A tropical riverside resort on Bangkok’s quieter west bank, with long pools, gardens and boat shuttles into the city when you need them.
Anantara Riverside is where you go when you want a full resort without giving up on Bangkok altogether. Spread across lush riverside gardens on the quieter Thonburi side, it feels more like a tropical hideaway than a city hotel: long pools, palms, low-rise buildings and the river always just a few steps away. Yet from the private pier, shuttle boats run back and forth to the central piers and skytrain, so you can dive into temples, shopping or Chinatown when you feel like it – and retreat straight back to greenery and calm when you don’t.
The first impression at Anantara Riverside is space. Instead of a tower, you get clusters of low-rise buildings set around lawns, courtyards and water features, all stitched together by shaded paths under mature trees. It has the feel of an older, established resort that has grown patiently into its surroundings rather than being dropped in overnight.
Rooms and suites pick up the same easygoing mood: warm woods, Thai-inspired textiles, comfortable beds and balconies that look into gardens, pools or the Chao Phraya itself. You wake up to birds and boat horns in the distance rather than traffic under the window. For many guests, the real luxury here is not about marble and chandeliers, but about having enough space to properly breathe between busy Bangkok days.
This is one of the rare Bangkok hotels where staying “on property” for a day actually feels like a plan. The central pool is long and lagoon-like, with plenty of loungers, shaded corners and a swim-up bar; kids can splash without bothering anyone, and adults still find quiet spots to read or nap. Around it, lawns and gardens soften the edges so you never feel like you’re sitting in a concrete courtyard.
Wellness revolves around a full Anantara Spa and a dedicated wellness focus, with classic Thai and aromatherapy massages, more targeted treatments and a proper fitness club. There are daily classes, from yoga and fitness sessions to muay thai, plus a kids’ club and tennis – making the resort work particularly well for mixed groups where not everyone wants the same pace every day.
Dining is another strong point. Between riverside buffets, a terrace that comes alive at night, a bakery-style café and several speciality restaurants, you can rotate between Thai, international and more indulgent dinners without ever leaving the grounds. When you do want to explore, the complimentary boat shuttle runs to Saphan Taksin, where you can hop onto the BTS or jump between ICONSIAM, Asiatique and the historic core along the river.