The first time I visited Bangkok was ten years ago, at the beginning of my twenties. Now, an entire decade later, the city has changed ten fold (and I’m happy to report, so have I). Back then, I had only visited a handful of countries. Thai culture, food and hospitality was completely new to me, and it wasn’t difficult to fall head over heels for this country. So to return ten years later, I was eager to see how Bangkok had changed and how I had too. For this stay I checked in to the Four Seasons Bangkok, a newly opened five star hotel located on the Chao Phraya River.
An Oasis in Bangkok
I’ll start by stating the obvious: the Four Seasons Chao Phraya river is a complete oasis hiding behind the steep walls, within which you will feel a world away from bustling Bangkok. So if you’re anything like me and love the idea of cities more than the busy crowds themselves (particularly after the last couple of years), this is the perfect hotel to position yourself for a few days of relaxation.
When planning our trip to Thailand, I realised I was more looking forward to the secluded resorts in the countryside or sitting poolside in our private villa in Koh Samui. But by the end of our trip, I had fallen in love with Bangkok again, with the Four Seasons Bangkok being a core reason for this renewed love affair.
The hotel is quietly located on the Chao Phraya river, which runs through the heart of Bangkok. This gave us all the more reason to enjoy the river and use it as a way of transport, rather than getting stuck in traffic jams on the busy streets (though an obligatory tuktuk ride or two was of course enjoyed!)
Around the Resort: My Highlights
As many of you will already know, I’ve had my fair share of hotel stays over the years. As someone who has made a career out of staying in (and reviewing) five star hotels, I can honestly say this hotel is at the forefront of the direction I believe luxury hotels are going in the near future. Put simply, the Four Seasons Chao Phraya River is a complete oasis. There are endless hidden nooks to discover, plenty of green spaces and an abundance of ammenities at your fingertips. During our stay we enjoyed daily buffet breakfast, Thai boxing classes, flying yoga, and a string of European restaurants with award winning chefs.
Dining at the Four Seasons Bangkok
As is usually the case in Bangkok, the hotel hosts an abundance of world class restaurants. Food is a central focus for the hotel, with more than enough choices to keep you from leaving the hotel! Of course there are many great restaurants and bars to explore outside of the hotel, but if you fancy a night in, here are my top choices within the hotel.
Riva del Fiume – My top choice for dining in the hotel, especially for a standout buffet breakfast! I’m not over exaggerating when I say this was one of the best buffet breakfasts I’ve enjoyed in my lifetime.
Brasserie Palmier – A great dinner option for fine French fare. The cocktails are delicious, too.
BKK Social Club – An award-winning bar with a mind boggling cocktail menu. The bar snacks menu is also incredible, so be sure to arrive hungry.
Cafe Madeleine – A gorgeous pastry shop located on the river front. Visit close to opening time in the morning for the complete selection (some of their pastries are so popular they sell out daily!)
The details
Guest rooms range from deluxe rooms to riverfront suites, with sweeping views of the Chao Phraya river. I stayed in a luxurious Premiere river view room, which I would recommend for couples in search of something extra special.
Book your stay with the Four Seasons Bangkok directly for the best rates.