The Old Customs House Bangkok

A Colonial Building on the Chao Phraya River

The Old Customs House is on the Chao Phraya River in Bang Rak, right next to the Mandarin Oriental Hotel and across from IconSiam. For years, it sat abandoned, roof partially collapsed, vines growing through the windows. We visited a few times when it was still empty. Now it’s being turned into The Langham Bangkok Hotel.

The History

Built in 1888 under King Rama V. Italian architect, European style. It was Bangkok’s first customs office, back when all goods came up the river by boat. An important building at the time. Then customs moved elsewhere and the place got forgotten.

For decades, it just sat there. A fire damaged part of the roof at some point. No maintenance, no use. The structure held up but the inside was gutted. Birds living in the rafters, floors half gone.

When It Was Abandoned

We first went maybe ten years ago. Someone was taking wedding photos outside. Apparently, it was a known spot for that, the old brick arches and river backdrop. The fence was technically closed, but nobody cared. You could walk in, look around, and take pictures. No guards, no signs, nothing.

Inside was a mess. You had to watch where you stepped. Broken glass, collapsed sections, pigeons everywhere. But you could still see what it used to be. The arches, the brickwork, the scale of it. Felt strange that something like this was just sitting empty in central Bangkok.

The Renovation

Rumours about restoring it went around for years. Museum, gallery, hotel, whatever. Finally The Langham group bought it. As of late 2024, it’s covered in scaffolding. They’re keeping the original façade and rebuilding the rest.

If you walk along the river near Bang Rak now, you’ll see the construction. Should open sometime in 2025 or 2026 as a luxury hotel. Different experience than sneaking through a ruined building, obviously.

Is It Worth Visiting Now?

Not really. You can see the outside from the river or from the street, but it’s a construction site. Once The Langham opens, it’ll probably have a restaurant or bar with river views. Might be worth checking then.

If you’re in the area, the Mandarin Oriental is next door, and Holy Rosary Church is a short walk away. Better to combine it with those.

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