The Salil Hotel Riverside – a few quiet days by the River in Bangkok

You know that feeling when you arrive somewhere new after a long travel day, tired, a little wired, hoping everything flows smoothly? That was us, arriving late into Bangkok and heading straight to The Salil Hotel Riverside.

From the moment we stepped out of the car, the staff welcomed us with warmth, grace, and no hiccups. That seamless check-in, especially late at night, sets the tone for the rest of the stay.

Wrapped in warmth – a suite designed for rest and renewal.

We were brought up to our spacious suite, which had a kitchenette, a large bathroom, and a beautiful view over the pool and further out, the river. It was cosy, and thoughtfully arranged, with fresh flowers in a vase, some sweet little treats, a handwritten note with our names, and very soft linens waiting for us.

The room offers a thoughtfully designed space that feels both inspiring and serene, the kind of place where creative flow and inner stillness effortlessly meet.

Those are the small touches that make you feel like someone has thought about how you want to land after travelling. I always notice these things, and they make a difference.

A gentle flow through the days.

The next day started with breakfast down by the water at Nava. This casual restaurant offers a buffet setup with a nice enough range, and sitting out by the river is the best part.

I won’t say it was a culinary highlight but it did the job, yet that’s not what makes this place unique. Same with the tea selection; I say this as a big tea lover. It was a little limited, but for a short stay, it’s not the end of the world.

The Salil has so much else going for it, I didn’t dwell.

On our first afternoon, we were introduced to a rare and captivating experience nestled atop the hotel—The Rabbit Moon Aquatherapy. This unique hydrotherapy circuit is a carefully curated journey through a series of water massage stations, each one artfully designed to release tension from a specific part of the body—shoulders, lower back, legs, even the soles of the feet.

As we moved gently from one station to the next, time seemed to slow. I found myself surrendering to the rhythm of the water, effortlessly slipping into that blissful, floaty state.

There was something profoundly soothing about being immersed in warm, flowing water, high above the city, while the jets worked their magic and the open sky stretched endlessly overhead.

After a vibrant morning weaving through the sensory overload of Chatuchak Market, the gentle reset that followed felt like a balm.

A taste of tranquility by the water’s edge.

After soaking in hours of spa serenity, we eased into a tranquil sunset mocktail and an early riverside vegetarian dinner at NAVA Restaurant.

There’s something deeply regulating about dining by the water, as if the gentle current whispers your nervous system into rest.

The view? A breathtaking blend of stillness and the vibrant pulse of Bangkok life.

Morning spa as a reset button.

Now, the spa here is where The Salil truly shines — a sanctuary within a sanctuary. The Harnn Heritage Spa is not just beautifully designed; it’s imbued with a quiet elegance that immediately invites you to exhale.

Rooted in Thai wellness traditions, each element feels intentional: the soft lighting, the calming palette, the subtle aroma of lemongrass and jasmine drifting through the air.

The therapist’s touch was intuitive, almost meditative, attuned to the places I didn’t even realize were holding tension. Everything from the sacred feel of the space to the way the oils warmed on my skin made this treatment unforgettable.

This isn’t a “just-for-the-Insta” kind of spa. It’s one you’d seek out again and again, not just for luxury, but for healing.

This commitment to authentic, holistic experiences is a hallmark of Salil Hospitality, the visionary Thai company behind The Salil Hotel Riverside. Under the leadership of CEO Salilla Atikarnbodee, Salil Hospitality has cultivated a portfolio of boutique hotels that blend contemporary design with traditional Thai elements, creating spaces that feel both luxurious and deeply rooted in local culture.

Sunset yoga by the river.

We discovered that, upon request, guests can arrange a private yoga session at sunset, guided by a dedicated teacher and set gracefully by the river’s edge.

Though we didn’t take advantage of it this time, it’s a beautiful offering to keep in mind for future visits.

Little details, big impact.

Their commitment to inclusivity and empowerment shines through not only in the guest experience but also in the brand’s deeper values — evidenced by their active support of initiatives like the Women’s Empowerment Principles.

At The Salil Hotel Riverside, this ethos is woven into every detail, from the artful decor inspired by mythical beings of air, water, and land, to the personalized touches that make each guest feel genuinely seen and supported. It’s more than a place to stay, it’s an immersion into the grace of Thai hospitality.

What stood out most to me was the consistent attentiveness throughout the property — not in an overbearing way, but in that subtle, thoughtful “we’ve already considered your needs” kind of way.

From the harmonious room design to the warm welcome at reception, everything felt intentional. You could sense the care in its creation, a rarity in many urban hotels.

Would we return? Without question. Especially if we were seeking a few quiet days to reset in Bangkok, either before or after a longer journey. It’s peaceful, well-located, and focused on what matters most — space to breathe, true rest, and a meaningful experience.

A small tip: if you’re a devoted tea drinker, bring a few favorites along. Otherwise, The Salil Hotel Riverside offers exactly what you came for, quiet luxury, heartfelt hospitality, and a river view that gently reminds you to slow down.

Address: 2052, 7-9 Charoen Krung 72/-1 Alley, Wat Phraya Krai, Bang Kho Laem, Bangkok 10120, Thailand. – GOOGLE MAP

Phone: +66 2 844 8787 – website – Contact page – IG