Built in 1782, this complex is home to one of the country’s most beloved treasures, the Emerald Buddha, said to date back to the 14th century. Look for it at Wat Phra Kaeo, just one of the magnificent temples on the grounds of the Grand Palace.

Location - 5 km/15-20 minutes by car

Flowing past palaces, temples, villages and markets, the Chao Phraya River is truly the heart of Bangkok. It is the best way to see the city and reach many of the city’s major attractions. For a real Bangkok treat, tour the river on a private long tail boat.

Location - starts at the hotel

The world-famous Chatuchak Weekend Market covers more than 35 acres and boasts 15,000 shops and stalls. A true ‘must’ on any trip to Bangkok, the market is the one place where you can buy almost anything—at really low prices. Be forewarned: go early.

Location – 15 km/20 minutes by BTS

Wat Pho, the oldest and largest temple in Bangkok, is home to the country’s famed Reclining Buddha. At 45 metres long, the statue is the largest of its kind in the country. Visit the Buddha, then spend time exploring the temple grounds.

Location – 3 km/20 minutes by car

Set your alarm! It’s worth waking early to witness the lively and mesmerizing action at the Floating Flower Market. Suppliers start selling flowers between 2 –3 am, so if you want to see the market in full bloom, be there well before daybreak.

Location – 2 km/15 minutes by car

Chinatown is one of the oldest districts in Bangkok, first settled by Chinese merchants in the early 1780’s. Be sure to visit Wat Traimit and its 3-metre-high solid gold Buddha, than wander through the narrow, shaded streets that are unlike any others in the city.

Location - 2 km/15 minutes by car

Forgo with the assumption that puppet shows are for children, because this one-hour theater promises to enthrall individuals of every age. Watch the story of the Ramakien unfold every evening and follow the adventures of the noble prince Rama, his beautiful bride Sita and their whimsical companion Hanuman. It is recommended that guests arrive early to observe the making of traditional masks and costumes worn in the performance.

Location - 3 km/ 30 minutes by car

Lights, camera, action! This record-breaking extravaganza attracts throngs of admirers every night, which is no surprise to those who are in the know! Breath-taking special effects and over 150 performers promise to spellbind audience members as they are transported through seven centuries of Siamese history. This is a definite must-see for theater and history buffs!

Location - 3 km/ 30 minutes by car

Perhaps Bangkok’s most photographed site, Wat Arun is easily recognized by its 70-metre high spire, which has been decorated with pieces of broken glass and Chinese porcelain. Be sure to get a photograph, especially at night, when it is at its most spectacular.

Location – 2 km/10 minutes by long tail boat

The legendary American famous for reviving the Thai silk industry, as well as for his mysterious disappearance in 1967, left behind a beautiful classic Thai house that reflects the “East Meets West” aesthetic that populated of all his creative designs. Made from six separate teak structures, the house is now a museum located alongside one of the few remaining canals left in Bangkok. A contemporary art gallery, chic restaurant and textile library are to be found on the property too.

Location – 20 minutes by skytrain

This ancient city was the capital of Thailand from 1350 to 1767, a period now perceived to be the country’s Golden Age. A port town once admired for its international trade and culture, it is now home to two museums, as well as many beautiful temples that reflect the past glory of this historic city.

Location – 60 km/ 1 hour by car

A poet, a writer and even serving as prime minister in the 1970’s, M.R. Kukrit Pramoj was one of Thailand’s most respected individuals of the twentieth century, as well was a frequent patron of The Oriental Hotel. Only recently available for public viewing, his house is an excellent example of traditional Thai architecture. The lush gardens and beautiful landscape further mirror the quietude that can be found within his writing too.

Location – 15 minutes by skytrain

Considered The Hamptons of Thailand, Hua Hin has beautiful, clean beaches and golden sand. In fact, it’s so nice that the country’s Royal Family call it home. Sports enthusiasts take note: Hua Hin also boasts the country’s first golf course.

Location – 200 km/ 3 hours by car

No matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find it at this massive retail complex that sells everything from luxury sports cars to exotic perfumes and from books in six languages to gourmet foods. Five floors of shops –some of them as large as a soccer pitch, plus cinemas, make Siam Paragon an event.

Location – 10 minutes by Skytrain

This is widely considered to be the trendiest area in town. Located next to Chulalongkorn University, Siam Centre includes a mall specializing in locally produced fashions. Teens and college students come for the cool fashions at Siam Centre, while their parents come to try to keep up with everything and to reminisce.

