Peninsula Moments | The Peninsula Hotels

The Peninsula Bangkok

Featured short film: The Peninsula Bangkok

Click here to watch the latest short film of The Peninsula Beijing.

The Peninsula Bangkok’s film shows “The City of Angels” from one of the hotel’s boats floating past bejewelled temples on the River of Kings, before switching to the hotel’s traditional three-wheeled Tuk Tuk for a sight of the historic Grand Palace. Then it’s back to the hotel for a Thai dinner at Thiptara, a 1,000-year-old festival and glorious views from a private Jacuzzi suite.

Enjoy an in-depth look behind the scenes and the facts, figures and stories involved in the making of the Peninsula Moments campaign.

Just down the river, to get a clear shot of the Grand Palace, our photographer stood on the side of the road waiting for a traffic-free moment. We had a police escort which made us feel a bit like royalty ourselves. Inside the Grand Palace compound is the royal temple Wat Phra Kaew, which is the king’s personal chapel.

The Peninsula Bangkok’s River Cafe and Terrace is a glorious place to have an early morning breakfast. So as not to disturb diners, the Peninsula staff worked through the night setting up tables on the lawn. They did not mind too much though because the night air was cool.

Soaking up the authentic Thai dining atmosphere is easy in the riverside Thiptara, which was built from restored Thai teak houses. The restaurant has recently added a classical Thai-style lounge, where guests can enjoy pre-dinner cocktails and appetizers. Thiptara also uses flaming torches to create a picturesque atmosphere. However, when the wind is high – as it was on the night this film was made – it is a full-time job for the Peninsula staff to keep the torches lit.

Loy Krathong is a 1,000-year-old festival, in which banana leaf krathongs (floats) are set adrift on the water in honour of Phra Mae Kongka, the water goddess, and to celebrate the end of rainy season. It takes place on the full moon of the 12th month of the traditional Thai lunar calendar, usually in November, and is the most beautiful of all Thai festivals. We wanted to capture an authentic feel for these photos. Five talented florists worked for three days handcrafting more than 150 krathongs – lotus-shaped vessels made out of fresh banana leaves that hold candles, flowers, coins and incense sticks.

It took 14 passes in The Peninsula’s boat before the photographer captured that lovely moment before the sun slips below the horizon and Wat Arun’s lights are turned on. This is one of four hotel custom boats that shuttle guests across and along the Chao Phraya River. Peninsula Bangkok’s guests can recreate this photo shoot for themselves on the Sunset Cocktail Cruise, followed by delicious snacks and drinks on board.

The Making Of The Peninsula Bangkok’s Short Film

The faces, places, takes and breaks involved in the making of the Peninsula Moments collection of short films.

Watch the video

As much about our destinations as our hotels, “Peninsula Moments” showcases the very best and unique aspects of each city with style, sophistication and elegance, to reflect an authentic sense of destination.

The Peninsula Bangkok

Located alongside the Chao Phraya River, The Peninsula Bangkok’s distinctive W-shape design provides each of its 370 luxurious rooms and suites with panoramic views. The hotel’s location makes it an ideal place for exploring traditional river life, shopping in the city’s central business district or partaking in its vibrant nightlife.

Grand Palace

The Grand Palace was constructed in 1782 after King Rama I chose Bangkok as the new capital of Thailand, following the former capitals of Thonburi and Ayutthaya. The palace grounds include the original residential quarters of the kings of Siam, as well as the 218,400 sq m (2,347,000 sq ft) Temple of the Emerald Buddha, home of Thailand’s most revered religious sculpture and one of the most popular tourist attractions.

Temple of Dawn

The Temple of Dawn or Wat Arun is one of Bangkok’s most iconic sights. Located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, it is noted for its Khmer-style spires. After the fall of Ayutthaya in 1767, King Taksin chose Thonburi as his new capital. Upon his arrival at dawn, he noticed the temple and called it Temple of Dawn.

Flower Market

Known in Thai as Pak Klong Talad, the Flower Market provides blooms for Bangkok’s temples, hotels and homes. The market is open 24 hours a day, but is liveliest between midnight and 4:00 am, when the night light provides a backdrop for the kaleidoscope of bright colours. There is also a clothing market adjacent to the Memorial Bridge, where courting couples meet under the stars.

Taling Chan Floating Market

The weekend floating market at Taling Chan is a reminder of the time when most Thais lived alongside waterways. Food and other items were transported from orchards, farms and cottage industry producers and sold directly from boats in canals. Even cooked foods were prepared and served this way. Today, whether you want to buy souvenirs or a tasty traditional Thai meal, you can still enjoy this old way of trade.