From the bustling street scene of urban Bangkok to the historic sites of Chiang Mai to the mesmerizing serene beaches of the islands, Thailand offers some of the best scenery and cultural experiences in the world. Gorgeous hotels with exceptional services are abundant, making a luxury vacation in Thailand easy to arrange. But while Thailand is known as the home of numerous world-class luxury resorts, it also very affordable with many travel sites offering steep discounts and deals for the budget traveler. The difficulty then is simply in the details, in choosing between so many options!
Bangkok: MandarinOriental
The oldest hotel in Thailand, Bangkok’s Mandarin Oriental on the picturesque Chao Phraya River features a colonial Author’s Wing, a contemporary River Wing, and a Garden Wing with views towards the pool area. Rooms at the Mandarin Oriental are all uniquely decorated in traditional Thai elegant style yet with modern touches and feature floor-to-ceiling windows, teak woodwork, and Thai silk upholstery in deep, rich tones. A true five-star experience complete with impeccable customer service, the hotel offers kids programs, a cooking school, a full slate of spa services, and nine eateries and bars.
Chiang Mai: MandarinOrientalDharaDhevi
Designed to mimic an ancient Lanna-era city and palace complete with moats, fortified walls, and gateways, the Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi megaresort on the outskirts of Chiang Mai offers 60 acres of carefully orchestrated beauty and relaxation near the sights of Chiang Mai. Rooms overlook picturesque gardens or rice paddies and contain careful touches such as traditional artifacts, Thai silks, and locally made textiles from the neighboring hill-tribes. The service is exemplary, there’s an on-site museum and nightly dancing, and the kid programs include activities such as rice planting, water buffalo riding, and muay Thai (kickboxing).
Phuket: Amanpuri
Amanresorts’ flagship property sites on the site of a former coconut plantation, a lushly forested headland overlooking the stunningly blue Andaman Sea on the western coast of the island of Phuket, Thailand’s largest island. The name means “Place of Peace” in Sanskrit and Amanpuri’s pavilions and luxury villa home accommodations are elegantly and carefully furnished with Thai silks, rattan furniture, granite, and hardwoods at this, the resort that set the standard for luxury in Thailand. Spacious private pavilions feature an outdoor sala space including a sundeck and dining terrace. Elevated walkways provide a connection to a private white sand beach and a fleet of luxury cruisers allows exploration of the Andaman Sea. The resort is well known for personal service, fine cuisine, and effortless luxury in Phuket.
Phuket: BanyanTree
A collection of luxurious private villas set out as a Thai village on reclaimed land, the Banyan Tree Phuket sits on a saltwater lagoon and the beaches of Ban Thao Bay on the northwestern coast of the island. The award-winning architecture exists in harmony with the land in this, a truly exclusive getaway resort. Each villa at the Banyan Tree has its own landscaped garden, his-and-hers dressing areas, teak-framed floor-to-ceiling windows, and an open-air sunken bath. Two-bedroom pool villas each have their own infinity pools as well as 24-hour butler and in-villa chef services. Receiving a Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Award as well as ranking 8th in the Top 100 Resorts of the World, the Banyan Tree is unique in its concept of an integrated resort wherein nine major hotels each serve selected market segments. The ‘Pearl of the Andaman’ is a destination in itself with activities available such as a world-class spa, international cuisine, cooking classes, children’s programs, water sports, and golf.
Koh Samui: SixSensesSamui
Voted the best property in the world by Conde Nast Traveller UK in 2008, this 20-acre all-villa resort on the northern tip of Samui is gorgeously landscaped with stunning views across the island-dotted Gulf of Thailand. Most villas have private infinity pools and there is also a large central infinity pool for all guests to enjoy. Rooms are bright and airy and all guests enjoy renowned butler service. As well as the exquisite spa services, Six Senses Samui is also regarded for its fine dining, helpful tour booking desk, and personable attentive staff.
There you have it, our picks for the best hotels in Thailand. Have a favorite hotel that we didn’t mention, please let us know in the comment section below!
