The Siam

Staying at The Siam means seeing a side of Bangkok most visitors miss. Dusit is the city's royal district, a leafy area of palaces, ministries, and temples just north of the Old Town, with the Throne Hall, Vimanmek Teak Palace, and Dusit Zoo all within about ten minutes. No Skytrain is nearby, but the hotel's shuttle boat runs along the river to Sathorn Pier, turning every trip across the city into a river journey.

Krissada Sukosol Clapp and designer Bill Bensley conceived The Siam to house Krissada's antique collection. The look recalls Bangkok at its grandest under King Rama V, with Art Deco accents and a muted palette of black, white, cream, and grey, softened by wood, weave, leather, stone, and three acres of riverfront gardens.

Accommodation starts at 80 square metres, among the most spacious in Bangkok, with suites overlooking the gardens or the river. The Courtyard and Riverside Pool Villas add private pools for complete seclusion.

Afternoon tea here is one of the best in Bangkok, so set aside an afternoon for it. The signature Thai restaurant sits by the river, and the Art Deco bar and bistro hosts live music on selected evenings. As the sun goes down, take a drink out to the riverside pier.

Inspired by nature and designed to feel intimate, Opium Spa offers signature treatments, yoga, and meditation. Its rituals include organic moringa-based treatments created with the Thai-based Moringa Project.