Top 5 riverfront hotels in Bangkok

Bangkok is, not only the capital, but also the largest city in Thailand, which was once called Siam. It was originally a small trading post at the mouth of the Chao Phraya River - in the 15th century - but over the centuries it has grown to become the political, commercial and cultural hub of Thailand. The city's many cultural landmarks such as "the Grand Palace, hundreds of Buddhist Temples, and illegal red light district" attracts million of international visitors each year.

To house all these visitors, it is necessary to have a large amount of hotels and other accommodations, and it is estimated that in bangkok there are aapproximately 625 hotels in the city. However, there is only one area in the city, that can be said to be the choice hotel area - the riverfront, where the largest collection of five-star hotels can be found.

1. The original five-star hotel "The Oriental" now called the "Mandarin Oriental" celebrated it's 135th birthday in 2011. This hotel is the most "thai" in essence, than all of the other luxuty hotels in Bangkok, and it's floor-to-ceiling windows, look out at the river from every room. This hotel is a favourite among the celebrity visitors who flock to Bangkok. In 2009 all the 338 rooms, in the river wing were renovated, and in 2011 the main lobby and reception areas were refurbished. There are 10 restaurants, 11 lounges and bars, a orientsl Spa and Oriental Cooking School. Hotel website - www.mandarinoriental.com and phone 800-526-6566.

2. The five-star Marriott Bangkok Resort and Spa, Riverside is a city resort with a twist. Thed hotel has all the features, that a business or leisure traveller would want, but with cklassical Thai architecture, lush gardens, and cool river brfeezes - as it sites on the banks of the river, with a canal running through the grounds. As of November 1 2011, the hotel has been rebranded as the Anantara Bangkok Riverside Resort and Spa.

Guests have easy access to all parts of the city, as the hotel operates it's own shuttle boat service to the nearest Skytrain station - every 15 minutes during the day. The hote'ls Riverside Terrace serves dinner al Fresco in the evenings - a large buffet with cooking stations and a stage, where traditional Thai dancing is performed. There are also a fleet of "rice barges" that offer dinner cruises. Hotel info www.anantara.com

3. The Peninsula Bangkok has stunning views of the Chao Phraya River and the city skyline, and is a particular favorite with v isitgors to the city. The free hotel ferry, along the river, connects to the Skytrain station and the river cruise docks, making it easy and convenient for guest to get around.

Every room in the hotel has a river view; the Thai restaurant is set in a traditional Thai house along the riverside; the 18-room Spa faces out over the river; the 9 brand new BMW's are used for airport transfers for guests; rooms in the hotel average 465-square feet; and there is a heliport on the rooftop for helicopter landings. Hotel www.peninsula.com and phone: 866-382-8388

4. The Shangri-La Hotel Bangkok, Riverside features 802-rooms, each adorned in a Thai-inspired theme, and views of the Chao Phraya river. The hotel is conveniently located next to the "Saphan Taksin station of Bangkok's elevated metro system, and the Sathom Pier, making it easy for guests to explore the river and bangkok's historical attractions.

The Shangri-La Hotel has two wings, the Krungthep Wing, has a seperate lobby and reception area, personal butler service, and rooms, with private balconies, all facing the river. There are 10 dining options, a fitness center and spa, and of course impecable service.Hotel info - www.shangri-la.com.

5. The Royal Orchid Sheraton with 726-rooms, completed a 3.7 million renovation in 2011, which included - new rooms with panoramic views of the Chao Phraya river, a Riverside Terrace with a saltwater swimming pool and a riverfront bar and grill, that has unspoilt views of the river, and a Spa - The Royal Orchid Mandarin Spa - which overlooks the river.

The Royal Orchid Sheraton is adjacednt to River City Bangkok's largest antique shopping Mall and only a short distance from the "Grand Palace, Temple of the Dawn, and the Temple of the Emerald Buddah", the top Cultural attractions in Bangkok. Guests can take the complimentary shuttle to the Skytrain station, from where they can make connections to most of Bangkoks most important attractions. Hotel info www.starwoodhotels.com, Phone: 888-625-5144.