Theatre Residence

Theatre Residence is on the quieter Thonburi side of the river, in one of Bangkok's oldest neighbourhoods. The Grand Palace is right across the water. Wat Rakang, the Temple of the Bells, is a hundred metres away, and Wang Lang Market, a busy day market full of Thai food and fresh fruit, is next door. Wat Arun is a five-minute tuk-tuk ride away, and ferries cross to the Grand Palace and Wat Pho.

This riverside site once housed the Patravadi Theatre. Today the building is modern, but it fits easily into the surrounding old neighbourhood.

This is a serviced residence, so rooms feel more like apartments, and everyone has a kitchenette. The riverfront suites look across to the Grand Palace and Wat Arun from sunrise to sunset. Poolside rooms open straight onto the courtyard, and top-floor rooms have river views.

The riverside restaurant offers front-row views of the river's famous landmarks. Its terrace is the place for a sunset cocktail as the light shifts across the temples, before dinner inside. For something lighter, the café takes its cue from the streets around Wat Rakang, with local dishes, good coffee and seasonal fruit juices.

Theatre Residence makes it easy to get to know the neighbourhood. A free guided walk takes guests through Wang Lang Market or to Wat Rakang every day, and the lobby hosts a free workshop each afternoon, from Thai dessert-making and garland folding to bracelet-making and a traditional Thai music performance by local students. Afterwards, cool off in the open-air pool, where a quiet corner is set aside for yoga.