The Best Eco-Friendly Hotels and Stays in Bangkok, Thailand

Constructed of ecofriendly materials and powered by natural energy sources, Bangkok Tree House integrates zero-waste goals into every aspect of its operation within the Green Lung of Bangkok – the city’s last natural frontier situated right in its centre. Wall insulation is made of upcycled juice cartons; reclaimed wood makes up the walkways; all the outdoor lights are powered by wind and solar energy; kitchen waste is composted; amenities are locally sourced; “air cleaning plants” are grown in guest rooms to purify the air. What’s more, the property sources all amenities from local, ecofriendly businesses and commits to the removal of 1kg (2lb) of trash from the Chao Phraya River per booking.

In 2018, the TAS Sukhumvit became the first hotel in Asia free of single-use plastic, integrating reusable products and a sustainability-driven mentality into everyday operations. Guests receive branded stainless steel water bottles on arrival that can be filled throughout the hotel, and typical bathroom toiletries – a huge contributor to single-use plastic waste – are instead housed in celadon pottery containers, and made of organic, essential oil-based products. All bin bags are biodegradable and reusable shopping totes are available for guests to take on their daily outings, encouraging a “refuse the plastic bag” mentality. The hotel has also eliminated all unnecessary plastic from its kitchen and dining facilities.

The riverside Shangri-La has long been applauded for its engagement in many social responsibility projects, including environmental conservation. A few years back, the luxury property translated talk of commitment into a long-term green strategy, investing more than 13 million THB (£300,000) to install the largest solar-powered system of its kind (at the time) in Thailand. The decision was spurred by research suggesting that heating systems consume the most energy in buildings, particularly in developing countries. It means the hotel can sustainably heat 25m litres (43m pints) of water a year, sufficiently covering the demand of the 802 guest rooms.

This family-run inn smack in the heart of Bangkok, formerly called the Old Bangkok Inn, operates out of a culture-rich area once home to the noble elite of Siam. The at this eco hotel in Bangkok rooms and overall design evoke an antiquated charm, augmented by the 21st-century ideal of sustainability and conservation. The refurbished property exclusively uses energy-efficient appliances and lighting, and a solar water heater system. It also operates a robust recycling program, touts a daylight-maximising design and incorporates furniture and fixtures salvaged from teak wood.

Constructed out of old shipping containers and other reused materials, this eco hotel in Thailand’s capital has a green mentality woven into its very core. Located in up-and-coming Ari, it’s a great spot to unwind on the outskirts of the big city while enjoying close proximity to the BTS line for easy accessibility. Aside from the upcycled construction, The Yard provides refillable glass bottles to guests to reduce single-use plastic, and incorporates water-saving and energy-efficient appliances across the property.

A stunning, five-star property in Bangkok’s energetic Pratunam quarter, the Amari has long been a plum choice for high-end luxury done sustainably. Ecoconsciousness at the Amari starts with the staff, who are regularly trained to promote awareness of energy-saving strategies and environmental responsibility. Within the community, the Amari organises village cleaning days and other activities to encourage environmental awareness, and works nearly exclusively with local suppliers to reduce its carbon footprint. Even the cleaning products used are ecofriendly and made of biodegradable ingredients, while water and energy efficiency is prioritised across its utilities, and all food waste is donated.

This beautiful property along the Chao Phraya River teamed up with Bangsai Agricultural Centre to develop an incredible rooftop farm made of several greenhouse structures equipped with hydroponic gutter systems. After years of research and testing, the locally owned Bangsai successfully developed specialised methods and equipment that enables businesses such as Anantara to grow produce year-round in the sweltering Bangkok heat.

Firmly among Bangkok’s hotel elite, SO Sofitel has natural facets interwoven into its philosophy. The hotel creators based the interior on their own interpretations of water, earth, wood, metal and fire, with elements of feng shui. Since 2014, SO Sofitel applied this ethos in its kitchen as well, implementing a programme designed by a local environmental consulting firm to slash kitchen waste using a smart tech system called Winnow. After just one year of use, the hotel reduced food waste from more than 13,000kg per month (28,660lb) to less than 4,000kg (8,818lb). That’s a weight off all our minds.

This quaint boutique hotel offers a range of small, uniquely styled rooms, with its ethos centered around the strength of its local community and a self-sustainable mindset. Nearly all of this Bangkok eco hotel’s products are sourced from local vendors or markets, and it chooses its suppliers based on ethical treatment of the environment and animals. It has its own organic rooftop garden that supplies the kitchen’s herbs, and also acts as a community workshop space for groups studying successful ways to sustainably farm in urban environments. More recently, Phranakorn Nornlen also built its own in-house laboratory to create ecologically sustainable products such as soap, shampoo, mosquito repellant and cleaning supplies, and has even started a small shop to support local artisans.