Where to stay in Thailand

The Banyan Tree Bangkok is one of the tallest and most stylish luxury hotels in the Thai capital, with fabulous panoramic views over the city. It combines the old world charm of Thailand with the elegant and understated sophistication synonymous with the Banyan Tree brand.

One of Bangkok’s best known hotels, The Peninsula's reputation for the finest quality and excellent service is consistently well-deserved. Located on the banks of the Chao Praya river, it enjoys uninterrupted views across the lifeline of this busy city.

Siam Kempinski couldn’t be better located for those who like to be ‘in the thick of it’. Situated in the heart of downtown Bangkok, it's adjacent to the Siam Paragon mall, through which the Siam BTS Skytrain is accessible in a couple of minutes’ walk.

Capella Bangkok is located right next to the Chao Phraya River, all 101 rooms, suites and villas have unobstructed views of the river. Combine tranquility with exceptional service and Capella makes the ideal retreat after a busy day exploring exciting Bangkok.

Riva Surya has the best of Bangkok's chaos and calm on its doorstep, fronting the sleepy Chao Phraya River but also being only a few minutes' walk away from the buzzing Khao San Road, where life seems to whizz by at a hundred miles an hour.

Just a few short paces from the Chao Phraya River, Chakrabongse Villas achieves a unique feat: it retains the aura of a tranquil oasis despite being on the doorstep of many of Bangkok's big-ticket sights like the Grand Palace and Wat Pho.

The design of the resort is very traditional Thai and all rooms have private balconies overlooking the Golden Triangle. Using the Anantara Golden Triangle as your base gives the perfect opportunity to explore. The location is spectacular with superb views and its own Elephant camp. Have a mahout teach you how to handle the enormous beasts, go on a trek by the river or through the forest, rice fields and bamboo groves, join in with elephant bathing time or discover tips for surviving in the forest from the mahouts. The camp is designed like a traditional mahout hill village and sits right beside the resort.

Located 30 minutes from Thailand’s cultural capital, Chiang Mai in the Mae Rim Valley, the location of the Four Seasons is perfect for a rural Thai escape with access to all the highlights of northern Thailand. The resort is built around working rice terraces with breath-taking views across the paddies and mountains in the distance. Besides relaxing in the tranquil setting of the resort there is plenty of options to experience Thai lifestyle, from guided gardens tours, join the farmers and learn how rice is planted or join a birdwatching tour around the verdant grounds, borrow one of the resort mountain bikes and explore the local area or join a cookery class.  Beyond the resort visit one of the nearby villages for a sample of local hill tribe life or visit on of the elephant parks and spend the day discovering these magnificent creatures.

Located in the heart of Chiang Mai, Thailand’s cultural hub, Tamarind Village is a charming and unique Lanna-style boutique property.  Found at the end of an inviting bamboo lined driveway just off one of the main streets that runs through the walled old town of the city, the resort is typically northern Thai architecturally set around a series of garden courtyards.  One of the courtyards is home to a 200-year-old Tamarind tree from which the resort takes its name.

The charming boutique 137 Pillars House was originally an old colonial house, built in the early 1800’s, designated to foreigners by the Siam Government, and it was built around the construction of 137 pillars, hence the name. Converted into a hotel in 2012 the design is spectacular, fully capturing the elegance of by-gone days, but with a contemporary finish. Located close the banks of the Mai Ping river it is just a short taxi ride from the centre of Chiang Mai and the lively night markets.

Simply one of Northern Thailand’s most elegant, stylish and luxurious hotels, the Anantara Chiang Mai combines the facilities of a luxury hotel with a highly convenient location, just a five minute walk from the famous Night Market. The site itself was home to the former British Consulate and thus enjoys one of Chiang Mai’s prime locations, on the banks of the Mae Ping River. The main Consulate building dates back to the 1920’s and has been integrated into the hotel – it is now the location of the stylish restaurant, whose leather chairs and colonial style afternoon tea are designed to recreate the British club feel.

This new sanctuary located on the banks of Chiang Mai’s River Ping has been designed with northern Thailand’s Lanna heritage in mind. Those seeking a serene escape on the outskirts of the bustling ancient city should look no further, as the tranquil atmosphere of Raya Heritage provides a balance of Thai charm with luxurious contemporary touches. This is a gorgeous base from which to explore the enticing sights, sounds and smells of Chiang Mai and the peace of the verdant Thai countryside.

