THE ORIENTAL BANGKOK: The Story Of Thailand's BEST Hotel in the WORLD. Literature, Lunacy & Legends
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- Опубліковано 25 лис 2021
- The Oriental Hotel Bangkok. Literature, Lunacy & Legends. Thailand’s first and original luxury hotel goes back 145 years to a time when the rich, the royalty, the famous and the downright lucky were the only ones who got to experience this legendary establishment. But it has a story that features big names, big deals, various owners, world famous writers, occuptaion during WW2, turmoil, drama, expansion and of course the ultimate in luxury. The Mandarin Oriental, which opened as The Oriental Hotel is the original luxury brand in Thailand, and that legacy is still going strong in 2022.
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Listen, listen carefully…you can hear me applauding all the way from Chicago in a standing ovation. The Oriental Hotel is a legendary jewel. Bangkok Pat’s body of work somehow keeps getting better and better!
Cheers Scott, there may be a time difference but I still heard it! Thanks very much mate. I tweaked and reshot then edited the shorter version I made for Thaiger and wasn't originally gonna put it out for some bizarre reason. But the more I learned about the story this hotel has to tell, the more interesting it became.
The Oriental Hotel should be learned about as a case study for every student in either a hotel management and/or MBA program. The service is rated amongst the best, if not THE best, anywhere in the world.
It's done so much so well all these years and it's clearly down to the management and the way they work with their staff. They obviously look after them well, which makes a world of difference.
Difficult to inculcate a true sense of Asian service into the Western world!
@@trevorsmith7753 Exactly! (Esp Thais)
@@BangkokPattake care of your staff and your staff will take care of your customers and business
I sang Christmas carols as a part of a local international school choir at the Oriental in around 1974.
Fifty years ago. I always wondered why the main road to it was called the New Road. Now I know.
Remember this hotel being in one of my favourite movies - James Bonds The Man with the Golden Gun and James having dinner in the courtyard. During the dinner in the back ground was a Thai cultural show/dance being performed on a stage.
I've worked in a luxury hotel in the States and after visiting the Oriental more-than-once in Bangkok, capital of my Second Home of Thailand, I've RARELY seen a hotel of such opulence and yet such charming, friendly staff working there! And you simply CANNOT beat the view of the Chao Phraya River from the hotel grounds! 🙂
What a lovely story. The Oriental has so much history. I would love to hear more about Ms Krull
Thanks David, there's a lot of info about her, she had several careers in many interesting fields, including nudes....
No vlogger comes close to how - Bangkok Pat - presents rare quality insight into the fabulous - Big Mango :)
Cheers, many thanks for the kind words, I'm back to a less luxurious part of the city next...
Saw your interview with the Irish guy. Excellent, thank you. I enjoy your in-depth insightful walks around. Much better and relevant than a lot of what is broadcast on UA-cam about Bangkok. Much appreciated. Also very good to hear about your background and struggles and your honesty is refreshing
Thanks John, apologies for delayed reply, notifications are a bit lax sometimes mate. Had a good chat with Pete as you saw, I think it's a good idea to be straight up about certain things from the start.
I like to do a bit of research on places before I go because I would feel like I'm cheating the viewers by just pointing out the obvious things and just saying ''wow''
Mate, I’ve gone have to be honest with you. I thought it would be a bit boring this video because I’m not much of a history man myself. I forgot I was dealing with BKK Pat here 😄😉 you always know how to keep me attention with the astonishing details. The first hotel serving alcohol? Book me a room already! 🙏🏼 another pro job! Stay champ 😜
Cheers mate, glad you stuck with it, that surprised me because I was dreading all the details but as soon as I got into the story it unfolded like a book you can't put down!!
Would love to see a piece on the history of Phetchaburi Road during the Vietnam War and what is left of the "American Strip"
That's in progress, as in planning and collecting of info and pics/footage.
Love how well researched your videos are, especially compared to the average Thai youtuber with their "where to find a 30 baht pad krapao" or "living a day for ten dollars" videos.
Thanks Harry, but as you can see those videos do hundreds of thousands of views for some reason and to be honest I doubt those enjoying that kind of topic would be swayed by anything I'm putting out, would be nice to be doing those numbers though.
@@BangkokPat when you do something way above the average, by definition only a small portion will understand it. Odi et amo.
