Review: Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River

Ever since it opened its doors in December 2020, the Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River has sat near the top of my list of properties to see for myself.

Bangkok has quietly become one of the world's great luxury hotel cities. Three of the top 10 spots in the World's 50 Best Hotels 2025 belong to Bangkok properties, and this riverside estate ranks highest among them, sitting at No. 2 in the world.

On a January trip through Thailand, I finally checked in for a night to find out whether it lives up to the reputation.

What we loved: Warm, personal service at every turn, gorgeous river views, a brilliant complimentary shuttle boat that sidesteps Bangkok traffic, and one of the best breakfast spreads I've ever seen.

What we didn't love: The pool gets surprisingly busy in the afternoon, a number of sunbeds sit in full sun with no shade in sight, and there's not much to explore within walking distance of the hotel.

Four Seasons Bangkok – About the Property

The hotel is the work of Jean-Michel Gathy, the architect behind many of Asia's most photographed hotels, and it shows in every sightline.

Palm court with grid of planters seen from above at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — The palm court from above, a grid of palms rising out of still water.

Its 299 rooms and suites are arranged in a series of cascading tiers that step down toward the river, wrapped around courtyards of lotus ponds and a palm court of mirror-still reflecting pools.

Covered lounge terrace overlooking the palm court reflecting pool at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — Shaded lounges look out over the palm court's mirror-still reflecting pool.

Mirror-still ornamental water feature reflecting palm trees in a covered walkway at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — Ornamental water features run alongside the covered walkways, doubling the palms and columns in their mirror-still surface.

It shares the 14.2-acre Chao Phraya Estate with the Capella Bangkok next door and the Four Seasons Private Residences, so the whole compound feels more like a riverside village than a single hotel.

Courtyard lotus ponds between glass buildings at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — Lotus ponds fill the courtyards between the estate's glass pavilions.

Lotus pond walkway lit at night at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — The garden walkways glow softly after dark.

Art is everywhere, from monumental installations in the lobby to a dedicated gallery space that hosts rotating exhibitions. Even the guest corridors are hung like a gallery.

On-site art gallery with framed Thai contemporary artworks and a bench at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — The on-site art gallery hosts rotating exhibitions.

Art gallery corridor stretching the length of the lobby level at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — The gallery stretches the length of the lobby level.

Wall of the Thai alphabet in the art gallery at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — A wall of the Thai alphabet anchors the space.

Gold-and-lapis abstract art installation in the lobby at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — A gold-and-lapis art installation anchors the lobby.

Booking

My stay was arranged as part of a collaborative endeavour. The property graciously extended their hospitality to me for one night, in support of Prince Collection, our luxury travel agency, and all opinions here are my own.

Four Seasons doesn't operate a loyalty program, so cash is the way in. Nightly rates for the entry-level Deluxe Room typically start from around $715 CAD (about US$520) per night plus taxes and fees, and climb well beyond that in peak season.

The best way to book a cash stay is through the Four Seasons Preferred Partner program, which our team at Prince Collection has access to as a partner agency.

Book Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River with Prince Collection

Get the same rate as booking direct, plus complimentary perks – at no extra cost.

Daily breakfast for two
$100 (USD) credit (rooms) / $200 (USD) (suites)
Room upgrade, subject to availability at check-in
Personalized welcome amenity
Combinable with 3rd/4th/5th night free promos

Learn More

Since Thailand runs on baht, you'll also want to pay with a credit card that doesn't charge foreign transaction fees to avoid the usual 2.5% surcharge on incidentals.

Location

The hotel sits on Charoen Krung Road in Yannawa, on a stretch of working riverfront south of the main tourist corridor.

I'll be upfront that this isn't a location for wandering out the front door. The blocks around the estate are local and industrial, and Bangkok's marquee malls and attractions are a solid drive away.

Arrival courtyard with a mature rain tree and gold-leaf panels at the entrance of Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — The arrival courtyard, anchored by a mature rain tree and gold-leaf panels.

