Temples, markets and monuments pass by, as you catch a characteristic old rice barge along the Chao Phraya river to The Siam hotel. The 20-minute journey from the Sathorn pier to the only luxury hotel in Bangkok’s Dusit district – the heart of old Bangkok – is easily the best way to approach the property (but you can take a taxi over the bridge if necessary).
When arriving at The Siam, the hotel owner’s art and antique collection, on display in the lobby area, is reason enough to visit the hotel but guests will be welcomed into a stunning luxury urban property in three acres of lush gardens on the Chao Phraya riverfront.
The property that The Siam is situated on has been in the Sukosol family since Kamol Sukosol acquired it in 1973, setting up a private pier on the river.
Having also been a seafood restaurant in days gone by, the hotel took on its current lease of life in 2005, when Krissada Sukosol’s dream for a hotel started to take place with the help of architecture supremo Bill Bensley.
Rooms
The Pool Villas have a private courtyard leading to an incredibly gorgeous bedroom – the rooms are huge and the ceilings felt like they were four metres tall. The bathrooms are opulent yet practical and beautifully appointed.
There are also three suites: Siam, Mae Nam and Riverview – or for a really special experience, check into Connie’s Cottage, a century-old traditional Thai teak house. All stays at The Siam include daily breakfast at the restaurant, butler service and a Portier 4G-enabled mobile with complementary data, local and international calling.
Food and beverages
The Siam has a small but wonderful selection of options for dinner, including Chon Thai, where chef Damri and his team serve modern yet authentic Thai cuisine, made with local produce.
The Deco bar offers something more casual but equally elegant, serving drinks and dinner as well as Asian or Western breakfasts. There’s air conditioning so the place is suitable for families and it’s a welcoming break from the heat outside.
The Bathers Bar, on the riverfront and next to the infinity-edge swimming pool, offers daytime and drinks for guests lounging on huge daybeds.
As the sun sets, order a signature cocktail and gaze out over the Chao Phraya river – this may one of the most opulent experiences you can have in Bangkok.
There’s also the cute Café Cha in the lobby which serves cakes and pastries, teas and coffees. It’s really handy if you need somewhere to hide away for a few minutes, for example, if you need to send a few emails.
Facilities and experiences
The Opium Spa, a stylish haven in the heart of historic Bangkok, offers facial, body and massage treatments and products. There is a gym with personal trainers on-hand and yoga classes on the terrace; you can even train for a day as a Muay Thai fighter or get a Sak Yant tattoo – a sacred Thai tradition.
The Siam also offers authentic and fun local experiences, such as a Thai cooking class held at Chon Thai Restaurant, a sunset cruise aboard a refurbished rice barge, or the Baan Rao weekend brunch – a “sabai sabai” weekend meal that features a tasting menu served against an open-air bar lai-style river backdrop.
More information
For more information and booking, visit thesiamhotel.com.
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