Before my trip to Bangkok, I spent time researching unique cafés and hotels to add to my itinerary. Among countless recommendations, Mustang Blu Bangkok kept showing up – on Instagram feeds, travel blogs, and videos, always with strikingly beautiful images. As someone who loves design and aesthetics with a twist, I knew it had to be part of my journey.
Located in Yaowarat – Bangkok’s Chinatown, just a short walk from Hua Lamphong MRT station, Mustang Blu occupies a century-old building that feels both mysterious and artistic. Stepping inside, I immediately understood why it has become such a highly recommended spot.
History & Design – A Living Museum in a Hotel
Mustang Blu is housed in a 120-year-old building in Bangkok’s Chinatown. Originally built as an Italianate-style bank, its red brick façade, tall arched windows, and neoclassical columns reflected the grandeur of early 20th-century architecture.
For decades, the building was abandoned, weathered by time, almost forgotten. In 2019, Ananda Chalardcharoen – a Thai designer and the creative force behind the boutique hotel Mustang Nero – restored it into Mustang Blu. Instead of polishing it into something pristine, he chose to embrace imperfection: keeping the peeling plaster, rusted spiral staircases, and faded paint as a poetic reminder of history.
The design language of Mustang Blu is a dialogue between decay and drama:
1.Original structure:
Lofty ceilings, neoclassical columns, distressed walls, rusted metal staircases.
2. Inserted elements:
Antique wood tables, worn leather chairs, gothic chandeliers, warm candlelight.
3. Cabinet of curiosities:
A menagerie of taxidermy (a full horse, ostrich, giraffe head), vintage books, portraits, and objects arranged like theatrical props.
What fascinates me is how the hotel doesn’t disguise its age. Instead, it elevates the ruin into an aesthetic. The space feels more like an art installation than a hotel. Every corner creates a visual narrative that begs to be captured on camera.
Food & Drinks – Dining as an Art Form
I didn’t stay overnight, but I did visit the café for breakfast and lunch – and it truly surprised me with both its flavors and presentation. What I loved most was the presentation: every plate and drink was styled with care, turning them into little pieces of art. And yes – they were absolutely perfect for photos.
I didn’t stay overnight, but I did visit the café for breakfast and lunch – and it truly surprised me with both its flavors and presentation. What I loved most was the presentation: every plate and drink was styled with care, turning them into little pieces of art. And yes – they were absolutely perfect for photos.
The Darjeeling Limited
(Marco Polo tea + Darjeeling tea + fruits + lemon, 320 THB): refreshing, citrusy, and the perfect way to start a Bangkok morning.
The Last Day of Summer
(flower-blended iced tea with organic syrup, 350 THB): fragrant, floral, and incredibly refreshing – like sipping a summer garden.
Food:
- Lady and the Tramp – homemade pasta with tomato sauce and meatballs, plated so beautifully it felt straight out of a movie.
A pasta with cheese and bacon (unfortunately I forgot the name), creamy, rich, and comforting.
Why Mustang Blu Belongs on Your Bangkok Itinerary
Whether you stay at the hotel or just stop by the café like I did, Mustang Blu Bangkok deserves a spot on your list of best cafés in Bangkok. With its unique mix of design, history, and culinary artistry, it offers an experience that’s as memorable as it is photogenic.
If you’re looking for an Instagrammable café in Bangkok with both style and substance, Mustang Blu should be at the top of your list.
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