Stay & Play

Sala Rattanakosin Bangkok Boutique Hotel

Article and photography by Steve Gillick

For many residents of Bangkok as well as visitors to this amazing city, the Chao Phraya River is where the action takes place. On a 24/7 non-stop basis the water is plied by ferries, express boats, house boats, fishing boats, food vendor boats, longtail boats, barges, river taxis and ships. For tour guides and visitors in the know, the river is the short cut to cope with the city’s often exasperating road-traffic-congestion. But on a more serene scale, the river is the only way to arrive at one of the most soul-soothing temples in Bangkok, Wat Arun, the Temple of the Dawn.

Just imagine your own private picture window allowing you to calmly gaze directly across the river, with unobstructed views, at the beautifully lit Temple at night time. This was the view from our room at the Sala Rattanakosin Bangkok Hotel.

The name of the hotel is derived from the Kingdom of Rattanakosin that ruled Bangkok and parts of present day Laos, Cambodia and Malaysia from 1782 to 1932, just prior to the establishment of the modern nation state of Thailand. And this boutique, 15-room property on the Chao Phraya River has an enviable location as far as attractions are concerned. The 70 meter-high central spire (prang) of Wat Arun is the focus of attention across the river (and easily accessible by local ferry). The incredible Wat Pho, also known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, and the Grand Palace, the traditional residence of the Kings of Siam and Thailand, are an easy walk from the hotel. Along the way visitors pass the Bangkok Flower Market providing a visual bouquet of unbelievably colourful flowers, complemented by the sweet perfume of flower garlands, freshly hand-strung and ready for sale as temple offerings and symbols of good luck. And for those going further afield, the Sanamchai MRT Station of the Bangkok subway is near the hotel.

After a typically hot, steamy day of visiting Bangkok’s temples, museums, khlongs (canals), shopping malls and maybe even a trip to the huge Chatuchak weekend Market, and after sampling ultra-delicious Thai food on Khao San Road or one of the river-front restaurants, it’s time to unwind, and the calm ambiance of the Sala Rattanakosin is the perfect place for this.

The lobby is welcoming and the greeting, very friendly. The rooms are beautifully appointed. After dark we journeyed to the roof top bar to see the view and then retreated to the solace of our Wat Arun River View Deluxe room. Alongside the comfy King bed, there was a daybed positioned directly in front of that large picture window. We turned out the lights, opened the curtains wide and silently stared at the incredibly soothing scenery, directly in front of us: the beautifully lit Temple of the Dawn, dreamily reflected in the Chao Phraya River.

https://www.salahospitality.com/