Four Seasons Hotel entrance sign at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River – Entrance

The saving grace is the water. A complimentary shuttle boat, shared with the neighbouring Capella Bangkok, runs from the estate's private pier every 30 minutes between 7am and 10pm, reaching Sathorn Pier in five minutes flat.

Chao Phraya Estate shuttle boat with Capella and Four Seasons crests docked at the pier at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — The shuttle boat carries both the Four Seasons and Capella crests, a reminder that the two hotels share the estate.

Spacious cushioned cabin of the Chao Phraya Estate shuttle boat at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — Inside, the cabin is all cushioned banquettes and a warm wood ceiling.

Hotel Boat sign and gangway down to the pier at Sathorn Pier for Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — At Sathorn Pier, a “Hotel Boat” sign points the way down to the estate's private dock.

From Sathorn Pier, you're steps from Saphan Taksin BTS station, which plugs you straight into the Skytrain network and the rest of the city.

Select sailings continue on to IconSiam, the enormous riverside mall on the opposite bank. It's worth a trip in its own right, with a full floor of luxury flagships and SookSiam, an air-conditioned indoor take on a Thai floating market where you can eat your way through dishes from all 77 provinces.

Sathorn Pier is also the jumping-off point for the Chao Phraya tourist and express boats, which run up the river to the old town's headline sights like Wat Arun, Wat Pho, and the Grand Palace.

A couple of practical notes: the shuttle takes a short fuel break in the early afternoon, and morning departures from Sathorn back to the hotel should be reserved through the concierge.

Chao Phraya Estate shuttle boat service timetable to Sathorn and IconSiam piers at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — The shuttle timetable: half-hourly to Sathorn from 7am, IconSiam calls on select sailings, and an afternoon break for fuel.

Riding a leather-trimmed, air-conditioned boat past the rush-hour gridlock quickly became one of my favourite things about the stay. If you're travelling light, it's easily the best way to come and go, though the adventurous can always hop on a Grab bike instead.

Four Seasons Bangkok – Check-In Experience

I arrived just after midday, well before the official 3pm check-in, and the team happily stored my luggage while I headed to lunch at Yu Ting Yuan on the property.

The lobby sets the tone immediately. Water features, soaring ceilings, and monumental art make it feel more like a contemporary gallery than a hotel entrance.

Hand-cast elephant frieze art wall above the black reflecting pool in the lobby at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — A hand-cast frieze of elephants rises above the lobby's black reflecting pool.

Reception desk beneath a shell chandelier and hand-textured gold-leaf wall at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — The reception sits beneath a cascading shell chandelier, against a wall of hand-applied gold leaf.

Off to one side, a sculptural bronze bar handles everything from morning coffee to evening cocktails, while floor-to-ceiling windows frame the river beyond the gardens.

Sculptural lobby bar with pendant lights at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — The sculptural lobby bar.

The lobby runs on a grand central axis toward the courtyard. at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — The lobby runs on a grand central axis toward the courtyard.

Lobby lounge with a communal live-edge table and garden views at night at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — Lounge and library corners scatter through the lobby, framed by the garden.

Check-in itself was handled over a welcome iced tea, seated in the lounge rather than standing at a desk. It's a small difference, though it changes the entire feel of arrival.

Rolled chilled towel and welcome tea on a koi-decorated tray at check-in at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — A rolled chilled towel and a welcome tea greet you at check-in.

Since Four Seasons has no loyalty program, there's no elite status to recognize. Perks live and die by your booking channel instead, which is exactly why the Preferred Partner benefits above matter.

Four Seasons Bangkok – Deluxe River-View Room

My home for the night was a Deluxe River-View Room with a king bed, positioned a few floors up with a straight-on view of the Chao Phraya.

Wide view of the Deluxe River-View Room with sitting area, dining table, and king bed at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — The Deluxe River-View Room opens into a full sitting area, with the bed beyond.

King bed with river view in the Deluxe River-View Room at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — Waking up to the Chao Phraya.

King bed in the Deluxe River-View Room at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — The Deluxe River-View Room's king bed, facing floor-to-ceiling windows.

