Bijan C. Bayne
Bangkok’s Chao Praya River is home to tour boats, dinner cruises and leisurely excursions, with a backdrop of a contemporary skyline juxtaposed against its flowing calm. Rising about the river, tucked in a quiet corner of this city of 11 million residents, is the Four Seasons Bangkok Chao Praya River. In this expertly staffed establishment of nearly 300 rooms and suites, guests from all over the world experience stunning views, much-needed relaxation, and the finest of dining. The location is convenient to evening river walks, taxis, rideshare services, Saphin Taksin subway stop, or the hotel’s livery service. The grounds are beautifully landscaped with accents of foliage and reflecting pools, primarily shaded. Curl up on a poolside lounge chair with a book, laptop or smartphone, or to enjoy a cool drink with a friend. On the ground level, The BKK Social Club offers up exotic cocktails and craft beverages. You’ll quickly see why it’s named to nearly every list of Asia’s best bars. The signature drink here is a plantation pineapple rum tribute called the Evita. Bar manager Phillip Bischoff came from a similar post at Manhattan Bar in Singapore.
Schedule a day of shopping at the city’s popular malls- maybe Siam Paragon, maybe Terminal 21 or MBK Plaza. You can tour The Grand Palace, the majestically gilded former royal residence built in the latter 18th century. Follow up all that walking and subway commuting, with a Four Seasons Bangkok Signature Massage. Naturally, you’ll be hungry after a rejuvenating nap. Sample Chef Gullaume Galliot’s French cuisine at Palmier By Gulliame Galliot. You may start with a Foie Gras Bouchee or a lobster & avocado roll. There’s also a Wagyu Beef & Foie Gras Burger as a small bite. Graduate to Japanese Squid, or a cheese board. Now, as you take in the river view, you’re ready for Boston Lobster Confit, Bouillabaisse or Australian Beef Tenderloin Facon Rossini. The latter is served with mushroom sauce. You cannot go wrong with any entrees here.
Another night, go Italian and Riva Del Fiume Ristorante. Three daily meals are served here. Open your dinner with Arancini, a deep fried saffron risotto with Buffalo Mozarella, or Tiramisu Di RicuiDel Mare, sea urchin tiramisu with snow peas and lemon mascarpone. The next course is raw seafood, featuring Scampi or Ricciola (hamachi)- among other options. Parmigiana and Vitello Tonnato (veal tenderloin) are among the antipasti. There are three cheese and five cheese artisanal offerings before the first course. On various nights you may satisfy your craving for Spaghettoni, Maccheroncini, Lasagnetta Bolognese, or Tortelli (ravioli with brisket). Pizzas are also served, and there is a children’s menu. Just save room for the Sgroppino (lemon sorbet), the Fragola de Basilico (strawberry manicotta) or the Tiramisu with Amaretto Ice Cream. One may also eat in room, poolside, or from Cafe Madeleine- the bakery.
Yu Ting Yuan is the property’s Cantonese restaurant. Try Chef Cheun’s Tasting Menu. There are also tea pairings, and Dim Sum Lunch. Lamb, poultry, seafood, soups, pork, duck- they’re all here. Executive Chef Tommy Cheung brings valuable experience from Hong Kong and Taipei. Pro-tip- the double-boiled glutinous rice dessert with almond cream.
That was great. Now retreat to your room for a more lofty river view, as night cruise boats jewel the waterway with their dazzling illumination. On many nights there are fireworks. The hotel’s Urban Wellness Centre features not only the spa but the fitness facility. Long, sweeping lobbies with high ceilings, showcase art, and host shops. The Four Seasons Bangkok Chao Praya was deservedly named third on a list of The World’s Best Hotels in 2023, during a live ceremony at London’s Guildhall. Bangkok is one of the world’s most timeless and treasured cities- the most visited on Earth. Let the metropolis’ riverside enchant you at The Four Seasons Chao Praya.
