Mirella Pandjaitan
Jun 17, 2026
A sensory whirlwind where the eclectic hum of modern life collides with an ancient, enduring heartbeat — glass towers rising above timeworn canals, as the buzz of tuk-tuks softens into temple chimes, and the air lingers with the smoky, spice-rich aroma of street food. This is Bangkok… a city whose energy and soul have quietly spellbound Rohaan Chandra.
Born in India into a family of hoteliers, Rohaan’s prelude to hospitality and the world of luxury became more of a way of life. His early chapters of the suite life unfolded within the walls of a five-star hotel. “Those early experiences naturally shaped my appreciation for genuine service, attention to detail, and the ability to create meaningful and memorable experiences for others,” shared the General Manager of COMO Metropolitan Bangkok.
Rohaan’s hospitality journey has taken him across continents, from Les Roches in Switzerland to shaping a path of his own with GHM at The Legian Seminyak, The Setai Miami Beach, and The Chedi Muscat, before returning to Bali and eventually joining COMO Hotels and Resorts in 2015. Each chapter refined his perspective, yet his approach remains quietly rooted in simplicity.
Even after years in luxury hospitality, oftentimes the quieter, more authentic moments lingered and inspired him. “That could be discovering a hidden local gem, sitting in a neighbourhood café, or finding a quiet moment in a busy city like Bangkok,” he revealed.
To Rohaan, Bangkok is built on warmth, hospitality, culture, and resilience, layered beneath its modern polish. “What I love most about Bangkok is how it balances chaos and calm so naturally — one moment you are in the middle of a busy street full of life, and the next you find a quiet temple, hidden gem, or tranquil space,” he reflected. “Bangkok almost feels unmistakably human. It’s not just a place people visit, but one they connect with.”
Rohaan seeks a sense of balance within an industry that rarely slows down in his moments of pause. His world expands into wellness, travel, golf, and racquet sports (tennis, padel, squash, and badminton) — small rituals that keep him grounded.
Bangkok isn’t merely a city you pass through — it’s one you feel, slowly and all at once. What else lingers within its pulse? Keep scrolling to discover more through Rohaan Chandra’s lens.
Let’s talk about Thailand as a whole first… Thailand has been a favourite destination for citizens of the world, and it continues to be that way. The country aims to boost its tourism sector with an idea to make Thailand more efficient, accessible, and tailored to the needs of modern travellers. What is it about the Thai way of life that’s appealing?
Its diversity is what makes Thailand so appealing. You can experience the energy of Bangkok, the mountains and culture in the north, beautiful islands in the south, wellness retreats, incredible cuisine, and rich traditions all within one country. Despite being a global tourism destination, Thailand still feels authentic and welcoming.
Personally, what keeps travellers returning is the emotional connection they develop with the country. Thailand has a way of making people feel comfortable, relaxed, and cared for, and that feeling stays with them long after they leave.
Mention one word to describe or define Bangkok.
Words such as vibrant, alive, dynamic, soulful, energetic, chaotic, and expressive come to mind.
Fill in the blanks: Five vital points travellers should know before visiting Bangkok are…
1. Bangkok is a very energetic and busy city, so traffic and travel times can take longer than expected.
2. Respect for Thai culture and traditions is very important.
3. Some of the best experiences in Bangkok come from exploring beyond the typical tourist areas.
4. The city offers a mix of luxury, culture, street food, nightlife, and wellness experiences.
5. The weather is hot and humid most of the year, so visitors should plan accordingly.
When is the best time to visit Bangkok, and how long should it be for the best experience?
First-timers should lean towards three to four days. This duration gives one sufficient time to enjoy the culture, food, shopping, nightlife, wellness, and major attractions. However, five days or more is ideal for someone who wants a more relaxed pace and time to explore hidden neighbourhoods, cafés, local experiences, and maybe even include short day trips.
List out five activities not to miss in Bangkok.
1. A visit to the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun.
2. Experience Bangkok’s food scene from Street food to Michelin-starred dining.
3. A visit to the weekend market, experience Chinatown at night, followed by a trip to the flower market.
4. Indulge in a traditional Thai massage.
5. Gaze on the sunset by the river and or at a rooftop bar.
Tell us more about COMO Metropolitan Bangkok.
COMO Metropolitan Bangkok is a calm, design-led wellness sanctuary for those who value space, privacy, and clarity. Behind its discreet façade, generous rooms with intentional space and tactile materials create an environment that supports rest and clarity. COMO Shambhala’s holistic therapies extend this sense of restoration, while thoughtful dining nourishes without excess. Just minutes from Bangkok’s energy, the hotel offers the luxury of balance — where renewal and mindful movement are at the heart of each stay.
Why is COMO Metropolitan Bangkok the ideal starting point for a traveller’s Bangkok adventure?
