Banyan Tree Bangkok review

Head for the heights at Banyan Tree Bangkok. Overlooking Lumphini Park, south of Siam Square, East of China Town and West of some of Bangkok’s busiest night spots, with the iconic curve of the Chao Praya river close by, you could not ask for a better location. But this is the quiet pause in the heady rush of a metropolis that you might need.

Banyan Tree Bangkok. Image courtesy of Banyan Tree Bangkok

Stay

Firstly, views, views views! All Banyan Tree rooms and suites are spacious, stylish and bright, with superb views across Bangkok’s impressive skylines and famous parks. In the expansive and inviting Panorama Club Park View room, you are greeted immediately by picturesque views of Lumphini Park framed by large windows – so, with a king-sized bed and a huge sofa you can sink into, get comfortable, unwind and watch the clouds go by.

Image courtesy of Banyan Tree Bangkok

The personal touches are everywhere. Incense and aromatic oils are provided with a daily scent menu, so everything smells incredible, daily fresh fruit is always provided, as are pillow menus. The bath menu is a luxurious offering, at an additional price, but – we noted – this does include wine. The nightly fold down service adds that subtle 5-star touch of bygone eras. And we loved the cute tokens such as miniature lavender face mists, left on the bedside each day by housekeeping. After a day of exploring this bustling city, Banyan Tree a truly refined sanctuary.

Image courtesy of Banyan Tree Bangkok

A note on the Club Room benefits, we were able to enjoy private and relaxed check in at the Banyan Tree Bangkok Club Lounge, welcomed with scented towels, Butterfly Pea tea, nibbles and jasmine garlands. Located on the 19th floor, the lounge offers an exclusive, serene retreat for guests in specific suites (Panorama / Serenity / Spa / Presidential), with benefits including daily buffet breakfast, afternoon tea, all-day refreshments, and evening cocktails and canapés.

Do

Banyan Tree Bangkok is so well situated within the heart of the city that it’s tempting to just rush in and out between all the cultural sightseeing on your doorstep. However, it would be remiss of us to not highlight some of the spa and wellbeing offerings that are well worth checking out. Guided by the hotel’s 8 Pillars of Wellbeing, you’ll find a perfect balance, whether through energising yoga, Muay Thai, Tibetan singing bowls or guided bodywork. Every experience is crafted to nurture presence, clarity and strength, so be sure to look up the timetable as soon as you check in.  

Image courtesy of Banyan Tree Bangkok

The outdoor pool on the 21st floor is not large, but it’s also never too busy, enjoyed mainly for relaxing rather than lane swimming, and the fitness centre is just right for the gym bunnies wanting to squeeze in a session between activities. Located on the same floor is also the Spa, where you can book in for traditional Thai scrubs, and aromatic oil massages incorporating fresh, natural ingredients. Let go of internal tension with a Tropical Rainmisttreatment. This relaxing experience includes a healing Thai herbal wrap and an uplifting Ginger Bath, leaving you relaxed and glowing.

Eat & Drink

From below, Banyan Tree seems to shoot up like a blade of grass – it’s mildly terrifying to imagine the sight from the top. But way up there on the 61st floor, under the stars, you will be completely awed by Vertigo’s breathtaking 360° view of Bangkok’s illuminated skyline.High above the bustling cityscape, this sophisticated al fresco grill restaurant provides an exquisite blend of innovative à la carte dishes and meticulously crafted set menus, with dishes including fresh seafood platters ceviche, and an extensive steak menu.

Image courtesy of Banyan Tree Bangkok

After dinner, head up to the adjacent Moon Bar. Signature cocktails include the Green Blanket (Vodka, Midori, Elderflower Liqueur, Lime Syrup, Kaffir Lime) or the Golden Doi (Tequila Sierra Silve, Martini Rosso, Monin Grenadine, Fluffy Fresh Passion Fruit, Lime Juice). If you fancy something simple and classic, do explore the offerings from Thailand’s growing gin industry – Saneha is excellent, blending sugarcane brandy with lemongrass, ginger, kaffir lime leaves, and pandan for those fresh, herby and distinctly Thai notes.

