Outdoor restaurant patio with green chairs, tables set with flowers and candles, surrounded by lush green plants and trees, in front of a multi-story building with balconies.

A Gateway to
Living Bangkok

ABOUT THE RATCHAWONG
Night view of two elegant, multi-story houses with large windows, situated along a waterway, with trees and outdoor seating area illuminated by exterior lights.

More than just a hotel, The Ratchawong represents a revolutionary approach to hospitality, where the vibrant Songwat District becomes your extended living room. Located along the Chao Phraya River in the heart of Bangkok’s historic Chinatown, our 34-room hotel is designed as a fully immersive experience that dissolves the boundaries between accommodation and neighborhood exploration.

As the only lifestyle hotel in the Songwat District, The Ratchawong doesn’t just offer you a place to stay—it offers you a way to live like a local in one of Bangkok’s most culturally rich neighborhoods. Our philosophy centers on immersion, where the district’s markets, temples, artisan workshops, and riverside become integral parts of your hotel experience.

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A modern multi-story building with large windows and decorative balconies, surrounded by greenery and outdoor seating area.
Illuminated orange sign with black text displaying "The Ratchawong" and a large white stylized letter R on a dark wall background.

Key Features

The Ratchawong Courtyard

Heritage Design

34 thoughtfully designed rooms reflecting Sino-Portuguese and Rama V era Thai architectural heritage.

A side-street in The Ratchawong neighbourhood

Water’s Edge

Riverside location providing seamless access to the vibrant culture and attractions along the Chao Phraya River.

A view of Songwat Road

Songwat Spirit

Curated neighborhood programming that transforms local experiences into hotel amenities- Its all about Songwat.

A night view of Chinatown

Go Local

An immersive journey through Bangkok’s storied Songwat, Ratchawong, Flower Market, and Chinatown neighborhoods.

Room stationery and keycard

Stay Where You Play

THE SONGWAT EXPERIENCE

At The Ratchawong, we believe true luxury is found in real moments that connect you to the soul of your destination. Songwat District, with its centuries-old streets and thriving local community, becomes an extension of your hotel — inviting you to wander, taste, and experience Bangkok like a neighbour.

    • Traditional temple visits and meditation sessions at historic wats

    • Artisan workshops with local craftspeople

    • Heritage walking tours through colonial-era architecture

    • Chinatown

    • Art Galleries

    • Market Tours and Local Cooking Classes

    • Riverside Dining and laneway food shops

    • Street Food

    • Coffee Club Culture

    • Participation in local festivals and celebrations

    • Volunteer opportunities with community organizations

    • Meet-and-greet sessions with local historians and cultural keepers

    • Flower Market

    • Chao Phraya River Cruises and Longtail-Boat Excursions

    • Experiencing Riverfront streets and sites

    • Relax in your riverside room and watch Bangkok float by

    • Street Vendors and Coffee House Culture

    • Shopping and Window Shopping at hyper-local shops

    • Street Art and Galleries

    • Casual Nightlife and Restaurants

    • Strolling through heritage streets

The Ratchawong Logo Lockup

From Historic Port to Modern Sanctuary

The Ratchawong Hotel carries forward the rich legacy of the historic Ratchawong Port, once known locally as Kong Si Long. From the early 1900s to the 1970s, this vibrant commercial hub along the Chao Phraya River was operated by the prominent Thai-Chinese Liu family, who transformed it into a flourishing gateway connecting Thailand to the global community.

The port was alive with activity as Chinese junks and international ships docked to exchange goods ranging from rice, teak, and cotton to porcelain, silk, and exotic spices. Above a lively bar and restaurant, the port’s guest rooms offered sanctuary to sailors seeking respite from their oceanic journeys, creating a melting pot of cultures, cuisines, art, and ideas.

Today, The Ratchawong Hotel honors this heritage while creating a new chapter in the neighborhood’s story. Our mission is to preserve the rich cultural tapestry that the Liu family and the international seafaring community helped cultivate, offering modern travelers the same spirit of cross-cultural connection and discovery.

