There’s much to love about Bangkok. The Thai capital offers an extraordinary sensory experience that includes a vibrant street-food scene, a dense mix of fascinating architecture — from 16th-century Buddhist temples to modern glass high-rises — and arguably the finest collection of hotels in Southeast Asia.
Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, iBestTravel asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Hotels were rated on their facilities, location, service, food, and overall value. Properties were classified as city or resort based on their locations and amenities.
The best hotels in Bangkok offer a sanctuary from its bustling, crowded blocks. Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort (No. 5) delivers on this front with 11 verdant acres on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, giving guests smooth access to the rest of the city. “The boat pier makes it easy to get to some of the best river sites in Bangkok,” wrote one reader, who also appreciated the “lovely” spa and “exceptional” food at Anantara’s nine restaurants and bars.
Further up the Chao Phraya, the Siam (No. 2) took the runner-up spot this year. Opened in 2012, the Art Deco property with 39 suites and private villas is known for its striking design by Bangkok-based Bill Bensley, who also conceived the interiors of other reader-favorite hotels like the Park Hyatt in Siem Reap and St. Regis in Bali. Here, Bensley created an art- and antiques-filled oasis that resembles a private residence, with inner courtyard gardens and rooms that start at a giant 860 square feet. One reader described it as “an absolutely gorgeous and unique” experience.
For the complete rundown of this year’s top hotels in Bangkok, including the property readers voted the winner, read more below.
5. Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort
Score: 90.79
More information: anantara.com
4. Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok
WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 92.05
More information: mandarinoriental.com
Bangkok, Thailand: The city of wonders.
3. The Peninsula Bangkok
Score: 93.19
More information: peninsula.com
2. The Siam, Bangkok
Score: 93.68
More information: thesiamhotel.com
1. Lebua at State Tower
Score: 95.43
More information: lebua.com/state-tower
This year’s winner stands out for its location in one of Bangkok’s tallest high-rises, making it a perfect spot for sunset cocktails on the rooftop Sky Bar. From here, the entire city stretches out in all directions. The guest rooms, meanwhile, attract readers who value space — standard rooms clock in at a huge 710 square feet, which would make them suites almost anywhere else. As you’d expect from one of the highest hotels in Asia, the views are a big selling point. And while Lebua doesn’t have the secluded garden setting of other Bangkok hotels, amenities here include an expansive swimming pool and a spa, where travelers can enjoy traditional Thai massages.
See all of our readers’ favorite hotels, cities, airlines, cruise lines, and more in the World’s Best Awards.
