Stay & Play

Dusit Thani Bangkok: Beacon of Thai Hospitality

by Randy Mink

Asanctuary of calm in a chaotic city that never sleeps, the 5-star Dusit Thani Bangkok claims a storied past. And with an eye to the future, it stands as the centerpiece of an emerging mixed-use development.

The original Dusit Thani opened in 1970 as the city’s tallest hotel and quickly became a gathering place for high society. After being torn down in 2019, it was rebuilt on the same site across from Lumphini Park, the green lung of downtown Bangkok’s commercial district. The brand-new property had its grand opening last September, 2024.

Signature elements from the original hotel were preserved for use in the 39-story building. The number of guest rooms was reduced from 540 to 257.

The spire that graced the old Dusit Thani, a beacon of luxury for discerning travelers, now resides within a larger golden pinnacle atop the roof. The original spire was inspired by the stupa of Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), a Bangkok landmark on the Chao Phraya River. Directly underneath the spires, an exhibition honors the memory of the original hotel and pioneering spirit of businesswoman Thanpuying Chanuit Piyaoui, founder of Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies. Dusit Hotels & Resorts today counts more than 300 properties in 18 countries.

The Dusit Thani’s big selling point, in my mind, is that each guest room sports an expansive window framing views of Lumphini Park. With just the touch of a button, the shade and curtain rise to reveal the sweeping panorama—a leafy scene by day, city lights by night. The hotel bars and infinity swimming pool also overlook the park.

On both mornings during my stay, I got up early to beat Bangkok’s notorious heat and humidity by taking a walk around Lumphini Park, an oasis of lakes and lawns. More important, central Bangkok’s premier greenbelt provided a window on Thai life, as I encountered happy groups exercising to music, working out at fitness stations, playing badminton and practicing the ancient Chinese art of tai chi.

Besides splendid vistas, favorite features of my sumptuous 23rd-floor room included Thai-inspired artwork, wood paneling and an entryway with lots of closet space. The spacious bathroom was equipped with green marble double sinks, plush robes and towels, and a standalone tub. Pampering continued during a traditional, two-hour Thai massage at Devarana Wellness, the hotel spa.

After dark, a fine way to ditch Bangkok’s intensity is relaxing over cocktails in the open-air Spire Rooftop Bar while drinking in skyline views. Offering the same scenery one level below, the fully enclosed 1970 Bar concocts libations named after people and events from the decade when the original Dusit Thani opened. Darker Side of the Moon is a nod to the Apollo 13 mission in 1970, while other drinks are inspired by movies that starred Ronald Reagan, Sophia Loren and Tom Jones.

Dusit International’s flagship hotel is part of the Dusit Central Park project, which includes an office tower, a high-end retail center that opened in August and a residential high-rise now under construction

www.dusit.com