A portrait of Jason M. Friedman 
MEET THE VISIONARY

Jason M. Friedman

Crafting Genuine Experiences

The Ratchawong is brought to you by Jason M. Friedman, COO of A LOCAL HOTEL, whose three decades of experience in luxury hospitality has redefined what it means to create imersive travel experiences. A native New Yorker, Jason has worked with prestigious brands including Four Seasons, Raffles, Aman resorts, Rosewood, Shinta Mani, InterContinental and Park Hyatt.

His approach centers on creating place-based experiences that honor local heritage while delivering exceptional service. At The Siam Hotel in Bangkok, where he was opening General Manager, Jason developed an award-winning strategy connecting guests with local neighborhoods.

At The Ratchawong, he brings this passion for storytelling and community immersion, crafting a hotel that embodies the spirit of the Songwat District and offers guests a meaningful experience rooted in Bangkok’s riverside history.

Jason’s Expertise

  • Opening General Manager of The Siam Hotel, Bangkok’s first luxury urban resort

  • Opening General Manager of the Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle, voted #1 Hotel in the World by Condé Nast Traveller in 2008

  • Founder of J.M. Friedman Hospitality, specializing in lifestyle luxury properties across Southeast Asia

  • Developer of Shinta Mani Mustang and Shinta Mani WILD

  • Recognized as Best General Manager Worldwide 2015 by Gallivanter’s Guide and Best Hotel Manager Worldwide 2013 by Andrew Harper

A detail of a building on Songwat Road

Beyond Sustainability: Regeneration

OUR COMMITMENT

A LOCAL HOTEL is committed to moving beyond traditional sustainability by embracing the principle of regeneration. This means not only minimizing environmental impact, but actively working to restore, revitalize, and enhance the neighborhoods, cultures, and ecosystems where we operate.

Our approach is rooted in the belief that hospitality can be a powerful force for positive change—leaving places better than we found them, empowering local communities, and fostering the renewal of cultural and natural assets.

Every decision, from design and sourcing to guest experience and community engagement, is guided by a dedication to creating lasting benefits for both people and place.

A digital illustration of a smiling, anthropomorphic bread loaf with arms and legs, standing on a green grassy patch with a clear blue sky background. 
DEVELOPMENT UPDATES

Join our Journey

The Ratchawong is currently in development, with every detail being carefully crafted to honor the architectural heritage and cultural essence of the Songwat District. Our team is working closely with local artisans, historians, and the community to ensure that every aspect of the hotel reflects the authentic character of this remarkable neighborhood.

Stay Connected
• Regular development updates and behind-the-scenes insights
• Exclusive previews of room designs and neighborhood programming
• Early access to opening announcements and special launch offers
• Invitations to virtual tours and cultural events

Introducing

A digital illustration of a smiling, anthropomorphic bread loaf with arms and legs, standing on a green grassy patch with a clear blue sky background.

A LOCAL HOTEL is a groundbreaking hospitality brand that reimagines the traditional hotel experience, placing the traveler at the heart of an immersive neighborhood journey. Anchored in the principles of hyperlocal tourism and genuine community connection, the brand invites guests to “Stay Where You Play,” encouraging meaningful interactions with the local culture, businesses, and environment from the moment of arrival. The flagship property, The Ratchawong, demonstrates these values by actively integrating into its surrounding community, supporting local artisans, and emphasizing sustainable, regenerative practices that enhance rather than merely preserve local heritage.

At its core, A LOCAL HOTEL exists to foster authentic connections between travelers and neighborhoods, turning guests into temporary members of vibrant communities instead of passive visitors. Every element—from architectural design using indigenous materials to curated food and beverage experiences that celebrate neighborhood culinary traditions—reflects a commitment to authenticity, belonging, and regeneration. The brand’s philosophy centers on creating lasting cultural immersion and economic opportunities for locals through community integration, local hiring, and event programming designed to unite guests and residents. By pioneering neighborhood-centric hospitality, A LOCAL HOTEL sets new standards for how travel can enrich guests’ lives while leaving a positive, sustainable legacy in every destination it touches.

A Statement About AI

At A Local Hotel, we want to know you the local way — through real conversations, shared stories, and the time you spend with us. The only things we know about you are what you tell us, or what we naturally learn during your stay. We will never use AI to research, profile, or “personalize” your experience beyond what is human. Here, connection still comes with eye contact, not algorithms.

Genuinely local. Honestly human.