The Pearl of the Chao Phraya River

The Siam Hotel is Bangkok‘s most secret and most desired boutique luxurious hotel. It is hidden in the Dusit Royal District on the Chao Phraya River. This year marks the sixth year of its opening. It was created by Thai rock star Krissada Sukosol Clapp based on its family‘s Sukosol hotel brand. With only 39 rooms and 4 traditional teak villas, the hotel tells a story of the Siamese era, full of wonders and adventures, with countless private antique collections and unique designs. In a short time, it has become one of the most beloved Thai boutique hotels by global superstars, celebrities and elites.

Krissada Sukosol Clapp has never been involved in the hospitality industry before setting up this hotel. No one expected that the rock star would create such sparks with the famous hotel designer Bill Bensley that made the Siam hotel Bangkok‘s hidden pearl.

In 1973, Krissada‘s father acquired the land where the Siam Hotel was located and used it as a river exploration dock. Krissada proposed to build a luxury boutique hotel that is distinct from the major brands such as Mandarin Oriental and the Peninsula on the Chao Phraya River. This would be a local family hotel in Bangkok that is reminiscent of the golden age of Siam – when people took the boat down the Chao Phraya River to visits this hospitable country.

”How do I achieve something different and become myself We have to be different, and run this hotel like running an independent band or making a wonderful independent film.” Krissada said in an interview. He likes to think of The Siam as an independent hotel and history museum, representing his taste, to distinguish it from the international big brands along the Chao Phraya River. He invited the architect and interior designer Bill Bensley, who designed the InterContinental Hotel in Da Nang, the Four Seasons Hotel in Chiang Mai, and the Peninsula Bangkok in Thailand, to combine the ancient Thai cultural heritage of King Rama V （18531910） in the early 20th century with Western decorative arts, so that they coexist in a conflicted fusion of unique charm. The private collection of antiques in the hotel‘s public areas and rooms provides an immersive historical experience with deep tranquility.

In fact, in addition to his musical talent, Krissada is also an avid collector of antiques, with a collection of more than 2,000 pieces. A big part of the original intention of this hotel is to place everything in one place. Krissada‘s mother is also an avid collectorthe Chinese Terracotta Warriors fragments in the hotel lobby belong to her. She is also a jazz singer and has released more than 20 albums.

In every corner of the hotel, there is a good collection, such as the 1940s Burmese wooden dental chair, the military helmet of the reign of Rama V, the herbal cabinet of the 20th century pharmacy in Bangkok Chinatown, the first Bangkok guide in 1904 in Thailand, tropical bird specimens, China‘s Tang tricolour, 16thcentury Burmese wooden Buddha statues, 1930s Parisian bar carts... Each item has a historical story that deserves deep appreciation.

In the vinyl record room leading to the sky garden, the ancient leopard fur is laid on an antique piano, alongside the jazz vinyl records collection of Hugh Van Es, the Vietnam War photographer who photographed the iconic photos of the United States retreating from Saigon. An old but wellfunctioning record player awaits for the guests to use it to play the Beatles‘ first album at sunset.The walls of the corridor are dotted with old maps of the Siamese Empire of King Rama V in the second half of the 19th century, representing the controversial independence of the empire at the time.

In addition to public spaces, each room also displays different collections. Some rooms display Thai celebrities paintings on oldfashioned gum or cigarette packs. Some rooms display charcoal sketches or musical instruments, and our oversized bathroom is interestingly decorated with a full set of Thai women‘s old hairdo photos and an old spinning machine.

When Art Deco Meets Siamese Antique Style

From the moment you step on the stairs of the hotel, it feels like entering a private jewelry box. The garden, pool and courtyard are surrounded by elegant symmetry, bringing a calm and intimate atmosphere. The journey through Siam begins with a promenade inspired by Orsay Museum in Paris. The serene marble corridor surrounds the central courtyard under the glass, encircled by lush ferns and palm trees, with plenty of natural light and black and white architectural tones.

Each room has wooden ceilings over three meters high, large beds and oversized bathrooms. The overall grey and neutral tones are complemented by dark teak furniture, black and white mosaic tiles and brass fittings, adding a touch of vintage to the room. The ubiquitous lines and symmetrical shapes create a unique rhythm.The swimming pool on the Chao Phraya River is parallel to the river, surrounded by lush greenery, with colonialstyle bars and two luxurious villas on both sides.

The hotel has two restaurants, a bar and a poolside lounge area. Chon is the main restaurant for breakfast and the hotel‘s Thai cooking school. This threehundredyearold Thai teak villa belongs to antique dealer and OSS broker Connie Mangksau. Connie‘s party is legendary and brings together celebrities from around the world such as Jackie Kennedy, John Rockefeller, Roger Moore, William Horton and Henry Ford. The house was originally located in Ayuddhya and was later transported here.In order to avoid the busy traffic in Bangkok, the Siam Hotel has prepared a private ferry for the guests and has a housekeeper to arrange the itinerary. At dusk, you can admire the riverside landscape of ancient temples and modern neon highrises along the Chao Phraya River.

The Siam Hotel also offers other experiences in addition to the Opium Spa, it is also easy to do yoga, meditation, practice Muay Thai in the wellequipped gymnasium occasionally used by Thai royals, play chess in private libraries and use oldfashioned movie projectors and most advanced audiovisual equipment in private cinemas to enjoy an exclusive film. The hotel has even prepared a sak yant sacred Thai tattoo experience for guests.