Saffron Grill. Image courtesy of Banyan Tree Bangkok

Banyan Tree Bangkok’s newest opening is Saffron Grill, showcasing the best of Thai produce and cooking – beyond the ubiquitous curries and stir fries. Every dish is crafted over real flame using white charcoal, longan wood, and coconut husk, creating deep, authentic flavors rooted in Thailand’s grilling heritage, reimagined. The menu showcases regional Thai ingredients, modern techniques, and responsibly sourced local produce. From northern herbs and ma kwaen pepper to southern spice and central-style grilling, Saffron Grill delivers a refined and culture-rich dining experience. We loved the Raw Mantis Shrimp Marinated with Rayong Fish Sauce, as well as the Grilled Giant Prawn Skewer seasoned with Pink Salt and finished with Sour Orange Zest. Moving on to meats, the array is astounding, and it is all top quality – from the Smoked Longan Charcoal-Grilled Pork Neck to the exquisite Picanha Wagyu from Nakhon Ratchasima Province. A bold and excellent choice for a side was the Mok Nor Mai, a Kalasin Style Bamboo Shoot Baked Salad with Pork Crackling. However, the Mo Kaeng Fak Thong (Charcoal-Baked Pumpkin Custard with Crispy Shallot Crumble and Roasted Coconut Ice Cream) was what really stole my heart, reminding me of fond childhood memories of eating all manner of pumpkin custard desserts as a final treat from the night market. One of the last things I ate during this brief Thailand trip – but one of the best.

Image courtesy of Banyan Tree Bangkok

Aside from the incredible views at Vertigo and heartwarming flavours at Saffron Grill, Banyan Tree Bangkok has another bow in its quiver when it comes to the Apsara Cruise, which makes use of the hotel’s proximity to the city’s enchanting Chao Phraya River. Set on a reimagined vintage rice barge, this five-course fine dining menu by Chef Chophet is more than your average dinner cruise, taking on Bangkok’s heritage, artistry and mythology, from the shimmering Grand Palace to Wat Arun.

Image courtesy of Banyan Tree Bangkok

N.B. Don’t forget about Vertigo TOO, where breakfast is served just one floor down from Vertigo and Moon Bar. It may not be the most important meal of the day for all, but it would be hard to find a better spot for a coffee with a view in the whole of Bangkok. Not to mention the international spread on offer, from an English cooked breakfast, an extensive pastry section, fresh juices and – our forever favourite – the Thai noodle bar.    

Explore

Banyan Tree Bangkok is perfectly situated south of both Lumphini Park and BenchakittiPark, well known for their connecting elevated walkway called The Green Mile, which offers a path for walkers, runners, cyclists and cyclists. The parks are also known for their special inhabitants, the infamous – but friendly – monitor lizards that have made the waterways home.

Nearby you will also find One Bangkok, a commercial playpark for big fashion brands, but also home to a fantastic sculpture trail known as the ‘Art Loop,’ boasting monumental works by renowned local and international artists. Key highlights include Anish Kapoor’s mirror-polished sculpture "S-Curve," Elmgreen & Dragset’s "Zero," Tony Cragg’s “It Is, It Isn’t” and Alex Face’s largest bronze sculpture.

Dib Bangkok. Image courtesy of Dib Bangkok

Art lovers will also enjoy a stroll down to Song Wat, a trendy neighbourhood full of street art and grass roots pop ups just south of China Town, as well as the proximity to recently established hotspots on the Bangkok contemporary art map: Kunsthalle Bangkok and Dib Bangkok. For more on the art to see and experience in Bangkok, read our guide.

Getting there

Most international flights arrive at Bangkok’s main airport, Suvarnabhumi, from where Banyan Tree is a 45 – 60-minute taxi ride, depending on traffic. Some domestic flights also arrive at Don Mueang Airport (DMK), which is a taxi journey of about 30 – 45 minutes.Getting around Bangkok is easy via BTS Skytrain or the underground Metro systems. The nearest BTS station is Sala Daeng, whereas the closest Metro is Si Lom, both within walking distance.

Image courtesy of Four Seasons Bangkok at Chao Phraya River Hotel

Price

Rates vary depending on the room and the season. Panorama Club Park View rooms start from around £200 per night.

Location

21/100 South Sathorn Road, Sathorn, Bangkok 10120, Thailand.

For more information visit banyantree.com

Words by Tani Burns