339 Best Hotels in Thailand

The former grounds of the British Consulate now house this waterfront oasis whose rooms and suites have private terraces overlooking either the Mae Ping River or the verdant gardens. Just steps from the river and one of the city's busiest streets, the consulate building, gleaming again with polished teak, has been restored to its original 1920s appearance in parts, though you'll now find a smart bar and chic restaurant. The rooms' furnishings deftly meld traditional and contemporary styles. Lotus ponds border the 34-meter (112-foot) pool, giving the impression of bathing in a Thai jungle clearing.

One of the best spa resorts in the region—and possibly the world—Chiva-Som has tasteful and comfortable rooms accented with natural woods. Some rooms have private terraces overlooking the ocean. Holistic healing and a wholesome diet are the focus of a stay, but the beachfront setting will do you a world of good, too. The courteous staff will help you recharge through educational talks in the library, shiatsu massages performed in a soothing pool, and individually tailored diets.

Stylish design, a romantic atmosphere, and a beautiful beach are all part of the package at the Aleenta. Two-story lofts have glass walls overlooking the sea; you can watch the sunset from the bed, the sofa, or from your small poolside deck. Pool suites and pool villas are also available. Breakfast is served by the beach, as are sunset cocktails. The library has movie nights complete with popcorn. Note that, despite its name, the resort is located just over the Sarasin Bridge, on the mainland north of Phuket.

You'd be hard-pressed to find a more sparklingly dignified hotel in Thailand—nor one quite as expensive. (The nightly rate for the most sumptuous villas tops B10,000.) There are two palm-shaded restaurants overlooking the blue-tiled swimming pool, and the reception area, with beautifully polished teak floors, is completely open in the dry season so that you can enjoy the ocean breezes. Choose between rooms in secluded hillside pavilions or immense villas with a private pool. Prices differ according to the view offered; villas have between two and six bedrooms. The split-level bar has stunning sunset views.

Step into the modern lobby here, and you'll immediately be transported to a haven removed from Pattaya's hectic streets. Classy deluxe rooms are comfortable and spacious, with impeccable furnishings and clear views of the free-form pool. The gleaming Ocean Tower vaults the resort to the top of Pattaya's hotel lineup, though. It includes a spa and an executive lounge, and all of its rooms have ocean-view balconies. 

Surrounded by Ao Nang's lush limestone cliffs, Anana was built to be environmentally sustainable. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, the spa has a Himalayan salt chamber, and the restaurant offers organic plant-forward dishes. The well-designed pools compensate for the lack of direct beach access.

The Anantara is one of the Golden Triangle's greatest hits, a symphony of styles created by Thailand's leading interior designer and architect, Bill Bensley. Mythical figures line the way to a palatial entrance, which leads into an open-plan, two-floor area encompassing an excellent restaurant, opulently furnished lounge, and 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. Beds are equally huge, and seven different types of pillows are offered. Picture windows opening onto private balconies command spectacular views of the confluence of the Mekong and Ruak rivers. Daytime activities include mahout training courses, excursions to the Golden Triangle, boat trips on the Mekong, and cooking lessons.

Villas and suites at this upscale hideaway, which deserves its reputation as the most luxurious bolt-hole on the island, all have their own private plunge pools, while the signature spa built into the mountainside is the perfect place for pampering.

A French restaurateur and his Thai wife renovated this sturdy old Chiang Mai residence into a clean and comfortable guesthouse. They describe their accommodations as "small and not-so-small," so don't expect palatial digs, but the rooms have all been furnished in perky Lanna style. The price is definitely right, and the delightful hosts dedicate themselves to making your stay memorable. They'll hook you up with the perfect tour guide, book you a superb massage, advise you about the area's restaurants and nightlife—whatever you need.

On the beach with a rolling garden, the Banyan Tree is a luxurious sanctuary. Suites and villas have a contemporary design with amenities like coffeemakers and scented aromatherapy oils---plus each has its own private pool. This luxury resort is perfect for families or a romantic getaway. 

If you're looking for a bit of pampering, head to this exclusive resort on Laguna Beach, with private villas equipped with pools and bathrooms that are as big as the bedrooms. Some villas are older with teakwood paneling, while others sport more contemporary Thai design. The flagship location of Banyan Tree spas, with branches all across the globe, can be found here, with expert massage therapists.

Even if you don't stay at this local landmark, its old-world charm makes it worth a visit. Built in 1923 for visitors to King Rama VII's summer palace, the hotel has wide verandas that open onto splendid gardens leading down to the beach. The lounges on either side of the reception area are open to let in sea breezes. In low season, rates are almost half of what they are the rest of the year. On-site activities include badminton and putting at two greens.

On the riverbank close to Wat Pho, Chakrabongse Villas offers four Thai-themed luxury suites in reconstructed traditional Thai homes, along with four luxury studio apartments, on the grounds of Chakrabongse House, which was built in 1908 for Prince Chakrabongse. Run by his granddaughter, the urban resort is one of the city's most coveted addresses, so book well in advance. 

Whether you opt to stay in one of the uniquely designed tropical villas, a deluxe room, or a basic bungalow, you'll enjoy a tiny corner of heaven on the private beach at Jansom Bay. Rooms and thatch-roof villas are built into the landscape, constructed on or around massive boulders and trees, and situated to maximize exposure to the magnificent views of Sairee Beach. Indoor-outdoor baths are great features, as are spaces for chairs, hammocks, and triangular pillows. The spa, bar, and spectacular snorkeling (free equipment rental for guests) are found at the beach, which is a three-minute walk from the farthest rooms.

Located at the quiet end of Patong Beach, just seconds to the sea and a short stroll to Patong nightlife, The Charm has modern rooms, some of which have direct access to a lagoon pool. You can also take advantage of perks like the rooftop infinity pool and bar, a jacuzzi, and a sauna.

This hotel's contemporary fittings are in contrast to Ayutthaya’s ancient vibes, but the rooms are clean and comfortable with firm beds and nice bathrooms. The Tower Wing has the best rooms, so ask for one there. The suites are really just higher-end versions of the double rooms in the tower. The hotel is not far from Wat Yai Chaimongkhon.

A modern aesthetic and a trendy focus on healthy living sets this hotel apart from the competition. The rooms are smartly decorated with creamy walls, pillows, and rugs, offsetting dark woods and deep browns. Glow, the all-organic restaurant, offers an excellent breakfast buffet which includes made-to-order mains and fresh juices. The hotel is also home to the highly praised Thai restaurant Nahm and has sleek indoor pool and gym facilities.

From the moment you enter the vast open lobby, it's obvious that a great deal of care has gone into every aspect of this stunningly situated, modern hotel. Indeed, it is difficult to leave the hotel when every whim is catered to, from swimming and spas to bike trips and fine restaurants. Kids are kept busy with a wide variety of activities, while the spacious rooms and expansive views let the adults relax in style.