The 'Old School Gentleman' hotel in Bangkok, my fourth Peninsula, is where true vacation lies on the banks of the Chao Phraya River

My fourth stay at a Peninsula, with Beijing, Shanghai, and Istanbul all fueling my passion for the brand. The Peninsula Bangkok, which doesn't operate a resort, is probably the most vacation-like of them all, stepping into the hotel feels like being cut off from the world. Opened in 1998, it has a dignified feel of the last century, but is very well-maintained, with the consistent charm and grace of the Peninsula. That's why I call it the 'Old School Gentleman'. Staying at the Peninsula is as relaxing as being at home, with butlers and staff always providing comfortable service. Every time I enter the hotel, the classic white-hatted bellboy image of the Peninsula concierge service is etched in my heart, along with their charming and friendly smiles. The front desk beauty takes me directly to the room for Check In. The hotel's lobby, with its grand style and the Peninsula's signature lobby floral art, catches my eye instantly. The octagonal atrium has a unique sense of ceremony. Every room at the Peninsula offers a panoramic view of the riverside scenery—this is perhaps what the Peninsula Bangkok is most proud of, and it's a major 'trump card'. This time, we stayed in a duplex suite, 74 square meters on a high floor, with a commanding view of the Chao Phraya River from the floor-to-ceiling windows. The suite gives me more of a sense of home, with a living room, bedroom, bathroom, dressing room... I can switch at will, and before bed, I always enjoy a bath in the tub, the lazy retro tone, the striped sofa with exquisite Thai silk cushions, the teak furniture... The Peninsula Bangkok has retained many old items that have disappeared for years, such as the bedside physical button control panel. At the Peninsula, you can embark on a culinary journey. Thiptara, the Thai restaurant, is hard to book, located by the Chao Phraya River. In Thai cuisine, there are several classic dishes I can never get enough of, like the spicy and sour Tom Yum Goong, steamed lemon fish, curry beef, morning glory, mango, etc. A good hotel's breakfast is the best and most effective 'wake-up call', even if you come back too late from Bangkok's nightlife, you'll still get up for breakfast. Having breakfast at the riverside restaurant, you must sit on the riverside terrace! Breakfast is served until 11 am, amidst this garden riverside scenery. While enjoying the delicious food on the plate, you can also admire the rolling Chao Phraya River. The breakfast suits our Chinese taste very well, with special Cantonese dim sum like shrimp dumplings, siu mai, steamed dumplings, char siu bao, etc. Watermelon, mango, papaya, and other tropical fruits are very sweet, and every morning three to five pigeons come to forage nearby, and these pigeons are not afraid of people. How can you not experience authentic Thai Spa in Thailand? The Peninsula's Spa, built along the river, is a three-story standalone building. My companion and I each chose a 90-minute Asian massage and a soul-healing massage. Unexpectedly, the Peninsula's Spa has the sound of singing bowls. Falling asleep and waking up to the pleasant sound is truly a meditative state. The Peninsula's backyard offers a variety of leisurely ways to relax. The 88-meter-long three-tiered swimming pool has been a social media check-in hotspot for many years. The Peninsula Bangkok is right next to the Chao Phraya River, and today this riverside location has become an advantage, and the best way to travel to and from the hotel is undoubtedly by boat, with free