Spot on comment @Harry
Hey Pat I've checked out "thoes" videos, which are amateur and mostly tedious to watch as they seem to do little editing and research and post that night, and here I am going through all of your content, I agree with the thousands of comments about how well shot and edited your stuff is but you know that already. You have posted nearly 100 videos and yes the more clickbaty ones have the highest numbers: Alcoholism 169k, Farang Lies 139k, they are over 100k then Mental Health at 98k then the next level with vides such as Nana, Safest City, Patpong, Soi Cowboy, Farang Stereotypes with 30 to 60k. I guess that's how it is, clickbate works, me included, but here I am going through all of your videos, sorry that I will only ad 1. 2 or a few views to each. Really such a specalised area, the suburbs of Bangkok, maybe only of interest to people who like to wander that city and treat it as an adventure. I enjoy so much how well your videos are made. Although I have passed through Bangkok a couple of times in the last couple of decades, the last time I spent any time there was before there were any elevated trains so I have found your train line videos particularly interesting. Hope you are still doing your walking tours when I next visit Bangkok for a decent amount of time.
World-class vlog. Simply the best-documented entertainment.
Cheers Black Cat, hope you're well!
Once again superb! You should be getting at least 50000 views per video given the quality of your output.Other channels based on ill informed bullshit seem to get far more!Once again thanks for the great work you put out there.
Thanks, I would love those kinds of numbers, who wouldn't!! Plenty of topics get much more hits but the viewers seem to love all that bullsh*t, those kinds of viewers wouldn't be interested in my topics anyway.
I taught at Assumption College for 3 years which is right next to the pier where you were. I lived in Krung Thonburi so would get the little ferry across the River to the convent which was also part of Assumption. Loved your historical video Pat 👍❤🙏
Great treatment of a true Bangkok landmark. As other historical sites disappear by the day due to the unending construction of condos and malls, I hope you are able to cover as many as possible. Any chance of you looking at the Atlanta Hotel?
Thanks mate, would be interested to do a spot on that hotel, in fact I want to do a video and tour the R&R spots of Bangkok. I'll be out shooting that next week.
Just saw your interview with thairish times. I can tell where the soul and poetry in your videos comes from.
Thanks very much, I guess that means it's a positive!!
Mate,my girlfriend and I love your videos.The historical detail is 2nd to none.(Especially on all the Bangkok canals).
P.s.Saw a pic of Louis Theroux's Dad,lol.
Excellent. Thank you. I first went to the Oriental in 1966, when there was the old wing only. Loved the hotel and the staff I met over the years were great, such as Khun Pornsi and Khun Kurt, etc. My books were sold at the lobby bookshop until the shop closed. Expensive hotel but worth it. Thanks again. Dean Barrett
Thanks Dean, I felt kinda bad that this video was only 12 minutes, as there was a lot of extras here and there, but I think I summed it up ok!!
@@BangkokPat Please post the longer version. I feel it's not complete somehow.
Most underrated channel on UA-cam.
Thanks, appreciate the kind words mate.
Excellent video Pat. Stayed a couple of times at the Mandarin Oriental in HK back in my finance days (during HK Seven's week). Impeccable service. My boss at the time, Peter Cundill, was adamant that I contact his friend Alan Murray who was part of the Jardine group. The hotel opened up the "Captain's" bar one hour early just for the two of us. Still get a chuckle over that. So much history with the Oriental Group. :)
Sounds very high class indeed, I bet they've never had to do a 2 for the price of 1. I almost went to the Bamboo Bar once in 2006 but I'd got the info wrong, I was actually looking for the other Bamboo Bar on Sukhumvit soi 31.
Only 8,000 subs? You're worth way more than that. Love your histories.
Only saw this today. I just love the way you bring out the history. Very interesting.
The place of legends !!!!!! I’m not sure when I would have liked to be there Pat . 1908 -1910 or in 1947 and onwards !!!!!! Another interesting vlog . The rich history of this hotel 🏨 is so amazing . I want to read books now on the authors who stayed there. Thanks for this vlog Pat stay safe
Thanks Jimmy, definitely wouldn't wanna be around when Conrad was staying there, in one of his bad moods...
What a very Good and Interesting Historical story. Nice to hear your pleasant voice to. 🙏
🙏🤠
Thanks Gert, I practice a lot!
Fantastic history lesson. Loved your excellent presentation. Look forward to more of your videos.
Cheers, got a new more interesting story on the Atlanta hotel coming soon...
