Bangkok’s most Instagrammable hotels
From swanky rooftop hotels with jaw-dropping views to properties packed with Thai heritage design, Bangkok is a playground for Instagram aficionados
02/05/2025
Words: Surekha Ragavan
Whether you’re picturing a hotel overlooking the Chao Phraya River, where boats lazily glide by, or one in a hip neighbourhood surrounded by stylish bars, the choices for a good Instagram backdrop are aplenty in vibrant Bangkok. Grab your camera and get ready to uncover the best spots for your next photo op.
Bedroom in presidential villa at Capella Bangkok
Capella Bangkok
Ranked the best hotel in the world in 2024, Capella Bangkok delivers an unreservedly modern stay for those with discerning tastes. The property’s location along the Chao Phraya River in the Charoenkrung district sidesteps Bangkok’s frenetic energy to offer a slice of calm. Unlike many other luxury hotels in the city that lean into traditional Thai accents, Capella embraces elegant neutral-toned hues, classy marble fittings and a clean Japanese-inspired aesthetic – plenty of backdrops for you to snap your daily #ootd. Each of the hotel’s 101 rooms faces the river, where you can gaze at boats that meander by, while the private villas come with the addition of a private Jacuzzi and an expansive garden terrace. Don’t miss Côte, a two-Michelin-starred Mediterranean restaurant fronted by famed Argentine chef Mauro Colagreco.
Get the shot: Want to take your photoshoot further afield? The hotel’s concierges – dubbed ‘Capella Culturists’ – can put together unique local ideas for guests, including a fire-based Northern Thai body treatment, bicycle rides to little-known towns or a guided meditation session.
The Siam was inspired by the Musée d’Orsay in Paris
The Siam
Arguably one of the most beautiful hotels in the entirety of Thailand, The Siam is sumptuous in every corner of its estate. The vast compound – visualised by celebrated architect Bill Bensley – is a treasure trove of Art Deco artefacts and antiques. You’ll find yourself wanting to inspect every vintage medicine cabinet and ornate vase that adorn the lobby and corridors – ideally with a camera in tow. One of the best features of the hotel’s entrance is the column of enigmatically tall indoor palm trees that reflect their sprawling leaves on to the water feature below. The Siam is a suite-only hotel, which means that each room is fitted with double wardrobes, separate walk-in showers, a marble bathtub and a sitting room – as well as a personal butler at your beck and call. Now this is how you do ‘urban luxury’.
Get the shot: Collodion wet plate photography, a photographic process, was invented in 1951 by Frederick Scott Archer. At The Siam, ditch Instagram to get your photo taken and processed via a mobile darkroom using this ancient process. You then get to take home your framed portrait.
The famous infinity pool at Pillars. Also opening image (Napat Rungsrithananon)
137 Pillars Suites & Residences
137 Pillars’ central location between the trendy neighbourhoods of Phrom Phong and Thong Lor means you can rub shoulders with affluent local families in a swanky mall during the day, and sip on a craft cocktail in a stylish bar come nighttime. But the reason you’re here is the rooftop infinity pool – one of the most photographed spots in all of Bangkok. 137 Pillars is equally known for its in-house wellness centre where you can get a massage using ancient reiki techniques. Working remotely from Bangkok? The hotel offers a Digital Nomad package for stays of up to two weeks. Watch your productivity rise as you get weekly massages and partake in yoga sessions.
Get the shot: Because the pool is open 24/7, you can saunter over to its deck at midnight and capture the glittering skyline from your phone’s night-mode setting.
Kimpton Maa-Lai has a maze-like gridded façade
Kimpton Maa-Lai
Located in the well-heeled Langsuan neighbourhood, this chic boutique hotel cleverly blends modern luxury peppered with notes of Thai heritage design. The rooms are lushly appointed with floor-to-ceiling windows, marbled bathrooms and artisanal amenities by local brands. It all paints a luxurious vibe without the old-world pretence that often accompanies other luxury properties in Bangkok. Bar.Yard, often regarded as one of the best rooftop bars in the city, lends a panoramic view of Bangkok’s famously glittery skyline – a perfect spot from which to take those enviable sunset photos. This is all to say that Kimpton is a perfect choice for the young, hip, and those inclined to traveling for the ’gram.
Get the shot: Want to give Fido his own viral moment? Kimpton is a pet-friendly hotel with three floors dedicated to rooms for pet owners. Your precious doggo can have its own pet bed, toys and bowl at no extra charge. In-house restaurant Craft also allows owners to dine with their furry friends.
View from the Specialty Suite bathroom in the Shangri-La Wing at Shangri-La Bangkok
Shangri-La Bangkok
This stunning, strategically located riverside hotel is an excellent way to mix business with leisure. Upon entry, you’ll be greeted by high ceilings and plenty of marble accents, an immediate hallmark of luxury. There are two wings at the hotel: The Shangri-La Wing offers modern rooms and suites perfect for a business trip, while the newer Krungthep Wing is an elevated choice with Thai-inspired fittings – perfect for special occasions such as birthdays or anniversaries. For such a large property, there’s no shortage of in-house dining options, ranging from the Thai fine-dining establishment, Salathip, or the pâtisserie offering chocolate work and dainty sweets. Or make your Instagram followers envious by posting snaps from a luxury dinner cruise along the Chao Phraya River.
Get the shot: On the first Thursdays of the month, Salathip hosts a street food bazaar where vendors offer local favourites, including stewed pork knuckle and mango sticky rice in an alfresco setting with a lounge band performing a background score. It’s the perfect bustling scene for some stunning shots.
British Airways Holidays offers 15 per cent off a hotel stay of two or more consecutive nights at Shangri-La Bangkok. Travel from 1 June–30 October 2025. Book by 31 May 2025. The specified offer will appear in red text during the booking process, should it be applicable. Price shown on ba.com includes any applicable discount. Subject to availability. T&Cs apply.
Rooftop pool at Waldorf Astoria
Waldorf Astoria
A stone’s throw from centralwOrld, Bangkok’s biggest shopping centre, is Waldorf Astoria, an ultra-luxury property under the Hilton portfolio. Marbled accents, high ceilings, expansive rooms and plush fittings make up the modern aesthetic of the hotel – the trademark of the handful of Waldorf Astoria properties around the world. One of the highlights of each room is the extremely well-stocked minibar complete with crystal-cut glasses and artisanal local spirits. For a perfect Zoom background, head to the rooftop pool area where a 25m strip of heated water overlooking the city skyline awaits you. And to channel Don Draper in late 1960s New York, stop by Bull & Bear for a strip steak and smoked old-fashioned in a grand setting.
Get the shot: The hotel has come to be known for its stellar breakfast spread featuring an array of cured meats (including a whole Serrano ham leg that the staff can shave off thinly), local tropical fruits, made-to-order ‘croffles’ (a croissant and waffle hybrid), truffled eggs and more.