Deluxe River-View Room showing the bed, TV console, sitting area, and bathroom beyond at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — Another angle, with the TV console and the bathroom beyond.

The design language mirrors the rest of the hotel, with pale timber, textured plaster walls, and floor-to-ceiling glass along the entire river-facing wall.

Sitting area of the Deluxe River-View Room at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — The sitting area, with the bathroom beyond.

A chaise lounge by the window ended up being where I spent most of my downtime, watching the barges and long-tail boats work their way up and down the river.

Chaise lounge by the window with river views in the Deluxe River-View Room at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — A chaise by the window is the best seat in the house.

Round table with welcome amenity by the window in the Deluxe River-View Room at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — The welcome amenity, waiting by the window.

The views deserve their own paragraph. To one side, the river bends toward Sathorn's towers; below, the pool terrace spreads out like a scale model.

Chao Phraya River view from the Deluxe River-View Room at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — River traffic on the Chao Phraya makes for endless entertainment.

View of the pool and gardens from the Deluxe River-View Room at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — Looking down over the pool terrace from the room.

By the time I reached the room, a welcome treat of fresh mango and coconut was waiting alongside a handwritten note, a small gesture that set the tone for the warm service that followed.

Welcome treat of mango and coconut with handwritten note at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — A mango-and-coconut welcome treat with a handwritten note.

The bed itself was excellent, easily among the more comfortable hotel beds I've slept in this year.

Soundproofing is good but not absolute. With the pool and the river below, I could pick up faint splashes and boat traffic during the day, though nothing that disturbed my sleep once night fell.

Turndown treat and Bose speaker on the bedside table at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — The nightstand, set for the evening.

In-room control tablet and Four Seasons phone on the nightstand at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — A bedside tablet controls the room and chats with the concierge.

The minibar deserves a mention, with a dedicated drawer for Nespresso and loose-leaf teas, a snack drawer, and a properly stocked fridge complete with Champagne splits.

My Bar setup with glassware, spirits, and a Nespresso machine in the Deluxe River-View Room at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — The “My Bar” setup, with glassware, spirits, and a Nespresso machine.

Coffee and tea drawer with Nespresso capsules in the Deluxe River-View Room at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — Nespresso and loose-leaf teas in the coffee drawer.

Snack drawer with chips, nuts, and kad kokoa chocolate in the Deluxe River-View Room at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — The snack drawer, stocked with local chips, nuts, and kad kokoa chocolate.

Minibar fridge with Champagne and drinks in the Deluxe River-View Room at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — The minibar hides a well-stocked fridge.

In the bathroom, a sculptural oval tub sits against black marble, flanked by a double vanity and full-size BYREDO Gypsy Water amenities, a definite step up from the miniature bottles most luxury hotels still get away with.

Black marble double vanity in the Deluxe River-View Room bathroom at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — The bathroom's double vanity in dramatic black marble.

Full-size BYREDO Gypsy Water body lotion and hand wash on the bathroom vanity at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — Full-size BYREDO Gypsy Water body lotion and hand wash.

Oval soaking tub in the Deluxe River-View Room bathroom at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — An oval soaking tub anchors the bathroom.

Bathroom with oval tub, robes, and double vanity in the Deluxe River-View Room at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — The bathroom runs the full width of the room.

Housekeeping details run deep, right down to a proper shoe care kit in the wardrobe.

Shoe care kit in the Deluxe River-View Room at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — A proper shoe care kit – a small touch most hotels skip.

Four Seasons Bangkok – Executive Suite

During my stay, I also had the chance to tour two of the hotel's suites, starting with the Executive Suite.

This one-bedroom suite pairs a proper living room with a dining area and its own pantry. The living spaces look out over the estate's garden courtyard, while the bedroom faces the river.

Living room of the Executive Suite with floor-to-ceiling river views at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — The Executive Suite's living room, wrapped in floor-to-ceiling glass.

Dining and work table in the Executive Suite at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — A dining table doubles as a workspace.

Round dining table with river views in the Executive Suite at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — The round dining table, framed by river views.

Chaise in the living area of the Executive Suite at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — A chaise anchors the living area.

