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The Best Hotels to Book in Thailand for Every Traveller

| Courtesy of Nikki Beach Koh Samui

As famous for its mist-swirled mountains as it is for turquoise lagoons, Thailand is capable of firing every sense and stoking all manner of imaginations. Are you a dreamer who wants to stargaze in the rainforest canopy, or a committed cyclist who’d rather navigate the bustle of Old Bangkok’s markets? Here’s our pick of the top hotels in Thailand to suit every persuasion.

Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Koh Samui

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he first resort in Nikki Beach’s global resort portfolio opened in 2010 on the sunset side of Lipa Noi beach in Koh Samui. Designed to blend into its natural surroundings, the property offers Nikki Beach’s signature barefoot luxury and white décor, fused together with local aesthetics and materials to create a vibrant fusion of traditional and contemporary styles surrounded by lush greenery. Nikki Beach Koh Samui seamlessly combines privacy, chic design, delectable cuisine, live music, and attentive service to immerse guests in a glamorous lifestyle experience.

Santhiya, Koh Yao Yai

Resort, Luxury

A sea-view balcony at Santhiya resort on Koh Yao Yai that has a dipping pool and sun lounger
Courtesy of Santhiya Koh Yao Yai Resort / Expedia

Diehard romantics will fall for Santhiya, an eco resort on Koh Yao Yai – one of Thailand’s lesser-trodden isles. The Andaman Sea-facing villas are built almost entirely of teak, which has been carved and engraved by Thai craftsmen at the top of their game. In the evenings, have sundowners delivered to your Jacuzzi before heading out to one of the resort’s six restaurants.

Anantara, Koh Phangan

Resort, Bed and Breakfast

A guestroom at the Anantara hotel in Koh Phangan has a double bed, dark-wood floors, and a balcony with two deck chairs looking out to some greenery.
Courtesy of Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas / Expedia

Skirting the edge of one of Thailand’s most famous beaches, Anatara Koh Phagnan was conceived with sun seekers in mind. The standalone villas here are a far cry from the island’s backpacker haunts, finished with dark-wood furniture, light-flooded bathrooms and private plunge pools overlooking the lagoon. If lying on the beach all day isn’t your idea of fun, try topping up your tan with a session on the sea-facing yoga platform, or over cocktails at the beachfront bistro.

Keemala, Phuket

Resort, Treehouse

A jungle suite at dusk at Keemala in Phuket. The opulent suite has a canvas covering, dipping pool and white sun loungers
Courtesy of Keemala / Expedia
The otherworldly villas at Keemala Phuket are themed around fictional clans, encouraging guests’ imaginations to run wild. Take the Birds Nest Villas, said to be inspired by a clan that embraced decadence, philosophy and astronomy. Stood on stilts that put you flush with the forest canopy, each nest-like villa has a sun deck and a private pool overlooking the treetops and the beach beyond.

The Inside House, Chiang Mai

Boutique Hotel, Luxury

A luxurious room at The Inside House in Chiang Mai has a terrace with a pool, chaise lounge and a fountain.
Courtesy of The Inside House / Expedia

Built in the Lanna Colonial style of the 1920s, the Inside House is one of the most beautiful buildings in Chiang Mai – and one of the best hotels in Thailand. Capable of charming the most demanding design devotees, the porcelain-white hotel looks as if it rose from the page of a wistful novel, complete with ornamental arches, palm-filled lounges and an entrance overlooked by a wizened Bodhi tree. If you can, swing for one of the pool suites, which have transportive terraces and marble-lined pools.

Bangkok Publishing Residence, Bangkok

Boutique Hotel

A room at Bangkok Publishing Residence with a double bed, olive-coloured walls and traditional paintings
Courtesy of Bangkok Publishing Residence / Expedia

The birthplace of Bangkok Weekly magazine, Bangkok Publishing Residence is one for lovers of the written word. The interiors of this former printing press read like a love letter to Bangkok’s 1960s-era printing boom, captured by the retro-industrial furniture, cast-iron printing equipment and vintage writing desks. The roof terrace is a greenery-swathed lookout that’s perfect for sundowners.

Rayavadee, Krabi

Resort, Hotel

An infinity pool at Rayavadee in Krabi is surrounded by palm trees and sun loungers, as well as a couple of looming rock formations
Courtesy of Rayavadee / Expedia
Reachable only by boat, Krabi Island hotel Rayavadee is perfectly placed for digital detoxes. You’ll bed down in one of the impressive pavilions, slotted between palm-stitched gardens that flank not one but two white beaches. You’ll slip into a more natural pace of life in no time thanks to the superlative spa and excursion programme, which includes snorkelling, hikes to nearby waterfalls and traditional Thai cooking classes.

Six Senses Yao Noi

Boutique Hotel, Luxury

An elevated deck at Six Senses Yao Noi with cushioned seating, circular wooden side tables and views of lush vegetation, mountains and the ocean.
Courtesy of Six Senses Yao Noi / Expedia

A favourite among wellness warriors, Six Senses Yao Noi crests a white beach in Phang Nga Bay, where James Bond faced off with the golden-gun toting villain Scaramanga. It’s apt that both men had an appetite for indulgence, as you’ll be in for some serious spoiling here. The spa area is as big as a village and includes treatment rooms, lounge areas, a juice bar, a meditation pavilion and more.

Ad Lib, Bangkok

Boutique Hotel

A modern guestroom at Ad Lib in Bangkok has an all-white double bed, light-wood floors and a neutral colour palette
Courtesy of Ad Lib / Expedia

Cocktail connoisseurs will relish the bar at Ad Lib Bangkok, which channels the tropical modernist style popularised by architect Geoffrey Bawa. The window-walled bar and terrace are surrounded by mature ficus trees with low-hanging aerial roots, creating a curtain of greenery that shuts out the city. You’ll feel whisked away long before happy hour – which is actually two hours – arrives.

Old Capital Bike Inn, Bangkok

Eco Hotel, Inn

A traditional-looking common room at Old Capital Bike Inn has circular dining tables, paintings on the wall, an arched doorway and plenty of antiques
Courtesy of Old Capital Bike Inn / Expedia

Stays at Old Capital Bike Inn Bangkok include free bike hire and night cycling tours. The rooms capture the soul of Old Bangkok with their dark-wood floors and antique furniture; suites go a step further with their elegant four-poster beds. Owners Natiya and Jason are brimming with knowledge, not least the best local restaurants and cycling routes in the area.

Lanjia Lodge, Chiang Rai

Boutique Hotel, Independent Hotel, Eco Hotel

A timber deck at Lanjia Lodge sometime after sunset has views over the jungle, cosy seating and a thatched roof
Courtesy of Lanjia Lodge / Expedia

Lanjia Lodge Chiang Rai helps to support the region’s hill tribes, making it a good match for eco-minded adventurers. The low-impact lodge stands high on a fertile hillside, overlooking the Mekong Valley and the border with Laos. Profits from the lodge go towards improving the living conditions of Hmong and Lahu villagers, who can give batik classes to visitors and lead them on jungle treks.

Looking for more? Check out our guides to the best beachfront hotels in Thailand and the most luxurious wellness and spa hotels throughout the Land of Smiles and book now with Culture Trip. For more options, check out these guest houses in Chiang Mai.

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