Let your mind wander to thoughts of a trip to Asia and you may just find yourself in Thailand, a remarkable country where the cultural air of the north meets the sensational, sun-drenched islands of the south for an all-in-one holiday package. While you may wish to spend every moment exploring, sun-bathing or tracking down mouth-watering treats, Thailand also provides some pretty memorable places to rest your head for the night – or entire day, should you feel inclined. From the out-and-out luxury of its island resorts to sublime jungle camps, the ‘Land of Smiles’ sure knows how to treat its guests. We’ve picked out our top 10 Thailand hotels and you may just find yourself reaching for a suitcase…
Rayavadee
Krabi
Off the coast of Thailand, Rayavadee sits in the middle of a marine reserve, meaning epic snorkelling and sensational views are guaranteed. It also happens to be on the same stretch of golden sand as three of Krabi’s most beautiful beaches – and spend a lot of time down here you will, whether it’s dining on lip-smacking seafood, enjoying sunset cocktails, or picnicking on a private sand bar. Back at the resort, there are 94 pavilions and seven villas, some with a private pool and access to the beach. Your butler will see to it that every day on the island is spent without a single worry, zipping you on a buggy to the pool for a good dose of R&R or a waiting boat, ready to take you from one island to the next. Make sure to enquire about the journey up 1200 steps to see the golden Buddha at the Tiger Cave Temple, ‘nature’s jacuzzi’ at the base of a waterfall, and kayaking down the coastline made famous by the movies. As one of our favourite Thailand hotels, they’ll know just how to make your trip extra special.
The Siam
Bangkok
You’ll likely need to spend some time in Bangkok whether it’s a pitstop on your way to see the rest of Thailand, or to visit its ancient temples and take your taste buds to the limit with the city’s famous street food. Bangkok may be large in scale and boisterous in nature, but The Siam provides a quieter, more laid-back version. Perched beside the river, just across the water from the historic ‘Old Town’, the hotel was designed by the famous Bill Bensley, resulting in gorgeous, artistic suites, some with a private pool and all decorated with antiques from the 16th century. Every detail has been carefully considered to make your experience unique and really rather special. We’re talking about a personal butler to organise Thai cooking classes with the chef, soothing spa treatments picked out by the in-house wellness doctor, and sunset cruises on the Gold Naga rice barge whilst you marvel at the shimmering spires of Wat Arun. Enjoy a taste of the Bangkok high life in this tranquil enclave whilst never being far from the buzz.
The Float House River Kwai Resort
Kanchanaburi
If you’d like to feel well and truly off the grid, The Float House has it down to a fine art. Far away from the bustle of the city, the resort can only be reached by boat from Kanchanaburi, an arrival that marks the beginning of a memorable few days. Sitting just above the water, the villas are the picture of jungle chic. Built almost entirely out of wood, they come with massive beds draped in netting, thatched bench swings on the deck and sublime-as-anything views of the river. The resort is surrounded on every side by one adventurous activity or another: take your pick from canoe rides down the river, ziplining through the tree tops, and hikes into the forest to swim in crystalline waterfalls or explore the cavernous Lawa Cave. When you’re done taking in all the sights, sounds and sensations, return to the resort for a massage at the open-air spa and dinner under the stars.
Soneva Kiri
Koh Kood
Koh Kood may be one of Thailand’s largest islands but you would never know it at Soneva Kiri, seated on your private terrace with nothing but jungle behind you and the azure Andaman Sea before you. Soneva Kiri might look, at first glance, like a classic island resort but its creativity quickly becomes clear. Like a miniature village, the resort has a setting for every occasion from a cave cellar for atmospheric wine tastings to bamboo pods where you’ll dine suspended in the trees, to a Chocolate Room (do we have your attention?) packed with hand-made treats. And did we mention the over-the-water cinema, tucked into the jungle fronds? Fresh, minimalist rooms range from one-bed villas to six-bedroom residences, each with a freeform infinity pool, sunken outdoor bath, and a personal butler. If you manage to tear yourself from such bliss, take to the water on a kayak, snorkel the colourful reefs, or hike into the forest. And in the morning, wake up to a view that’ll make you think you’re still dreaming.
Kamalaya
Koh Samui
There is so much to see and do in Thailand, especially on its stunning coast, that you may feel obliged to try and squeeze it all into your trip. But if it’s peace and quiet you’re after, Kamalaya is the place to be. A day in the hotel beckons with a relaxing yoga class on a terrace, followed by a visit to the ancient meditation cave and a breakfast made to suit your needs. From Chinese Medicine doctors to Meditation mentors, there’s always someone ready to assist on your soul-searching mission – and don’t forget calming massage, sleep enhancement therapies, and plenty of detoxes, including a digital one (there is no technology at Kamalaya). Tucked away in the hills of Koh Samui, take your pick from forest suites or seaside villas, where you can walk straight onto the private beach. At Kamalaya, it’s all about letting the cares of the world wash away with the waves and finding a refreshed perspective. We’ll raise a cup of detox juice to that.
