 38 suites and pool villas, arrivals by boat and courtyards filled with curiosities, it feels like a private estate – theatrical, but with real substance.

10.

The Peninsula

Best for classic luxury

The epitome of elegance. All rooms at the Peninsula Bangkok face the river; dedicated boats link to the BTS and ICONSIAM. The three tier, 88 metre pool framed by salas is a standout, as is the Thai style spa villa. A benchmark for classic Bangkok comfort.

Bangkok’s luxury hotels are diverse and iconic. Choose the one that fits your style – river views, design, wellness, or family time – and it will set the right tone for your holiday to Thailand.

What's on the horizon?

Plaza Athénée Nobu Hotel & Spa Bangkok (expected 2026): a culinary led opening in the historic East Asiatic Building on the riverfront. And The Langham, Custom House, Bangkok (expected 2026): a sensitive revival of the 19th century Customs House, limited key and characterful on the Chao Phraya.

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