Living areas of the Executive Suite overlooking the estate garden courtyard at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — The living areas look out over the estate's garden courtyard.

The primary bedroom keeps the same soft, neutral palette as the guest rooms, anchored by a gold-leaf canvas above the bed and full-height windows onto the river.

Wide angle of the Executive Suite bedroom with TV and sitting bench at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — A wider angle of the bedroom and its sitting bench.

Executive Suite bedroom with river views and a reading chair at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — The bedroom opens to river views, with a reading chair by the window.

King bedroom with gold artwork in the Executive Suite at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — The primary bedroom, anchored by a gold-leaf canvas.

The bathroom steps things up with a freestanding tub, a double vanity with a courtyard view, and a walk-in wardrobe that borders on gratuitous.

Freestanding tub with robes in the Executive Suite at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — The suite bathroom's freestanding tub.

Double vanity with courtyard view in the Executive Suite at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — A double vanity with a view – rare even in suites.

Walk-in wardrobe in the Executive Suite at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — A proper walk-in wardrobe.

Four Seasons Bangkok – Riverfront Penthouse

Then there's the Riverfront Penthouse, the hotel's 4,844-square-foot flagship, and one of the more remarkable hotel suites I've ever walked through.

Facing sofas and media wall in the Riverfront Penthouse great room at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — Facing sofas frame the great room's media wall.

Double-height great room of the Riverfront Penthouse at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — The double-height great room, lined with sofas and city views.

Second sitting area with bar beyond in the Riverfront Penthouse at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — A second sitting area, with the bar beyond.

River-facing lounge framed by floor-to-ceiling glass in the Riverfront Penthouse at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — A river-facing lounge, framed by floor-to-ceiling glass.

Spread across three bedrooms that sleep up to nine, it comes with a double-height great room, a dedicated study, a ten-seat dining room, and its own catering kitchen for private events.

Ten-seat dining table in the Riverfront Penthouse at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — The dining table seats ten beneath a sculptural chandelier.

Study corner with river views in the Riverfront Penthouse at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — A study corner looks straight out at the river.

Dining room opening toward the terrace in the Riverfront Penthouse at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — The dining room opens toward the terrace.

Wherever you stand, the Chao Phraya dominates the windows.

Chao Phraya River view from the Riverfront Penthouse at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — Sweeping Chao Phraya views from the penthouse.

The primary bedroom sits beneath soaring double-height ceilings, hung with gallery-scale art.

Riverfront Penthouse primary bedroom at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — The primary bedroom rises through double-height ceilings, hung with gallery-scale art.

The primary bathroom is essentially a private spa. A walk-in dressing room leads through to a sunken tub flanked by daybeds, with a Dyson dryer and full-size Byredo amenities on the black marble vanity.

Riverfront Penthouse primary bathroom and dressing room at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — A walk-in dressing room leads into the bathroom.

Two further bedrooms, one with a king and one set with twins, round out the sleeping quarters, each with its own marble bathroom, and there's even a private gym tucked away, because apparently walking to the hotel's excellent fitness centre would be too much to ask of a penthouse guest. 😉

Riverfront Penthouse guest bedroom and bathroom at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — The guest bedroom, configured with twin beds.

The showstopper is the rooftop terrace. A covered loggia opens onto open-air dining, a sunken lounge, and a private plunge pool with an uninterrupted sweep of the river.

Covered loggia opening onto the rooftop terrace dining and lounge at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — A covered loggia opens onto the terrace's dining and lounge.

Riverfront Penthouse rooftop terrace at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — Open-air dining on the rooftop terrace, wrapped in skyline.

Four Seasons Bangkok – Food and Drink

The estate takes dining seriously, with venues spanning Cantonese, Italian, French, and Thai, plus BKK Social Club, a bar that regularly lands on Asia's 50 Best list.

BKK Social Club regularly ranks among Asia's 50 Best Bars.

Art Deco lounge of BKK Social Club with green leather banquettes, brass screens, and a chevron marble floor at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — Inside BKK Social Club, all Art Deco brass, green leather, and chevron marble.

