is a culinary must-visit – a place where tiny street food stalls and Michelin-starred restaurants both draw a crowd.
Sathon district, Chao Phraya River
Size: 101 rooms
Designer/Architect: Hamiltons International; Andy Miller and Richard Scott-Wilson
Beyond the hustle and bustle of the city, you’ll find Capella Bangkok, a sophisticated hideaway on the Chao Phraya River. Soak in the views from your room or suite’s floor-to-ceiling windows – or your villa’s private plunge pool. Let the skilled therapists work their magic in the spa (try a traditional Tok Sen massage). And enjoy multi-course dinners crafted with produce from the hotel’s greenhouse at Côte, curated by three-Michelin star chef Mauro Colagreco.
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PART OF MY CAPELLA PREFERRED PARTNER PORTFOLIO
Ducit District, palace and historic district
Size: 39 rooms
Style: Eclectic
Designer/Architect: Bill Bensley
As the only riverside luxury resort to be located in the heart of Bangkok’s palace and historic district, The Siam offers you the unique opportunity to explore the kingdom’s finest restaurants, markets, galleries, shopping, temples, museums, palaces, historic sites, neighborhoods, and architecture. Choose from the city’s most spacious suites, as well as 10 Pool Villas with private gardens, swimming pools, and roof terraces. Master the art of Thai cuisine at the intimate cooking school, or simply savor meals at one of three restaurants. Enjoy the pampering of the Opium Spa, or spar in the world’s first luxury Muay Thai boxing studio.
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Sathon district, Chao Phraya River
Size: 331 rooms
Remodel/Update: 2019
Style: Classic Luxury
Situated along the banks of the Chao Phraya River, Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok has captured hearts and minds since first opening its doors in 1876. The hotel has welcomed countless dignitaries and other distinguished guests, who appreciate its sumptuous ambience, outstanding service levels and unsurpassed attention to detail. The essence of Bangkok can be found in the River Wing, part of a $90 million renovation in 2019. Take a shuttle boat ride across the river to a temple of well-being at the award-winning Oriental Spa. Guests are spoiled for choice with 11 outstanding restaurants and bars at this iconic hotel.
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Sathon district, Chao Phraya River
Size: 299 rooms
Opened: 2020
Style: Contemporary
Designer/Architect: Jean-Michel Gathy / Denniston
The stunning design by Jean-Michel Gathy is enough reason to stay here.
Tucked away in one of the most historic parts of the city, Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok spares no expense when it comes to modern extravagance. The 299 light-filled rooms and suites boast floor-to-ceiling courtyard or river views, restaurants include Michelin-starred Yu Ting Yuan and the ultra-glamorous BKK Social Club, and the wellness center has everything you need to put jet lag in its place, from traditional bamboo massages and meditation sessions to customized bath rituals.
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327 Mahachai Road, Samran Rat
Jay Fai is the nickname of local cooking legend Supinya Junsuta – who, in her 70s, became the first street food chef to attain a Michelin star. Cue a surge of interest in her shophouse restaurant that has been in business for more than 40 years. Wearing trademark heat-protection goggles, Jay Fai preps and cooks each dish one by one over flaming charcoal heat, with each portion attaining the same crispy, smoky quality. These premium street eats (don’t miss the famous crab omelette) command a higher price than are usually expected from Bangkok’s side-of-the-road stalls, but that hasn’t put off the legion of fans.
A MICHELIN 1 STAR RESTAURANT
56 Soi Sukhumvit 26, Khlong Tan
Sorn made its first appearance on the Asia’s 50 Best list in 2019. The colourful ingredients of Southern Thailand are the focus here, sourced daily from the 14 provinces of the region. Chefs and co-owners Supaksorn Jongsiri and Yodkwan U-Pumpruk use traditional techniques, such as clay pot cooking, charcoal grilling and leave-steaming. On their multi-course menu, proceedings kick off with bite-size snacks, followed by salads (don’t be put off by the fish innards dressing) and a feast of dishes for the main course designed to be shared by the whole table. Located down a Sukhumvit alleyway in a 90-year-old house, Sorn is extremely popular among locals and the waiting list grows longer by the day.
2022 #39 – THE WORLDS 50 BEST RESTAURANTS LIST
A MICHELIN 2 STAR RESTAURANT
399/3 Soi Si Lom 7, Si Lom
Chef “Ton” Thitid creatively re-interprets Thai cuisine, with a rotating seasonal menu – Le Du comes from a Thai word meaning ‘season’. In summer, highlights include their signature Khao Chae, as well as Khao Khluk Kapi; the organic rice, cooked with salty aromatic shrimp paste and pork jam, is served with perfectly done river prawns. A relaxed ambience makes this a welcome retreat for diners.
2022 #65 – THE WORLDS 50 BEST RESTAURANTS LIST
A MICHELIN 1STAR RESTAURANT
1052-1054 Charoen Krung 26, Maha Pruttaram
Representing the ratio of exquisite local ingredients to the chef’s inspiration, 80/20’s dynamic seasonal tasting menu offers innovative delights, from the first bite to the last. The concept also applies to the design, featuring mostly Thai materials in an industrial loft style. The chef uses modern techniques and an in-house fermentation lab to produce traditional Thai dishes, ideal for sharing. The delightful signature, Stormy Sea (squid, mangosteen, chilli), is a must.
A MICHELIN 1 STAR RESTAURANT
BANGKOK – THE FINER THINGS
Duration: 5 days / 4 nights
This five-day trip around Bangkok sees you appreciate the finer things in life, with a focus on shopping, wellness and cuisine. Join personal shoppers at designer stores, or experts at hidden antique boutiques, to find a unique addition to your wardrobe or home. Indulge in opulent spa treatments, ranging from the latest in high-tech anti-aging to the enduring tradition of Thai massage, then sip champagne on a private Chao Phraya sunset cruise. After dark, head out on the town to meet the city’s most esteemed chefs and bartenders for specially curated menus and cocktails. This is Bangkok La Dolce Vita style.
This itinerary is an example. All trips are 100% bespoke.
My Virtuoso Bangkok Information Page
Here is a good place to start for some additional information on quality Hotels, Water Adventures and Activities.
WIKIVOYAGE: Bangkok Page
A great resource for all the basic information you need for Bangkok Thailand.
Thailand General Information Page
Phuket Island & The Andaman Coast
General Information Page
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page updated: May 2023
images courtesy: Thailand Tourism Board
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