Best Small Boutique Hotels in Bangkok

The former guest house of a Thai Prince, with the best river view in the city. Only 7 suites, set in a tropical garden built in 1908. The private dining deck sits directly on the water facing Wat Arun. Tha Tien (River/Grand Palace side) is deeply historic and minutes from the Reclining Buddha. Note: It is a family estate, offering personal service on a more relaxed schedule.... Read More

A family-run heritage home filled with vintage bicycle decor. Ideally positioned as a small boutique hotel in the Old City, rooms feature heirloom furniture and parts of vintage bikes (wheels as lamps, frames as decor), plus a fleet of classic bikes for guests to borrow. Phraeng Phuthon is one of the most charming, preserved old neighborhoods, full of legendary street food. Note: It is a small inn with steep stairs (no elevator).... Read More

A bold, red hotel on the riverbank inspired by the Rama V era. The entire exterior is a custom vermilion red, and the interiors mix Chinese, Thai, and Western antiques with a dark, intimate mood. Chiang Mai Road in Khlong San is quiet and local, a ferry ride away from the main tourist hubs. Note: The Red theme is intense and pervasive; the lighting is atmospheric but dark. Best for couples, not work.... Read More

A raw, industrial hotel where the view is the main focus. Exposed brick walls, cement floors, and black iron fixtures create a stark contrast to the glittering temple across the water. Located in same riverside market area as Riva Arun, sharing the energetic but crowded alleyways. Note: The industrial look is intentional, featuring cement floors and exposed beams; there is no elevator.... Read More

An Italian-style mansion reached only by boat, feeling separate from the rest of the city. This riverside boutique hotel features Palladian architecture from 1923 with lava-tile swimming pool and restored teak doors. Physically on the Thonburi side but accessible only by the hotel's boat; you are effectively on an island. Note: The hotel is exclusive and private, accessible only via the hotel shuttle boat.... Read More

Designed to frame the Temple of Dawn across the river. The Above Riva rooftop and river-facing rooms use chino-colonial green interiors, but the real design is the window frame around Wat Arun. Tha Tien is a bustle of dry seafood markets and tourists, very authentic but chaotic during the day. Note: The rooms are compact (space is tight on the river), and the rooftop restaurant gets crowded with non-guests at sunset.... Read More

A quiet garden spot hidden in a busy nightlife district. A golden teak wood house surrounded by heavy tropical foliage, completely blocking out the concrete surroundings. Surawongse/Patpong is intense—night markets and go-go bars—but the hotel sits in a quiet bubble just meters away. Note: The location is unique; you are near the entertainment district, which offers great convenience.... Read More

A high-end luxury hotel brought to Bangkok from Chiang Mai. As one of Bangkok's premier luxury boutique hotels, the 35th-floor rooftop infinity pool is circular and transparent, specifically designed for dramatic city views (and photos). Phrom Phong is Japanese expat central—upscale dining, EmQuartier mall, and busy nightlife. Note: The famous rooftop pool is exclusive to Suite guests. Residence guests use the (still nice) 27th-floor pool.... Read More

A former 19th-century royal residence turned into a garden hotel. The 120-year-old Banyan tree dominates the 900sqm courtyard, and rooms feature excerpts from literary works by King Rama VI. Thewet is a leafy, government precinct—very quiet, very local, and far from the Skytrain. Note: Being an old wooden heritage structure in a garden, soundproofing is not modern-standard, and nature (mosquitoes) is closer.... Read More

An airy, white hotel that mixes industrial design with a softer feel. The Top Knot rooftop features a curved staircase and open-air botanical feel, while rooms have claw-foot bathtubs. Located in Charoenkrung (Old Town), which requires a taxi or boat to get to the city center, but great for river access. Note: It is a popular wedding spot, so you might encounter photo shoots or events in the common areas during weekends.... Read More

A modern hotel in an old Sino-Portuguese building, centered around an open-air pool. The facade preserves the old Sam Yot architecture, but the inside is stark white, modern, and centers entirely on the weeping willow and pool. Sam Yot is the gateway to Old Town, famous for its breakfast spots and minutes from the Golden Mount. Note: The courtyard design means rooms face inward towards the pool.... Read More