Fantastic work Pat, this was one of your best videos. Loved it!
thanks very much, many are turned off by my pic wearing a tuxedo but you managed to stay focused :p
a great piece of history told by a great historian!
Thanks Hans, a very interesting place indeed, wonder if I'll ever get to stay there...
Stunning hotel and a wonderful story as well Pat,,really enjoyed watching this,,I wonder if Ian Fleming wrote the Man with the golden gun when he was here and visited Krabi,,
Thanks Geoffrey, makes you wonder what any of those authors wrote in their time there, and what influenced them..
loved the film Pat.............thank you for all your hard work, i especially enjoyed the old film footage x
Thanks mate, next I'll be doing the Nana Hotel maybe!
Just love all your videos because of the historic information you provide. I first visited Bangkok in1980 and visited The Oriental and was impressed with the hotel. I miss the Bangkok of those days so really appreciate your work.
Thanks Ginger Dad, it's one hell of a place, not that I'd know from staying there but at those prices it must be something special.
Why do you not have a Million subscribers? Well done Pat. 🏆👍
That would be nice! Thanks very much!
Cheers Bangkok Pat, liked the history lesson on The Oriental....I have stayed there a few years back when the exchange rate was much more favourable.....The prices have gone up a bit since....so don't think I will be staying there again!.....nice to reminisce though......I had a young sexy English girlfriend at the time.....oh how things have changed
Thanks Ashley, oh how many things have changed! Me too although I never even came close to staying there. Maybe one day....
Great as always, Pat.
I love your reports and the depth of the background. I am also fascinated by the way you deal with language, facial expressions and changes in cut of individual passages. I am German and have lived permanently in Thailand since 2008. Initially in Bangkok (Ratchaprarop) and now for a few years in Sattahip. You once asked whether Bangkok has lost its charm or character - I definitely think so! More and more valuable, historical items (for example Hua Lamphong) have to give way to some condo tower or department store - are there still not enough of them? Maybe I'm just a little too romantic or naive, but when I visited this city for the first time in 1989, I liked it much better than it does today because of its diversity. Thanks again for your great clips, which I love to watch, even if sometimes with a tear in my eye.
Greetings from Sattahip - Gerd 🌈🍀💖🌴🌈
Thanks Gerd, appreciate the kind words mate. Bangkok has indeed gone downhill character wise, and it's neither naiive or romantic to think that, it's a fact. Of course the current generation don't get that, but there is a generation of Thais growing up who do understand the value of history and heritage and that there's a serious overkill of pointless malls opening up. That won't change and I dread the day Hua Lamphong gets bulldozed, I'm currently shooting a video about that.
When I speak on camera and tackle the sentences, it's totally impractical to read off a script, your mouth and face won't stretch around that much to be able to say what's written. I learned all this on radio where nobody sees you and now you've mentioned expressions and that's an example. Each thing you talk about on camera has to have a beginning, middle and end, however long, that way you can conclude the sentence and finish speaking. It takes practice and is one of the reasons I don't do the walking and talking thing!
What a beautiful hotel another place I need to visit in Bangkok. You have given me enough ideas to keep me busy for weeks to travel to.
I didn't enter the hotel once making this video, it's an intimidating walk past security up the driveway to the lobby. No way could I get away with claiming I was meeting a friend and taking a few photos or video. Luckily I didn't need to anyway.
Keep videos like this coming Pat please. Educational about Thailand at its finest!
Thanks, I'm about to do 2-3 a week from now on!
Great video, as always! Just to point out that photo of Peter Carl Faberge you used was actually that of the Russian composer Tchaikovsky! Same nationality, same period but different person!
You're the first to mention that. Thanks!
Thoroughly enjoyed this bit of history and while I'll never be a person of luxury, I will make an effort to visit this place. That's the good thing about luxury I guess, that it's better positioned to preserve history and withstand time. But then again I won't be surprised if in 20 years on the same site will rise The Oriental Grand River Mall.
Great handiwork with the transition on 10:30. Amazing video as always, Pat! 👏 👏 👏
Thanks Liro, it would be a little out of my reach as was the afternoon tea, I considered it, just to get in there to shoot a couple of talking bits but not for 550++
Hopefully the building has haritage status and won't get razed for a mall, but you never know here.
