Bangkok is loud. It’s a sensory overload of tuk-tuk engines, sizzling street food, and neon lights that never seem to dim. If you’ve ever stayed in the middle of Sukhumvit, you know the feeling of stepping out of your lobby and immediately being hit by a wall of humidity and chaos. But there is a different version of the city. Down by the water, things slow down just a bit. The Avani+ Riverside Bangkok Hotel sits right in the heart of this "New River Frontier," and it offers something the skyscrapers in the business district simply cannot match: breathing room.
Most people look at a map of Bangkok and worry that staying on the Thonburi side—the "quiet" side of the Chao Phraya—will leave them stranded. Honestly? It’s the opposite. You’re actually better positioned to see the real Bangkok from here than if you were hunkered down in a mall-centric neighborhood like Siam Square.
The View Everyone Talks About (And Why It Matters)
Let’s get the obvious thing out of the way. The infinity pool on the 26th floor is probably one of the most photographed spots in Southeast Asia. It’s 25 meters of clear blue water that looks like it’s spilling directly into the river.
But it isn't just about the photos.
When you are at the Avani+ Riverside Bangkok Hotel, the height is the differentiator. Unlike some of the older, legacy hotels along the river that are only a few stories high, the Avani+ starts on the 11th floor. This means every single room has an unobstructed view of the Chao Phraya. You see the rice barges chugging along, the long-tail boats weaving through traffic, and the glimmering lights of Asiatique across the water. It’s a literal bird’s eye view of the city’s lifeblood.
I’ve spent hours just watching the river. It’s better than TV. You see the shift from the morning haze to the golden hour, and suddenly you realize that Bangkok isn't just a concrete jungle; it’s a living, breathing ecosystem.
SEEN Restaurant & Bar: More Than Just a Hotel Bar
If you’re staying here, you’re going to end up at SEEN. It’s the rooftop playground designed by Olivier da Costa, and it has this weirdly cool 1980s Art Deco vibe mixed with modern greenery.
Most hotel bars feel stiff. They feel like places where businessmen in suits go to have an overpriced scotch. SEEN feels like a party. The music is loud enough to set a mood but not so loud that you can't hear yourself think. The cocktails are inventive—think local Thai flavors like lemongrass and chili mixed with high-end spirits.
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The food is surprisingly decent for a rooftop spot. Usually, these places rely on the view and serve mediocre sliders. Here, you're getting Wagyu beef and fresh sushi that actually holds up to the city's high culinary standards. It is expensive by Bangkok standards? Yeah, kinda. But compared to a rooftop bar in London or New York? It’s a steal.
Logistics: Is It Actually "Far Away"?
This is the biggest misconception about the Avani+ Riverside Bangkok Hotel. People see it on the map and think they’ll be spending a fortune on Grab cars to get to the Grand Palace or Wat Arun.
Here is the secret: The boat.
The hotel shares a pier with its sister property, the Anantara Riverside. They run a shuttle boat every 20 or 30 minutes that takes you straight to the Saphan Taksin BTS station.
- The boat ride is free.
- It takes about 15 minutes.
- The breeze on the river is the best "air conditioning" in the city.
Once you’re at Saphan Taksin, the entire Skytrain network is open to you. You can be in the luxury malls of EmQuartier or the bustling markets of Ari in no time. Plus, if you want to visit the historic sites, you can just hop on the public "Blue Flag" tourist boat or the "Orange Flag" local boat from the same pier. It’s actually faster than sitting in a taxi on Sukhumvit Road at 5:00 PM, which is basically a parking lot.
The Riverside Plaza
The hotel is perched right on top of Riverside Plaza. It’s not a massive, overwhelming mall like Iconsiam, but it has exactly what you need. There’s a Boots pharmacy, a Starbucks (if you need that familiar caffeine fix), and several restaurants ranging from Thai to Japanese. It’s incredibly convenient when you’ve had a long day of exploring and don't want to think about where to eat dinner. You just take the elevator down.
What the Rooms are Actually Like
If you like "Old World" luxury—heavy drapes, dark wood, gold leaf—you won't like it here. The Avani+ Riverside Bangkok Hotel is minimalist. It’s clean lines, light wood, and massive floor-to-ceiling windows.