Bangkok can be wonderfully exciting, but also overwhelming for first-time visitors. COMO Metropolitan Bangkok offers a sense of grounding within that energy. Located in Sathorn, the hotel provides convenient access to Bangkok’s cultural landmarks, shopping districts, nightlife, and dining scene, while remaining tucked away in a quieter neighbourhood.
We often say that the hotel allows guests to experience Bangkok at their own pace. Whether someone wants to explore temples and markets, discover the city’s culinary scene, or simply recharge by the pool after a busy day, the hotel becomes a comfortable and calming base to return to.
COMO Metropolitan Bangkok provides expertly curated Bangkok experiences. What type of traveller do these suit well? Can you give a sample?
Our experiences are designed for curious and modern travellers who want to discover Bangkok through a more personal, contemporary, and culturally connected lens. They particularly resonate with guests who value meaningful experiences over traditional sightseeing — whether they are wellness travellers, design and fashion enthusiasts, food lovers, or culturally curious explorers.
What makes these experiences unique is that they go beyond the expected and reflect different sides of Bangkok’s creative and cultural identity. For example, guests can craft their own bespoke fragrance through “The Scent of Self” workshop with Oo La Lab, explore Thailand’s artistic heritage through a private Khon mask-painting experience, or discover Bangkok’s evolving fashion scene with a personalised styling journey at Club21.
The hotel offers the luxury of balance, where renewal and mindful movement are essential. Why is this important?
Modern travel can often be fast-paced and overstimulating, particularly in a city as dynamic as Bangkok. At COMO Metropolitan Bangkok, we believe luxury today is increasingly about balance and wellbeing — creating space for guests to pause, recharge, and reconnect with themselves while travelling.
This philosophy is reflected throughout the hotel experience, from wellness treatments and fitness offerings to nourishing cuisine and thoughtfully designed spaces. Even small rituals, such as starting the morning with yoga or ending the day with a restorative massage, can transform how someone experiences a destination.
Thailand is positioning itself as a global leader in longevity tourism, combining advanced medical tourism with cultural wellness traditions. How does COMO Metropolitan Bangkok fit in this picture?
Thailand has long been recognised for its hospitality and wellness traditions, and now there is growing global interest in longevity-focused travel — experiences that support long-term wellbeing rather than simply short-term relaxation.
COMO Metropolitan Bangkok naturally aligns with this shift through the COMO Shambhala philosophy, which focuses on holistic wellness, mindful movement, nutrition, and restorative therapies. While guests may come to Bangkok for business or leisure, many are also looking for ways to maintain healthy routines while travelling. Our wellness offerings, healthy cuisine at COMO Cuisine, fitness facilities, and peaceful environment allow guests to integrate wellbeing seamlessly into their stay.
Inside COMO Metropolitan Bangkok are nahm restaurant and COMO Cuisine. What separates these two in Bangkok?
What makes the two concepts unique is that they represent very different yet complementary dining experiences under one roof.
nahm is our One Michelin-starred restaurant recognised for its refined interpretation of authentic Thai cuisine, celebrating traditional flavours, ingredients, and culinary heritage with incredible depth and complexity. Dining at nahm is not only about the food itself, but also about storytelling and cultural discovery through Thai gastronomy.
COMO Cuisine, on the other hand, reflects the wellness side of COMO. The menu focuses on clean, nourishing, and balanced dishes that support healthy living without compromising flavour. It appeals to both wellness-conscious travellers and locals looking for lighter, energising cuisine in the city.
Together, they represent the balance that defines COMO Metropolitan Bangkok — indulgence and wellbeing existing side by side.
Speaking of food, what’s a must-try Thai dish and your personal favourite?
It would be hard to select just one dish; however, I definitely recommend a Kuai tiao Nuea, Moo, Tom Yum Goong, Krapow Nuea, Moo, Larb Moo, Larb Ped, or Somtam Luang Prabang.
Allow me to quote the official Bangkok motto: “Bangkok, glorious as if created by angels, the administration centre, beautiful temples, glittering palaces, the capital of Thailand.” Why visit Bangkok then? Is it the food, culture, or?
People often come to Bangkok initially for the food, shopping, nightlife, or beautiful hotels, but what makes Bangkok truly special is the feeling and energy of the city itself. Bangkok has a unique ability to balance tradition and modernity — you can experience centuries-old temples and culture alongside world-class dining, wellness, design, and hospitality.
The city is vibrant, emotional, and full of life. There is always something happening, yet at the same time, you can still find moments of calm, spirituality, and genuine human connection. The food scene is incredible, the people are welcoming, and the city constantly evolves while still holding onto its identity and soul.
I think people visit Bangkok because it offers more than just attractions — it offers experiences, emotion, and a sense of discovery that stays with you long after you leave.
How can our readers get in touch?
You can contact us directly at COMO Metropolitan Bangkok’s reservations by dialling +66 2 625 3333 or dropping an email to [email protected]. More details can be seen on our website.