The hype
Guests are blown away by the view and location but often find the standard rooms cramped and the street noise intrusive.
Riva Arun Bangkok
$100-250/ night
Book this if You want the absolute best Instagram shot of Wat Arun from your private jacuzzi and don't care about a swimming pool.
Why People Love It
- Unbeatable direct views of Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
- Rooftop bar 'Above Riva' is a destination in itself
- Walking distance to the Grand Palace and Wat Pho
Quick Take: A glorified shophouse with a billion-dollar view, thin walls, and no pool.
Reviewed by @Tinitravels: I booked a table here for our anniversary and it was magic. Watching the lights turn on at Wat Arun across the river while we ate was unforgettable. It’s not cheap, but for a view like this without the crowds, I’d pay it again in a heartbeat.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'river view' in lower-tier rooms is often blocked by the pier roof or neighboring buildings.
- You are a couple seeking a romantic backdrop
- You prioritize sightseeing over resort amenities
- You live for sunset cocktails
Cleanliness & Maintenance
7.8
- Housekeeping: Generally good daily service, though some guests report missed spots like hair on floors.
- Bathroom hygiene: Visually clean, but persistent complaints about sewage smells from drains.
- Maintenance: Some wear and tear visible (chipped veneer, stained curtains) typical of humid riverside buildings.
- Linens & towels: Decent quality, usually fresh, though occasional reports of graying.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells fresh; hallways and bathrooms can have intermittent musty/drain odors.
Sleepability™
6.5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Long-tail boat engines on the river
- Traffic from Maharaj Road
- Thin walls between rooms
Before you book
Good to know
- The rooftop restaurant requires reservations even for guests
- Breakfast is a la carte with a small buffet, not a massive spread
- 7-Eleven is a short walk away for late-night supplies
What to pack
- High-quality earplugs (essential)
- Slip-on shoes (temple hopping requires constant removal)
- Mosquito repellent (riverside location = bugs)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Grand Deluxe Jacuzzi (unobstructed Wat Arun view + private tub)
- Premium Jacuzzi Suite (huge terrace, best room in the house)
Rooms to avoid
- Superior Rooms (often face a wall or alley)
- 1st-floor rooms (views blocked by pier roof/awning)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am booking this stay specifically for the view. Please ensure I am NOT on the 1st floor where the awning blocks the sightline. I would prefer a room on the 3rd or 4th floor, away from the street side if possible.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there a swimming pool?
No. Only the Jacuzzi Suites have private tubs. There is no communal pool.
Can I park my car there?
Technically yes, but don't count on it. Valet is limited to about 6 cars. Take a Grab or taxi.
Is it quiet at night?
Not really. River traffic starts early and the road is busy. Request a high floor.
Does the elevator go to the rooftop?
No, it stops one floor down. You must walk up a flight of stairs to the bar.
Is breakfast included?
Depends on your rate, but it costs ~450 THB ($13) if purchased separately.
How close is the MRT?
Sanam Chai station is a 5-minute walk (approx. 300m).
Insider Tips
- ✨
Take the cross-river ferry (5 baht) to Wat Arun early morning to beat the crowds.
- ✨
The 'Deluxe' rooms have a river view, but 'Superior' rooms do not—don't cheap out.
- ✨
Happy hour at the rooftop bar is the best way to enjoy the view without the full dinner price tag.
5 things to know before you go
💡The bathroom drains can sometimes emit a sewer-like smell (common in old Bangkok pipes).
💡The 'river view' from lower floors is mostly a view of the pier roof.
💡There is no gym, not even a treadmill.
💡The AC units can be aggressive and blow directly on the bed in some layouts.
💡You can hear your neighbors flushing the toilet due to thin walls.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Riva Arun Bangkok is located and what's nearby.