The Langham is set to arrive at Bangkok’s Old Customs House

Andrea Thompson

ByAndrea Thompson

September 5, 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.