Bangkok: Afternoon tea at Authors’ Lounge – Mandarin Oriental

Afternoon tea at the Authors’ Lounge at Mandarin Oriental in Bangkok is one of those things you should try at least once in your life. It’s a step away from the noise and chaos and into something calmer, quieter and honestly, a little magical. The lounge is part of the Mandarin Oriental, right by the river, and once you’re through the doors, the pace changes completely.

The hotel itself is legendary. It’s the oldest Mandarin Oriental in the world and easily one of the most iconic hotels in Asia. The guest list over the years reads like a literary who’s who—Somerset Maugham, Joseph Conrad, Graham Greene. The place has history and it knows it, but there’s no need to show off. Everything just works.

The Authors’ Lounge used to be an open-air garden with a tortoise pond and a sign politely asking guests not to feed the tortoise. Today, the garden is gone and the space has been transformed into the elegant, air-conditioned Authors’ Lounge you see now. It’s a beautiful, all-white space with fans turning slowly overhead, live piano in the background, and filtered sunlight pouring through the glass ceiling.

You can choose between a Western afternoon tea, a Thai version or vegetarian. I’ve tried both the Thai and the Western sets. The Western offered the classic lineup with scones, finger sandwiches, and little cakes, but the Thai one was where things got interesting. Bright flavors, a little spice, lots of texture. It’s generous, beautifully arranged and surprisingly filling. There’s enough food for two people to share, but each guest is expected to order their own.

It might sound like a cliché to say a place feels like stepping back in time, but that really is the best way to describe it. The pace slows, the atmosphere softens, and for a while, everything outside that room just disappears. It’s full of old-world charm, but never feels forced or fussy — just quietly elegant. One of those rare spots that actually lives up to the legend.

The current price is 1,980 THB per person (2025). That’s definitely on the higher end for Bangkok, but once you’re settled in with your tea, surrounded by white rattan chairs and soft piano music, it feels worth it.

Afternoon tea at the Authors’ Lounge is popular with locals and tourists alike, especially on weekends, so book ahead if you want to go. The space isn’t huge, and part of the appeal is that it never feels crowded.

There’s a dress code, and they take it seriously. Here’s what it says on the Mandarin Oriental website:
“The Authors’ Lounge adheres to a smart dress code for all guests, including children. Ladies are kindly asked to wear elegant attire and proper footwear, while gentlemen are requested to wear long trousers and closed shoes. Sleeveless shirts for gentlemen are not permitted at any time of the day”

Read my guide to afternoon tea >>

Authors’ Lounge at Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, Tel: +66 (2) 6599000