Four Seasons Resort
Chiang Mai
Take a step back in time in Chiang Mai, the once-royal capital of the Lanna Kingdom, where the Old City offers spiritual moments at the temple and the hills are home to ancient tribes, elephant sanctuaries and incredible vistas. In the heart of this beautiful valley, the Four Seasons is the ultimate bolthole to throw off your worries and find your centre. Surrounded by 32 acres of rice paddies, lily ponds and lakes, the resort doesn’t skimp on hospitality and you’ll be well and truly taken care of in one of the immaculate suites, decorated in Siamese antiques, original artworks and sumptuous textiles. Begin your day with brunch in the orchid nursery and indulge in a foot massage by the infinity pool, then, venture into the countryside for a bicycle ride or a white water rafting excursion. Or, for a more horizontally-inclined day, get your relaxation fix at the spa (they offer multi-day wellness retreats too) and soak in the heated whirlpool tub to your heart’s content…
Pimalai Resort & Spa
Koh Lanta
Famed for its coral-fringed beaches, marine life and natural beauty, Koh Lanta Yai is a true island paradise and, in our books, you don’t get better than Pimalai Resort. With its dreamy views, award-winning seafood and massages too good for words, it’s easy to see why Pimalai means ‘little patch of heaven’. There are infinite places to enjoy views of the idyllic Andaman Sea too, from the 200-feet-above-sea-level Horizon pool to a private cabana on the sand next to your villa. Speaking of which, there are rooms either on the forested hills or along the beach and all are lovely with a fresh, open design, massive bathtubs and private terraces. Pick one with an infinity pool for that extra privacy. You’ll also have almost entirely exclusive access to pristine, platinum sand and activities like kayaking, paddleboarding or windsurfing (it’s a blissfully motor-free zone). Keep your eyes peeled for Hawksbill sea turtles, lion fish and whale sharks too.
Trisara
Phuket
Phuket may have garnered a reputation for vibrant beach parties and tourist-filled resorts but Trisara is world’s away from it all. Set amongst acres of lush forest, the villas each have their own 10-metre infinity pool and cushy sala, and inside, the beds are cloud-soft. If you can’t stand the idea of seeing other guests, enjoy an intimate dinner on your terrace; the island is said to have some of the most incredible sunsets in the world after all. Your day may begin with yoga or breakfast on the beachfront, followed by a spot of R&R under swaying palms on the private beach. Then, when you’re ready, simply slip into the sea for an afternoon of snorkelling, boat across the bay in a yacht to sun on a secluded island, or soar over James Bond Island in a helicopter. Every detail is seen to by the discrete staff, from cocktails by the saltwater pool to tailored spa treatments and barbecues on the beach, the lapping waves as your soundtrack.
Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp
Chiang Rai
We love a good luxury hotel as much as the next person but there’s something about a camp that combines a love for nature with old-fashioned charm. Anantara quickly captures your heart with its commitment to elephant conservation – you’ll have the chance to visit the elephants at bath time and enjoy a picnic in the sanctuary. The stilted rooms are decked out in silks and teak with huge terrazzo tubs and views of three countries at once – Thailand, Laos and Myanmar. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, do yourself a favour and spend the night in one of their Jungle Bubbles, a fully-furnished transparent pod where you’ll wake up to elephants wandering past. From the riverside bar to the infinity pool and alfresco hot tub, every space at Anantara makes the most of the view! And if you want to see it all up-close, head out on a day of jungle trekking, white-water rafting and zooming through the trees in a Classic 500 sidecar. Now, that’s something you don’t do every day.
The Sarojin
Khao Lak
Tucked away along miles of crisp, white sand, The Sarojin is an easy favourite on the laid back island of Khao Lak. Your stay is put together by the resident ‘Imagineers’ who will organise everything – sailing a catamaran down the coast, trekking to mystical temples, and dining, literally, wherever you fancy. The more time you spend here, the attention to detail just seems to get better and better, and one afternoon at the over-the-water spa will have you walking on air. The rooms are simple and soft and all highlight the incredible ocean views; some even come with a plunge pool of their own. And whilst this is the kind of place where relaxation comes so easily, there are activities by the boatload. Cruise across the bay in Lady Sarojin to find the perfect snorkelling spot or dive the reefs just a few meters off the beach (it’s swimmable all year round), go tubing down the river and trek through the rainforest where Malayan sun bear and elephant roam.