With only one night, I focused on the Michelin-starred lunch, the famous breakfast, and an afternoon pastry stop, leaving Palmier by Guillaume Galliot, riverside Thai at Chao Phraya Terrace, and the bar for a future visit.

Chao Phraya Terrace riverside restaurant at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — Chao Phraya Terrace serves Thai classics right on the river.

Palmier by Guillaume Galliot serves tropical French cuisine – one for the next visit.

Yu Ting Yuan

Yu Ting Yuan, the hotel's Michelin-starred Cantonese restaurant, was my first stop, and the dim sum set lunch at 1,950 THB (~$80 CAD) per person turned out to be one of the better-value Michelin meals I've had.

Table setting at Yu Ting Yuan at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — Crisp table settings at Yu Ting Yuan.

Lunch opens with a welcome pour of cold-brewed osmanthus and jasmine tea, presented tableside like a fine wine. It was jaw-droppingly good, and my friend and I could happily have spent the afternoon ordering nothing else.

Cold-brewed osmanthus and jasmine tea presented at Yu Ting Yuan at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — Cold-brewed osmanthus and jasmine tea, presented tableside.

Dim sum set lunch menu at Yu Ting Yuan at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — The dim sum set lunch menu.

After an amuse-bouche, the set works through seven courses, starting with a steamed dim sum selection crowned with caviar.

Scallop dish at Yu Ting Yuan at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — A delicate amuse-bouche opened the meal.

Steamed dim sum basket at Yu Ting Yuan at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — The steamed dim sum selection, crowned with caviar.

The deep-fried course pairs a crab roe puff wrapped in impossibly fine radish shreds with a scallion and wild mushroom spring roll finished with foie gras mousse.

Deep-fried crab roe radish puff and mushroom spring roll at Yu Ting Yuan at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — The deep-fried course – crab roe radish puff and a wild mushroom spring roll with foie gras.

A double-boiled yellow fungus mushroom soup with Chinese cabbage, cordyceps flowers, and dried scallops follows, all clean, deep flavour.

Double-boiled soup at Yu Ting Yuan at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — Double-boiled yellow fungus mushroom soup.

The dish of the meal for me was the steamed crab claw dumpling with cuttlefish and morel mushroom, and I'd order it again without hesitation.

Steamed crab claw dumpling at Yu Ting Yuan at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — The steamed crab claw dumpling with cuttlefish and morel mushroom – the meal's highlight.

Fried rice with shrimp, scallops, and crispy garlic brings the savoury courses home.

Fried rice with shrimp, scallops, and crispy garlic at Yu Ting Yuan at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — Fried rice with shrimp, scallops, and crispy garlic.

Dessert, a chilled mango and sago cream with pomelo, was the ideal finish in the Bangkok heat, chased by petit fours and warm egg tarts.

Chilled mango and sago cream with pomelo and mint at Yu Ting Yuan at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — Chilled mango and sago cream with pomelo, a perfect finish in the Bangkok heat.

Petit fours with egg tarts at Yu Ting Yuan at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — Petit fours to finish, including warm egg tarts.

Café Madeleine

Café Madeleine, the estate's patisserie, is worth an afternoon stop even if you're staying elsewhere in the city.

The counters are stacked with laminated pastries and entremets almost too pretty to eat. The signature iced coffee arrives with a madeleine on the side, best enjoyed on the terrace near the café's much-photographed pink bicycle.

Pink Café Madeleine storefront with scalloped awning and garden at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — Café Madeleine's pink storefront and scalloped awning.

Café Madeleine entrance at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — Café Madeleine, the estate's patisserie.

Café Madeleine interior with coffered ceiling, marble tables, and floral windows at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — Inside Café Madeleine, beneath a sculpted coffered ceiling.

Pastry counter at Café Madeleine at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — The pastry counter at Café Madeleine.

Pastry display case at Café Madeleine at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — Apple chaussons and strawberry croissants, fresh from the pastry kitchen.

Savoury pastries and viennoiserie on a wood board at Café Madeleine at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — Savoury bites and viennoiserie, from mini pizza to chocolate chaussons.

