Combining all that's contemporary with a historical context, the five-star Mandarin Oriental's sublime service, memorable water views and exceptional attention-to-detail all contribute hugely to its success.

​For over 130 years, it's been a deluxe haven on the banks of Bangkok's Chao Phraya River, boasting some of the most impeccable staff you could hope for, ensuring its guests are treated like royalty – probably one of the reasons it’s a favourite with celebrities. Okay, it's a little pricier than other five-star hotels in Bangkok, but if you're going for luxury, why not go for all-out, pure and unadulterated decadence? Recreational facilities include two outdoor pools, tennis and squash courts, an award-winning spa and Ayurvedic Centre, Thai Cooking School and an insightful Thai Cultural Programme. Elegant restaurants offer Asian or Western cuisine; and dining on the veranda on the banks of the river, as traditional Thai boats sail by with the gleaming city skyline behind, is surreally beautiful.