Four Seasons Tented Camp is one of those special remote hideaways which has to be seen to be believed. 15 luxurious tents are nestled into the jungle by the Ruak River, overlooking Laos and Myanmar in Thailand’s Golden Triangle.

Following the success of their acclaimed camp in Khao Sok National Park, the first luxury tented camp of its kind in Thailand, we are delighted that the Elephant Hills team have created a similar experience in beautiful countryside on the banks of the Mae Ping River just outside Chiang Mai.

Khum Lanna, offers guests a unique opportunity to experience a touch of local life, away from the main tourist areas around Chiang Mai. Nestled in a valley surrounded by mountains and overlooking orchids and rice fields.

A remote escape featuring 10 luxury tented retreats built into the verdant mountainous landscape of Mae Chan, approximately 40 minutes’ drive from Chiang Rai, Visama offers a chance to reconnect with nature and immerse yourself in the local community through a variety of authentic experiences.

The stylish SO Sofitel is located in Cha Am, a low key seaside town close to the popular resort of Hua Hin, just a two hour drive south of Bangkok. The hotel is set on a long stretch of beach overlooking the Gulf of Thailand and offers an easily accessible hideaway for those not wanting to fly to Thailand's islands. It is ideal for a relaxing, pampering sojourn at the beginning or the end of an itinerary to Thailand or Indochina.

Just a two hour drive and short ferry ride from Bangkok, Paradee is located on the island of Koh Samed, an ideal choice for those who prefer not to take an additional flight down to one of the islands in the south of Thailand. You really don’t need to fly to find paradise - Koh Samed is just as beautiful, if not more, as it is much less developed but still boasts idyllic beaches and jungle clad national parks. Guests can enjoy the beautiful setting amongst lush, tropical jungle and white sand beaches, relaxing or taking advantage of the excellent snorkelling and diving in the area.

Seen from above Soneva Kiri appears as a scattering of white canopies punctuating the emerald green of the jungle, curving around a gentle bay filled with impossibly blue water and gleaming white sand. Reached by private plane from Bangkok, Koh Kood is the Thailand of old, peaceful beaches, untamed jungle and smiling fishermen peacefully going about their business. The 24 spacious pool villas – in this case the phrase ‘plus size’ is entirely apt – have a beach or hillside location. All have half-moon infinity pools, personal buggies for scooting around the resort, and the unobtrusive service of a personal Mr or Ms Friday to attend to your every whim and desire.

Koh Kood is an unspoiled island boasting mountains blanketed in untouched jungle, encircled by iridescent waters, shimmering beaches, quaint fishing villages, and minimal development. It's an ideal destination for those craving nature and tranquillity.

Koh Mak is a tiny island with very little development, much of it is covered by palm and rubber tree plantations and it is much flatter than its larger neighbours Koh Chang and Koh Kood, with a number of untouched beaches. Seavana, a small family owned and run resort, is our favourite. This tiny resort boasts just 22 rustic rooms and beautiful tropical gardens and a pool.

Arrival is via a 40 minute speedboat dash from Koh Samui and your boat arrives on the beach, so be prepared to ditch the shoes and dabble your toes – this is definitely barefoot territory. A stunning, white sand beach fringed by the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Thailand greets your arrival, Koh Phangan remains that unspoilt, rustic and untouched island from your travelling days; this is the real Thailand, how Thailand used to be. Contemporary style pool villas blend into the landscape with Pool Suites located on the second floor, offering huge terraces and outdoor plunge pools.

Belmond Napasai is a charming boutique property with understated elegance and splashes of Thai flavour, located on a private beach with a swathe of villas lying along the beach front and sneaking up the hillside behind.

SALA Samui is a great option for honeymooners and couples looking for a romantic, luxurious and peaceful retreat. It is located on a quiet stretch of beach in Choengmon, a scenic and low key area in the north-east of Koh Samui, just 15 minutes from the airport. This part of the island offers an ideal escape with easy access to the bars and nightlife of Chaweng Beach or the restaurants at the quaint Bo Phut Fishermans Village, both just a short taxi ride away.

It feels like a million miles from anywhere, peaceful and secluded with some of the most jaw-dropping views over the Gulf of Siam we have seen. In true Six Senses style it has a real feel of rustic luxe but there is absolutely no compromise on the luxury element, the blend is just perfect. 66 wooden-clad villas are scattered across a gentle hillside and there is a wonderfully relaxed ambience about the place. Each villa is perfectly in tune with its surroundings, utterly private and all with outstanding views.