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The layout is smart. They use a "living space" concept where the bathroom and the bedroom feel integrated but can be screened off for privacy. The beds are famously comfortable. Like, "miss your alarm and sleep until noon" comfortable.
One thing I really appreciate is the lack of clutter. So many five-star hotels stuff the desk with brochures and menus you'll never read. Here, it’s stripped back. It feels like a high-end apartment. And since the hotel is relatively new, you aren't dealing with the "musty" smell that sometimes plagues older riverside buildings in the humid Thai climate.
The Wellness Scene
I'm not usually a "hotel gym" person, but the AvaniFit setup is legit. It’s not a cramped room in the basement. It has windows. It has modern equipment.
They also do these "Adrenaline" workouts and have a decent spa. If you’ve spent the day walking 20,000 steps through the heat of Chatuchak Market, getting a foot massage or a traditional Thai massage at the AvaniSpa is basically a medical necessity. They don't just do the standard stuff; they have specialized treatments that focus on jet lag and muscle recovery.
A Quick Reality Check
Nothing is perfect. Let's be real for a second.
If your entire goal for visiting Bangkok is to go clubbing until 4:00 AM on Soi Cowboy or Nana, the Avani+ Riverside Bangkok Hotel might feel a bit detached. You’ll be paying for late-night Grabs, and the river shuttle stops running around midnight.
Also, the breakfast buffet is massive. It’s impressive, sure. But it can get busy. If you’re there during peak holiday season, the 11th-floor lobby can feel a bit frantic during the 9:00 AM rush. My advice? Go early. The omelet station is worth the 7:30 AM wake-up call.
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The "New" Neighborhood: Charoen Nakhon
Staying here puts you in a prime position to explore the Thonburi side of the river, which is becoming the "cool" part of town.
Just a short ride away is Iconsiam, which is arguably the most beautiful mall in the world. Even if you hate shopping, go for the "SookSiam" indoor floating market on the ground floor. It’s a curated version of street food from every province in Thailand. It’s clean, air-conditioned, and the food is actually authentic.
But the real magic is in the backstreets. If you walk out of the hotel and wander into the local sois (alleys), you’ll find small family-run noodle shops that have been there for forty years. You’ll see spirit houses decorated with fresh marigolds. You’ll see the Bangkok that hasn't been polished for tourists yet.
Making the Most of Your Stay
To really get the value out of the Avani+ Riverside Bangkok Hotel, you have to use the river. Don't take cars.
- Morning: Take the shuttle boat to Saphan Taksin, then grab the public boat to the Grand Palace. Do the tourist stuff before the heat becomes unbearable.
- Afternoon: Head back to the hotel and hit that infinity pool. This is the "dead zone" of Bangkok heat (usually 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM). Avoid being on the street during this time.
- Evening: Take a 10-minute taxi or boat to the Jam Factory or LHONG 1919. These are repurposed warehouses turned into art galleries, cafes, and shops. They represent the "Creative District" vibe of the riverside.
- Night: Drinks at SEEN. Watch the lights of the city.
Final Thoughts on the Experience
The Avani+ Riverside Bangkok Hotel isn't just a place to sleep. It’s a vantage point. It allows you to engage with the city on your own terms. You can dive into the madness of the markets and the malls, but you have this serene, elevated sanctuary to return to.
It’s stylish without being pretentious. It’s modern without feeling cold. For the price point, it’s hard to find another hotel in the city that offers this specific combination of view, design, and accessibility.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Trip
- Book a River View Room: Seriously, don't try to save a few bucks on a lower-tier room if it doesn't guarantee the high-floor view. The view is 50% of the reason to stay here.
- Download the "Grab" App: While the boat is great, you’ll want Grab for quick trips to Iconsiam or local Thonburi spots.
- Check the Shuttle Schedule: Take a photo of the boat timetable at the pier on your first day. It saves you from standing in the heat for 20 minutes because you just missed the last one.
- Look Beyond the Hotel: Use the bridge nearby to walk across to the "city side" if you want to see the contrast between the old neighborhoods and the new developments.
Bangkok is a city of layers. Staying by the river lets you peel those layers back a little more easily. Whether you're a first-timer or a frequent visitor, the perspective from the 26th floor changes how you see the "City of Angels" forever.