AWC invests 2.9bn baht in new Plaza Athénée hotel on Chao Phraya

Asset World Corp Public Company Limited (AWC) is investing around 2.9 billion baht to develop a new ultra-luxury hotel on the banks of Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River, extending its strategy to connect 11 riverside lifestyle destinations.

The property, currently known as River Garden, is set to be transformed into an 18-storey hotel planned to operate under the world-renowned Plaza Athénée brand. It will feature 146 rooms and more than 20,000 square metres of gross floor area, with an opening scheduled for 2028.

New luxury destination joins AWC Riverside Journey

The new hotel will become part of the AWC Riverside Journey, a network linking 11 AWC lifestyle destinations and experiences along the Chao Phraya River.

The development will combine ultra-luxury hospitality with wellness, dining and lifestyle experiences, while giving guests closer access to the river and surrounding communities.

AWC said the wider riverside strategy was designed to bring together Bangkok’s history, art, culture, communities and traditional ways of life with contemporary tourism and lifestyle experiences.

The company also plans to introduce a shared “co-living” lobby concept across participating properties, creating spaces where visitors can meet, relax and enjoy river views as part of a connected journey.

Wallapa Traisorat, chief executive officer and president of AWC, said the Chao Phraya had long served as the heart of Bangkok, connecting people, communities, commerce, history and culture.

She said the Riverside Journey was inspired by that heritage and aimed to showcase the value and character of Bangkok and Thailand to international visitors, while reinforcing the country’s position as a sustainable global tourism destination.

Connecting Bangkok’s riverside destinations and landmarks

The AWC Riverside Journey connects the group’s hotels and lifestyle developments with historic riverside neighbourhoods, cultural districts and major Bangkok landmarks.

Its destinations include Asiatique The Riverfront Destination, The Hotel Plaza Athénée Bangkok and the planned The Ritz-Carlton Bangkok, The Riverside. The route also links areas including Song Wat, Yaowarat and Woeng Nakorn Kasem.

Visitors will be able to explore landmarks and communities associated with the river, including the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, Wat Pho, Pak Khlong Talat flower market and Chinatown.

AWC said the concept was intended to offer more than a collection of individual destinations, creating a connected journey through Bangkok’s heritage, contemporary lifestyle, established communities and emerging creative districts.

MONA Bangkok and sustainable cable car planned

AWC plans to expand the riverside network further through MONA Bangkok, a new destination focused on art, creativity and culture.

The company is also pursuing plans for what it describes as the world’s first sustainable cross-river cable car, aimed at creating another form of transport and a new way for visitors to experience the Chao Phraya.

The River Garden redevelopment is expected to add another luxury hospitality component to this network, while strengthening the Chao Phraya’s role as a destination for tourism, culture, dining, wellness and contemporary urban lifestyles.

AWC said it would continue developing new riverside destinations that celebrate Bangkok’s past while carrying the identity and spirit of the Chao Phraya forward for future generations.