Anantara Lawana nestles at the very northern end of Chaweng beach on Koh Samui - far enough from the hustle and bustle of this busy area to be a tranquil oasis, yet close enough for guests to take advantage of the many shops, restaurants and bars Chaweng has to offer. The unique architecture is inspired by the island's original Chinese merchant settlers which blends with a beautiful tropical setting that could only be Thai. A unique feature of the resort is Sky Hug - Anantara Lawana's signature dining experience, set in the tree tops in a private sala that overlooks the sea. Other dining options include Ocean Kiss and private in-villa dining. And of course the Infinity edged pool and Anantara Spa is not to be missed!

There are many beachfront, luxury resorts on Koh Samui, and indeed in Thailand, but every now and again you come across one which seems to epitomise everything you would expect from a fabulous retreat in the ‘land of smiles’. The Banyan Tree Samui is just such a place. Set into the hillside, the resort commands exceptional views over the sapphire waters of Lamai Bay which lap the pristine white sands of the beach below.

Santiburi Beach Resort, a member of the exclusive ‘Leading Hotels of the World’ group, is located on a 300 metre private swimming beach in Mae Nam Bay on the north coast of Koh Samui, just 15 minutes from Samui Airport and 5 minutes from Bo Phut fisherman’s village with its many shops, restaurants and bars. The resort offers 71 luxurious Suites and Villas set within 23 acres of exotic palm filled gardens and is a perfect choice for families seeking a hotel with plenty of activities for children.

Intimate and charming, Zazen is a low-rise resort, located on the lively tropical island of Koh Samui. Situated at the quieter end of Bo Phut beach, we think it has the best location; the beach is relatively quiet but a short stroll along the shore brings you to Fisherman’s Village, with its impressive choice of local restaurants and chilled beach clubs. Rooms are scattered amongst lush, tropical style gardens with a design echoing a stylish Thai home with warm wooden floors, rustic furnishings and a large veranda. Adjacent to the beachfront pool, the restaurant oozes a cool beach club vibe and is known to be one of the best on the island for its sophisticated and elegant vibe, combined with delicious east-meets-west cuisine.

Located on Choengmon beach in the north-east corner of the lively tropical island of Koh Samui, Kimpton Kitalay is perfectly perched at the quieter end of this beautiful stretch of beach, with local restaurants within walking distance and just 15 minutes by taxi to Fisherman’s Village for those looking for more choice.

Koh Lanta is a very peaceful place, a natural island with a quiet charm that is thankfully still largely unspoiled with beautiful beaches and soaring emerald green mountains but it is more than this that makes Pimalai so extraordinary. We think it’s the luxury of somewhere very special that manages to be very unique and exclusive but without any of the fuss. Overlooking beautiful Kantiang Bay and surrounded by native forest, this well laid out and low-rise resort sits absolute beachfront and then clambers into the hills behind. Access to the resort is from the mainland jetty by launch – all adding to the sense of exclusivity.

If your expectation of a beach escape in Thailand involves giant sun-kissed limestone karsts rising majestically from the ocean and white sand beaches encircling jungle clad hillsides, then Rayavadee might just be the place for you. Although theoretically located on the mainland, the resort is dotted across a beautiful peninsula and only accessible by boat. This is a truly breathtaking property in a dazzling location with a wonderful sense of traditional Thailand.

Tubkaak translates as ‘home for visitors’ and in a hidden corner of Thailand, facing an archipelago of islands that rise dramatically from the Andaman Sea, this little known resort is set against a backdrop of fine white sand and aquamarine waters.

If Banyan Tree Krabi only had a solitary trump card to play, it would be this: location, location, location. Wedged between the buttermilk-hued Tubkaak beach and the jungle-wrapped hills of Mu Koh Phi Phi National Park, it can lay claim to one of Krabi's most idyllic corners.

This lovely, adults-only resort (no children under 12) spills throughout beautiful gardens onto vast swathe of white sand beach on the island of Koh Lanta. Set within the Mu Koh Lanta National Park – a breath-taking marine archipelago that is home to luxuriant tropical rainforests and an underwater world splashed rainbow-bright with colourful coral and a hugely rich diversity of marine creatures.

