Riva Surya Bangkok

Rooms and decor

There are about 68 rooms here, in a warm, modern style, and every one comes with air-con, a flat-screen TV, a minibar, a safe and an en-suite bathroom. We asked for a room with a river-view balcony — the kind where you can sit with a coffee in the morning and watch the boats go by on the Chao Phraya. Many of the rooms have that balcony-and-river setup, which is the version worth holding out for.

Food and amenities

The on-site restaurant is Babble & Rum, serving Thai and international food right by the water. The piece reviewers single out, though, is the outdoor pool that sits on the river edge — you swim looking straight out at the Chao Phraya. There is also a gym, massage and spa service, free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk and concierge.

Location and getting there

Riva Surya is on Phra Athit Road in the Banglamphu quarter, right on the river — modern design that lands well against the old town. Phra Athit is a street of cafes and old buildings, near Khao San but a good deal quieter. The handy part is the hotel's own private pier: guests step straight onto a Chao Phraya express boat or a tourist boat from the front. It is about 7-8 minutes on foot to Khao San Road, with Phra Sumen Fort and riverside Santichaiprakan Park close by. Real guest scores hit 9.5 — the highest on this list.

Things to know before booking

This one is a fair way from the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew — figure on a ride or about a 16-minute walk along the river rather than stepping out the door to them. The river-view rooms cost more and sell out fast, so book early if that is the version you want. And because Phra Athit sits next to Khao San, the area gets lively in the evening.

Our take

Riva Surya Bangkok is the right call for couples and families who want a good-quality riverside hotel. If you value the river view, the pool on the water and a spot close to Khao San over being able to walk straight to Wat Phra Kaew, we recommend it without hesitation.