Bangkok's dynamic Chao Phraya River provides an amazing backdrop to stage important events and stylish socials – an element that some fortunate deluxe hotels along its banks have seized upon and promoted vigorously. Consider these options for your next strategic do in the Thai gateway:
GRAND SALA, ANANTARA BANGKOK RIVERSIDE RESORT AND SPA
Location Directly along the riverfront of the hotel.
What’s it like? This versatile function option benefits from natural breezes and the ever-changing river scene.
Event possibilities Product debuts, gala dinners, theme parties and even teambuilding activities. One organiser transformed the space into a typical local market in keeping with his aim to treat guests to a glimpse of authentic Thailand.
Group size From 50 to 300 people.
Contact events_ariv@anantara.com or www.anantara.com
TERRACE RIM NAAM, MANDARIN ORIENTAL
Location The alfresco area of Sala Rim Naam Thai Restaurant.
What’s it like? A lush setting against the backdrop of one of Asia’s most colourful waterways. If Bangkok’s cloying heat becomes too uncomfortable and the main dining crowd is not to the client’s liking, there is the charming – and air conditioned – option of Baan Noi (Little House), which accommodates up to 30 persons for a sit-down dinner.
Event possibilities It’s popular for theme parties and launch do’s unveiling products from books to high-end skin care essentials. Tourism Authority of Thailand has hosted several exclusive Thai-themed receptions here.
Group size Up to 200 guests.
Contact mobkk-enquiry@mohg.com or www.mandarinoriental.com
JESTERS, THE PENINSULA BANGKOK
Location Lobby
What’s it like? This space boasts unique features such as tall French windows and a seven-metre-high ceiling that open out to a graceful terrace bringing guests closer to the Chao Phraya.
Event possibilities Private dinners, cocktails, small executive conferences and themed evenings. La Mer held a networking session there in July.
Group size Between 20 persons (boardroom set up ) and 80 persons (banquet style).
Contact cateringpbk@peninsula.com or www.peninsula.com
GRAND BALLROOM, ROYAL ORCHID SHERATON
Location Second floor of the hotel.
What’s it like? While boasting panoramic views of the Chao Phraya River, this 1,080 sqm space also possesses some of the city’s best meeting hardware, including sound-proof partitions that can block noise up to 53 decibles, five drop-down screens, LCD projection, an intelligent lighting system controlled by DMX 521 software from Colour Kinetics of the US – capable of enhancing dimly lit corners – and 20 JBL speakers among others.
Group size Up to 1,250 guests (meeting set up) or 800 guests (sit down dinner).
Event possibilities High-profile meetings and lavish weddings have been staged here.
Contact mice.rosh@sheraton.com or www.royalorchidsheraton.com
GARDEN ROOMS-EVENT SUITES, SHANGRI-LA BANGKOK
Location Level 1 of main Shangri-La Wing
What’s it like? Occupying over 800 sqm, these new spaces consist of The Garden Gallery, Boardroom Suite, Valley Room I and II, The Study, The Chairman's Room as well as the Tea Lounge and a landscaped courtyard.
Group size From 60 to 100 guests.
Event possibilities Only one's creativity can limit the events that can take place here. Among those that have taken advantage of the product's flexibility include Bangkok-based European tourism boards, which fitted out the various rooms with highlights of their destinations for a marketing activity and an applicance company that took over the entire place, using each of the areas mentioned above for brainstorming sessions, socialising beverage breaks and concluding presentations.
Contact slbk@shangri-la.com or www.shangri-la.com
Margie T Logarta
