An Artful Riverside Escape: Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River

Set along Bangkok’s famous Chao Phraya River, the Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok invites you into a sophisticated urban sanctuary at the heart of the city’s dynamic creative district. Imagine – the hotel is surrounded by contemporary galleries, stylish boutiques, vibrant cafés, and acclaimed restaurants, providing you with lots of options during your stay. Also, whether you are gazing out over the river from the serene lap and infinity pools, savouring inventive cuisine at one of the many dining venues, or finding peace in the lush green courtyards, relaxation comes naturally here. In this article, we’ll take you through the highlights of our memorable stay – read on to discover what makes this riverside haven so exceptional.

1. An artful destination in the heart of the city 

If we had to describe the Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River in one word, it would be beautiful. Set right on the banks of the Chao Phraya, the hotel offers a serene atmosphere enhanced by breathtaking riverside views. The surrounding neighbourhood is just as charming, filled with art galleries, stylish boutiques, and inviting cafés and restaurants.

But that’s not all! Every corner of Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River exudes luxury and beauty. The hotel suites are absolutely gorgeous that even the table lamps look like actual art pieces. Throughout the property, art is seamlessly integrated into the experience, making it feel like you are wandering through a contemporary museum. Each restaurant is also lavishly designed, turning every meal into a visual feast as much as a culinary one (but more on this later!). Even the garden is a masterpiece in itself—lush, calming, and immaculately landscaped.

2. Indulge in beauty and tranquility in the stunning hotel rooms

From the moment you arrive at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River, you will feel an immediate sense of calm and comfort as you step into the beautifully appointed guest rooms and suites at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok. Designed with a refined residential feel, each space features contemporary interiors and carefully curated furnishings that exude understated elegance. 

We especially recommend the hotel’s river-facing suites for those seeking relaxation with a view. The Riverside Terrace Suite is a standout—it opens up new dimensions for your Bangkok getaway. Picture yourself sipping cocktails with friends (or just spending some much-needed family time!) on your private rooftop terrace, taking in uninterrupted views of the Chao Phraya, or unwinding in the spacious living room as the city sparkles in the distance. Thoughtful in-room features include a refrigerated private bar with mini cocktails, a built-in safe, discreet storage, a small dining table, and stunning floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the view perfectly.

A personal highlight? Our room came with a baby cot personalised with our Baby Abigail’s name—a truly heartwarming touch. To our kids’ delight, the room was also decorated with balloons, creating a festive atmosphere that felt almost like a gender reveal party. It’s these little details that made our stay extra special.

Thoughtful personal touches for a wonderful stay

3. Swim in beautiful swimming pools

The pools at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok are just as stunning as the rest of the property – an ideal way to cool off and unwind in Bangkok’s heat. What impressed us most was how thoughtfully designed the pool areas are, seamlessly blending spaces for adults, kids, and even babies into one. The shallow wading areas are perfect for little ones, while older kids can explore the interconnected pools and splash to their hearts’ content. Our children had such a blast it was a challenge getting them out of the water for their afternoon nap.

Pool day at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River

4. A dining destination

The highlight of anyone’s stay would be the variety of restaurants at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River. Dining and drinking options include Yu Ting Yuan, Riva del Fiume Ristorante, Palmier by Guillaume Galliot, Chao Phraya Terrace, BKK Social Club, The Lounge, and Cafe Madeline.

Yu Ting Yuan, for authentic Cantonese cuisine

Headed by Executive Chef Tommy Cheung, the restaurant showcases authentic Cantonese flavours through an artfully crafted tasting menu, with highlights such as expertly prepared Peking duck and delicate dim sum served straight from the show kitchen. Set against a stunning backdrop of lush gardens and a tranquil reflection pond—bathed in sunlight by day and beautifully lit by night—Yu Ting Yuan invites guests to savour world-class cuisine in a setting as exquisite as the food itself. And the best part? It is the first and only Cantonese restaurant in Thailand to be awarded a Michelin star, so you can only expect the best!

Palmier by Guillaume Galliot, a French restaurant

Palmier by Guillaume Galliot offers a relaxed yet refined riverside dining experience, where classic French brasserie dishes are elevated with the creative finesse of Chef Guillaume Gallio – renowned for his three Michelin stars at Caprice, Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong. We were fortunate to try an exclusive menu during our visit, and every dish really impressed us! We got to enjoy the unique Hot and Cold Onion Soup, the tender, slow-cooked Iberico pork rack with lentil ragout, and their delicious Tomato Variation with Burrata Cream. We also enjoyed the Beef Tartare, which was prepared right in front of us like a live station! A really unique touch.

Delicious fare we had at Palmier by Guillaume Galliot

For those travelling with kids like we did, you will also appreciate how their Kids Menu doubles as a colouring book – perfect for keeping the little ones entertained. So innovative!

Riva del Fiume Ristorante, for Italian cuisine amidst riverside views

If you prefer something more Italian while also indulging on stunning riverside views, Riva del Fiume Ristorante is the best option. Overlooking the Chao Phraya River, the restaurant features four expansive terraces that invite you to dine alfresco in style. Inside, flooded with natural light and evoking the timeless elegance of Lake Como, Executive Chef Andrea Accordi and his team bring modern Italian cuisine to life with seasonally inspired dishes crafted in a vibrant show kitchen. Riva del Fiume Ristorante also offers delicious breakfast options every morning – start your day on a perfect note with a delightful breakfast overlooking the serene beauty of the Chao Phraya River.

