THE SIAM – Living in a Museum

Much of Bangkok bears the name Siam, the former name of Thailand. However, only a few live up to this claim. The exception is the 5-star hotel The Siam, which opened in 2012 in the north-west of the city, not far from the palace of the royal family. Because it is also located directly on the Chao Phraya River, it has little in common with the usual Bangkok city hotels. Those who travel to The Siam enjoy complete peace and seclusion at a very high level.

The ambience of the house itself is more like a luxury resort by the sea. From the first minute you crawl into your holiday here, a personal butler is available pretty much 24 hours and organises the course of your stay. The rooms are simple, the black wooden parquet flooring very cosy, the beds heavenly. In our room there were pictures of Elvis Presley and the Beatles and hotel manager Jason revealed that this was related to the owning family – the Sukosol family is not only a wealthy Thai industrialist clan, but also very devoted to music and film. The current head of the family, Mrs. Kamala Sukosol made a name for herself in Asia as a well-known jazz singer. Actually, the entire house is a kind of personal museum of the Sukosols’ extensive collection. In the library alone, there are practically all the cameras that at one time or another earned the title “state of the art”.

Of course, there is also a very large spa area in the house. The reception with the waiting room alone is as big as the entire wellness area of a European hotel. Everything in simple architecture, everything highly exclusive. What we liked best: the world’s first Thai boxing ring, located in the very nice fitness room. The Siam Hotel offers Muay Thai boxing lessons here. You even get your hands “taped” and as a work-out this sport is much better than some jogging sessions. You sweat like you’re playing squash. Ideal for lovers of sophisticated homes, this is a very relaxing Bangkok stay in a neighbourhood that should definitely be visited. Especially the nearby, former backpacker area around Khaosan Road should be planned for an evening.