Chocolate rolls and berry tartlets at Café Madeleine at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — Chocolate rolls and berry tartlets crowned with raspberries and blueberries.

Entremets in the pastry display case at Café Madeleine at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — The entremets case, almost too pretty to choose from.

Matcha, chocolate, and citrus entremets in the display case at Café Madeleine at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — Matcha, chocolate, and citrus entremets lined up like jewellery.

Pink bicycle with flower basket outside Café Madeleine at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — Café Madeleine's much-photographed pink bicycle.

Four Seasons Bangkok – Breakfast

Breakfast is served at Riva del Fiume, the Italian restaurant beside the pool, from 6:30am, and it's included for two when you book through Preferred Partner or Prince Collection.

Riva del Fiume Ristorante entrance at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — Riva del Fiume serves breakfast daily from 6:30am.

The space is a looker in its own right, with arched corridors hung with line art, a wall of wine, and a buffet that seems to stretch the length of the building.

Arched corridors are hung with playful line art. at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — Arched corridors are hung with playful line art.

A wall of wine anchors one end of the room. at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — A wall of wine anchors one end of the room.

The buffet runs the length of a long marble hall. at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — The buffet runs the length of a long marble hall.

Most of the seating is in the dining room, where marble tables line leather banquettes beneath high ceilings.

Marble tables line leather banquettes in the dining room. at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — Marble tables line leather banquettes in the dining room.

Display cabinets and warm timber frame the seating. at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — Display cabinets and warm timber frame the seating.

A communal table sits beneath a run of pendant lights. at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — A communal table sits beneath a run of pendant lights.

There's also a garden terrace and a handful of riverside tables that go first, so arrive early if you want the water.

Indoor-outdoor tables open to the garden and river. at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — Indoor-outdoor tables open to the garden and river.

Riverside tables go first, so arrive early. at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — Riverside tables go first, so arrive early.

I've eaten a lot of hotel breakfasts, and this spread is comfortably in my top tier. It's less a buffet than a food hall.

The centrepiece is a gold-tiled, wood-fired oven turning out mini pizzas crowned with soft eggs and za'atar flatbreads all morning.

Gold-tiled wood-fired oven at Riva del Fiume at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — The gold-tiled wood-fired oven works all morning.

Wood-fired mini pizzas topped with egg at the Riva del Fiume breakfast at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — Wood-fired breakfast pizzas, crowned with a soft egg.

Freshly baked za'atar flatbreads at the Riva del Fiume breakfast at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — Za'atar flatbreads, straight from the oven.

The griddle station stamps pancakes with the Four Seasons tree and turns out a pandan and coconut French toast that I'm still thinking about.

Pancakes stamped with the Four Seasons tree at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — Even the pancakes carry the Four Seasons tree.

Pandan and coconut French toast at the Riva del Fiume breakfast at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — Pandan and coconut French toast – a Thai twist on a classic.

Waffles with berries and almonds at the Riva del Fiume breakfast at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — Fresh waffles with all the fixings.

The bakery corner alone would justify the trip downstairs. Almond croissants, pain au chocolat, babka, brioche, and muffins line up next to loaves cut to order.

Croissants and pastries at the Riva del Fiume breakfast buffet at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — Almond croissants that would make a Paris bakery proud.

Plain croissants at the Riva del Fiume breakfast at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — The croissant benchmark, passed with distinction.

Pain au chocolat at the Riva del Fiume breakfast at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — Deeply laminated pain au chocolat.

Babka twists at the Riva del Fiume bakery station at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — Chocolate babka twists at the bakery station.

Brioche buns at the Riva del Fiume bakery station at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — Glossy brioche buns by the dozen.

Chocolate and crumble muffins at the Riva del Fiume bakery station at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — Muffins for the less virtuous.

Bread station with sourdough loaves at the Riva del Fiume breakfast at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — The bread station cuts everything to order.

House-made jams and spreads sit in stone mortars beside the toast station.

House-made jams and spreads at the Riva del Fiume breakfast at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — House-made jams, marmalade, and chocolate spread in stone mortars.

