Reviewed by
Sam Betts
Calm is not the first thing that comes to mind when considering a stay in central Bangkok, but The Siam effortlessly creates an atmosphere of indulgent serenity unparalleled in such an urban setting. Tucked away among tropical gardens on the bank of the Chao Phraya river, this exquisite heritage-style hotel offers the full package: luxurious interiors, a magnificent spa, exceptional Thai cuisine, a stupendous riverside pool, and five-star service.
You could get away with doing nothing much except moving between the pool and the cocktail bar for most of your stay, but it would be a waste not to experience its wealth of offerings. Book a wellness programme at the Opium Spa, take a Muay Thai boxing class, join a private river cruise or attend a Thai cooking lesson with one of the chefs. As for the rooms, even the smallest of its 38 sumptuous suites offer ample space. One thing is certain - however long you stay for, The Siam is a very difficult hotel to leave.
You could get away with doing nothing much except moving between the pool and the cocktail bar for most of your stay, but it would be a waste not to experience its wealth of offerings. Book a wellness programme at the Opium Spa, take a Muay Thai boxing class, join a private river cruise or attend a Thai cooking lesson with one of the chefs. As for the rooms, even the smallest of its 38 sumptuous suites offer ample space. One thing is certain - however long you stay for, The Siam is a very difficult hotel to leave.
Highs
- Every suite is large, lavishly appointed and incredibly romantic, and each comes with a smartphone you can take with you for the day
- A genuine sense of calm and space which is nearly impossible to find elsewhere in Bangkok
- The riverside gardens with a 23m-pool, a bar and restaurant is the perfect place to relax after a hot day exploring the city
- In a city celebrated for five-star spas, the exquisitely opulent Opium Spa has to be experienced to be believed.
- Avoid the traffic and use the free Siam Boat Cruise to access 14 drop-off points up and down the river
Lows
- You're not in walking distance of the main temple districts, but taxis are super cheap and the boat connections are free
- Outdoor space is at a premium in Bangkok, so some rooms don’t have balconies
- It’s expensive, but this is a unique way to experience Bangkok
Best time to go
The best time to visit is from November to March. This is the cooler and clearer time of year which makes exploring temples and markets on foot less of a chore. March to May can see temperatures skyrocket, while May to October brings rain and occasional flooding.
Our top tips
There's a lot more to this hotel than meets the eye, so make sure you give yourself enough time to explore it all. Watch a film in the Screening Room, or check out the Vinyl Room on the top floor, where you can listen to Miles Davis jazz LPs to your heart’s content.