17/10/2026
It’s been quite a year for Bangkok. Condé Nast Traveller readers have named it the world’s best city in the 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards, while Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok claimed the No.1 spot for hotels in Southeast Asia, scoring 99.60 out of 100.
Matt and Wahyu from our marketing team stayed recently, and this photograph was taken at Sala Rim Naam, the hotel’s Thai restaurant across the Chao Phraya. Dinner here comes with a performance of classical Thai dance, accompanied by traditional music. It’s a rather wonderful introduction to a hotel that has been part of Bangkok’s history since 1876.
For anyone planning their first visit to Thailand, we’d suggest allowing at least three nights in the capital. There’s plenty to occupy your time between the temples, the food scene and the river itself. Bangkok deserves a place in the itinerary, rather than being treated as an overnight stop before heading elsewhere.
One of our favourite things about Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok was the view from our room. In the late afternoon, with the sun dropping behind the buildings and boats making their way along the Chao Phraya, we found ourselves spending rather more time indoors than we’d anticipated.
The hotel has several wings and a surprisingly varied collection of rooms. A Mandarin Room, for instance, has partial river and city views, whereas the State Rooms face the river directly and come with private balconies. They’re quite different propositions, particularly when you’re spending several nights here.
It’s worth getting the room category right before you travel, something our Asia specialists can help with. The river is such a large part of the Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok appeal that we’d certainly consider making the most of it.
In 1876, Bangkok was the capital of Siam, and the Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok was beginning what would become a rather distinguished career on the banks of the Chao Phraya.
Joseph Conrad, Somerset Maugham and Noël Coward are among the literary figures who have stayed here. T
