Landmark riverside hotel with oodles of history (where Somerset Maughm sipped tea, nibbled scones, etc) and an old fashioned 'moneyed' aroma. Top notch concierge and butler service, for those of you who like those kinds of things. Not for budget-conscious types, hipsters looking for action, folks with kiddies or those who like wandering around in sarongs and flip flops (frowned upon here). If you want to sample some history without sheeling out the moola, wander through the author's lounge and check out the pictures of Thai princes visiting Oxford (all decked out in top hats and tails). Great spa and they have a cooking school too.

For over 125 years royalty, dignitaries and distinguished travelers have all followed the legendary Chaophya river through the heart of Bangkok to the doors of one of the world's most luxurious hotels - The Oriental, Bangkok The Oriental, Bangkok is renowned for its sheer extravagance of its rooms and suites - and one of the world's most beautiful spas. The rooms and suites are sumptuous. The restaurants and bars are in a class of their own. The spa is one of the most beautiful in the world. All are rich in history and stories of the high profile guests who have made this hotel an essential stop on their world travels for almost 130 years