A Weekend at Mandarin Oriental Bangkok
We’ve stayed at the Mandarin Oriental maybe five or six times over the years. It’s expensive, properly expensive, but we keep going back. The hotel sits by the Chao Phraya River in Bang Rak, a quieter part of Bangkok. From the riverside rooms, you can see IconSiam across the water. Boats pass all day, but somehow it stays calm.
The History
The hotel opened in 1876. Parts of the original building are still here. It’s hosted kings, diplomats, and famous writers. You see the history in the wooden floors, the old photos in the corridors, and the small details they’ve kept. It feels old in a good way, not stuffy.
Author’s Lounge
White room, glass roof, classic furniture. Famous for afternoon tea. Named after writers who stayed here: Joseph Conrad, Somerset Maugham, others. We usually just pass through, but it’s a nice spot to sit for twenty minutes if you’re waiting for someone. Tea is pricey though, around 2,000 Baht for two.
Graham Greene Suite
We stayed in the Graham Greene Suite in the River Wing. High floor, view across the Chao Phraya. Calm in the morning, golden before sunset. The room feels like an apartment. Wooden floors, silk walls, antique lamps. Comfortable but not flashy.
Graham Greene wrote The Quiet American and stayed here often. Makes sense, they named this one after him. Quiet, a bit old-fashioned. The minibar prices are brutal, by the way. Buy water from 7-Eleven.
Where to Eat
Nine restaurants, two bars. We’ve tried four of them over multiple visits.
Le Normandie – French fine dining, two Michelin stars, top floor of the old wing. River views, formal service. Not cheap. Budget 8,000-12,000 Baht for two with wine. Worth it for a special occasion, but you’ll feel it.
Sala Rim Naam – Thai restaurant across the river. You take the hotel boat. Traditional house, dance performances during dinner. Good if you’re with visitors who want the full Thai experience. We found the show a bit long but the food was solid.
Ciao Terrazza – Italian, open November to March only. Outdoor seating by the river. Pizza, pasta, grilled fish. Nothing groundbreaking but nice for a break from Thai food. Gets booked up on weekends.
The Verandah – This is where we eat most mornings. Riverside terrace, fans overhead, hotel boats coming and going. Thai and international menu. Consistent. Staff remember your coffee order by day two.
The other restaurants we haven’t tried: Kinu (Japanese), Lord Jim’s (seafood), Bamboo Bar (jazz and cocktails), Riverside Terrace (events mostly).
Breakfast
Breakfast is good. Huge selection, everything made fresh. We get up earlier than usual just for it, which says something. Included in some rates, around 1,500 Baht per person if not.
The Spa
Across the river in a restored teak house. Small boat takes you over, runs every few minutes. One of the better hotel spas we’ve tried in Bangkok. Book ahead, especially weekends.
What’s Not Great
The location is a bit inconvenient. No BTS nearby, so you’re relying on taxis, Grab, or the hotel boat to Saphan Taksin. Fine if you don’t mind, annoying if you want to pop out quickly.
The pool is small. Fine for a dip but not for swimming laps.
Prices across the board are high, even by Bangkok luxury standards. The minibar, room service, spa, and drinks at the bar. It adds up fast.
Is It Worth It?
It depends on what you want. For a special trip, anniversary, birthday, somewhere you’ll remember, yes. For a few nights in Bangkok, where you’re out exploring most of the day, it’s probably overkill. We like it because the service is consistent and the riverside setting works. But it’s a lot of money.
More Photos
Mandarin Oriental Bangkok Info
Location: Bang Rak, Riverside
Address: 48 Oriental Ave, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500
Phone: 02 659 9000
Category: 5-star luxury
Restaurants: 9
Pool: 1 (small)
Spa: Yes, across the river
Getting there: BTS Saphan Taksin (850 m), then walk or hotel boat. No MRT nearby.
Price: Rooms from 15,000 Baht/night
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Mandarin Oriental Bangkok Map
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