@@BangkokPat good call as you made an excellent video even without shelling out 550! Ah yes, I wish most of the buildings you feature would get heritage status. One could only dream…
Really enjoyed this video, Pat which brought back happy memories of boozy Sunday lunches. Keep up the great work. Matt and Karen
I could say heaps, but "excellent" .
Thanks Pat..
Simply brilliant, Pat. Love the amount of work you put into these videos.
Thanks Andrew, that's a great story!
Used to go for lunch at Le Normandie when I had ample funds (not very often). Front-of-house service without equal.
Hey Pat great job, enjoy these historical stories and facts, thanks for taking the time and energy to do them.
Thanks Bruce, this one was a big job, with all the small details to memorize!
Loved the video and music! I can only echo all the positive comments you have received. Your production is top notch and your narrative is very informative. Please keep these type of videos!!
Thanks Chris, Oriental hotel has had an eventful history!
Wonderfully historic.
Thanks Gav, it was probably one of the most complex histories I'bve ever had to put together!
Excellent video history. I love The Bamboo Bar.
I already saw your documentary over at the Thaiger. But Iwatched it again, because of the lot of details - fab!
Thanks Bearded Cat, this one is slightly longer...
just one more great video pat ,, the great depths of history bangkok is so amazing,,old and modern times
Thanks Gabriella, glad you enjoyed it, the history of this place is the most complex I've tackled so far!
Pat Bangkok you are legend keep up good work kapom
Terrific again Pat, another fascinating bit of history 👍
Cheers mate, it's like a soap opera with ten times more detail!
Watched this gem again after a year. I love everything about it. You are the best !!
Ive been to the Oriental, but just to have lunch. I lament I didnt stay back in the day when I had money...
Another amazing video! Any chance you could do a more In depth video on Talot Noi and the old opium quarter . You touched briefly on the subject in a couple of your other videos (bang rak etc)
Talad Noi is being requested a lot and now that I have so much more time available, it'll have to be done.
Can’t wait to see it! There’s a great duck rice place to eat if in the neighborhood. I highly recommend it. It’s almost across from the Marine dept. There’s an old blue family co sign (with the rhino) over head of the place.
Thank you Pat I kove your vidoes so much . I have been visiting Bangkok since 1975 and have lived in this area so know it very well. Angkana of the Big O is a family friend. I will be in BKK from 4th Jan 2022 so would love to meet up for a chat .
Thanks again for such interesting vids. Kind regards, Phill
Well presented - thank you!
I was having lunch with friends in Dubai who appreciate literature and told me they are planning a visit to Bangkok and wanted to stay in some other hotel by the river, so I had to fish out this video and share it with them. One of the best UA-cam videos 👍👍
Hope they have prepared their wallets for some heartache, that place is a bit more than the Conrad.
The place where the artist,writers,royalty rub a shoulder.Joseph Conrad,John Lee Care,Somerset Maugham,Nijinsky,Robert De Niro
and many others stayed in Oriental.Definitely place too have a drink and visit.
fascinating story - thanks for sharing! great video!
Nice Work Pat !!!!
Wonderful history record. Thank you.
An absolutely fascinating video!
Cheers Mark, glad you enjoyed that mate.
Yeah, Pat, these stories are interesting! Thank you!
Thanks, that was a particularly interesting place indeed...
Great story and everything possible thanks Pat :)-
Great video Pat. IMHO one for your best mate 👍
Thanks Bill, you like my tuxedo?
@@BangkokPat I suspect you'll be applying for the next J.B. role Pat. Now that Daniel has hung up his boots and all !!!!!
I just experienced the incredible MOB last week, when I stayed there for a night, in a room with a fantastic river view. What a great experience to be at such a memorable place with such a stern history. I read the book on the History of the Oriental, which they have in the lobby. So many stories. Love the history and your video, well done. Thanks and I just subscribed to your channel.
Thanks Tom and great to hear that it does live up to the reputation/hype. One day they might reward me for the video with a free night or three!
@@BangkokPat You would well deserve it for this great piece of history video about the Oriental. Btw: Do you know more about the old customs building nearby, currently under renovation? Might be also worth a video ;-)
Man, YOU ARE GOOD! I love your documentaries, very informative, and very well done. Thanks for sharing your work..
Thanks very much Aramis, glad you enjoyed it mate.
Superb vid Pat
My favorite hotel in all the world. You can feel the history and maybe even some ghosts.
Great video. I am so glad to have found your channel.
