If you’re ever taking visitors on the Chaophraya or staring out from IconSiam, you might have wondered, “Hey, what’s that big ol’ building?” The answer is Bangkok’s Old Customs House built in 1888. Earlier this week, the hotel brand Langham Hospitality Group announced they would be renovating the building into a new riverside hotel. 

 

The company, in cooperation with Rabbit Holdings (which you’ll find on the BTS cart in your wallet), announced on Tuesday that it plans to open a new branded hotel at the Old Customs House in 2026 featuring 78 rooms. 

 

This could also be big news for foodies. The Langham in Hong Kong—where the company is headquartered—is home to the three Michelin-starred T’ang Court helmed by Chef Kwong Wai Keung, and the announcement from the hotel chain said the Bangkok location will host a T’ang outlet. The new space will also feature the signature Chuan Spa.

 

 

The Bangkok building, constructed in neo-Palladian style, fell out of use in 1949 when customs moved to Khlong Toei. So, it’s in a bit of a state. In 2005, it seemed like the property would become a new Aman resort—which started its first ultra-luxe hotel in Phuket—but nothing ever came of it. 

 

Langham has undertaken quite a few successful heritage renovations in recent years, including The Langham in Boston built in the former Federal Reserve Bank building, the Hollywood-chic Langham in Pasadena, and they’ve broken ground on an old glass factory project in Venice.