Inspired by the African safari camps Elephant Hills is the first luxury camp of its kind in Thailand. Set in two locations – the original camp has 30 tents in a stunning position with expansive views of the jungle and river below, while the Rainforest Camp offers 10 tents set on a floating platform on Cheow Larn Lake – for the ultimate experience we recommend a night in each.

There is a distinct feel of the ‘Jungle Book’ meets ‘Castaway’ about Six Senses Yao Noi and if Mowgli was all grown-up, and looking for a luxurious, sensuous retreat, this is most definitely where he would come! Resting in the ocean halfway between Phuket and Krabi, amongst the iconic limestone shards of Phang Nga Bay, getting there is all part of the experience. It’s just a 45 minute boat transfer from Phuket or 20 minutes by speedboat from Krabi. The views are quite simply ‘larger than life’ and it is one of the most idyllic retreats we have ever found.

This truly elegant, Thai-style resort is a secluded tropical retreat, offering undisturbed privacy and a very warm welcome on a pristine swathe of beach. Managing to offer the best of both worlds, this secluded resort is perfect for a relaxing, tropical beach escape but also incredibly well located for exploration if you prefer to be just a little more active.

Overlooking one of the best beaches in Thailand, with a backdrop of rolling jungle-clad hills, this charming resort is as distinctive in its setting as it is in its design. The tranquil and secluded white sand of Pansea Bay, washed by the clear warm turquoise water of the Andaman Sea, is the stuff of dreams… whilst the architecturally designed cottages and suites of The Surin are some of the most sought after on Phuket!

With a secluded location in the north of the island we love the very tranquil and utterly romantic aura that pervades the Anantara Phuket Villas – if you are looking to avoid Phuket’s sometimes loud, brash, busy persona then this may just be the place for you.

Tucked away in a secluded cove at the northern end of Bang Tao, one of Phuket’s most picturesque Bays, Anantara Layan is a gorgeous resort with a collection of rooms, villas and residences spread over a jungle clad hillside.

The Racha offers exclusive luxury on its tiny island paradise. Nestled in a picture perfect bay with a beautiful white sand beach and clear turquoise water – its location really is quite exquisite. The island of Koh Racha is just 40 minutes by speedboat from the marina on Phuket. The resort is very contemporary in design and the manicured grounds are filled with frangipani trees and the simple elegance of this white flower reflects the hotel’s own refined chic. Rooms are white, airy and spacious, so very modern yet, with an Asian feel.

Tucked away on a beautiful beach in Emerald Bay, on the south-west coast of Phuket, Rosewood Phuket is a secluded hideaway and yet is only ten minutes from the busy bars and restaurants of Patong Bay. Ideal for those who like to get out and explore and want to retreat to the privacy of their luxury resort at the end of the night. The freeform pool is the heart and soul of the resort, located right behind the beach, beneath the swaying palms - choose from lap, activity and children’s pool sections. Kids will love it here. With spacious and interconnecting rooms, plus two-bedroom options there is space for everyone.

Located on the island of Phuket, just ten minutes from the airport, the award-winning The Slate is just minutes from the white sands of Nai Yang Beach. Designed by Bensley Design Studios and inspired by Phuket’s tin mining past, The Slate's architecture and décor combines mining themes with Thai chic giving the resort a truly unique, quirky and fun feel.

Nestled in a tranquil setting north of Khao Lak, this hidden gem, located approximately 2 hours' drive from Phuket airport, boasts a long, uncrowded stretch of white-sand beach. Bangsak Village is an intimate and characterful hotel with just 50 simple rooms, catering to couples and older families with an age restriction of 12 years and older, ensuring a peaceful holiday experience.

Nestled on a ridgetop overlooking the world famous River Kwai in Thailand’s Kanchanaburi province, this unique tented camp is located at Hellfire Pass on the same site as the World War 2 Japanese military-based camp. It is also close to the Hellfire Pass Museum where you can read the true story of the Thai-Burma Railway and its construction by allied prisoners of war.

In a remote corner of northwestern Thailand, near the border with Myanmar, The Float House is a boutique hideaway tucked away on a quiet stretch of the River Kwai, surrounded by lush, verdant jungle. Only accessible by a 30-minute boat ride from the nearby pier, the 30 luxury villas are built directly on the water, anchored to a floating platform with a central reception lounge and restaurant. It is a magical, remote location to explore this natural and historical area of the country.