Location – 10 minutes by Skytrain

Luxury lovers, take note. Graysorn is Bangkok’s answer to The Landmark in Hong Kong and Starhill in Malaysia. Chockablock with the world’s most coveted luxury brands, Gaysorn provides a more intimate shopping experience, which is why you might just spot a celebrity or two here.

Location – 10 minutes by Skytrain

Central Department Store has many branches, but Central Chidlom is by far the most popular. The store has a wide range of reasonably priced products, including fashions, accessories, and jewelry and also boasts a fine selection of Thai souvenirs and handicrafts.

Location – 12 minuets by Skytrain

More than a mall the shopping complex boasts a variety of designer boutiques, a cinema and one of Thailand’s most revered department stores. The trendy restaurants are very popular too. Be sure to queue early for a table, especially on weekends.

Location – 15 minutes by Skytrain

Looking for the perfect souvenir or gift? The brand new Oriental Boutique carries a full range of the hotel’s amenities alongside a host of exclusive items, including our much-coveted bathrobes, the entire amentities collection, Oriental polo shirts and even cutlery from The China House restaurant.

Location – At the Hotel

Considered the finest French restaurant in Asia, Le Normandie is the place to come for exquisitely prepared cuisine, excellent service, and to rub shoulders with Thai high society. Overlooking the Chao Phraya River, no matter if it is day or night, the ambience is perfect for romantic interludes with that special someone. Gentlemen are required to wear a jacket for dinner.

Location – At the Hotel

Just across the River from the hotel’s main building, Sala Rim Naam is a spectacular Thai restaurant with an unmatched setting. Dine al fresco and a al carte on the Terrace or enjoy the exotic décor and tantalizing buffet inside the traditional pavilion. Don’t forget your camera --Sala Rim Naam’s nightly cultural performances are not to be missed.

Location – At the hotel

A charming family run eatery located just 5 minutes walking distance from Mandarin Oriental, Harmonique is one of Bangkok's best kept secrets. Enjoy a variety of Thai dishes either outdoors in a quaint garden courtyard or take your pick of indoor seating amongst charming antiques and thai furniture.

Location – 5 minutes walk

A gem of a restaurant on one of the city’s busiest streets, Bann Khanitha is home to authentic Thai cuisine cooked to perfection. Be sure to book ahead, this eatery is always packed with locals and visitors alike. Try to get a table in the garden.

Location – 20 minutes by car

Perhaps the most famous restaurant/club in Asia, Bed Supperclub is the place to see and be seen. Four-course meals are served “in bed” from 8:30 pm. Reserve your place two weeks in advance and look your absolute, trendiest best when you arrive.

Location – 20 minutes by car

At Seafood Market, patrons take a cart, choose from among 40 different sea creatures (most of them live), pay for it, then opt for a preparation method. (The waiters will recommend the best). The food is fantastic and the experience is not to be missed.

Location – 30-45 minutes by car

Revered as the best Italian restaurant in Bangkok, Zanotti is famed for its Tuscan and Piedmont fare. Chef Gianmaria Zanotti’s eatery features 20 kinds of homemade pasta, perfectly cooked steaks, a staff dressed in starched white uniforms, and traditional Italian music.

Location – 15 minutes by car

If you’re in the mood for love, you couldn’t set a nicer scene than Café Siam, located in a grand 2-storey colonial house. Dine al fresco on the covered terrace or upstairs in one of the cosy private rooms, each of which features overstuffed chairs and sofas. The menu is a mix of Thai and Western fare.

Location – 20 minutes by car

Salon de L’Oriental, an all-day dining venue, is ideally located on the ground floor of Emporium Shopping Complex. It offers a lavish selection of the Thai and Western delights for which Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok is acclaimed. Perfect for people-watching and relaxing after a long day of shopping, guests can sit and relax whilst snacking on delicious international dishes and relishing our tantalizing desserts and smoothies.

Location – 30 minutes by car

This family-styled restaurant boasts a menu with over 350 dishes, a loyal following, and an intimate environment neatly tucked within a small road populated by foliage and residential apartments. Established in 1996 the restaurant is now a landmark to many locals, and as a testimony to its popularity, a second restaurant recently opened to satisfy its growing number of fans, however it is the original venue that is the best! The all-day brunch is highly recommended, as well as the mouth-watering selection of desserts.

Location - 20 minutes by Skytrain