The cold section runs from a full cheese board and hand-folded mortadella to cured fish, tomato carpaccio, and a salad bar with labneh and guacamole.

Cheddar cheese board with grapes at the Riva del Fiume breakfast at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — The cheese board, replenished constantly.

Mortadella at the Riva del Fiume cold cut station at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — Mortadella folded by hand at the charcuterie station.

Cured fish slices at the Riva del Fiume cold station at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — Cured fish at the cold station.

Tomato and basil salad at the Riva del Fiume breakfast at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — Tomato carpaccio with edible flowers.

Salad bar with labneh and guacamole at the Riva del Fiume breakfast at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — Labneh, guacamole, and greens – yes, at breakfast.

Fruit gets the full treatment too, with mango, dragon fruit, and pineapple sliced to order, plus fresh-pressed juices in every colour.

Sliced tropical fruit including mango and dragon fruit at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — Mango, dragon fruit, and pineapple, sliced to order.

Whole fruit baskets at the Riva del Fiume breakfast at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — Whole fruit for the road.

Fresh juice jars at the Riva del Fiume breakfast at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — A rainbow of fresh-pressed juices.

Granola and toppings station at the Riva del Fiume breakfast at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — Stone bowls of granola, nuts, and dried fruit.

Chocolate and chia pudding jars at the Riva del Fiume breakfast at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — Little jars of chocolate and chia pudding.

Then comes the part that won me over completely, a full Thai and Chinese line-up. Har gow, siu mai, and bao steam away next to patongko, sticky rice parcels in pandan leaves, pork skewers, and a cast-iron pot of pad thai.

Pad thai at the Riva del Fiume breakfast at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — A cast-iron pot of pad thai at the Thai station.

Steamed har gow dumplings at the Riva del Fiume breakfast at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — Har gow by the steamerful.

Steamed dim sum station at the Riva del Fiume breakfast buffet at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — Siu mai by the steamerful at the Chinese station.

Steamed bao buns at the Riva del Fiume breakfast at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — Pillowy bao at the Chinese station.

Patongko deep-fried dough sticks at the Riva del Fiume breakfast at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — Patongko – Thailand's answer to the doughnut.

Sticky rice parcels in pandan leaves at the Riva del Fiume breakfast at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — Sticky rice parcels wrapped in pandan.

Thai-style barbecue pork skewers at the Riva del Fiume breakfast at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — Moo ping–style barbecue pork skewers.

My favourite discovery, though, was the pad thai. A cast-iron pot of it first thing in the morning, with a river view, is a breakfast habit I could get used to.

The hot line covers the Western classics, with bacon, sausages, glazed salmon, and a made-to-order egg counter.

Hot line counter at the Riva del Fiume breakfast at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — The made-to-order counter anchors the buffet.

Bacon and potato wedges at the Riva del Fiume hot line at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — The hot line covers all the classics.

Chicken and pork sausages at the Riva del Fiume hot line at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — Chicken and pork sausages, grilled through the morning.

There's also a full à la carte menu on top of the buffet, and the eggs benedict held its own against the spread behind it.

Made-to-order eggs benedict with salmon at Riva del Fiume at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — Made-to-order eggs benedict from the à la carte menu.

On departure morning, the team sent out a personalized fruit plate wishing me a safe flight, complete with a hand-drawn elephant. It's the kind of small, unprompted touch that separates good service from memorable service.

Departure-morning breakfast spread with a personalized elephant plate at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — A personalized send-off from the breakfast team on departure morning.

Personalized plate reading Have a Safe Flight with a hand-drawn elephant at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — “Have a Safe Flight”, with a hand-drawn elephant.

Four Seasons Bangkok – Other Facilities

Beyond the restaurants, the estate packs in a full day's worth of facilities, from the riverfront pool to a fitness centre that puts most gyms to shame.

The Pool

The main pool is a stunner, descending in tiers toward the river with in-water loungers and an infinity edge that seems to pour straight into the Chao Phraya.