A magnificent presentation as ever ; - )
Thanks Jay, glad you liked it, I'm still saving to stay there for a night!
@@BangkokPat Hah ha, me too! And it's been a while. When the channel really takes off you can book your room and show us what it's like from the inside ; - )
love your videos,such a great quality in many ways!
makes me feel the vibe of Bangkok more.
So informative, so well produced
Loved it
Thank you Mark.
Thank you Pat. This was a very good piece of video. Keep up the good work!
Thanks Lars, a bit of a soap opera that story!
I’ve watched all your videos and this is a refreshing (and a bit surprising) one to see. I thought you hated the rich and anything luxurious 😂 As long as the place has character and a rich history I suppose.
Thanks Robin, I mock these things but don't have hatred, and this is the history of the hotel. I am in no way advertising it or advising anyone to stay there. It is a very high end hotel of course.
Perhaps 50 years from now there’ll be videos like this made about your beloved Iconsiam! 😂 Jokes aside, just want to say that I really love and appreciate your channel. As a 30-year-old I’ve learned so much about my own city. Thank you for all the work you do 🙏
@@BangkokPat ...I wonder if there are any pampered cats hanging out at this hotel..lol
Thats your best video so far. Thanks.
Cheers Richard, kind of you to say so!
Great video Pat, Keep up the good work 👍
Nice one Paul, cheers mate.
I was drinking cocktails on the River Terrace Bar there a few years ago,amazing Hotel,I think at one time ranked no 1 in the world.
Thank you Pat for your classy presentation.
Your finest work up to date.
Fantastic video 👍
I've been binge watching your channel, and this was my favourite so far of your video clips. Keep up the great work! Amazing content!
Thanks very much for the kind words Tony, that was probably the most lines I ever had to learn, but definitely an interesting story, wonder now if they'll ever be in touch and give a night or two on the house....!!
@@BangkokPat If they do, you deserve it. The work that you are putting into these video clips is amazing. I moved to Bangkok back in 1990; and I must confess that I have fallen in love with this city, though it is a love/hate relationship at times. There is just so much history in this city in every little alleyway, (or Soi,) and neighbourhood. I'm really enjoying your videos. Keep up the great work!
Really enjoyed the video Pat thankyou.
Thanks Matthew, it's a great place, even though I didn't set foot inside during the making of it!
Nothing like a massive fire to spark an urban regeneration of the area… cui bono? Interesting story and superb collation of historical footage to boot. I recognise your style from Ajarn forums many moons ago but just discovered the channel today :) brilliant work
Cheers David, it's a good story, plays out like a bit of a soap opera.
that was great pat thanks for that
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it :)
Thank you so much Pat for putting the many many hours of behind the scenes research into your amazing vlogs.
Another great one Pat, thank you!
Thanks Lorraine, glad you liked it. I was hoping fo a complimentary couple of nights after this video...
@@BangkokPat Hehe, absolutely!! You gave them great coverage!
Love the place. Really wonderful video . Thx!!!
Thanks Joachim, glad you enjoyed that mate.
Hi, I just love all of your vlogs, so interesting and informative. Plus, I do like cats!
Love the video ❤❤❤
Good job Pat.
Thanks, glad you enjoyed the story!
Thanks Pat,love your work keep it going you deliver your vlogs exceptionally well keep them coming, thank you
Thanks a lot, appreciate the kind words.
So your videos seem to get better and better,a friend took me for Christmas dinner the over 20 years ago,after visiting 139 countrys it’s hard to remember every meal,please keep up the good work
Excellent, I love this sort of Video, the 2nd hotel to be built was the Trocadero Hotel near the bottom of Suriwong Road. Great Video Pat
Absolutely love your videos. Informative and entertaining.
Thanks David!
Really interesting. Good work Pat !!!
Thanks! It turned out to be a very educational video to make.
Loved watching this , maybe one day I will go, back in 1995 they would not let me in because I was wearing sandals
Excellent video, You are very talented. World class.
Thanks very much for being so kind!
Thanks for an interesting video again. You are the best.
Fantastic vlogumentary on this historic place. Much better than anything ive seen on tv! Thanks Pat
Glad you enjoyed it, was a learning experience making that, probably my most complex bit of history I've ever had to memorize! Thanks!
Another great one Pat
Cheers Ralph, great place to hang out, that Bamboo Bar. It looks like it anyway!
Very good video Pat. Informative
Thanks, was an education doing that video!