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The Best Hotels in Thailand
Written by Ashleigh Whitehill
From the sparkling shores of Koh Samui to the bustling streets of Bangkok, these are the best hotels in Thailand.
Whether you’re seeking total relaxation on the shores of a palm-fringed island or an action-packed adventure through lush tropical rainforest, Thailand has something special to offer every kind of traveller.
Thailand’s spectacular collection of hotels and resorts ranges from all-inclusive oases to family-friendly water wonderlands and hip heritage stays. Experience all this incredible country has to offer with our guide to the best hotels in Thailand – and everything that makes them worth your attention.
The best hotels in Khao Lak
Boasting pristine shores, ancient rainforests and a tranquil atmosphere, Khao Lak is the perfect choice for beachside bliss minus the crowds.
Beyond Resort Khaolak
Absolute indulgence awaits at Beyond Resort Khaolak, an adults-only, all-villa retreat on the powder white sands of Pak Weep Beach. Surrender to complete relaxation as you unwind by the palm-fringed infinity pool, sip cocktails at the swim-up bar or indulge in a rejuvenating Thai massage at Kanda Spa. All-inclusive packages take your escape to the next level, with breakfast, lunch and dinner available across three gourmet restaurants, serving nourishing Thai cuisine crafted from organic ingredients grown in the resort garden. Venture beyond the resort and you’ll find crystal-clear waters and national parkland brimming with life.
Best for: romance, beach time, adults
The Sands Khao Lak by Katathani
One of Thailand’s top family resorts, The Sands Khao Lak by Katathani is a beachfront oasis positioned just minutes from the excitement of Khao Lak’s main shopping strip. Those travelling with family can take advantage of Sand Castle kids’ club and splash around at the onsite waterpark, featuring slides, splash tunnels and a lazy river. Colourful marine-themed family rooms in the resort’s Aqua Wing provide direct access to this exciting area. For complete serenity, the resort plays host to a selection of adults-only spaces, including a tranquil swimming pool and garden, swim-up bar and Thai massage pavilions overlooking the ocean.
Best for: families, beach time, activities
The best hotels in Phuket
With its white sandy beaches, historic old town and lively weekend markets, Phuket is the perfect choice for a quintessential Thai escape.
The Shore at Katathani
If it’s romance you seek, look no further than The Shore at Katathani. Built into the lush Phuket cliffside, this adults-only retreat offers a selection of stunning pool villas designed with intimacy in mind. Savour a blissful couple’s treatment at Serenity Spa or celebrate a special occasion with a romantic dinner on the porcelain sands of Kata Noi Beach. Sip tropical cocktails at Nest Beach Club as you watch the sunset over the sparkling Andaman Sea, before feasting on theatrical Thai cuisine at Param Para.
Best for: sunset views, romance, honeymoon
Cape Panwa Hotel
Experience true secluded luxury at five-star Cape Panwa Hotel. Occupying an exclusive stretch of sand on Phuket’s southeastern shores, the tranquil resort is surrounded by swaying palms and azure waters. You’ll have ample opportunity to savour the serenity – visit Cape Spa for a traditional Thai massage, savour a floating breakfast or take a dip in the beachside infinity pool. Elevate your experience with a stay in a Two-Bedroom Villa, perfect for four guests and featuring a luxurious infinity pool and views over the resort’s lush gardens.
Best for: seclusion, romance, beach time
Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket
There’s no shortage of fun in the sun at Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket, set on the shores of Karon Beach. Thanks to its four swimming pools, two kids’ clubs and onsite waterpark, the resort is a firm favourite with families, but adults with also find plenty to love. Visit SPA Cenvaree, where treatments draw on ancient wellbeing secrets and locally grown herbs; embark on an underwater adventure with the resort’s dive centre; or sip frozen margaritas at beachfront Barefoot Bar. When hunger strikes, savour authentic Italian fare at Mare or feast on fresh seafood and succulent meats, grilled to perfection, at COAST.
Best for: families, adventures, dining
Trisara
Luxury reaches new heights at Trisara, aptly self-described as ‘heaven on earth’. The celebrity treatment awaits, with a personal butler service and dedicated buggy drivers on hand to transport you around the resort. Privacy is paramount, with opulent sea view villas designed as restful sanctuaries and a private beach spanning the length of the resort. No stay is complete without a degustation at PRU, Phuket’s first and only Michelin-starred restaurant, which celebrates local farm-to-table produce in a seasonal menu of modern Thai cuisine.
Best for: fine dining, honeymoons, ultra-luxury
The best hotels in Bangkok
With its ancient temples, soaring skyscrapers and world-class street food, Bangkok offers an unforgettable blend of culture, cuisine and history.
Hotel Muse Bangkok Langsuan — MGallery
Experience all the glamour of the 1920s with a stay at Hotel Muse Bangkok Langsuan — MGallery. The award-winning hotel offers the perfect base to explore Bangkok, from its revered cultural sites to its Michelin-starred dining. Guestrooms and suites feature all the comfort and style you would expect from a five-star hotel, while a sparkling rooftop swimming pool on the 19th floor provides spectacular views of the surrounding city. Sip signature cocktails at prohibition-themed Speakeasy Rooftop Bar or tuck into premium cuts, grilled to perfection, at Babette’s The Steakhouse, overlooking the buzz of Bangkok.