Main pool with in-water loungers at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — The tiered main pool steps down toward the river.

Upper tiers of the main pool at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — The pool descends in tiers toward the river.

Infinity corner of the main pool at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — The infinity edge, best enjoyed before 2pm.

Mature rain trees shade parts of the deck, and cabanas line the far end.

Sunbeds under mature trees at the pool at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — Mature rain trees shade parts of the pool deck – but not every sunbed.

Pool cabanas and umbrellas at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — Cabanas line the pool's far end.

Now for my main critique of the stay. By around 2pm, the pool deck was properly packed, which isn't the serene scene you picture when booking a hotel at this level.

A number of sunbeds also sit in full sun with no umbrellas, which feels like an easy fix. Some shade, or even a simple reservation system for peak hours, would go a long way.

Serious swimmers are better served at the separate lap pool beside the fitness centre, which stayed quiet throughout my visit.

Lane-marked lap pool with palm trees at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — A separate lap pool for serious swimmers, quiet even at peak times.

Fitness Centre

The fitness centre is superb, a long, light-filled hall of Technogym equipment where the treadmills face the lap pool through floor-to-ceiling glass.

Treadmills facing the lap pool at the fitness centre at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — Treadmills face the lap pool through floor-to-ceiling glass.

Strength training equipment at the fitness centre at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — Technogym strength stations with plenty of floor space.

There's a dedicated stretching corner with yoga mats, Hyperice recovery tools on hand, and even an ice bath, which I'll admit I wasn't brave enough to test.

Yoga mats at the fitness centre at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — A dedicated stretching and yoga corner.

Ice bath at the fitness centre at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — An ice bath awaits the brave.

Thai Cultural Activities

The hotel runs complimentary daily Thai cultural activities, and I joined the garland-making class. I was the only adult male in the room, but threading jasmine and roses into a phuang malai, I felt like a kid again. That was a great feeling, honestly, even if the garland turned out far harder to make than it looks.

Finished phuang malai jasmine garland at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — Our finished phuang malai – harder to make than it looks.

Jasmine and rose petals for Thai garland making at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — Fresh jasmine and roses for the complimentary garland-making class.

Jasmine buds and roses for garland making at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — Jasmine buds and roses, prepped for the morning's garland class.

Threading a jasmine phuang malai garland during the Thai cultural activity at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — Threading jasmine and roses into a phuang malai.

Kids' Club

Families are well looked after too, with a whimsical kids' club styled like a miniature Thai village.

Kids for All Seasons children's club playroom at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — The kids' club is a whimsical mini-Thailand.

Playroom of the Kids for All Seasons club with slide, rope bridge, and toys at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — Inside the Kids for All Seasons club, a whimsical indoor playground.

Tree slide at the kids' club at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — The kids' club entrance, complete with tree slide.

Urban Wellness Centre

The Urban Wellness Centre rounds out the estate, with a full spa, a salon, and marble changing rooms. I didn't manage to fit in a treatment on this trip, but it's near the top of my list for next time.

Changing rooms come with their own vanities. at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — Changing rooms come with their own vanities.

Conclusion

The Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River earns its reputation. The design is extraordinary, the service was personal and thoughtful from the welcome iced tea to the hand-drawn elephant at breakfast, and the shuttle boat turns the location's biggest weakness into something close to a feature.

My gripes are real but fixable. The afternoon pool crowds and the shadeless sunbeds are operational issues rather than flaws in the hotel itself, and they weren't enough to keep this stay from a perfect 5 out of 5.

If there's one thing this stay drove home, it's that Thailand's hospitality really is in a class of its own. The warmth here is effortless and everywhere you turn, and honestly, it's almost a problem now, because my bar for every hotel I check into next has been quietly raised far too high. 😅

Would I return? In a heartbeat, though Bangkok's luxury hotel scene is so strong that the temptation to try somewhere new always looms. If you value design, riverside calm, and a breakfast worth waking up for over shopping-mall proximity, this is the Bangkok hotel to book, ideally through a Preferred Partner booking so breakfast and the property credit come along for the ride.

More Four Seasons Hotels