The legendary Dusit Thani hotel in Bangkok is closing, signaling the end of a significant chapter in the city's history.

If you’ve been wanting to experience one of Bangkok's oldest luxury hotels, now is the time to book your trip before it's gone.

The Dusit Thani Bangkok, an architectural icon known for its bold modernist design, is set to close its doors in early 2019.

The hotel will be demolished to make way for a new mixed-use development, which will feature a redesigned version of the Dusit Thani.

While the new Dusit Thani promises to be breathtaking, many locals are mourning the loss of the original and making the most of its final months with a last visit.

“Many Thais and expats have shared how deeply the hotel resonates with their memories,” says Titiya Chooto, Dusit VP of operations and General Manager of Dusit Thani.

“As we transition into the next chapter, we're proudly showcasing what made us legendary – from the elegance and beauty of the building to the architecture, the people, and the product. It's something we’re incredibly proud of.”

When the iconic Dusit Thani building is gone next year, it will leave a lasting void in the city’s skyline, altering a view many Bangkok residents have known their entire lives.

Located at the prime intersection of Rama IV and Silom Road, right across from Lumpini Park, the Dusit Thani opened in 1970.

At the time of its opening, it was the tallest and most luxurious hotel in Bangkok, earning a prestigious reputation for its meticulous attention to detail among the traveling elite.

Designed by Japanese architect Yozo Shibata and inspired by Bangkok’s Temple of Dawn, the Dusit Thani marked a new chapter for the city. It quickly became a popular venue for high-profile events and weddings among the elite.

A section of the mezzanine is adorned with black-and-white photographs, showcasing famous faces like Gwyneth Paltrow, Whitney Houston, Ronald Reagan, and Tom Jones, all of whom have stayed in the hotel’s suites over the years.

Traditional Thai designs

A recent visit revealed a property filled with warmth and charm, offering the traditional Thai aesthetics that once drew travelers from around the world—think rich teakwood, Siamese artwork, and luxurious silks.

The Dusit Thani boasts 517 rooms and suites, each with unique decor. While the standard rooms feature subtle Thai elements, the more luxurious suites, such as the Ratanakosin Suite, draw inspiration from Thailand’s rich history.

Even if you're not a guest, it's worth stopping by for a drink or a meal. Don’t miss the hotel’s quirky octagonal pool, a design that feels like it belongs in a kitschy 1970s movie.

The hotel boasts six dining venues, including Benjarong (contemporary Thai), The Mayflower (Cantonese), and the Vietnamese restaurant Thien Duong.

Craving red meat? Make your way to Hamilton’s Steakhouse, once one of the only places in Bangkok to enjoy a great cut of steak. The service here is impeccable, making it a top choice for meat lovers.

If you only have time for one experience at the Dusit Thani, don't miss the Beyond the Boundaries weekend brunch, held from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

Indulge in a feast of luxury – a fitting sendoff to one of Bangkok’s most opulent hotels. Enjoy free-flowing wine, a vast selection of sushi and chilled seafood, including grilled fish, Canadian lobster, Alaskan king crab, river prawns, New Zealand mussels, Scottish scallops, and a variety of imported oysters.

Guests can indulge in as many main courses as they wish, with options like dim sum, New Zealand lamb, lobster thermidor, and grilled U.S. rib-eye steak. To top it off, visit the cheese cart or dessert buffet for a sweet ending.

What’s next on the horizon?

Originally slated to close earlier this year, the Dusit Thani’s shutdown was postponed due to delays in the new project’s planning. This provides an extended opportunity for guests to enjoy the iconic hotel before its final closing on January 5, 2019.

Leading up to the closure, a series of events and promotions will take place, including charity concerts and fashion shows, all culminating in a grand New Year’s Eve gala.

“I’m thrilled to see this property return in a few years,” says Titiya.

“While embracing the latest technology, we will preserve the core essence of Dusit Thani Bangkok. We’ll carry over iconic furniture, art, and other elements from the original property. The ‘Thainess’ that defines us will always remain at the heart of Dusit Thani.”

Dusit Thani, 946 Rama IV Road, Bangkok; +66 (0)2 200 9000