Back then, when Thailand was still known as Siam, a guesthouse for foreign sailors was built directly on the banks of the Chao Pharya River. European traders and the first adventurous tourists set off to explore Bangkok and found a place to stay at The Oriental. Thailand’s first hotel at the time quickly became a popular destination for travelers and can now call itself one of the most iconic hotels in the world. Famous guests included writers such as Somerset Maugham whose stay at the hotel inspired him to write The Gentleman in the Parlour and Siamese Fairy Tale.

Or Eleanor Roosevelt, Ian Fleming, Graham Greene and James A Michener, who was particularly famous for the Pulitzer Prize-winning short stories collection Tales of the South Pacific. And icons like David Bowie, Christian Dior and Alfred Hitchcock. Most recently, the hotel was home to Mike White, the screenwriter and director of the show The White Lotus, whose idea for season 3 first took shape at the Mandarin Oriental.

The five-star luxury hotel welcomes its guests in the huge lobby, which is decorated with typical Thai flower arrangements, some of which are up to three meters high. They include lotus flowers, which in Buddhism symbolize unity, spiritual enlightenment and devotion, which perfectly matches the elegant service of the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok. The hotel also boasts one of Thailand’s first Michelin-starred restaurants, Le Normandie, which serves French fine dining and an exquisite wine selection.

The Mandarin Oriental Bangkok surprises with many “firsts”, such as The Bamboo Bar, Bangkok’s first jazz venue, whose interior is still reminiscent of the sensual vibe of the 1950s. Or The Oriental Spa, which is located on the other side of the river and is Bangkok’s first city spa. Just a short trip across the Chao Pharya on the hotel’s own private boat, guests find themselves in a temple of well-being: The restored, century-old teak house accommodates private rooms and suites where guests can take advantage of unique treatments that combine traditional Thai and modern Western techniques.

Traditional Thai elements are also reflected in the design of the entire hotel. The rooms are a skillful blend of elegant Thai themes mixed with seductive modern touches, giving the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok a character of its own. These include the dark wooden floors, oil paintings and fabrics by Jim Thompson, renowned silk manufacturer and past co-owner of the hotel. A unique highlight: Two classical statues carrying lamps that have been outside the Author’s Wing since 1891. The famous Author’s Lounge is located in the original building of the hotel and reminds of the old world of the early 20th century. It serves traditional Asian and British afternoon tea while guests find themselves in a gallery full of portraits of the aforementioned famous writers who frequented the hotel in the past.