The Peninsula Bangkok

• Thonburi-bank tower with river-facing rooms and suites
• Shuttle boats to ICONSIAM and Asiatique, and a boat to River City
• Three-tiered pool with 12 Thai salas for shade
• Spa in a three-storey Thai colonial-style house on the river
• Four restaurants, including Cantonese and outdoor Thai

Essentials

The Peninsula Bangkok is a luxury tower on the western, Thonburi bank of the Chao Phraya, opposite the city centre. There is no rail station at the door: guests cross the river by the hotel’s own boats, which is how most visits to the BTS and the main sights begin.

The setting is the point of the stay. The hotel looks across the water to the Bangkok skyline, with gardens, a pool and a spa between the tower and the river. Expect to plan outings around boat times, and to take a taxi or ride-hailing car over the bridge once the boats have stopped.

Overview

The rooms and suites are in a single tower facing the river, so river and skyline views are the norm rather than a premium. The suite types include the Peninsula Suite, a Grand Terrace Suite and a Duplex Suite, according to the hotel’s website.

Boats are the hotel’s own: according to the hotel’s website, a shuttle goes to ICONSIAM and Asiatique The Riverfront, and a boat runs to River City by request, with a transfer to the BTS. Anyone who would rather step out of the lobby into a taxi will do better on the city side of the river, as compared in riverside luxury hotels in Bangkok.

The gardens between the tower and the river give a longer stay somewhere quiet to walk at an easy pace. The tennis court adds a sports option beyond the pool.

Tip: Agree your last boat back before you leave for dinner in the city, and ask the front desk to book a car for any later return.

Food and drink

Mei Jiang

The Cantonese restaurant on the garden level, known for dim sum and Peking duck according to the hotel’s website. It suits a long lunch or a family dinner.

Thiptara

An outdoor Thai restaurant by the river, set among banyan trees and gardens. It is best on a dry evening, when the setting is the main draw.

River Cafe and Terrace

The all-day riverside restaurant, with dinner buffets and a la carte meals listed on the hotel’s website. The Lobby is the hotel’s fourth restaurant.

Amenities

The pool has three tiers and is surrounded by tropical gardens, with 12 traditional Thai salas for shade. The hotel has a fitness centre and a tennis court with coaching and racquet rental.

The Peninsula Spa occupies a three-storey Thai colonial-style building on the river, with private suites that have steam showers and a whirlpool overlooking the Chao Phraya. Spa treatments and wellness activities need advance booking, according to the hotel’s website.

The guest shuttle boats are the main transport link: ICONSIAM, Asiatique and River City, plus the transfer to the BTS.