One of the most anticipated riverside developments, The Icon Siam – an ultra-luxury shopping mall – opened in 2018, and in 2019, the complex opened a residence offshoot of the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, which has stood on the riverbank since 1876.

‘We recently completed a comprehensive renovation of our historical buildings with brand new suites and facilities in celebration of our 140th anniversary,’ says Robert O’Kennedy, the hotel’s director of sales and marketing. ‘This is our way to keep up with the times and meet the evolving needs of our clientele, and we’ll continue to contribute to the river’s legacy.’

But the river’s most important role is simply as a place to live. ‘Whether they’re Thai, Chinese, Muslims, Hindu or Christian, these large communities have lived in perfect harmony for the past two centuries,’ says Robinson. ‘No matter where you’re coming from, you’ll always find a home here.’

This story was originally published in April 2018 and updated in September 2020

Hero image: Cedric Arnold