The Quarter Chaophraya and my riverside adventure in Bangkok

Under the moonlit night, I sat by the circular stone bench at the edge of The Quarter Chaophraya, watching the boats plying the Chao Phraya River. Their lights shimmered like scattered stars on the water’s surface, a quiet contrast to the hum of Bangkok’s skyline in the distance.  

My stay here was fleeting—a single night between flights—but the serenity of the riverside breeze and the soft glow of the night lights along the riverbanks made it feel like a secret interlude. I had arrived weary from Thailand‘s paradise, Phuket, my mind still tangled in the rhythms of island time. Yet, the moment I stepped into the courtyard, the clatter of the city faded, replaced by the gentle rustle of leaves and the distant chime of a temple bell. For a brief moment, I forgot I was in Bangkok at all.  

The river, ever-present, seemed to weave its magic through the property. From its bright floor-to-ceiling multi-level glass facade to the lush greenery spilling from planters, The Quarter Chaophraya exuded a calm that defied its urban setting. As I wandered past its courtyard, the interplay of light and shadow on the water hinted at the stories this neighborhood could tell.  

The Quarter Chaophraya Bangkok

The Urban Sanctuary on the Riverbank 

Situated on the Chao Phraya Riverbank in Khlong San, one of Bangkok’s oldest yet most up-and-coming districts, The Quarter Chaophraya by UHG offers an urban sanctuary designed to make your stay relaxing, comfortable, and memorable.  

The hotel’s design blends minimalist Thai aesthetics with contemporary comforts: think clean lines, natural wood accents, and open spaces that frame the river like a living artwork.  

The Quarter Chaophraya Bangkok

Rooms Designed for Comfort and Connection 

The hotel offers six room types, from cozy Superior Kings to sprawling Riverfront Suites, each designed with a “less is more” philosophy. I stayed in a Superior Twin Balcony in the main building, where the lobby and courtyard are located.  

The room was compact but functional, with twin beds dressed in crisp white linens, a smart TV, and a rainfall shower in the bathroom. Refillable tea and coffee, mineral water, and an electric kettle were thoughtfully provided. While the balcony’s view was limited to the hotel’s courtyard below, the sliding glass doors bathed the space in natural light.  

Guests seeking river vistas should opt for rooms in the South Wing , which offers direct access to the swimming pool and panoramic views of the Chao Phraya. The Deluxe River View and Riverfront Suite categories here are ideal for those craving uninterrupted water vistas, with floor-to-ceiling windows and private terraces. Family-friendly options include connecting rooms, while all accommodations feature blackout curtains and soundproofing to ensure restful sleep.  

The Quarter Chaophraya Bangkok

Amenities to Enjoy at The Quarter Chaophraya 

The hotel’s facilities cater to both leisure and practicality. The star attraction is the river terrace, where a circular seating area juts toward the water, inviting guests to relax as ferries glide by. Adjacent lies the swimming pool, a sleek oasis flanked by sunbeds and potted palms. Though I missed taking a peek into the fitness center and grand ballroom due to my short stay, the leafy garden and kids’ playground hinted at the hotel’s family-friendly appeal.  

A Lawson 108 convenience store in the courtyard stocked midnight snacks and travel essentials, while Lek Massage, a popular Thai massage parlor, stood accessible from the courtyard. For events, the meeting rooms and ballroom cater to business travelers, though the garden’s serene ambiance felt like a more enticing venue for gatherings.  

The Quarter Chaophraya Bangkok

Dining Options within The Quarter Chaophraya 

Breakfast at Hilly’s, the all-day dining restaurant, offered a buffet spread of Thai food, dim sum, and Western classics like eggs Benedict. The Casa Lapin near the lobby —a specialty coffee shop by Bangkok’s beloved cafe group—poured velvety lattes and house-made pastries, sourcing beans from Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai for its signature Supreme House Blend.  

For evening meals, One, the Enchanting Thai Kitchen and Lounge, located steps from the hotel’s river terrace, served up fragrant curries and grilled seafood with a riverside view. While ICONSIAM mall—a 15-minute walk away—boasted Michelin-starred eats, the convenience of having a diverse range of dining options within or immediately adjacent to the property made it easy to savor local flavors without venturing far.  

The Quarter Chaophraya Bangkok

Exploring Khlong San’s Hidden Gems 

Khlong San is a microcosm of Bangkok’s contrasts. A five-minute stroll brought me to Chee Chin Khor Temple, where an eight-story Chinese pagoda glowed gold at dusk, and to Wat Suwan, a centuries-old Buddhist shrine with a serene courtyard. For shopping, ICONSIAM loomed like a titan, housing Siam Takashimaya and luxury brands, while the Khlong San Night Market nearby peddled faux leather bags and fried banana pancakes until midnight.  

Art lovers can visit The Jam Factory, a creative complex with pop-up fairs, indie cafes, and art exhibitions. Early risers can explore its weekend farmers’ market, stocked with organic produce. Even the Taksin Hospital nearby spoke to the area’s practicality—a reminder that this corner of Bangkok balances charm with convenience.  

Departing The Quarter Chaophraya 

My morning departure came too soon. As the sky turned the color of saffron, my taxi pulled away from the driveway, and the morning rush began to stir. My driver weaved through a bustling street outside the hotel, where office workers and saffron-robed monks stopped at roadside stalls for steaming bowls of guaytiew (noodle soup) and delectable Thai cuisine.  

The Quarter Chaophraya had offered more than a place to rest—it had been a lens through which to glimpse Bangkok’s soul: timeless yet evolving, tranquil yet pulsating. With my flight to Manila awaiting, I left a piece of my wanderlust behind, already plotting a return to this riverside enclave where the Chao Phraya whispers stories to those who pause long enough to listen. 

The Quarter Chaophraya Bangkok

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