Bangkok Riverside: Spectacular Views and Timeless Elegance
Bangkok’s Riverside (the banks of the Chao Phraya River) is unlike the rest of the city. Whilst other districts are dominated by concrete and traffic, the Riverside offers a refreshing breeze, spectacular views and a sense of timeless elegance. It is the place where stately colonial buildings stand alongside ultra-modern skyscrapers and unique hotels, and where traditional long-tail boats sail side by side with luxury dinner cruises. Whether you’re a romantic, travelling with your family, or simply want to escape the chaos: Riverside never disappoints.
Why choose Riverside?
Riverside isn’t just any neighbourhood; it’s an experience in itself. This is why travellers keep coming back here time and time again:
- Views and Atmosphere: Nothing beats waking up to a panoramic view of the ‘River of Kings’. The sunset over the Chao Phraya River is one of the most beautiful free spectacles Bangkok has to offer.
- Convenient transport: The Chao Phraya Express Boat allows you to avoid traffic jams entirely. What’s more, the BTS Skytrain (Saphan Taksin station) connects the river directly with the rest of the city.
- Close to cultural attractions: You’re just a short distance from top attractions such as the Grand Palace, Wat Arun and Wat Pho.
- Luxury Hotels: Here you’ll find unique luxury hotels and the best rooftop bars.
- High-end dining: Charoen Krung Road, Bangkok’s oldest street, runs right through the neighbourhood. Here you’ll find a mix of Michelin-starred waterfront restaurants, authentic Chinese-Thai eateries and coffee bars in renovated Art Deco buildings. The culinary variety in Riverside is unrivalled in the city.
- Bangkok’s creative district: A vibrant arts scene has emerged in recent years around Charoen Krung Road and the neighbouring sois. Galleries, design studios and the TCDC Design Centre (housed in the renovated former main post office) make this district a must-visit for creative travellers.
Five-star hotels in Riverside
Mandarin Oriental Hotel *****
A legendary classic by the river, offering impeccable service, a sophisticated atmosphere and historic charm.
The Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok is an iconic luxury hotel on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, which has set high standards in hospitality since its opening in 1876 (originally as The Oriental). It boasts nearly 400 rooms and suites spread across the historic Authors’ Wing, the elegant Garden Wing and the modern River Wing.
The hotel combines classic elegance with modern comfort and sweeping views of the river. It also offers culinary highlights, including the Michelin-starred Le Normandie, a charming afternoon tea in the Authors’ Lounge, and the legendary Bamboo Bar with live music.
Guests can unwind in the award-winning spa or the swimming pool, or take part in cultural activities such as Muay Thai, cookery classes or a meditation ritual during morning prayers by the river.
In short, the Mandarin Oriental remains a timeless symbol of style, luxury and exceptional service in the heart of Bangkok.
The Mandarin Oriental Hotel is truly exceptional. We can confirm this from personal experience; we stayed there straight after our wedding and it was an unforgettable experience. (Su & Johan)
Check current prices and availabilityThe Peninsula Bangkok *****
Beautifully situated by the river with luxurious and modern facilities, including a free boat shuttle and an elegant waterside restaurant.
Situated on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, The Peninsula Bangkok is an impressive 37-storey, five-star hotel that opened in 1998 and has since become synonymous with refined luxury in the Thai capital. Thanks to its distinctive W-shaped design, every room enjoys panoramic views of the river and the skyline, combined with warm materials such as teak, Thai silk and ceramic accents, and state-of-the-art technology via touchscreen controls.
The hotel features a luxurious colonial-style spa offering traditional and modern treatments, an 88-metre-long swimming pool with three terraces, and a range of dining options including Thiptara (Thai cuisine by the river), Mei Jiang (Cantonese cuisine) and an elegant lobby for afternoon tea accompanied by live music.
Check current prices and availabilityAnantara Riverside Bangkok Resort *****
A luxurious retreat on the Chao Phraya River, featuring lush tropical gardens, several restaurants and a relaxed resort atmosphere right in the heart of the city.
Situated on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River on a lush 4-hectare site, the Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort combines classic Thai elegance with modern luxury, featuring spacious rooms and suites with views of the river or gardens, tropical swimming pools, a prestigious spa, a fitness centre, tennis courts, yoga classes and a kids’ club, all connected via a complimentary shuttle boat to the BTS Skytrain for easy access to the city.
