Bangkok (Thailand) – June 3, 2019 (travelindex.com) – Capella Bangkok, the luxurious new boutique retreat on the east bank of the legendary “River of Kings”, the Chao Phraya, will introduce its guests to the rich cultural and culinary heritage of Charoenkrung, its charming and rapidly revitalizing riverside district.

Until the early 20th century, Charoenkrung was one of Bangkok's main thoroughfares, when trade and transportation still depended on the river. For centuries, new settlers arrived along the banks of the Chao Phraya, bringing not only new ideas and beliefs, but also new hopes and dreams. Charoenkrung developed into a vibrant melting pot of cultures, religions, and cuisines, and it has retained this lively character to this day.

Capella Bangkok's Thai head chef, Wichian Trirattanavatin, was born in Charoenkrung and is therefore perfectly suited to showcase the gastronomy of this diverse neighborhood. Chef Lek, as he is commonly known, has been deeply connected to the area since childhood. As a boy, he explored the vibrant markets and small restaurants with his father, who worked as a cook in the area for 40 years. Many of the food stalls and restaurants he frequented as a boy still exist today—often run by the same people—and he still visits them regularly on his trusty scooter.

“It’s the impressions, the sounds, the smells, and above all, the moments that make this place so special,” says Chef Lek. “There’s so much to eat here, so much variety. And every dish, every recipe tells its own story. Charoenkrung is a part of my soul, so it’s a great honor for me to introduce international guests to the cuisine of my homeland. Charoenkrung has always welcomed the world, and Capella Bangkok will continue this proud legacy.”

In the streets of Charoenkrung, visitors will find a wide variety of street food snacks and authentic dishes, many of which have their roots in other countries and cultures. Chinese noodles, Southeast Asian satay skewers, and Indian curry puffs are freshly prepared for hungry locals, as are classic Thai snacks like moo ping (grilled pork skewers) and sai oua (Thai sausages). Many of the family-run stalls boast a long tradition spanning generations.

Hidden treasures await behind every corner; countless testimonies of the traditions of Chaorenkrung and the Chao Phraya, just waiting to be rediscovered.

Capella Bangkok offers exceptional and authentic culinary experiences that blend harmoniously with the atmosphere of the location. Following in his father's footsteps, Chef Lek combines traditional recipes and fresh ingredients with modern cooking techniques to elevate local cuisine to the highest international level, serving delicious, beautifully presented dishes in an exquisite riverside setting.

John Blanco, General Manager of Capella Bangkok, explains: “At Capella Bangkok, we focus on creating luxurious and authentic experiences that reflect the traditions of our destination. Whether art, entertainment, or cuisine – we want to showcase the rich culture of the Charoenkrung district. Our cuisine reflects the reawakening of this fascinating neighborhood.”

Capella's personal assistants help guests at Capella Bangkok create their own local experiences by facilitating encounters with local personalities and inspiring them to create and share their own memories of the city's most fascinating enclave: Charoenkrung.

About Capella Bangkok: Capella Bangkok offers 101 suites and the city's first riverfront villas. It is located in the highly anticipated Chao Phraya Estate, a prime 5.7-acre waterfront property with excellent accessibility and 350 meters of river access. The luxurious estate has been designed to create a private sanctuary feel, with unobstructed river views from every room. Amenities include an exclusive restaurant led by acclaimed Michelin-starred chef Mauro Colagreco, the Auriga Wellness with an extensive range of carefully curated Asian therapies, and the Living Room – a light-filled, river-view lounge where local artists, music, and culinary delights reflect the area's passion for food, wellness, and culture. Customized experiences, organized by Capella's personal assistant, allow guests to connect with local personalities and inspire them to create and share their own memories of this captivating part of the city.

About Capella Hotel Group: Headquartered in Singapore with offices in China, Europe, and the USA, Capella Hotel Group offers global hospitality management services through two distinct brands. Capella Hotels and Resorts is an ultra-luxury hotel, resort, and residential concept for discerning travelers seeking personalized service. Locations include Düsseldorf, Shanghai, Singapore, Sanya, and Ubud; further hotels in Bangkok, the Maldives, and Sydney are planned.

About Chao Phraya Estate: Located in a prime waterfront location in Bangkok's historic district, Chao Phraya Estate occupies an unparalleled 5.7-hectare site. Valued at approximately US$1 billion, the project comprises three unique properties: the Four Seasons Private Residences Bangkok, the Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok, and the Capella Hotel Bangkok. Construction commenced in the third quarter of 2014 and is scheduled for completion in the fourth quarter of 2018. The master plan and design are by Hamiltons International, the architecture by Dhevanand Architects Co., Ltd., the interior design by BAMO Inc. and PIA Interior Co., Ltd., and the landscaping by P Landscape Co., Ltd.

About Country Group Development: Country Group Development (CGD) is the Thailand-based, internationally active real estate development and investment arm of the Country Group. With a proven track record of delivering sophisticated and complex real estate projects such as Four Seasons Private Residences Bangkok, Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok, and Capella Hotel Bangkok, the company is a unique player in the market. Its competitive advantages stem from its diversified real estate strategy and the use of the Country Group's network of subsidiaries.