Sala Rattanakosin Bangkok

Sala Rattanakosin is on Rattanakosin Island, where Bangkok was founded. Step out of the front door and Wat Pho and the Grand Palace are a few minutes' walk away, with Sanam Chai MRT close by. Step onto the terrace and Wat Arun is right in front of you, just across the river. Ferries from the nearby piers make it easy to explore by boat.

Rooms are cool and minimal, with a Marshall speaker, a Nespresso machine and a well-stocked minibar. Pick your view: Wat Pho, the river or Wat Arun itself. The suites face the temple head-on.

The riverside eatery serves modern Thai dishes with a creative twist, plus international favourites, from breakfast to dinner, and offers a long wine list. As the sun sets, head up to the fifth-floor rooftop bar for cocktails, fresh oysters and Wat Arun turning gold across the water.