Foodies can enjoy a wide range of dining options: from the theatrical teppanyaki at Benihana and Polynesian fusion at Trader Vic’s to buffet dinners with traditional performances at the Riverside Terrace and romantic dinner cruises on the Manohra.
In addition, the resort offers cultural activities such as Thai cooking classes, Muay Thai boxing, klong tours and meditative ceremonies such as alms-giving rituals by the river.
In short, the hotel offers the perfect balance between peaceful relaxation, family-friendly facilities and an authentic Bangkok experience.
Check current prices and availabilityThe Salil Hotel Riverside *****
A stylish lifestyle hotel on the Chao Phraya River, featuring creative architecture, luxury facilities and a free boat shuttle to IconSiam and other hotspots.
The Salil Hotel Riverside Bangkok is a stylish, design-led lifestyle accommodation on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. Opened in 2022, it comprises three buildings and a total of 235 rooms and suites, ranging from Deluxe Rooms with pool or river views to spacious Penthouses.
Guests enjoy first-class facilities such as a saltwater swimming pool, a rooftop spa with an aquatherapy pool, a fitness centre, a yoga studio, an art gallery, designer shops and a range of dining options, including the NAVA complex and various lounge and bar venues. The hotel features its own distinctive “mismatched collage” architecture that exudes modernity and creativity, plus family-friendly facilities such as a kids’ club and children’s pool, alongside a commitment to sustainability (e.g. locally sourced and organic food, 100% renewable energy, recycling programmes).
The location is peaceful and picturesque by the river, a little further from the BTS/MRT, but a free boat shuttle service is available to iconic destinations such as IconSiam and Sathorn Pier. High standards of cleanliness, comfort and facilities, and friendly staff.
In short, The Salil Hotel Riverside offers an unforgettable blend of creative elegance, relaxation, culinary variety and family-friendly comfort – perfect if you enjoy the tranquillity of the waterfront, whilst still having easy access to the city.
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Four-star hotels in Riverside
Riva Surya Bangkok ****
A charming 4-star boutique hotel situated right on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, offering a rare combination of tranquillity and a central location. Here you can experience Bangkok in a relaxed way: enjoy the view of passing boats from your private balcony or unwind by the pool overlooking the water, a tranquil oasis in the heart of the bustling city.
With its stylish rooms, modern comforts and warm Thai touches, the hotel is the perfect base from which to explore the historic district, temples and markets, all easily accessible via the nearby river boat. Whether you’re relaxing with a cocktail on the terrace or dining by the water, Riva Surya offers an intimate and atmospheric stay that effortlessly combines luxury and authenticity.
Check current prices and availabilityThe Quarter Chaophraya by UHG ****
A modern 4-star hotel that combines tranquillity and comfort with a stunning location on the Chao Phraya River. Tucked away in the cultural district of Khlong San, this stylish hotel offers a relaxed, almost resort-like atmosphere with a large swimming pool, a lush garden and a riverside terrace where you can escape the hustle and bustle of Bangkok.
The spacious rooms, many of which feature a balcony and views of the water, ensure a comfortable stay whilst keeping you close to iconic attractions such as IconSiam and the Grand Palace. With a spa, fitness centre, restaurant and family-friendly facilities, this is the perfect base for travellers who want to explore the city whilst enjoying the tranquillity of the river – a rare combination in Bangkok.
Check current prices and availabilityThree-star hotels in Riverside
Ibis Bangkok Riverside ***
Escape the hustle and bustle of Bangkok and stay at the 3-star Ibis Bangkok Riverside, a surprisingly peaceful oasis right on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. Here, you’ll wake up to views of the water and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere in a leafy garden with a swimming pool – a rare luxury in this bustling metropolis. Thanks to its peaceful location away from city traffic, you’ll experience the best of both worlds: serenity by the river and easy access to Bangkok’s highlights.
After a day spent exploring temples, markets and shopping, you can unwind by the pool with a view of the river or on the terrace with a drink in hand. With a restaurant, pool bar, family-friendly facilities and even a free shuttle to public transport, this hotel is the ideal base for travellers looking to combine comfort and location without the price tag of a luxury resort.
