Amidst the Ripples of the Chao Phraya River

In December 2018, I visited Bangkok for the first time on a business trip and stayed in The Peninsula Bangkok. On the evening of December 9th, I was sitting in the sofa in the lobby waiting for my friends. Feeling comfortable and relaxed, I suddenly realized that this was my favorite hotel so far. I adored the walls and columns being wrapped in complete Thai teak, bringing people a sense of time.

During my stay in the hotel, I just caught up with three interesting events. The first was the 2018 Bangkok Art Biennale held in Thailand for the first time, with The Peninsula Bangkok as one of the 20 exhibition venues. Indonesian artist Heri Dono‘s installation ”The Female Angels” hung in the lobby to welcome guests. When pressed the button, the five little dolls would flap their wings and sing songs. Two screens in the lobby bar showcased the pioneering video art of Thai female artist Kawita Vatanajyankur, who made people think about the working conditions and equal rights of Thai women.

Then came the 20th anniversary celebrations of The Peninsula Bangkok, launching up to 20 experiences of local specialties. Each hotel staff‘s uniform was decorated with the colorful lotus logo designed by Gucci‘s Thai designer artist Phannapast Taychamaythakool. The third interesting event was the celebration of Christmas season. The Christmas calendar designed also by artist Phannapast would automatically open a window at 5 pm every day to send out chocolate, candy, toys and other small gifts.

A Room with a River View

For the Chao Phraya River to be seen in all rooms, the 39storey building was designed in a waved W shape. The floortoceiling window of the deluxe room is located at a protruding corner behind the executive desk and chair, like a 180degree viewing platform. The design of the rooms is loved for its secured privacy. The bedroom has its own doors just like home. The spacious dressing room is separated from the bedroom and bathroom, suitable for ladies and socialites. Two wash basins are on two sides of the bathtub in the marble bathroom. When the hotel staff cleans up the bathroom, items of two guests will not be mixed.

What makes people smile is the desktop Sony TV that is embedded in the wall of the bathtub. 20 years ago, it meant the pursuit of high quality, and now it has the nostalgic connotation like that of a classical telephone. In fact, The Peninsula is one of the few brands that has a Room technology research and development center, its  technological innovation has always been at the forefront. Nowadays, when the guests are led into the room, the curtains will automatically open, surprising the guests with the beautiful scenery of the Chao Phraya River.

Beauty Ashore

The Peninsula Bangkok has become a beautiful scenery on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River.

The first time I had dinner by the river was at the Thiptara restaurant at The Peninsula Bangkok. The name Thiptara has the meaning of ”water of paradise” in Thai, and this venue is surrounded by tall eucalyptus trees and tropical plants. The table choice is best with a river view, one can also choose to dine in a traditional Thai pavilion. The Thai cuisines here include dishes such as Tom Yum Goong soup, red curry roast duck, pork satay, Thaistyle grilled seafood. The rice is served with two bamboo baskets, one is original Thai rice and the other one is added with delicious coconut oil.

After night falls, one can take a night cruise to the riverside night market, Asiatique The Riverfront, from the exclusive dock at The Peninsula Bangkok. The abundant waters found a way into your heart. The charm and spirituality of the Chao Phraya River and the temple stupas on both sides of the river brought the place peace and goodwill,intertwined with the neon flashes and tourists. I have truly experienced the charm of a city when I stayed at The Peninsula Bangkok.