Jazz music at The Bamboo Bar inside the legendary Mandarin Oriental Bangkok

48 Oriental Ave, Khwaeng Bang Rak, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500, Thailand
Google Map link

The Bangkok establishment is one of the two flagships of the Mandarin Oriental brand.

It would be near impossible to have a conversation about luxury hotels in Thailand and not mention Mandarin Oriental Bangkok. Such is this establishment’s prominence that it has welcomed guests including The Queen of Sweden, Audrey Hepburn, and Marlon Brando.

The elephant is the national animal of Thailand

High ceilings and floral decor

The original structure was opened more than 146 years ago in 1877. It was the first hotel in Thailand. Overtime, it became a favourite for travelling businessmen looking for a respectable place to stay. Amenities were important, so there were carpeted hallways, smoking and ladies’ rooms, and even a billiards room. Late 19th century Bangkok had no other establishment of the like.

The lobby has plenty of space to lounge while you wait for a romantic dinner 😉

Thai hospitality is at its finest

So special was the Mandarin Oriental’s status that it was visited by guests from celebrity and head of state backgrounds. In December 1890, the Thai King (King Chulalongkorn) even personally inspected the hotel and deemed it worthy for royals to stay in.

Today, there are no less than 12 restaurants, with two awarded Michelin stars for excellence in French cuisine. The Oriental Spa is Thailand’s first luxurious hotel spa, and is recognised in the Forbes Travel Guide. A calm and prestigious elegance greets you as soon as you enter the lobby. The ceiling is high above and a heartfelt greeting from a staff member awaits.

On the way to a starry river view

String instruments greet your entry into the lobby of the 5-star hotel

Mandarin Oriental Bangkok stands majestically over the Chao Phraya River. Whilst dining at The Verandah restaurant, you can appreciate glimmering city views and the feeling of ethereal calmness. It’s wondrous to remember that ships have been ferrying businessmen to the hotel for over 140 years.

Dining at The Verandah restaurant

A spell-binding view of Chao Phraya river and ICONSIAM

An establishment that oozes charisma, The Bamboo Bar is a must-visit for lovers of jazz, drink, and speak-easy lounging. Opened in 1953, it was Bangkok’s first jazz venue and to this day retains an old-school charm. Unsurprisingly, it has been included in Asia’s top 50 best bars (most recently in 2022). Live perfomers take the stage from Monday to Saturday. Remember to dress appopriately, guests are asked to wear elegant attire and proper footwear.

To see our TikTok video on Mandarin Oriental Bangkok and The Bamboo Bar, click this link.

The Bamboo Bar lounge retains a nostalgic feeling of being in the 1950s

Enjoy the dulcet and relaxing tones of jazz singers

This was the first jazz bar in Bangkok

Bartenders with slick, professional movements create cocktails

Discover more

It takes just a minute 🙏

My name is Garry Ho, I’m the founder.
If you have enjoyed our content and found it helpful, please consider supporting us.
All major cards are accepted.