Check current prices and availabilityBaan Wanglang Riverside ***
A charming 3-star boutique hotel right on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. Situated in the lively Wanglang district, this hotel combines an authentic local atmosphere with modern comfort. From your room, you can enjoy the daily spectacle on the water, whilst iconic landmarks such as the Grand Palace and Wat Arun are just a short distance away, easily accessible via the nearby ferry.
Baan Wanglang Riverside is perfect for travellers who want to experience Bangkok in a more relaxed and characterful way. Start your day with breakfast overlooking the river and finish with a drink on the rooftop terrace as the city slowly lights up. The warm, personalised service and unique location make this hotel a hidden gem for anyone looking for an authentic stay by the water.
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What is there to do in this neighbourhood?
Riverside never gets boring. You can spend hours wandering through the narrow alleyways or strolling along the river to the historic districts.
- Visit IconSiam: Asia’s most impressive shopping centre, featuring an indoor floating market.
- Longtail boat excursion: a trip through the klongs, the canals that once earned Bangkok the nickname ‘Venice of the East’. Behind the façade of the bustling city lies a quieter world of small temples and wooden houses on stilts.
- The crossing to Wat Arun: For just a few baht, take the ferry across to admire the ‘Temple of the Dawn’.
- Asiatique Night Market: A combination of shopping, dining and a Ferris wheel right on the waterfront.
- Talat Noi: the authentic Chinese-Thai neighbourhood just behind Riverside. This is one of Bangkok’s best-kept secrets for street food. The fish head soup at Por Kha Hong has achieved cult status.
Want to find out more? Check out our comprehensive guide to all the sights and excursions in Bangkok.
Frequently Asked Questions about Riverside
Is Riverside a good area for a first visit to Bangkok?
Absolutely. It’s more organised and quieter than areas like Sukhumvit. Riverside combines the best of Bangkok within a relatively small area: historic sights, excellent hotels, good places to eat and easy access.
When is the best time of year to visit Riverside?
The dry season, from November to February, is the most pleasant: relatively cool (25–32°C) and ideal for walking and boat trips. During the rainy season, from May to October, prices are considerably lower, but the rain is usually short-lived and rarely a real hindrance.
How do I get from Riverside to the rest of the city?
The main hub is Sathorn Pier. Here you can change to the BTS Skytrain (Saphan Taksin) or take one of the various Chao Phraya Express Boat routes.
Are hotels in Riverside more expensive?
Generally speaking, prices for hotels right on the river are higher than in other areas, but with the arrival of trendy hostels and 3-star hotels, there is now something to suit every budget. On average, you’ll pay a little more than in Sukhumvit, but you’ll get the riverside atmosphere in return.
TIP: If you want a room with a view of the river, always make sure to specifically choose a “river view room” when booking, as not all rooms in a hotel automatically overlook the water.
Is Riverside also suitable for families with children?
JYes, for families looking to combine culture and comfort, Riverside is an excellent choice. The larger hotels have spacious swimming pools, family-friendly facilities and children’s menus. That said, the area does have fewer playgrounds than, for example, Sukhumvit.
Is Riverside safe for an evening stroll?
Riverside is generally quiet and safe in the evenings. The riverside promenade near the major hotels is well lit. The smaller alleys leading towards Charoen Krung are less well lit but not unsafe. As is the case everywhere in Bangkok: keep an eye on your belongings in busy areas and use Grab if you’re travelling back late.
When is the best time to visit this neighbourhood?
At sunset, the river really comes to life. During festivals such as Loy Krathong, Riverside is also the place to be, thanks to the thousands of lights on the water.
Ready to explore Riverside?
Whether you’re looking for the unrivalled luxury of a five-star resort or the charm of a small-scale boutique hotel, Riverside is always the right choice. It’s the ideal base for anyone wanting to soak up some culture without getting caught up in Bangkok’s daily traffic chaos. Have you made your choice? Then don’t wait too long to book, as the rooms with river views are, unsurprisingly, the first to go!
Want to know more? Looking for a different neighbourhood?
Haven’t found the perfect hotel among these options yet, or would you like to find out more about the different neighbourhoods? Then head back to our main page on Hotels in Bangkok. There you’ll also find our extensive selection of hotels and useful tips on transport and the best times to book.
