The Langham, Custom House, Bangkok, to Open December 20th

The Langham, Custom House, Bangkok is located along the Chao Phraya River and centers on Bangkok’s Custom House building, which is undergoing restoration. Custom House was established in 1888 under King Rama V and was once regarded as Thailand’s gateway to the world.

Langham Hospitality Group will manage the hotel. The property will include 60 guestrooms and 15 suites in a contemporary building adjacent to Custom House.

Thai architect Smith Obayawat, founder and principal of OBA, designed the new building. The curvilinear structure reflects the river’s movement and was designed as a counterpart to the Custom House. The project describes Custom House as “the grandfather” and the new addition as “the grandson.”

Guestrooms and suites will overlook courtyards, the Bangkok skyline or the river. Their design includes natural textures, soft lighting and Siamese influences. Accommodations will also include sculptural bathtubs in brushed metal, with design references to coinage and gilded finishes associated with the reign of King Rama V.

Geometric etching in the accommodations references rhombus mosaic patterns found in Thai temples, traditional architecture and sculpture. Decorative lighting reinterprets royal emblems and ceremonial weaponry. The suites include further references to Thai nobility.

The new building will also contain a Chuan Spa and a fitness center featuring Technogym’s Sandstone collection, its first installation in Asia.

The restored Custom House and adjoining heritage structures have been designated as public spaces for guests and visitors. The buildings will include dining, drinking and lifestyle destinations that have not yet been named.

The hotel is near Asiatique The Riverfront, ICONSIAM, Bangkok’s Chinatown district and the galleries, cafés and creative spaces of Charoen Krung. The property will offer private river journeys and chauffeured Bentley transfers.