The StandardX, Bangkok Phra Arthit

Time Out

09-07-2025

Why stay at The StandardX?
When The StandardX announced its Bangkok debut in late 2024, it caused quite a stir among design lovers and coolhunters. This sibling to the glam Standard brand is the edgier, younger artist in the family. Located right on Phra Arthit Road, in Bangkok's historic Rattanakosin Island, The StandardX fuses old-town soul with Gen Z style.
The hotel stands out immediately. Outside, a figure by MR.KREME (aka Varagun 'Andy' Chongthanapipat) welcomes you like a surreal sentinel. Inside, the aesthetic punches with impact, with high ceilings, gallery-like corridors and rotating art exhibitions that make your stay feel like you're checking into a living installation. Upon arrival, guests are greeted with a refreshing welcome drink, just the right touch to ease into the hotel's creative and easy vibe.
What are the rooms like at The StandardX?
I stayed in the Deluxe Riverview room, and let me tell you, it's got charm. A welcome amenity kit (complete with a hand fan, an 'X'-branded tote and a candy jar) sets a playful tone. The colour scheme is modern, with monochrome tones. The robes that hang in the wardrobe pop with electric blue. Cosy lighting comes both from the glow of passing boats on the Chao Phraya river and the warm-toned lamps around your room.
The bathroom is thoughtfully designed, playing with deep blues and white tiles, with a wood wall cabinet and a wood-and-black marble table under the sink to add warmth. It has all the basics: shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, and lotion, though you'll need to request a toothbrush set from reception. There's a mini fridge, drip coffee, Dilmah tea and a few drinks and snacks for purchase, including fizzy oolong and craft beer. The bed is big and soft, dressed with a cosy blanket that makes it hard to leave in the morning. Desk space is generous, with two work tables and multiple seating options.
But the crown jewel is the balcony. With chairs, a table and uninterrupted river views, including the nearby Phra Arthit pier, it's a fantastic spot for sundown musings or a morning coffee.
What are the best places to eat at The StandardX?
The hotel's signature restaurant, Bang, is a riot of colour and creativity. Guests can choose to dine outdoors under fairy lights with the river in view, or sit inside among paintings and playfully mismatched furniture like transparent coloured chairs at stainless steel tables. The menu focuses on elevated Thai cuisine, with clear respect for tradition and a modern sense of fun.
Start with their standout som tum platter, crispy and fresh papaya salad served with grilled pork jowl, chicken, deep-fried white pork sausage, rice noodles and sticky rice. Full-on feast mode. Massaman curry with Benja chicken (sous-vided for two hours!) was equally memorable and roti with caramelised banana made for a sticky, crispy finish.
Drinks here have got you covered with herbal tonics, cold-pressed juices, classic cocktails, local craft beers, mocktails and a wine list that doesn't skimp. The atmosphere at Bang is so inviting that it doubles as the breakfast spot for guests – a treat I couldn't resist returning for the next morning.
Breakfast is a la carte and unlimited. The pork congee hits all the comforting notes, while 'eggs your way' lets guests choose sides like chicken sausage, grilled tomatoes, baked beans and streaky bacon. There's also a solid vegetarian selection, plus yogurt, fresh fruit and stir-fried Singapore-style noodles .
What are the facilities like at The StandardX?
To reach the rooftop pool, you wind your way past artwork, murals and cheeky design touches tucked into nooks. You'll arrive first at The Roof, the hotel's top-floor bar with knockout city and river views. Perched on the sixth floor, The Roof is inspired by the robust flavours of Mexico. Step just beyond that and you'll find the pool, a sky-high rectangle overlooking the majestic Rama VIII Bridge with views of the Chao Phraya. At dusk, with music playing and the river glistening, it's hard to think of a better place to be.
If you're into art, you'll love the programming. During my stay, the hallways featured works by Pahn Riety, a surreal collection titled Ballad for the Breathing, hosted by 10 10 Art Space. And from August 1-3 2025, The StandardX will host Mango Art Festival's 'Urban Collectibles 2025,' an event uniting independent galleries, emerging artists and collectors from across Thailand and beyond.
What is the service like at The StandardX?
Service here feels intuitive. Staff are casually dressed but professionally tuned-in, with just the right mix of friendliness and discretion. At breakfast, servers checked in often enough to make you feel seen, but never interrupted. On checkout, the front desk let me browse local craft stalls while they confirmed the room. It's the kind of place that gives warm, human, stylishly relaxed vibes.
What's the area like around The StandardX?
The StandardX sits on Phra Arthit Road, a stretch of Bangkok's Old Town with equal parts grit and grace. It's a five-minute walk to Khaosan Road (party central). Phra Arthit Pier is right next door, offering easy boat connections up and down the Chao Phraya.
Opposite the hotel is Coconut Culture, a popular ice cream shop that swaps out dairy for coconut. Just down the street is Nai Soie Beef Noodle, a legendary beef noodle shop, and around the corner is 108 Juices, famous for its fresh, no-water, no-sugar juices, ideal for a post-party detox or pre-breakfast pick-me-up.
The neighbourhood combines Thai elements with youthful energy. Think indie cafes, Santichaiprakarn Park, cultural festivals, ancient temples and river breezes, all within walking distance.
Why should you book a stay at The StandardX?
If you want a stay that mixes art, food, design and culture, this is your place. It's stylish without being try-hard, service is warm but not overbearing, and the atmosphere is one of creative freedom. The StandardX feels like both a hotel made for tourists and a creative retreat for the globally curious.
Whether you're a local on a staycation or a traveller seeking something more than a room with a view, The StandardX delivers. My tip? Book a Riverview room, come during an art week and don't miss that rooftop pool at sunset.
Address: 45/1 Phra Athit Rd, Chana Songkhram, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok, Thailand.