Though Bangkok’s riverside hotels tend to be more expensive than other properties in the city, you don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars (or even one hundred dollars) a night to enjoy a water view and the convenience of being on the river. Though cheaper hotels on the Chao Phraya tend to be in less central locations, depending on what you plan on seeing during your stay in Bangkok, they can be very convenient. The Ibis, one of the cheapest riverside hotels, is just a quick ferry ride across the river to the Skytrain and an easy express boat ride to the city’s most important tourist attractions. The small boutique hotels listed below aren’t as cheap as the Ibis but will run you significantly less than a stay at one of Bangkok's luxury riverside hotels such as the Shangri-La or Millennium Hilton.
1. Ibis Bangkok Riverside
Ibis Riverside Bangkok
This big, cheap, clean, modern hotel just south of Saphan Taksin on the Thonburi side of the river is a great property for those who want a river location and a clean, modern hotel, but don’t need a five star luxury experience to go with it. Like other Ibis properties, the Ibis Bangkok Riverside has smaller than average rooms, but they are also a lot cheaper than average (prepaid rates run as low as $39 per night). The pool, which is on the banks of the Chao Phraya, is beautiful but can get very crowded when the hotel is full. There’s a free shuttle to the nearest Skytrain station and there’s also a nearby express boat pier.
- Address: 27 Charoennakorn Soi 17, +66 2659 2888.
- Price: From 1,200 Baht ($40) for a double room.
2. Arun Residence
Located around the corner from the Grand Palace and directly across the river from Wat Arun is this lovely little boutique guest house. This property on the banks of the Chao Phraya only has seven rooms, each tastefully designed to incorporate the idiosyncrasies of the hotel’s historic shop house setting. All rooms have river views but the view from the hotel’s restaurant and upstairs bar, which look out directly onto Wat Arun, are spectacular. This is not a five star luxury hotel, as amenities and services are limited in such a small property, but it has everything most visitors could want and is a great value, too.
- Address: 36-38 Soi Pratoo Nok Yoong, Bangkok, +66 2221 9158-9.
- Price: From 3,500 Baht ($100) for a double room, breakfast included.
3. Hotel Aurum
This small hotel, which opened in 2007, is one of the few properties on the Chao Phraya and right in the historic center of Bangkok, so depending on the weather and your constitution, it’s possible to walk to many of the city’s top tourist attractions. The building has plenty of European styling so looks a bit out of place in the very Thai neighborhood surrounding it. The European theme is carried through the well-decorated, if small, rooms. Not all rooms face the river so when you book make sure to ask for a room with a view. The Aurum’s bar also has a nice view of Wat Arun.
- Address: 394/27-29 Soi Pansook, Bangkok, +66 2622 2248.
- Price: From 3,500 Baht ($100) for a double room, breakfast included.
4. Navalai River Resort
This small hotel around the corner from Khao San Road has beautiful views of the Chao Phraya River and is just a ten minute walk from the Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew and Wat Pho. Although the hotel attracts a younger, flash packy sort of crowd and is definitely not a luxury property, rooms are stylish and well kept and there’s even a small swimming pool on the roof. Considering the competition, which is mostly cheap, mediocre guest houses, it’s one of the nicest hotels in the area by a longshot. The outdoor deck, which sits right on the banks of the river, is a great place for evening cocktails or dinner.
- Address: 45/1 Phra Athit Road, Bangkok, +66 2280 9955.
- Price: From 2,000 Baht ($60) for a double room, breakfast included.
