The Anantara is one of the Golden Triangle's top addresses. Mythical figures line the way to a palatial entrance, which leads into a vast, open-plan, two-floor area encompassing an excellent restaurant, opulently furnished lounge, and reputedly the longest bar in Northern Thailand. Rooms are luxuriously furnished in indigenous woods and draped with handmade Thai fabrics. Louvered glass doors lead to bathrooms with terra-cotta tubs big enough for a pool party. Picture windows opening onto private balconies command spectacular views of the confluence of the Mekong and Ruak rivers. The former Opium Den Bar has become the best Italian restaurant north of Chiang Mai. Pros: truly stunning place to stay; great restaurant. Cons: access to most of the rooms involves much stair climbing; bathrooms are separated from rooms by only a glass partition.
Visit the Travel Talk forums for help on planning your trip