The Four Seasons has long had a presence in Thailand; the hospitality brand first arrived in Thailand back in 1992 and opened four properties, in Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Koh Samui and Bangkok. But for a while the Thai capital was sans Four Seasons when its former home in downtown Bangkok was rebranded to Anantara Siam Bangkok. Only in 2020, right when the pandemic was rampaging, did Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok re-emerge, this time on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, bringing its iconic luxury hospitality to the secluded, idyllic side of town. 

The hotel is designed by celebrated designer Jean-Michel Gathy, the most sought-after designer for ultra-luxury hotel groups worldwide. It is home to 299 rooms and suites, with an airy indoor-outdoor layout inspired by the rhythms of the river, and cascading water pools and a succession of water and plant filled courtyards. 

The property is located on the lower end of Charoenkrung Road, an old residential area of Bangkok known for street food galore. Guests can conveniently find authentic local eats be in the vicinity—or stay in and indulge in the various dining options the hotel has to offer. One is Yu Ting Yuan, Bangkok’s only Michelin-starred Cantonese restaurant, where patrons can watch as the chefs prepare Peking duck and dim sum in the show kitchen. 

The other eateries are Riva del Fiume Ristorante, an Italian restaurant serving authentic dishes al fresco with the river view that gives off an Italian lakeside vibe, and Brasserie Palmier, a French kitchen where fish and seafood, live oysters and fine wine take centre stage. There’s also BKK Social Club, a mixology bar designed by New York-based firm Avroko, that serves bespoke cocktails in a setting that echoes the alluring glamour of Buenos Aires. 

When you need to unwind, head to the Urban Wellness Centre. It offers various wellness, fitness and pampering programmes. There are body treatments and massages that use luxury Omorovicza products that capitalise on the healing properties of Budapest’s famed thermal waters, as well as local organic products, a heated vitality pool, personalised fitness assessment, class exercises and more.