Luxury hotel set to grace east bank of Chao Praya River, with a nod to heritage, Siam, and the melding of past and present

Hong Kong, 2 September 2024 — Langham Hospitality Group (LHG) and Rabbit Holdings, an affiliate of BTS Group, are proud to announce the anticipated 2026 opening of The Langham, Customs House, Bangkok. The new hotel will be situated in the Thai capital's Bang Rak District and occupy a complex alongside the Chao Praya River. The centrepiece of the site will be the city's old Customs House, a heritage building that will be restored to its former glory as part of the project. Accompanying the structure will be a former post office housing lavish amenities and flanked by a modern structure where the property's 78 guestrooms will be based.

Rabbit Holdings, leveraging its extensive real estate experience under the BTS Group's MATCH platform, aims to not only create a world-class hospitality destination but to enhance the cultural significance and economic prospects of the Bang Rak area. Langham Hospitality Group, which boasts a solid track record of successfully partnering on such projects, was accordingly selected to operate the hotel. 

Mr. Kavin Kanjanapas, Director of Rabbit Holdings, said, “We are thrilled to appoint Langham Hospitality Group to manage the property. The company's dedication to creating timeless luxury hotels and demonstrated success in heritage conservation makes it the ideal partner to further our vision to set a new standard for luxury hospitality in the region and honour the rich cultural heritage of Customs House and the Bang Rak District.”

The Langham, Customs House, Bangkok follows several successful heritage conservation hotel projects led by LHG. Key standouts include The Langham, Boston, a luxury hotel situated in a former Federal Reserve Bank building; The Langham, Chicago, a sophisticated retreat housed in the iconic Mies van der Rohe building; and The Langham, Pasadena, a property steeped in Hollywood history that dates back to 1907. The company has additionally broken ground on a project in Venice, Italy, centred on restoring an old glass factory on Murano Island.

LHG Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Bob van den Oord, said, “The Langham, Customs House, Bangkok exemplifies our strategy of incorporating cultural preservation into hotel development while concurrently creating unparalleled experiences for guests and the communities in which we operate.”

Bringing the best of The Langham

The Langham, Customs House, Bangkok is set to feature signature elements that epitomise The Langham's renowned luxury. Highlights will include an outpost of The Langham, Hong Kong's three Michelin-star Cantonese restaurant, T'ang Court, a unique destination bar and an outlet dedicated to serving world-class pastry creations. Guests will also be able to enjoy rejuvenating treatments at Chuan Spa, The Langham's renowned wellness retreat and wellbeing platform.

Reviving the mark of an era 

Erected in 1888, Customs House stands as a testament to exceptional craftsmanship with its neo-Palladian design by architect Joachim Grassi. The building's teak floors, grand central staircase, and impressive four-story hallway are remarkable examples of its historical significance. Once regarded as a gateway to Thailand, the building has a storied past that has seen it hosting royal family soirées and even an event to celebrate the return of Rama V from his travels across Europe. 

Celebrating the rise of Siam

The Langham, Customs House, Bangkok will honour the Renaissance era of what was then known as Siam by seamlessly blending traditional Thai elements with the building's Western architectural features. This elegant fusion will be reflected throughout the hotel, from the luxurious guest rooms and river-facing ballrooms to the serene spa and inviting common areas, creating an atmosphere that pays homage to Thailand's rich cultural heritage while offering unparalleled modern luxury.

Blending the old with the new

LHG and Rabbit Holdings are committed to preserving the historic essence of Customs House while seamlessly integrating modern luxury and amenities. The meticulous restoration will honor the building's original architectural features, but also them with contemporary design and state-of-the-art facilities. This harmonious blend of old and new will provide guests with unique experiences that celebrate both the rich history and vibrant future of the iconic landmark.

For high-resolution photos, please click here. 

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About The Langham Hotels & Resorts

Combining modern sophistication and timeless glamour, The Langham Hotels & Resorts is globally recognised for its exceptional intuitive service, contemporary art collections, award-winning culinary expertise and signature pink accents. Drawing on the brand's distinctive British heritage from the opening of the flagship hotel in London in 1865, The Langham continues the legacy by delivering exceptional experiences with a touch of playfulness in key destinations in the United Kingdom, Europe, the Middle East, United States, Asia Pacific and Greater China. Learn about the brand by visiting LanghamHotels.com, and follow The Langham Hotels and Resorts on Instagram (@langhamhotels), Facebook (@thelanghamhotels) and X (@thelanghamhotel).

About Langham Hospitality Group

A wholly-owned subsidiary of Great Eagle Holdings, Langham Hospitality Group (LHG) comprises a family of distinctive brands, including The Langham Hotels and Resorts, Cordis Hotels, Eaton Workshop and Ying'nFlo. With over 40 hotels and residences in operation or development, LHG has a global footprint that extends across Asia, Europe North America and the Middle East. The group takes its name from The Langham, London, Europe's first Grand Hotel. For over 150 years, this flagship property has been the pinnacle of sophisticated and gracious hospitality, a philosophy that is reflected group-wide through inspiring design, cutting edge innovation, sincere service and an unwavering commitment to building great memories. For more information, please visit LanghamHospitalityGroup.com.

About Rabbit Holdings Public Company Limited

Rabbit Holdings is a leading investment firm specialising in the financial services sector and related businesses such as insurance and real estate investment. The Company boasts a notable history of successful ventures within real estate development and investment, particularly in the hotels and residential sectors. Leveraging its extensive expertise, Rabbit Holdings has forged strategic alliances with key players in the real estate sector to capitalise on opportunities and strengthen its market position. At present, Rabbit Holdings has strategically pivoted to focus on the high-return and resilient financial services industry, expanding its portfolio and leveraging partnerships under BTS Group Holdings Public Company Limited's innovative 3M (MOVE, MIX, and MATCH) strategy. For more information, please visit RabbitHoldings.co.th