Chao Phraya Terrace, for Thai farm-to-table charcoal grill

Chao Phraya Terrace is A seasonal outdoor restaurant inspired by Bangkok’s vibrant street food scene, offering a true “Farm to Table” experience. Ingredients are sourced exclusively from regional parts of Thailand, with a focus on artisanal and sustainable practices through partnerships with small farmers and family-run companies. The menu highlights traditional Thai cooking techniques, including charcoal grilling using lychee wood from Nan province and coconut charcoal from Prachuap Khiri Khan, which infuses dishes with smoky flavours reminiscent of Bangkok’s bustling food streets. 

Cafe Madeleine, for coffee and pastries

Tastefully decorated and full of character, this artisanal neighbourhood café offers a delightful selection of freshly baked pastries and expertly brewed coffee. Honestly, the interior of the café makes you feel like you are in a whimsical theme park. Not to mention the food is great too!

BKK Social Club

Last but certainly not least, BKK Social Club is a must-visit for cocktail enthusiasts. Ranked #12 on The World’s 50 Best Bars 2024 and previously #13 in 2023, this stylish bar channels the golden age glamour of Buenos Aires, offering an exceptional menu of bespoke cocktails, rare Champagnes, craft spirits, and premium cigars. We enjoyed an unforgettable date night here – Philip, the beverage manager, took wonderful care of us, even surprising us with complimentary champagne cocktails (see photo!). The atmosphere was vibrant yet refined, and bartender Kiattisak made our evening even more memorable by talking with us all night!

5. Indulge in a 101 Days of Summer  Afternoon Tea experience

The hotel’s Lobby Lounge is perfect for everything from casual meetups to indulgent afternoon teas. One must-try is their limited-time 101 Days of SummerAfternoon Tea by Chef Joaquin Soriano, a celebrated French-trained pastry chef known for his whimsical creations and couture-inspired techniques. With a background shaped in the legendary Michelin-starred kitchens of Le Meurice, Alain Ducasse, Alléno Yannick, and the prestigious Relais Dessert Pastry Shop Luc Guillet, Chef Soriano brings a charming creative vision to Bangkok’s riverside urban resort.

6. Spend a day of wellness at the hotel’s Urban Wellness Centre

For a day of wellness, visit the hotel’s Urban Wellness Centre, a serene sanctuary in the heart of Bangkok offering state-of-the-art spa therapies, spiritual practices, and elite fitness training tailored to your personal needs. The menu of treatments is extensive, but we highly recommend the Four Seasons Signature Massage—an incredibly relaxing and rejuvenating experience inspired by centuries-old Thai rituals and modern wellness techniques. It’s a popular choice (we only managed to get an 11 a.m. slot and we could totally understand why it gets booked fast), so booking in advance is strongly advised.

If you really want to splurge, go for an Urban Wellness Centre Day Pass, priced at THB 4,800 per person, which includes your choice of a 60-minute Signature, Traditional Thai, Bespoke Oil, or Foot Reflexology treatment, along with access to the locker rooms, vitality areas with steam rooms and pools, the Health Club Lap Pool, and the Fitness Centre. You will also have the opportunity to join any of the scheduled fitness activities, depending on availability. It’s the perfect way to unwind, reset, and fully immerse yourself in holistic well-being.

7. Spend a day of fitness at the gym

The spa is not all there is at the Urban Wellness Centre, as there is also a state-of-the-art Health Club, featuring premium equipment, a dedicated Muay Thai ring, and a wide range of dynamic group classes—from anti-gravity yoga and Pilates to float board fitness, HIIT, circuit training, bootcamp, and aqua workouts. Personal training sessions are available for those needing extra help, and visiting wellness practitioners and movement specialists offer unique expertise throughout the year. Another highlight is the cold plunge—an unexpected and refreshing feature we never saw from other hotels.  Guests can also enjoy complimentary healthy snacks in the gym, including options like strawberry, banana and plant protein, and ginger lemongrass shots (see photo below!). 

8. Explore the hotel’s Kids Club

Even the kids can have their fun too at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River. Our little ones, Ally and Aaron, had a blast at this big and beautifully decorated place for kids—Ally got completely immersed in a beading activity, threading tiny cubes to make her own necklace and bracelet (with a little help from us, of course—my fingers were trembling by the end!). Meanwhile, Aaron was happily zooming around with toy buses and cars, and making the most of the slides. The space is thoughtfully equipped for both play and learning, and the kind, attentive staff made us feel completely at ease. It’s a wonderful place for kids to enjoy their own adventures while parents enjoy a well-deserved break.

Our stay at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River was truly one to remember. From the moment we arrived, we felt so well taken care of—every detail was thoughtful, every space beautifully designed. We loved waking up to those serene river views, indulging in incredible meals at the long list of restaurants, and exploring everything the hotel had to offer, from relaxing spa and fitness moments at the Urban Wellness Club to fun-filled family time at the Kids Club. It felt like the perfect balance of luxury and comfort, and we would love to come back in the future, no matter the season!