ROOMS & SUITES: 393

For more than 130 years distinguished travelers have followed the legendary Chao Phraya River, through the heart of Bangkok, to the doors of one of the world's most luxurious hotels, Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok.

A paragon of contemporary luxury and rich in history, our hotel is filled with stories of the celebrated guests who have considered us home during their world travels.

Located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, and with a 130-year history, The Oriental, Bangkok is an institution, which is linked with the history and tradition of Thailand itself. The Oriental has grown and developed alongside the city of Bangkok for over a century while maintaining its rich sense of tradition and culture.

The hotel has played host to Thai Royalty, dating back to the middle of the 19th century, among them King Chulalongkorn, the first Thai monarch to honour the hotel with a personal visit in 1890. In June 2006 the hotel also proudly participated in the grand celebrations to mark the 60th Anniversary of His Majesty the King's Accession to the Throne.

The Oriental has a long-standing association with the literary world, and has been a favourite destination for world-renowned writers from Somerset Maugham to Sir Peter Ustinov. This literary tradition also extends to a younger generation of Asian writers; winners of the prestigious S.E.A. Write or Southeast Asian Writers Award, that was initiated by the hotel. This prominent annual event will celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2008.

Far from being complacent, The Oriental has recently completed a series of significant renovations. These include the total transformation of the Thai restaurant Sala Rim Naam and the Barbecue Terrace, the swimming pool, The China House, and the addition of a new Ayurvedic Spa Penthouse. "In addition to celebrating the history and heritage of the hotel, it is important to be open to future trends in order to be successful in this extremely competitive business," acknowledges Khun Kurt.

Famous for its service, style and grace, The Oriental is frequently nominated as "Best Hotel in the World" by readers of influential magazines.

WOW FACTORS

The hotel's Oriental Thai Cooking School is one of the best in the world.

EXPLORE

Bangkok is the cultural and commercial centre of Thailand, a city steeped in tradition and yet thoroughly modern.

A vibrant metropolis with soaring skyscrapers, colourful temples, and mesmerising royal palaces, Bangkok is a city of contradictions. It is home to the world’s newest and largest airport and yet a place where flowers are still sold from wooden long-tail boats floating on the Chao Phraya River.

Long considered one of the world's premiere destinations, Bangkok offers visitors so much to see and do - tantalizing feasts, breathtaking sites, romantic river cruises, intoxicating spa treatments - it can be difficult to choose. The best plan is to stay awhile and enjoy it all. And the perfect place to begin your Asian adventure just happens to be at the centre of everything – the legendary Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok.

Chao Phraya River - adjacent
Silom Road (shopping) - 1 km (0.5 mile)
National Stadium - 1 km (0.5 mile)
Royal Palace - 2 km (1.25 miles)
Patpong (night market) - 2 km (1.25 miles)
Wat Pho (temple) - 2 km (1.25 miles)
Jim Thompson’s House - 2 km (1.25 miles)
Main Railway Station - 2 km (1.25 miles)
Lumpini Park - 2 km (1.25 miles)
Suan Lum (night bazaar) - 3 km (2 miles)
Erawan Shrine - 3.5 km (2.25 miles)

AIRPORT

Bangkok-Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK)

HIGH SEASON

November through April