Best for: city views, dining, glamour
Mövenpick BDMS Wellness Resort Bangkok
Wellness is all but guaranteed at the lavish Mövenpick BDMS Wellness Resort Bangkok. Nestled amidst tropical gardens, the five-star resort is home to BDMS Wellness Clinic, renowned for its preventative health care and holistic wellness therapies. The resort’s Be Well Spa offers bespoke wellness programs to build on your progress at the clinic, while in-room features including sleep therapy speakers and yoga mats allow you to continue your wellness journey at your own pace. Nourishing, health-focused fare is served across four diverse dining outlets, while a daily Chocolate Hour allows you to indulge in a sweet treat.
Best for: wellness, adults, self-care
The best hotels in the Gulf of Thailand
Famed for its crystal-clear waters, picture-perfect islands and world-class diving, the Gulf of Thailand offers endless opportunities for fun in the sun.
Panviman Resort Koh Phangan
Tucked away on Koh Phangan’s secluded east coast is Panviman Resort Koh Phangan, a serene retreat surrounded by nature. The idyllic resort cascades gently down from the clifftop to the sparkling shoreline, guaranteeing both private beach access and unparalleled island views. When you’re ready to venture out of your breezy open-plan villa, feast on international and Thai cuisine at Pan Sea Restaurant or dine with your toes in the sand at Stone Beach Restaurant. Explore the surrounds via paddleboard or book a diving adventure to neighbouring Koh Tao, one of the world’s best diving locations.
Best for: diving, views, seclusion
Six Senses Samui
With a design inspired by a Thai fishing village, five-star Six Senses Samui is an oceanfront oasis on the island’s northern tip. The ultra-luxe resort features a selection of dreamy villas – most with pools – but the true highlight is the horizon-facing infinity pool, which boasts jaw-dropping ocean views. Work with your dedicated Guest Experience Manager to plan a tailored itinerary of island exploration before returning to the resort pool for a dazzling sunset over the Gulf and a nourishing meal at Dining on the Rocks, cooked with organic ingredients from the onsite farm.
Best for: ultra-luxury, sunsets, ocean views
Cape Fahn Hotel
Barefoot luxury awaits at award-winning Cape Fahn Hotel, located on a tiny island just off Koh Samui’s east coast. Built into the lush jungle, the boutique resort is home to just 22 sprawling pool villas, allowing you space to embrace the serenity of the untouched island. Savour island life with a therapeutic massage or facial at indulgent Cape Spa or laze by the sun-kissed beachfront pool. The star of the resort is the exquisite fine dining experience at Long Dtai restaurant, helmed by award-winning Australian chef David Thompson and showcasing organic, locally sourced ingredients.
Best for: seclusion, fine dining, relaxation
Explorar Koh Samui
Framed by lush tropical gardens, swaying coconut palms and pristine golden sands, Explorar Koh Samui is a luxurious adults-only haven set on the shores of Mae Nam Beach. The serene beachfront resort fosters adventure and relaxation in equal measure: unwind by the sparkling seafront swimming pool and embrace holistic wellness at Exhale Spa or keep busy with daily activities like meditation, sunrise jogging and mixology classes. If you’re mixing business and travel, the onsite coworking space has everything you need for remote work including meeting rooms and complimentary coffee.
Best for: couples, digital nomads, dining
The best hotels in Northern Thailand
Immerse yourself in the serenity of northern Thailand where towering mountains meet ancient temples, vibrant markets and mouthwatering regional cuisine.
The Riverie by Katathani
Discover the beauty of Thailand’s north with a stay at Chiang Rai’s riverside The Riverie by Katathani, a five-star sanctuary for the whole family. Two-bedroom and family suites make for seamless family stays, with a colourful kids’ club and mini waterpark to keep the little ones occupied and a swim-up bar and blissful spa for the adults. Three restaurants cater to every taste – whether you fancy dim sum by the river, grilled meats on the rooftop or traditional Thai fare on the terrace (don’t miss the region’s specialty khao soi, or coconut curry noodle soup).
Best for: families, relaxation, exploration
Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort
Nestled amidst lush jungle and overlooking the rolling hills of Myanmar and Laos, there’s much to love about Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort. The chief draw is the onsite elephant sanctuary, fostering truly unique encounters: escort the elephants on their daily jungle walk, learn to make medicinal foods for older animals or enjoy a gourmet picnic accompanied by these gentle giants. Outside of bucket-list animal encounters, savour gourmet dining in the treetops, indulge in blissful spa treatments inspired by local tradition or explore the ruins of lost cities, reclaimed by jungle. Heighten the indulgence with an overnight stay in a transparent ‘bubble’ and wake to the sights and sounds of the jungle.
Want to learn more about this unique stay? Check out Roadtripping Northern Thailand’s Golden Triangle.
Best for: Wildlife, ultra-luxury, bucket list experiences
Panviman Chiang Mai Spa Resort
Perched on a serene hilltop surrounded by dense rainforest and rugged mountains, Panviman Chiang Mai Spa Resort is carefully designed to integrate with the lush surrounds, guaranteeing relaxation and rejuvenation. A stunning two-tiered infinity edge swimming pool lies at the centre of the property, surrounded by 12 acres of lush green hills dotted with dreamy villas and futuristic glamping pods. Valley views are best enjoyed from your lavish outdoor bathtub or as you tuck into fusion fare at Panorama Restaurant.
Best for: nature, exploration, seclusion
After more inspiration? Check out Thailand’s Top Family Resorts.
Feature image: Beyond Resort Khaolak. Source: supplied.
